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.

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, 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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Francisco Gonzalez

Heavy Equipment Technician

As a heavy equipment technician at Foley Equipment, Francisco Gonzalez appreciates that every day is different. Francisco knows firsthand that you don't need a college degree to be successful, and he has some pointers for anyone hoping to get started in this industry.
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Jorge Melendez

Truck Technician

La pasión de Jorge Meléndez por la reparación de camiones comenzó cuando empezó a trabajar en el auto de su padre a los 13 años. Hoy es técnico de camiones en Foley Equipment, donde trabaja con sus manos, continúa aprendiendo cada día. Descubra cómo obtuvo la formación que necesitaba y sus consejos...
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Sheyvette Dinkens

Business Educator

I wasn’t initially interested in being a teacher and didn’t intend to enter the field of education. For many years, I worked on founding and running a nonprofit organization in Topeka, Kansas: Women Empowerment. The organization was built to inspire, lift and bring local women together.
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