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.

Bob Hooglugt

Undercarriage Technician

When Bob Hooglugt was a kid, he loved taking things apart and putting them back together. When he got older, he thought mechanics would be the perfect fit for his interests. As an undercarriage technician at Foley Equipment, he gets to repair, build and work on heavy equipment.
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Jen Kesler

Second Grade Teacher

I always admired my teachers growing up and wanted to be just like them. I knew I wanted to work with kids. Although I struggled in school and had to work very hard, I’m a “helper” by nature, so I knew I wanted to support kids who struggled like I did.
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Michelle Duey

Cytotechnologist

I’ve always been fascinated by medicine. And after losing my grandfather to cancer, I really wanted to learn more about that disease. At the time, I didn’t realize there were other jobs in the healthcare industry besides doctors and nurses, so I set my sights on medical school.
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Valerie Brown-Kuchera

Director of K-12 Library and Information Literacy Program

I’ve always wanted to be an educator. Growing up in a remote country home with parents who were not high school graduates, I relied on impressions of educated people portrayed in the books I read. My favorite stories showed professors and librarians as trusted mentors and wise, caring advisors who...
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Lindsey Holtry

Educational Technology Coach

I always knew I wanted to be a teacher when I grew up. I was the oldest of four girls and loved working with kids at our school, church and local community center.
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Kaley Schnack

Title 1 Teacher

I remember wanting to be a teacher as early as kindergarten. The school I attended growing up was a special place. The teachers provided a sense of community and a strong support system for everything we did, and I idolized my kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Harris, for her sweet spirit and love of...
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Cade Fiske

Agricultural Education Instructor/FFA Advisor

As I was growing up, I knew my future career would be related to helping people. I wanted to be able to interact with others and have a direct impact on their lives. I considered everything from a banker to an orthodontist. At one point, the idea of becoming a teacher kept popping up in the back of...
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Lesa Schulte

Preschool Teacher

I always knew I wanted to work with kids when I grew up. I loved interacting with children and babysat for numerous families and church groups when I was younger. My passion for wanting to teach grew even stronger when my sixth-grade teacher told me my patience and willingness to help others are...
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Tiffany Beyer

Manager of Talent Acquisition

Tiffany Beyer always thought she'd grow up to be a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, but she actually began her career working in venture capital. After moving home to the Topeka area, Tiffany needed a new job, so she decided to start at Stormont Vail Health, where her mom worked. Now, she's the manager...
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Ronald J. Gentry

Facilities Management Director

As the facilities management director at Stormont Vail Health, Ronald J. Gentry oversees everything on the property — from the wiring behind the walls to everything you see in the clinic. Find out how he started his career and his advice for others interested in management positions.
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