17 years later and I am STILL passionate about that class I took first year of high school

I became involved in Career and Technical Education during my freshman year of high school when I was enrolled in a Family and Consumer Sciences class by my high school counselor. Little did I know that decision would honestly change my career path and the course of my entire adult life. Fast forward 17 years later and I am still as passionate about this field as I was all of those years ago...

In my freshman Child Development class, I stepped out of my comfort zone and was able to lead a preschool playgroup for my class. It is because of that experience that I decided to run for a Family, Career and Community Leaders of America Chapter Officer position and for the first time in my life, I began taking risks and stepping out of my comfort zone.

As my leadership skills developed, I ran for a District Office as a new sophomore and coordinated a community service project for the entire district. I had to use my organization, communication, and networking skills to work with students and advisers from many different high schools. It was exhilarating and by the end of my 10th grade year, I was hooked. I ran for a position as an FCCLA State Officer and was elected as the Vice President of Publications. That following year, I had a blast traveling around the state, leading workshops, visiting other chapters, and coordinating events. I had ignited a fire in myself and I loved every minute of it. The spring before my senior year of high school, I was elected as the Colorado FCCLA State President. It was at that moment that I knew I was meant to be a Family and Consumer Sciences teacher. I wanted to give back to the organization and the profession that gave me so much in only a few short years. I applied to Colorado State University the following summer and upon my acceptance, I declared my major as Family and Consumer Sciences Education.

Fast forward 17 years later and I am still as passionate about this field as I was all of those years ago. I have taught thousands of students, served as FCCLA District Consultant, and have even been an Adviser for many State Officers (including two State Presidents) along the way. I absolutely LOVE that I get to work with high school students and teach them skills that will benefit them in their careers and all other aspects of adult their life. The collaboration, the growth, the development, the purpose, the passion behind Career and Technical Education is unlike anything you will ever experience and I feel so fortunate that I get to work inside of that world each and every day.

Lindsey Leuenberger-Klautsch

Learn more about Mrs. Lindsey Leuenberger-Klautsch class at Northglenn High School here!