BROKEN BOW–Learn to take risks. Control what you can. Keep a good attitude. These are just some of the helpful pieces of advice that local ag and business leaders shared during the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Week assembly on Thursday afternoon in Broken Bow.
Future Farmer of America (FFA), SkillsUSA, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), and HOSA Future Health Professionals joined together this week to celebrate the agriculture, technical, business, and health fields.
Nine local professionals served as panelists before the high school audience and described some of the challenges, necessary skills, and benefits of their careers.The panelists included Chris Pearson, Tyson Holcomb, Dan Wenquist, Mandie Books, Travis Lymber, Levi French, Barry Fox, Jodie Loy, and Leah Peterson.
“Take any opportunity you can to build your leadership skills. Now is a great time to do it,” Levi French of Sargent Pipe said.
Local farmer Tyson Holcomb told the students to “find something you love” for their futures while Chris Pearson explained that “you can fail, but you got to get back up. It’s part of life.”
All nine panelists are graduates of Broken Bow High School and all returned to the area where they have succeeded in business and now have the pleasure of watching their kids grow up together.
FBLA Advisor Angie Palmer emphasized that 99% of students who concentrate in CTE will graduate high school. It was also said on Thursday afternoon that 100% of Nebraska’s high schools offer various CTE programs and that more than 22,000 students will gain leadership skills by participating in a Career and Technical service organization.
The panelists talked about their college education and technical training and emphasized that no matter what you do, it is important to know how to communicate with others. They ranged in career backgrounds which included construction, medical, farming, public power, mechanical engineering, business, and entrepreneurship.
“What can we control? That’s what we got to focus on, what we can control, the variables,” local farmer Tyson Holcomb said.
Leah Peterson reminded students to always read and continue learning. Panelists also told the students to not be afraid to fail, appreciate what smaller communities have to offer, remember that family is important, work hard, delegate, be involved in school activities, and to be prepared for when plans change course.
“Expose yourself to as much as you can. Get as broad of view, see as many things as you can. And don’t feel the pressure of having to pick today and know where and what it is. Get yourself exposed, find out what’s there so that you can do what Tyson just said: love what you do everyday. You know, life is short and you better enjoy what you do,” Barry Fox said.
