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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.

  • Jeremiah Meeker

    Electrician Apprentice

    For as long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to understand how things work. When I was a kid, I loved taking things apart and putting them back together. And I was never very “book smart” — learning was easier for me when it was experiential. I pick things up really quickly when it’s a hands-...

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  • Tyler Brown

    Medical Laboratory Scientist

    When I was 5, my 7-month-old brother had open-heart surgery to repair a congenital defect. When I looked back on that experience over the years, I came to truly appreciate that team of doctors and nurses. I started to think it would be cool if I could help others the way those healthcare workers...

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  • Olivia Laliberte

    Cardiology Nurse Manager

    I didn’t become seriously interested in healthcare until the age of 30. I was working for an insurance company in a cubicle and talking was frowned upon. I’m a very social person, so I began to consider changing to a career with more human interaction. My parents suggested nursing because I had...

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  • Kevin Hecht

    Agronomist/Precision Ag Specialist

    I’ve always had a fascination with farming, especially farm machinery. My father, an agronomist, helped a farmer with harvest and I was hooked from a very young age. I looked forward to spending all day and most of the night observing, and my parents had to pry me out of the machinery when it was...

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  • Martina Farrell

    Ready-Mix Truck Driver

    After 4 years working in the construction field, I was ready for a change. I was offered a job driving a dump truck if I could get a commercial driver’s license, so I studied hard, got my CDL, and began driving for a living. Having a class A CDL and some experience under my belt opened up lots of...

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  • Fredrick Kamau

    Quality Tester

    Fredrick Kamau knew from a young age that he wanted to work in the tech field. As a quality tester at Garmin, he works with team members to make sure their products meet (or exceed!) customer expectations. 

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  • Luke Bailey

    Product Support Specialist

    Luke Bailey always thought he'd work in the technology field. As a product support specialist with Garmin, he helps customers fix issues with their devices so they can get back to their passions. 

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  • Zeus Walker

    Warehouse Supervisor

    Zeus Walker has been with Garmin for over 15 years. He's enjoyed stellar mentorship from his managers and now uses the lessons he's learned along the way to oversee a team himself. 

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  • Logan Davis

    Equipment Technician III

    I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands. Growing up on our family farm, I worked on tractors, trucks, pickups and other kinds of machinery. But it never dawned on me that I could use my interests to pursue a career.

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  • Jemel May

    Walmart Fulfillment Operations Manager

    Growing up in Lansing, I dreamed about being a professional football player. I was all-state for Lansing High School and was the 1998 track and field state champ in the long jump. Even after I became a father my senior year in high school, I held on to that dream, enrolling at the University of...

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