Yanes-Salazar speaks at Job Corps graduation

“It was a nice feeling sharing my advice with others," Yanes-Salazar said. "And I hoped that they could relate and connect with my experience being a former Job Corps student."

Yanes-Salazar, who was born in California but grew up in Guatemala, spoke about his experiences and provided tips for success for the graduates. Tips included focusing on the past, present and future, as well as encouraging graduates to find something that interests them and to pursue it.

Yanes-Salazar said he felt scared about speaking at first, but said his purpose of inspiring and motivating young adults helped him overcome his initial fear.  

Job Corps adviser, Tammy Calamari, stayed in contact with Yanes-Salazar after he graduated and asked him to be a guest speaker at the Job Corps graduation.

“She said that she chose me as a successful Job Corps graduate and she would like me to be an example to the other students at the Job Corps,” said Yanes-Salazar.

Yanes-Salazar enrolled at Job Corps in 2008. After nine months he graduated with his GED certificate and a certificate in Health Occupations Training in elder care. His instructors and adviser encouraged and helped him enroll at CSC. At CSC he is enrolled in ROTC and is a human biology major with minors in chemistry and military science.

After graduating from CSC in May, Yanes-Salazar plans to become a second lieutenant in the United States Army and work as an air defense artillery officer before attending medical school.

“I have had much success here at CSC and I have grown academically and professionally in an unexpected manner coming from a high school dropout,” said Yanes-Salazar.

He said a key to his success was having friendly, supportive, and encouraging community members in Chadron. Yanes-Salazar recognized many CSC faculty members who made a difference in his life.

—Miranda Wieczorek, College Relations Student Liaison