Taking Flight: Frewsburg senior looks to get career off the ground with CTE skills
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Skylar Ekstrom has always had a connection to things with engines.
Growing up around family members who worked on their own vehicles helped spark her interest in mechanics, but the Frewsburg senior is now looking toward something a little higher off the ground.
After graduating from high school, Ekstrom plans to pursue the Air National Guard with the goal of becoming an aircraft mechanic. Her experience in the Automotive Technology program at the Hewes Educational Center is helping her build the hands-on skills she hopes to carry into that future.
"I think coming here and going through the program while in high school is really going to help me achieve my future plans," Ekstrom said.
Ekstrom was among the students taking part in the annual College & Career Fair at Hewes on Oct. 1. Representatives from dozens of businesses, organizations, and institutes of higher education attended the event, giving students from Career & Technical Education programs at Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES an opportunity to explore what comes next.
For Ekstrom, the College & Career Fair was another chance to learn more about the possibilities ahead of her. During the event, she spoke to representatives with Cummins Inc., SUNY Fredonia, and the Army National Guard, among others.
"I'm hoping to learn what each one has to offer," she said. "This is the perfect opportunity to speak with businesses and colleges directly and see what kind of benefits or perks they have to offer."
While she is leaning toward the Air National Guard, Ekstrom knows her plans could evolve. She sees military service as a possible starting point that could eventually lead to further education and new career opportunities.
Her interest in serving her country runs in the family. Both of her grandfathers served in the Army, while her interest in automotive work was influenced by her grandfather, uncle, and other family members who work on their own vehicles.
But Ekstrom is also forging her own path. She is the first girl in her family to pursue Automotive Technology, a field historically dominated by men but now attracting more women than ever to the profession.
Ekstrom said her instructors, Mr. Pitts and Mr. Reed, have played a major role in helping her develop confidence and skills.
"They have taught me pretty much everything I know, because I went into this pretty blind and didn't really know much beyond what I learned growing up," she said. "They've made me feel like I belong and that I'm in the right place to succeed."
That support has made an impact beyond the classroom. As a Student Ambassador at Hewes, Ekstrom has given tours to younger students, including girls who may be considering a CTE program at E2CCB.
"It's really nice to be able to say, 'You can do this,'" she said. "No one is going to treat you differently here because everyone is so open."
Her effort in promoting CTE has not gone unnoticed.
"As an Ambassador, Skylar is a great example of a student who has really embraced her role here on campus," said Aaron Taylor, school counselor at Hewes. "She is professional not only in the classroom and shop but across all settings and represents her future industry well to both incoming students and our community and industry partners. We hope that she'll be able to return after graduation to continue speaking to future students about the benefits of her time in the program here."
Automotive Technology is just one part of Ekstrom's busy schedule. At Frewsburg, she swims in the fall and plays softball in the spring. She is also a member of the National Technical Honor Society at Hewes and is in the process of joining the National Honor Society at her home school.