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.

  • 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…

    Read More

  • 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…

    Read More

  • Martine Chery-Hilaire

    Owner and Executive Chef, Chez Matou Catering

    I’ve been cooking since I was 14 years old, but I never thought of it as a career path. When I moved to the United States in 2003, I started using my cooking skills to make and sell paté kòde, or Haitian meat pies. Quite frankly, it was the easiest way I could make money while I waited to improve…

    Read More

  • Dylan Tweedy

    Owner, Kensington Lockers

    Sometimes the career finds you. At least that’s how I came to be the owner of a meat locker. It was a huge leap of faith, but when the opportunity presented itself, I knew I had to give it a shot.

    Read More

  • Lane Religa

    Video Production Assistant and Drone Pilot

    I have always been interested in architecture and was fascinated with stadiums as a kid, traveling to see them all over the world. When I got my first drone I began to photograph them, then quickly discovered that I enjoyed shooting video footage most of all. My family went to a lot of games at…

    Read More

  • Will Henry

    Manager and Goldsmith

    I was never one of those kids who knew exactly what they wanted to be when they grew up. I remember wanting to be a police officer when I was very little, then a musician, then a psychologist, then a teacher, then a musician again … I’ve always had too many interests to stick with just one plan.…

    Read More

  • Andrea DeJesus

    Owner, A&H Farm

    "Growing up on the farm, it was hard not to resent the missed sleepovers, sports teams and free time that other kids my age were able to enjoy. Farming was hard work, and I couldn’t see myself turning it into a career. I continued to work on the family farm throughout college. I saw how…

    Read More

  • Jessica Good

    Customer Account Manager

    Jessica Good grew up seeing family members work in the aviation industry, but she had no idea how many opportunities the field presented. Today, she's working in a job she never knew existed until she started at Textron Aviation.

    Read More

  • Josh Huston

    Manager, Tool Engineering

    Josh Huston earned his GED, attended a technical school to continue his education, then went on to earn a mechanical engineering degree. Today, he's been working at Textron Aviation for more than 14 years. 

    Read More

  • Chance Jacobson

    Wind Turbine Technician 2

    I became interested in wind energy during my junior year of high school when several things happened at once. First, I realized there wasn’t room to join my dad and grandpa in our family farming operation like I’d hoped. We were considering my options when we heard about wind energy from a…

    Read More