Special to the T-R
When you bring together 800 high school students and place them in one room together you might think it could be difficult to get their attention.
On Thursday morning, Marshalltown Community College’s Babe Harder Memorial gymnasium became silent as Olympic medalist Cael Sanderson approached the podium to speak.
Sanderson, Iowa State University assistant wrestling coach, was the featured speaker at MCC’s Career Expo 2005. Students from more than 15 different high schools across Iowa listened intently to him express the importance of continuing education after high school. Sanderson shared some of his own experiences in his drive to go for the Olympic gold medal in free style wrestling.
He explained that throughout his childhood and adolescence his father always stressed that education came before sports. If his grades weren’t up, he wouldn’t get to wrestle. Sanderson’s father was also his wrestling coach. Thus, Sanderson chose to make good grades a priority in his life.
Sanderson stressed that everyone makes mistakes in life. He said mistakes help us be better. It’s okay to make mistakes, but learn from them. Use them to be stronger, tougher.
Cael Sanderson holds a collegiate record, finishing his Iowa State University wrestling career undefeated, 159-0. Sanderson is the only four-time NCAA Champion.
During the 2004 Summer Olympic Games in Athens, he won a gold medal in free style wrestling for his US National Team.
He encouraged the students to work hard toward their goals, taking it one step at a time. He suggested that the students just focus on the next match, not at a goal of winning 159 straight. He said you may not be able to win 159 meets, but you can win the next one if you give it your very best.
“The purpose of the Career Expo is to give high school students an educational opportunity to explore the different careers and programs available at MCC, “says Kendra Kehe, MCC Senior Admissions Counselor. “Cael’s speech helped the students understand how valuable their education is to a successful future. He is a terrific role model for today’s youth.”
Following Sanderson’s speech, Career Expo guests attended a college planning session and two additional career or educational tracks that fit with their identified interests. Jim Merritt, Assistant Dean, MCC Career and Employment Center, led the Planning for College sessions.
Faculty and community volunteers guided nearly 25 additional sessions on careers that fit with majors available at MCC. Todd Thimesch of Sports Page talked to students about a career in business, sharing that he has an MCC graduate who worked for him while attending MCC and is now an Assistant Manager.
Career Expo 2005 helped participants learn the many opportunities Marshalltown Community College has available. It was evident that MCC is a place where students of all ages come to find Real Direction, Real Success.
For more information about the opportunities available at Marshalltown Community College, call 752-7106 or 1-866-MCC-IS-IT, or at MarshalltownCommunityCollege.com.
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