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SPOTLIGHT ON SUCCESS

Canby Graduate Name: Matthew Schoneman
 
What year did you graduate from CHS? 1999
 
Post high school education: Bachelor’s degree from University of Bellevue; Global Logistic Supply Chain;
Associate Degree from Community College of Air Force; Aviation Maintenance Technology
 
Current career/occupation: US Air Force, Civilian E-4B (AFETS) Air Force Engineering and Technical Support representative

How did CHS contribute to your success or prepare you for the leader you are today?

My time at Canby High School was instrumental in shaping who I am today, both professionally and personally. It wasn’t just about the academics; CHS instilled in me a deep understanding of teamwork and goal-setting that has been crucial to my success.
One of the most valuable lessons I learned was the power of collaboration. It was ingrained in us that few worthwhile endeavors are accomplished alone. The teachers consistently emphasized community effort, encouraging us to seek help when struggling and actively fostering peer-to-peer collaboration. I vividly remember working on group projects, like the time in Mrs. Winter’s communication class where we had to create a group dialog commercial. We had to delegate roles, research effectively, and combine our individual strengths to create a compelling presentation. This experience, along with countless others, highlighted the synergy achievable when diverse perspectives and talents converge. This understanding became a cornerstone of my career, first in the Air Force, where teamwork was paramount to mission success, and now as a civilian government employee, where collaborative efforts drive large-scale projects and ensures completion of the high visibility, no-fail mission.
Beyond teamwork, CHS ignited a passion within me and provided the guidance to pursue it. The teachers were incredibly supportive, taking a genuine interest in our aspirations. They helped me identify my strengths and explore different pathways to achieve my goals. When I shared my decision to join the military, their encouragement and insights about the opportunities it presented solidified my commitment. They understood the magnitude of this life change and provided invaluable support during that pivotal time.
The lessons I learned at Canby High School extend far beyond the classroom. The emphasis on teamwork and the unwavering support in pursuing my passions have been fundamental to my personal and professional growth. I carry the values instilled in me at CHS, and I am deeply grateful for the positive impact it has had on my life.

Do you think school activities have a role in student success?

Participating in school activities is more than just a fun extracurricular; it’s a valuable training ground for success later in life. These experiences provide a structured and supportive environment where students can develop crucial teamwork and leadership skills.
Joining a team, club, or group surrounds you with like-minded peers striving towards common goals. This dynamic naturally fosters collaboration and teaches you how to contribute effectively within a team setting. Moreover, school activities often present opportunities to step up and lead, whether it’s captaining a team, organizing an event, or mentoring younger members. These experiences, however small they may seem at the time, build a foundation of confidence that proves invaluable when navigating the professional world. When your future boss asks you to take initiative or lead a project, you can draw upon those early experiences to confidently rise to the challenge.

If you could go back and change one thing about high school or college, what would it be?

Soak in every moment of this time with your friends—the laughter, the adventures, the shared experiences. These relationships are precious and will shape the person you become. At the same time, don’t be afraid to engage your teachers and mentors in conversations about life beyond the classroom. Ask them about the skills and knowledge you’ll need to navigate adulthood successfully. Pick their brains about budgeting, relationships, time management—anything that feels relevant to the next chapter of your life. These conversations can be invaluable as you prepare for greater independence and responsibility.

Any suggestion on how a current student could prepare for their future career?

At 18, choosing a career path can feel like a monumental, life-defining decision. But here’s a secret: it doesn’t have to be. Instead of fixating on finding the “perfect” career right away, shift your focus inward. Discover those core things that light your fire – the activities that bring you genuine joy and the challenges that make you want to push yourself further.
These core values and passions are your compass. They will guide you towards a fulfilling career path, even if it takes a few twists and turns to get there. The job you choose at 18 might not be the one you do forever, and that’s okay! What matters is finding work that aligns with your core drivers, those foundational elements that make you excited to show up and do your best work, day after day. Trust that when you prioritize what truly makes you happy, the right career path will reveal itself in time