Q: What do you find interesting/inspiring/compelling about your program?

A: What I found most interesting/compelling about my program is how much everything around us relies on technology, and the information the instructors taught us related to where technology is used. So many industries rely daily on automation, manufacturing and electronics, from simple and complex manual tasks to safety mechanisms. The installation of technology has shaped the world around us. There are tasks performed by electronic components, from turning on a switch on a motherboard to trigger an LED that lets someone know their laundry is done to robotic painters and welders. There are many forms of technology around us, from the phones we carry to the alarm clocks that wake us up every day, but no matter the size, shape or purpose, life would not be the same without them.

Q: What will you remember most fondly about your time at NTC?

A: What I will remember most fondly about my time at NTC was the camaraderie of the classrooms and the personability of the instructors. The instructors were beyond friendly, sharing jokes and laughter, always looking to answer questions and always understanding of what a student was dealing with or how a student felt about something.

Q: Please share a memory or highlight that stands out to you.

A: The memories that stand out to me are primarily from PLC 1, 2 and 3. My instructor for PLC was new, and he was all excited about making assignments with specific parameters for us students to figure out; however, almost every time he came to grade my work, he cracked a little smile, not because anything was incorrect, but because I was the only kid in the class who read the directions just a little bit different to where once I read the directions out loud to him, he would immediately make himself a note to clarify his directions for the next class. This made me laugh a lot, not at him, but with him, for I can only imagine what it would be like creating college-level assignments only for the same student every time to interpret them just a little bit differently than intended.

Q: Please share how your involvement in extracurriculars shaped your experience at NTC.

A: I was involved in Wisconsin Student Government, or WSG, a club where students from each technical college come together to speak with legislators on how government at the state level can help keep the Wisconsin Technical College System supported through things like funding. WSG brought me closer to other students in the school on a more personal level. It was nice to be with others who really wanted to make a difference, not only in our education but ultimately in our lives. When we think about what drives innovation, it is education. Innovation and education go hand in hand; without one, there cannot be the other. WSG has taught me the values of education and its cost in money and time. There are opportunities to learn all around us every day; you just need to be willing to take the time to do so. Knowledge is the strongest power of all.

Q: How do you feel about graduating?

A: I am feeling nervous about graduation; however, I know that if there is anything at all, questions, concerns, I have been provided by the college with the best resources possible to get the answers I may be seeking. We have come a long way as students, and we have earned this recognition. We are in good hands. There is nothing to be nervous about; we have done the hard part. Now is the easy part - celebrate you.

Q: What are your plans for after graduation?

A: I currently live in the Northwoods and plan to continue living there after graduation. If there is any relocation, I would prefer to move north rather than south. That being said, at the forefront is finding a job; if that means relocation, then that might be what I have to do. I need to do what is best for me, and at this time, that means finding a strong, fun, supportive job and paying the bills. I am a volunteer firefighter and would like to continue to do so wherever I move. I have plans to sign up for the National Guard, where I can offer part-time service to the community, state and country I love.

Q: What are your hopes/dreams/aspirations?

A: My hopes and dreams consist of helping anyone I am able. I don’t mean donating every cent I own, as there are many extraordinary clubs and programs out there; what I mean is doing so by donating my time and being there for anyone. I have been truly blessed to have a wonderful family, and the example they have set for me is truly remarkable. I have also been blessed with the greatest gift of all: life. I am here not to make as much money as I can, but rather to open my arms as wide as I can and give everything I have to offer. There may be things that seem scary in the world now, and there will continue to be, but if everyone is kind, understanding, respectful and inclusive, the problems we face will slowly go away, not in a day, but with time. I don’t dream of sleeping on cash, I dream of giving my bed to someone who really needs it.

Q: Reflecting on the relationships you’ve built with classmates, instructors, and staff, what is one thing you wish you could say to those who have supported you along the way?

A: One thing I would like to say to those who have supported me is thank you. You have shown me that you believe in me, and that has ultimately translated into how I believe in myself. Without you, none of this would have been possible: my education, friendships and the dreams I have. I promise to never let you down. You didn’t fix my motor, you filled my tank, and now, thanks to you, I’m headed down Success Boulevard.

Q: If you could go back to your first day of college and give yourself one piece of advice, what would it be?

A: If I could go back in time to my first day of college, I would tell myself to open up. Sign up for clubs, introduce yourself, ask questions; everyone here wants to see you succeed. Everyone here is on your team, rooting for you. Be a team player and root for your fellow members. Strong teams succeed.

Q: Reflecting on your growth throughout college, what is one aspect of yourself that you’ve seen evolve the most? How do you feel about the person you’ve become?

A: I have seen my ability to feel comfortable speaking to others grow tremendously. Throughout high school, I hated talking to people; it was one of those things I didn’t want to feel comfortable doing. I feel I have become a better person because of opening up. I have learned how to better understand the importance of conversation and the importance of social connection. Everyone is in the same boat when it comes to speaking, but it’s a matter of leaving your comfort zone and getting to know how you, as a person, feel about things you might not yet be comfortable with. Thanks to my instructors, classmates and faculty at NTC, I have grown to be more confident in speaking and have been able to better understand others around me.

Q: Please share any additional thoughts that give perspective to your story.

A: Something I would like to add is how much of a home NTC felt for me. I have never felt so safe, supported and valued in my life. That goes as far as feeling safe about the security that the school offers to the incredible food served in the cafeteria, all the way to how clean the campus is. I truly felt like a first-class passenger on the flight through my educational journey.