In fall 2022, as a junior in her first year in the Criminal Justice program at the Mount Morris Career and Technical Education Center (CTE Center), Emily Wagner was approached by her instructor about joining SkillsUSA. By becoming a member of the workforce development organization, Emily could hone her public speaking and leadership skills, while pushing herself out of her comfort zone. Never did she realize that joining would be life-changing.
Emily originally enrolled in Criminal Justice because her sister had a positive experience in the program. When she was approached by teacher Judy Essig about joining SkillsUSA, Emily initially agreed but then panicked. She didn’t want to disappoint Essig, but was reluctant to break out of her shell.
“It pushed me to do something that I wouldn’t have. It really changed the way I act in a classroom environment. Before SkillsUSA, I couldn’t even raise my hand in class,” said Emily.
The SkillsUSA framework centers around personal skills, workplace skills, and technical skills grounded in academics. Students gain hands-on experience in over 130 occupational areas, and develop career-ready skills in teamwork, communication, professionalism, and much more. Members can either participate in competitions based on their skilled trade or take on leadership roles within the state and national framework.
Last school year, Emily decided to run for SkillsUSA state secretary, which required her to campaign. Emily gave a speech at both the regional and state competitions on why she should be elected, as well as answered questions asked by the moderators. During her campaign preparation, Emily visited every classroom at the Mount Morris CTE Center to practice her speech in front of students, many of whom she didn’t know. In the end, Emily was elected as state secretary, which requires that she meet regularly with the other state officers, records the meeting minutes, helps plan and facilitate competitions and trainings, and much more.
“This position has opened opportunities for me. I would’ve never wanted a job that required a lot of communication with others, but that aspect is easier now. It’s also made me happier,” said Emily.
Prior to joining SkillsUSA, Emily wasn’t considering going to college. She now recognizes the vast opportunities awaiting her after graduation. The top institutes on her list are SUNY Potsdam and SUNY Morrisville. With her sights set on degrees in Psychology and Social Work, and determined to help others, Emily’s dream job is a victim’s specialist, specifically advocating for children.
Summer and fall 2023 proved to be pivotal for Emily. In June, she took her first plane ride to the SkillsUSA Championships in Atlanta, Georgia. This was the first time she met the other New York state officers, and they spent the trip brainstorming ideas and fostering relationships with one another and state officers from around the county. In August, Emily found herself in Albany, New York, attending the Summer Leadership Training, which helped prepare her for the Washington Leadership Training Institute in Washington, D.C., held in September 2023. While Emily and the other SkillsUSA members got the opportunity to visit historical landmarks, the highlight of the trip was meeting with lawmakers to advocate for skilled trades and funding for career and technical education on Capitol Hill.
“Emily has developed great leadership skills,” said Essig. “She has overcome fears of public speaking, she can effectively run formal business meetings, and lead causal group training for others. I am so very proud of all of her accomplishments, which will serve her well in whatever endeavors come next for this young lady.”
All the growth Emily has discovered in herself over the last year and a half, all of the incredible people she has met, and all of the opportunities that have come her way - all because she was willing to be pushed out of her comfort zone.
“This has opened so many doors for me. My favorite part is the people I’ve met and the friends I’ve made,” she said.