My experience in SkillsUSA and as a State Officer
Before telling my story I’ll briefly describe what SkillsUSA is. SkillsUSA is a student organization that is across the U.S. and helps students develop leadership skills, communication skills, etc., which helps students prepare for careers in skilled service, technical, and trade occupation. Through competitions and professional development opportunities, students will be able to gain those skills. SkillsUSA also helps students build confidence and gain recognition for their achievements. The organization provides a platform for students to network with industry professionals and learn about career opportunities in their fields. SkillsUSA is not just about competing, but it’s also about traveling and meeting other students from different states (I’ll be talking about this in my story). SkillsUSA is for students who are in secondary and post-secondary students (high school and college).
Story Time:
My sophomore year of high school I was in a healthcare class and the teacher was in advisor for SkillsUSA and she was the one who introduced me and the rest of the class to SkillsUSA. She had asked me if I was interested in running as a State Officer. What State Officers do is represent the organization at events, conduct workshops, build networks with industry partners, advocate for career and technical education, and other things. I told her that I was interested in running and at the end of my sophomore year, I became a State Officer alongside another girl.
In June of 2021, I started my Leverage training which was my state officer training. Mind you, this was during COVID, so I had to do my training through zoom which sucked (usually the training would take place in Atlanta, GA before national competition starts, so that’s why I said it sucked). I still got to meet new people.
My junior year of high school was when I started my State Officer service. In September of 2021, my advisors, the other girl who was also a state officer, and I went to Washington, DC for leadership training. While being there, we toured the place, talked to the representative and the senator from my state and talked to them about SkillsUSA, went to museums, the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, finally meeting new students from different states and creating friendships. For the first time I met my friend in person after we had talked to each other through zoom in one of the meetings that we had.
My senior year of high school, I was no longer a state officer, but I did compete in the state competition. Overall, I did have a great time being in SkillsUSA and meeting new people.
Hey everyone! Following up on my SkillsUSA journey, I wanted to chat a bit more about how important it is to keep building on those foundational skills we gain, especially when looking towards specific career paths. While SkillsUSA gave me incredible leadership and communication training – seriously, it was life-changing for building confidence and networking, especially during events like our trip to D.C. and meeting other students – I've also realized how crucial specialized certifications can be as you step into the professional world. One certification that often comes up, especially for those considering roles in healthcare, education, or social services, is the CPI Blue Card. If you haven't heard of it, the CPI Blue Card is a credential from the Crisis Prevention Institute, focusing on Nonviolent Crisis Intervention. It teaches you essential techniques for de-escalating challenging behaviors and managing crisis situations safely. I remember being in my high school healthcare class, and while we learned a lot, the practical application of handling difficult situations is something this certification really excels at. Imagine a situation where someone is distressed or agitated; the CPI Blue Card equips you with strategies to communicate effectively, maintain safety for everyone involved, and even use physical interventions as a last resort, all while prioritizing the individual's dignity. It’s not just about physical techniques, though. A big part of what you learn with the CPI Blue Card aligns perfectly with the soft skills SkillsUSA emphasizes: active listening, empathetic communication, and problem-solving under pressure. My time as a SkillsUSA State Officer taught me how to represent an organization, advocate for career and technical education, and lead workshops – all experiences that hone your ability to interact with diverse groups and respond thoughtfully. These soft skills are the bedrock for successfully implementing the structured approaches taught by CPI. For instance, when we were touring places and talking to representatives in Washington, D.C., I learned the importance of clear, calm communication – a skill directly transferable to de-escalation. For students involved in programs like SkillsUSA New Mexico, where the focus is on developing skilled professionals, understanding certifications like the CPI Blue Card can give you a real edge. Whether you're aiming for a career as a nurse, a teacher, a social worker, or even in law enforcement, encountering individuals in distress is a reality. Having a CPI Blue Card demonstrates your commitment to professional, safe, and ethical practice. It shows employers you're not just skilled in your trade, but also prepared to handle complex human interactions with competence and compassion. Getting certified usually involves a training program, often a couple of days long, where you learn theory and practice techniques with certified instructors. It’s a hands-on experience, much like some of the practical competitions and workshops we had in SkillsUSA. It’s an investment in your professional development that speaks volumes about your readiness for a demanding role. I truly believe that combining the leadership and vocational skills gained from organizations like SkillsUSA with specialized certifications like the CPI Blue Card creates a truly well-rounded, job-ready individual. It's about being a champion not just in your craft, but also in how you interact with and support others. Definitely something to look into if you’re charting your career path!
