Real Success Stories

Meet real role models working in various industries who have found success through alternative pathways after high school — and what they like about what they do! Looking to dive deeper? Complete this scavenger hunt to help you explore the many paths to success.

  • Anne Smoke - Land Surveyor

    Anne Smoke

    Land Surveyor

    When I was younger, I thought I’d grow up to be a veterinarian because I love being around animals. Unfortunately, I don’t deal well with blood, so that didn’t work out! Luckily, I found my way into a career I love.

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  • Liz Reyna, CNA

    Home Health Aide

    My mom got sick when I was very young. During that time, we played “doctor” and pretended she was my patient. So, I’ve been interested in the medical field since the beginning. I lost my mom when I was eight years old, and after her passing, my dream of getting into health care intensified, but I...

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  • Tamara Britton

    Home Health Documentation Reviewer

    As a child, I was never sure what I wanted to be when I grew up. I came from a very poor, poverty-stricken family in a large city. I knew what I didn’t want to become.

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  • Melissa Kuermaier

    Registered CT and X-Ray Technologist

    As a single mom, I wanted to find a career that would allow me to provide for my daughter and give her everything she needed. I chose to pursue a radiology technologist program, which was especially good for me because I was able to attend night classes (with tons of help from family and friends)...

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  • Anthony Gorges

    Sports and News Broadcaster

    As a child, my dream job was always something related to sports. I was a major sports fan, and my aspirations rotated between broadcasting and roles involving game statistics. The excitement of being part of that world fueled my childhood dreams.

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  • Areli Lopez-Hernandez

    Early Education Teacher

    Growing up, I was always interested in working with children. Whenever there were kids around, I would take it upon myself to care for them. Then, when I was in high school in Topeka, Kansas, someone came to talk to our class about earning college credits through the Washburn Institute of...

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  • Caleb Mugglin

    Pilot

    Caleb Mugglin chose to become a pilot because he loves to learn and enjoys understanding the aircraft from a pilot's perspective. Plus, he gets to spend time with his dad, who happens to be his primary flight instructor! Caleb is also an aviation mechanic and a great member of the Textron Aviation ...

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  • Moses Kpange

    Pilot

    Since he was a kid, Moses Kpange dreamed of becoming a pilot. Today, he’s living that dream at Textron Aviation. Flying gives him the opportunity to go on adventures with his family, fly his friends to ball games and continue to develop his skills.

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  • Matthew Harrell

    Industrial Design Specialist

    Matthew Harrell is an industrial design specialist at Textron Aviation. He takes pride in finding new and creative ways to design the interiors of Cessna and Beechcraft customers’ dreams.

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  • Allison Placzek

    Senior Interior Designer

    Senior Interior Designer Allison Placzek grew up watching her dad work in the aviation industry. After getting her start in residential interior design, she jumped at the chance to create timeless looks for Cessna and Beechcraft customers.

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