Student Stories

Kelsie Bramstedt

Kelsie Bramstedt is a 2020 Valders High School graduate and a member of our first all-female cohort in the Dairy Herd Management program, which she graduated from in May 2021. She completed two Lakeshore Technical College courses during her participation in Youth Apprenticeship (YA), the statewide program that takes an “earn while you learn” approach by placing high school juniors and seniors in paid jobs in fields they are interested in and allowing them to take college-level courses. “I got involved with YA because I knew I was very interested in agriculture early in my high school career. Going into my junior year, I decided that working hands-on at a farm would give me a lot of experience along with being able to learn about agriculture.”

Gloria Elias

“Not only do we benefit from attending school, but we can encourage younger and older generations to begin a new cycle of education within our families,” says Gloria Elias, the mother of two young boys and a first-generation Lakeshore Technical College student. Gloria, a December 2020 Quality Assurance program graduate, was selected as the student speaker for graduation. She says she thought college was out of reach for her and her family until a sister enrolled in a short-term certificate at her employer’s request. After graduating, Gloria began pursuing her bachelor’s degree.

Heather Goodman

After hearing positive comments from her classmates who work at Kohler Co. Hospitality and Real Estate restaurants, Culinary Arts student Heather Goodman did not want to waste an opportunity. “Applying for this program is one of the best things I have ever done,” she says about our new Kohler-sponsored tuition reimbursement program. Heather was accepted into the program in fall 2020, and her remaining semesters will be paid for by Kohler. She is also guaranteed a culinary job with Kohler after completing her Culinary Arts associate degree.

Cade Livermore

Cade Livermore, a May 2021 graduate of our CNC (computer numerically controlled) Technician program, embraced our new Competency Based Education (CBE) format. “CBE is very flexible for students and it works great for anyone, no matter what their schedule,” he says. Cade took over 20 CBE courses and completed an internship with his employer, American Orthodontics. “It’s like I am getting double the learning experience,” he said. “If I learn something new at school, I will take that to work with me or vice-versa.”

Zayla Mueller

Like the majority of our students, Zayla Mueller prefers in-person learning. “I chose Lakeshore Technical College because of the guaranteed in-person learning. Being in the Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement program is very involved, and it has provided me with different career opportunities. I recommend LTC because no matter what program you are in, the faculty is looking out for your best interest.” Zayla started with us in the fall of 2020 after graduating from Howards Grove High School.

Bryce Pautz

Bryce Pautz began in our Fire Medic program in fall 2020 after graduating from Roncalli High School in May 2020. “I chose LTC because it is close to home, but I also thought it was the best fit for me. I am enjoying the Fire Medic program because it challenges me as a person. I would recommend LTC to others because it is a positive environment, and everyone wants you to thrive in whatever program you are in.”

Marla Payne

Marla Payne is a multi-media artist who discovered art as an outlet for dealing with ongoing medical issues. Her love of art led her to a series of free welding classes for women at Lakeshore Technical College. “The class showed me there was a way I could combine my love for art with welding. I never realized I was capable of doing something like that, especially with my physical limitations. What I found I could do was really phenomenal to me.” Marla is a December 2020 Welding-Industrial program graduate.

Johnathan Shields

“Come back to class when you are here to better yourself.” Those were the instructor’s words that moved Johnathan Shields to realize he truly wanted a better life. His renewed attitude and positive learning experience got him through every hurdle he faced before completing his HSED (High School Equivalency Diploma). “Everyone works together on projects and motivates each other to keep going and succeed. It is so easy to receive help at LTC,” says Johnathan. His success inspired him to continue his education. In May 2021 he graduated with a technical diploma in Auto Collision Repair and Refinishing Technician – with honors.