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.

Connie Wagers, MBA, RT(R), RDMS

Director, Medical Imaging Services

As a teenager, Connie Wagers volunteered at Stormont Vail Health. Connie's mother saw how much she enjoyed her time there and encouraged her to apply to the radiology program. Today, Connie is the Director of Medical Imaging Services.
Read More
Michael Ramirez, MS, ATC, LAT

Director, Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy

Michael Ramirez has always loved sports. His passion led him to pursue a career in sports medicine, and today he's the director of Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy at Stormont Vail Health.
Read More
Justin Barnes, BSN, RN

Nurse Manager

Justin Barnes started in an entry-level position at Stormont Vail Health, then worked his way up to where he is today: managing a large unit.
Read More
Sergeant Lana Urteaga

Public Information Officer

"I’ve always wanted to be in public service. I’ve always been driven to understand the law and the judicial system, and I have always gravitated to jobs where I help others.
Read More
Emily Fields

Veterinary Nurse

“I'm a registered veterinary nurse in emergency and critical care at the Kansas State Veterinary Health Center. I closely monitor intensive pre- and post-operative surgical cases, critical internal medicine cases, and also triage emergency cases that come in. What I love most about what I do is...
Read More
David Saucedo

Firefighter

"Growing up in California, our family had several friends who were firefighters. My dad introduced me to one of them, and that conversation sparked my interest. I went through EMT training at EMSTA College in San Diego, then I went through fire academy training through CAL FIRE (California...
Read More
Bana Stelk

Bank Operations Specialist

"I really enjoy young kids, so growing up I always thought I’d become a teacher. I started down that path in college, but soon discovered it wasn’t for me. While in college, I started working at Walmart, which gave me some great experience with handling cash and working with the public.
Read More
Ajala Anavberokhai

MRI Technologist

"When I was a child, I wanted to be the next Oprah. I loved watching her on TV and seeing the impact she made. I knew I wanted a job that could make a similar difference with people. Then when I got to high school, I really got interested in joining the military. I took a basic first aid course...
Read More
Corporal Emma Bañuelos

Police Corporal

"My freshman year of high school, I took a law class that started me on my law enforcement journey. The teacher had previously been a police and corrections officer, so he’d always tell us stories that intrigued me and made me realize that was what I wanted to do. Throughout the rest of high school...
Read More
Amber Melton

Veterinary Nurse

"As a kid I wanted to be a veterinarian. I was always bringing home stray cats and we also had dogs, rodents, reptiles, and rabbits, so I was familiar with a lot of species and was always intrigued by their different needs and personalities.
Read More