"My Experience in SkillsUSA": Frelin ~ Silver Medalist
by Parker Frelin, HA senior (and National Silver Medalist)
On: My Experience in SkillsUSA: “Don’t Run Away”
“I've spent my entire life shying away, if not running away, from things that made me uncomfortable whether it was new food, new places, new people. That is the exact reason why, when little tenth grade, timid Parker heard the big kids and the teachers talking about some competition called SkillsUSA I said, "Sign me up!" I was tired of playing it safe and thought, “Even though I didn't stand a chance against the other kids in the district, I'll come out of the experience with new memories.”
At the close of my second SkillsUSA season, after competing in Basic Health Care Skills at both the state and national levels, I ended up with so much more than new memories. Competing in SkillsUSA gave me the confidence I had never found before. I also learned a whole new level of responsibility and professionalism that I didn't even know I was capable of. And hey, I also came out with a shiny gold state medal and a shiny silver national medal!
Another thing to note is that my SkillsUSA experience was nothing like any student had seen before. COVID really threw a fork in the road of what would have been "typical.” Two of the three competitions were virtual and just like everyone else, I was having a hard time with my motivation; it was sometimes seemed so difficult to even look at a computer screen. However, I pushed through, but I was not alone. None of this would have been possible without my instructor Mr. Pavia or my advisor Mrs. Weisenstein making sure that I got my butt up on days I didn't feel like I could. Together, they guided me down the path I'm on now — a path toward even more success.
I would say to any student who was like me: Don't run away from things just because they are unfamiliar. Instead, ask and learn. We have just started a new SkillsUSA season, and it’s not too late for you to step up and step out of your comfort zones. Begin YOUR journey today.
I am looking forward to experiencing in-person competition be it at the District or State and National level. I hope to see many of you there and thank you to everybody who helped me through this year.”
