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.

Megan Vesterberg

Electrical Technician

Megan Vesterberg was looking for a career change when she found the electrical technology program at Salina Area Technical College. Today, she has a fulfilling career doing what she loves as an electrical technician.
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Wendy Reyes

Construction Worker

I grew up the oldest child of immigrant parents who had little education and barely spoke English. Most of my childhood was spent translating documents for them and acting as the voice of our household. Both of my parents worked with their hands and were always taking on new jobs to provide income...
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Debra Carpentier

Project Coordinator and Senior Draftsman

As a child, Debra Carpentier loved to build houses with any kind of toy she could find. Today, she uses computer-aided design (CAD) and other skills to help architects with the drawings for building construction and remodel projects.
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Sergio Correa

Director of Technical Support

Sergio Correa's interest in cars was sparked while helping his father work on vehicles. As an adult, he completed the Automotive Collision Repair program at Salina Area Technical College to start his career. That background helped him get to his current position.
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Gwendelrae Hicks

Owner and Mortician

When Harriet Tubman led escaped slaves to freedom, she followed the North Star to guide their way through the dark. Likewise, when I’m working with families who are grieving, they need someone with compassion and professionalism to guide them through that tough time. That’s why we chose to name our...
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Trevor Tolman

Cemetery Technician

After graduating from high school in 2020, I went straight to work in the fast food industry. I had been at my job several months when I began to think about what other options I might have. I knew I wanted to work outdoors, but I didn’t know where to go from there. Thankfully, I’m a participant in...
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Stetson Shook

Owner, Stetson Cattle Company

I’ve never wanted to be anything other than a farmer. For me, farming is a lifestyle, not a job.
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Seth Nelson

Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Seth Nelson wanted a steady, well-paying job that he enjoyed. He attended Salina Area Technical College to start his career journey.
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Kristin Mallon

Welder

When I was younger, I wanted to be a NASCAR driver or a bull rider — I was intrigued by the adrenaline rush! But when I got to high school, I had no idea what I wanted to do as an adult. I attended an alternative school where I could work at my own pace, so I rushed through and tried to get out as...
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Joe Vyzourek

Owner, KYVZ Radio

I was given a small radio when I was 4 years old, and I wore it out from constant use. I was fascinated to hear stations hundreds or even thousands of miles away. In March of my second-grade year, we had three blizzards back to back. The electricity was out, but the guys on the local radio station...
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