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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Michael Hidalgo
Personal Banker
I started to consider working at a bank shortly after graduating from high school in Topeka. I wanted to build up my resume and get experience in a professional setting. Plus, a friend had worked at a bank and told me they’d learned a lot of valuable skills there.
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Franco Del Pozzo
Electrician Apprentice
When I was a child, I wanted to be a lawyer. I liked the idea of using logic to arrive at a certain point or conclusion. That interest never went away, but instead of using logic in a courtroom, now I use it to install electrical features.
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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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