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.

  • Troy Ross

    Owner and CEO, CR’s Tire & Automotive

    I've been around vehicles my entire life. As soon as I could walk and talk, my passion for the automotive industry began to develop. You could say it’s in my blood — my dad has always been a gearhead, too. He owned and managed shops that worked on semi trucks and he had muscle cars as a hobby. I…

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  • Seth Brooks

    Automotive Collision Repair Specialist

    At his previous jobs, Seth Brooks went through the motions and couldn't wait until the weekend. But thanks to the Auto Collision Repair program at Salina Area Technical College, he now looks forward to Mondays. 

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  • 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…

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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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