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.
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Corey Sharon
Master Equipment Technician
Corey Sharon grew up helping his uncle on the farm. He noticed how time-consuming and expensive it was to fix broken parts, so he was inspired to learn how to solve heavy equipment issues himself. Today, he uses those skills in his career at Foley Equipment.
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Bob Schnurr
Parts Sales Representative
Bob Schnurr has always been intrigued by machinery. He began his career working on heavy equipment, then transitioned to a product support role. Bob enjoys his position at Foley Equipment because he gets to help people solve problems.
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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. I didn’t take any education-related classes…
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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. In high school, I did a lot of volunteering in areas I loved and knew would be a part of my future career. I coached volleyball,…
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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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