Embracing the Window Seat – Insights from the Sky and Our Journey to SkillsUSA in Atlanta

I am a window seat person. Every time I fly, I can’t help but take pictures. The view from above sparks thoughtful and insightful ideas as I gaze down at the landscape, observing the different terrains and the human touch on it all. From this vantage point, I see how we as humans have transformed what was to build what is to be. This perspective often leads me to draw parallels with leadership and teams.

Immersed in the world of culture, climate, and employee engagement, I thrive in the vortex of insightful leadership and company climate. This passion fuels my attraction to the SkillsUSA national competition. Guiding our youth towards successful careers that they excel in is immensely rewarding. On my last flight, while capturing photos out the window, I found myself contemplating our destination and eagerly anticipating the upcoming interactions and experiences.

It’s a long day—an entire day of travel, with another day to get back at the end. We spend long hours on our feet, standing on the concrete floors of the Georgia World Congress Center.

And we love it.

During orientation, we sat at the back of the room, listening intently to the instructions while observing the state winners, all eager to chase their dreams of becoming national champions. The room was packed with students, committee members for Automotive Service Technology (the committee we volunteer for), judges, and state advisors—standing room only.

I soak in every word, reveling in the beginning of something great. Soon, it was time to head down to the floor to prepare our stations for the contestants. After a uniform check, the students were ushered in, given instructions, and put on their competition numbers. Then, the competition began in a “scramble” style, with everyone starting simultaneously.

I volunteer at the Interview station, where we evaluate resumes and applications and conduct mock interviews. Despite the need to maintain fairness and avoid small talk, we manage to connect with the students between interviews. I am continually impressed by their ethics and commitment, clearly reflecting the dedication of their instructors.

Reuniting with “old friends,” fellow industry advocates, and leaders we see each year is another highlight. We also explore Atlanta, the event’s host city, and usually visit at least one tourist attraction. This year, we visited the Coca-Cola museum, where we learned fascinating facts about the company’s history and sampled various Coca-Cola drinks from around the world. Did you know that in 1888, pharmacist John Pemberton sold Coca-Cola for $2,300 to Asa Griggs Candler, who later sold it in 1919 for $25 million? Today, it’s worth billions—a remarkable ROI. This was my favorite fact, and the only one I can recall. I promise to go back and learn more.

This year, we witnessed someone receiving their 20-year plaque and several others their five-year pins. Watching them shake hands and smile as they accepted their awards, I envisioned myself in their place. I am committed to helping our youth strengthen their trajectory toward workplace success. It’s an honor to work alongside other volunteers who have given so much of their time and intelligence to this event and the students and advisors who attend. I am humbled to contribute to such a greater cause, inspired by those around me. If you get the chance, get involved at your state level and see how your involvement can influence greatness for the future.