Graduate Spotlights
Our students come from all walks of life, and each has a unique story to tell. As graduates, they are truly inspiring. Below are some of their stories. For more examples of Mid-State success, visit our Hired page. Learn more about our upcoming commencement and livestreaming on our Graduation page.
Jenna Johnson
Criminal Justice-Corrections & Community Advocacy
“In my journey at Mid-State, each and every instructor I have had has made it very clear that they are there for their students, to help them succeed,” she says. “They will do whatever is within their power to keep us from failing.”
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Brittney Ryan
Medical Assistant
“…clinicals…that’s where I got to know real patients, take vitals, order labs, and work with different mentors—it’s where I realized I’m prepared.”
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Ann Ilagan
Business Management
“I never saw myself as anything other than an artist, but then I realized, oh, I am a business person!”
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Luke Mroczenski
Civil Engineering Technology-Highway Technician
“I’d already gone the four-year route, and it was good, but I knew that based on time and money, I wasn't looking to go back into a four-year university.”
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Colette Stoflet
Administrative Professional
“I’ve had wonderful opportunities that I never even thought I would have.”
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Abbee Brown
Accounting, Business Management, Entrepreneurship, and Human Resources
“Honestly, I don't think I could have done this without being a mom. While it was obviously difficult to juggle it all, it is very rewarding to show my girls that it can be done.”
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Emily Bohenstengel
Nursing
“I loved the college then and I love it now. Most of my success has been here. The instructors are phenomenal and the camaraderie of the students in the Nursing program has been amazing...”
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Matthew Tyler
Agribusiness and Science Technology
“I’m a fifth-generation farmer… I wanted to live at home, come to school at Mid-State, and bring home the things I would learn every day to my work on the farm.”
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José A. Perez
Business Management with Health Care Management Specialization, Entrepreneurship, and Human Resources
“When you have a goal, you do what you have to do to achieve it, no matter how long it takes.”
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Colin Yusten
Machine Tool Technician
“At Mid-State… you're really accepted for who you are. You can be old, young, fresh out of high school, or have 30 years of experience in some work field…. They're going to take you in and still teach you the same way, and they're going to give you that knowledge that you desire to learn.”
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Jodilynn Feit
Nursing
“In high school, I never thought I would be college material, but then I was successful in the Medical Assistant program and realized college isn’t as scary as I thought it would be.”
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Vikram Gill
Business Management
“I wasn’t really in the market for making any new friends. I wanted to come to school, do my class work, and then leave…. Becoming involved in student life wasn’t really the plan.”
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Katrina Nuber
Respiratory Therapist
“The instructors know your name and ask about your life. They are truly invested in you as a student, and it’s so empowering to have all these people backing you to be successful.”
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Bryce Menadue
IT Software Developer
“What I didn’t expect was the friendships I made, the comradery between students and instructors. It’s a good time, a really good time.”
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Ashley Jaramillo
Business Management, Entrepreneurship, Human Resources, Project Management
“I am no longer afraid to take the leap and begin my own business. Success is knowing which risks to take, and how to eliminate risks.”
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Neil Hendershot
Nursing
“The setup of the program is great. You really need all of this—the fundamentals, pharmacology, etc.—to really be a successful nurse.”
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Baylie May Disher
Marketing
“Now that I have my degree, I have so many options. I know I can really excel with my new skills, and I can’t wait to get started.”
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Shelly Aldrich
Business Management
“The best part was our instructor jumping out of his chair and praising us for a job well done. That was pretty cool.”
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Riley Damrow
Cosmetology
Her connections with instructors and other students have opened up doors and created lifelong friendships.
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Rachel Knapp
Medical Assistant
“I have really awesome classmates. We are very good at motivating each other. It’s tough love—we are always pushing each other to succeed.”
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Kara Jeske
Nursing
“He looked right at me and said, ‘How bad do you want to be a nurse?’ I had to start from the bottom to get to where I am today.”
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John Young
Marketing and Business Management
“The teachers want their students to engage and make an effort to make that happen. If you, as a student, are willing to put in the effort, you’re going to get a fantastic education.”
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Jason Schiestle
IT Network Specialist
“Your instructors are right there with you. They want you to understand and succeed. They’re not just going through the motions of teaching.”
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Ernesto Sanchez
Barber Technologist
Mid-State was nothing like Ernesto expected—it was more, and it was fun.
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Rehberg Family
Accounting and Business Management
“When it comes to paying for school, there is so much funding available—you just have to ask, check into it, and apply. That’s the one thing I want people to take away from our story.”
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Chong Chang
Accounting and Business Management
“A favorite memory of mine is the bowling event I attended for Mid-State students. It was fun meeting other students and instructors, and even though I bowled terribly I had a great time.”
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Kelly Chojnacki
Health Information Management
“I’m living proof that it is never too late to go back to school. Whether you take one class or earn a degree, there are many ways to enhance your life and experience new opportunities at Mid-State.”
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Nikki Henriksen
Administrative Professional and Business Management
"I’ve already accepted a full-time position as an administrative assistant for the Juneau County Zoning and Sanitation Department, starting the beginning of January after graduation. It will be amazing to be employed full-time with nice pay, benefits, and hours!"
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Wendy Surak
Early Childhood Education
"When I was a kid, I thought I had the meanest kindergarten teacher, but then I had one amazing experience with her that changed everything…. I’ve wanted to be a teacher ever since."
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Carla Byrne
Farm Operation
“Mid-State sets you up to get your foot in the door with many local businesses and helps you create lifelong friends.”
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Annie Cobb
Phlebotomy Technician
“Be confident in yourself and your abilities, and don’t be afraid to go the extra mile.”
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Daniel Delaney
Civil Engineering Technology-Highway Technician
"I wish I would have done this when I graduated high school, but it is never too late in life to start a new career."
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September Vilmin
Nursing
“Don’t sell yourself short and think that a bump in the road means you can’t keep going. Keep going even if you think there is a reason to stop.”
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Ashley Buckingham
Marketing
"Never cut yourself short…. I always knew I was a determined and hard-working person, but I never knew what I was capable of until I got pushed."
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Michael Quisler
IT Network Specialist
"Once I had a solid support network, my self-confidence just grew…”
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David Riddle
Industrial Mechanical Technician
“I got the job, and that’s when I finally realized I was going to make it.”
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Pa Kou Vang
Cosmetology
"My instructors wanted me to succeed…. They reminded me to keep going, to have faith that if I can't do something today, I will be able to tomorrow."
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