“FFA taught me that the sky is not the limit,” said Travis Brorsen, describing the impact career and technical education had on his life. Though he started off with a background in agriculture, Travis has been able to transform the fundamentals he learned from the National FFA into a career in acting.

Beginning in the eighth grade, Travis joined the FFA and became heavily involved in showing livestock through his local organization. These activities taught him responsibility and respect for both people and animals, as well as the importance of working hard. Travis participated in speech contests, leadership conferences and alumni camps, and he served as a state FFA officer in Oklahoma. He credits FFA for the people skills that enabled his present success. “FFA gave me the opportunity to participate in the leadership aspect that [CTE] offered.”

Travis is proud to be an Oklahoman, and he states that “the more success I have, the more opportunities I have to bring back to Oklahoma.” Sitting down with a state policymaker, Travis would describe the benefits CTE provides students. “If every Oklahoman [was passionate about] CTE organizations, the potential of our children would be extraordinary.”

The inspiration from his CTE teacher, Kent Boggs, has given Travis an anthem to live by. “He educated, motivated, encouraged and made me believe I could do anything.” Boggs' impression has positively changed the lives of his students, especially Travis. Along with great educators like Boggs, Travis credits CTE with providing students the self-confidence needed to believe in themselves.

Appearing in movies and popular TV shows, such as "Desperate Housewives" and "Bones," Travis notes how CTE gave him the leadership skills that have paved the way to his success. Although he had to overcome innumerable obstacles in the harsh environment of Hollywood, FFA taught him that if he was passionate about something then nothing could get in his way.

“CTE continues to offer guidance and advice to all of its past and current students.” Travis is offering advice by creating a children’s program that will be placed in schools across the country in coming years. “I have followed my dreams and been passionate about everything I do. I continue to exemplify the qualities that were given to me by CTE.”

Travis is just one of our featured CTE students. To see the rest, click a state name to the right or visit our CTE Student Profiles page.

As a single mom, Tiffany McHenry always tinkered on her own car and was bored with sitting at a desk job. After entering Francis Tuttle Technology Center’s Automotive Service Technology program, it helped her:

• feel welcome while learning about tool use and shop organization
• learn and pass along skills and new-found independence to her young daughters
• expand her knowledge and professional skill base
  

Tiffany is continuing her education to become a highly trusted auto service professional with her own all-female auto repair shop, and she is proving to her daughters that gender doesn’t limit career choices.

Tiffany is just one of our featured CTE students. To see the rest, click a state name to the right or visit our CTE Student Profiles page.

In fourth grade, Colin Lowe was recruiting members and entering public speaking in 4-H. Later, FFA sparked his interest in leadership and communications. The computer-aided drafting and design, graphic design and ambassador programs at CVTC helped Colin:

• find degree-related opportunities to travel to China, Chile and Washington, D.C.
• earn scholarships and an internship for Rep. Frank Lucas
• focus on earning a communications degree, advancing over other students in college classes
  

Colin will graduate from Oklahoma State University in May 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications. He plans to get a master’s degree immediately, then teach agricultural education at the college level. He also plans to keep an eye on the political arena and a possible future run for Oklahoma governor.

Colin is just one of our featured CTE students. To see the rest, click a state name to the right or visit our CTE Student Profiles page.