Fairdale's Evan Parisek Chooses Gears over Soccer Goals
For many young athletes, the idea of continuing their sport at the collegiate or professional level is a natural dream. Evan Parisek, a skilled soccer player from Fairdale High School, had every opportunity to pursue that path. However, as he approached the end of high school, Evan made a different choice.
Rather than following the traditional route of playing college soccer, Evan decided to focus on his passion for heavy machinery and construction. This decision wasn't easy, but he believes it is the best path forward. By choosing this route, Evan sees an opportunity to pursue work that genuinely excites him and sets him up for long-term success.
Soccer Balls & Excavators
Evan's athletic journey was marked by significant achievements. He played soccer for LouCity Academy, competing at the national level and catching the eye of college recruiters. Later, as a player for Fairdale High School, Evan continued to excel on the field. His talent and dedication to the sport seemed to pave the way for a potential collegiate soccer career.
However, Evan's interests were expanding beyond the soccer pitch. "I'm fortunate I picked Fairdale," Evan says, reflecting on his high school experience. The school's Cambridge program and Career and Technical Education (CTE) offerings opened new doors for him. Currently a senior, Evan excelled academically while also taking advantage of the hands-on training available in the heavy equipment pathway.
Discovering a New Passion
As Evan progressed through high school, his interest in heavy machinery grew, fueled by experiences at his grandfather's 20-acre farm. When his grandfather wanted to create a quarter-acre pond, Evan, then a sophomore, put his skills to the test, clearing and shaping the pond in just one day using a rented excavator. This experience cemented Evan's passion for heavy machinery and sparked his desire to pursue a career in construction.
At Fairdale, Evan found a supportive environment that nurtured this passion. Under the guidance of Mr. Kinter Maupin and Mr. Toeupu Liu, Evan and his classmates worked on real-world projects. These included building a 250-foot sidewalk and extending a gravel road for the Fairdale Fire Department house. These projects not only taught Evan technical skills but also emphasized the importance of teamwork and problem-solving.
Mr. Maupin's lessons extended beyond the technical aspects of heavy machinery. "Not only did Maupin teach me how to operate machinery, but I also learned soft skills like email writing," Evan notes. This comprehensive approach to education has prepared Evan well for the demands of his chosen career, bridging the gap between his academic studies and practical, real-world applications.
“It’s just a big sandbox!”
Choosing a Different Path
As Evan approached his senior year, he faced a decision about his future. With the opportunity to play college soccer within reach, he could have easily followed the traditional path. Instead, Evan decided that entering the workforce directly would be the best choice for him. "I feel like college would be four years of wasted time," he explains. This decision was influenced by his desire to gain practical experience and start building a career sooner.
As graduation approaches, Evan's future is taking shape. Evan has been offered a position with Cleary Construction, and he plans to begin his new career on June 11, just one day after his 18th birthday. “I’m starting as a Laborer, which will allow me to work alongside more experienced workers," Evan explains. This role will provide him with valuable on-the-job training and the opportunity to learn from seasoned professionals.
Evan chose Cleary because of its family-owned culture and smaller size. With an impressive starting wage, benefits including health insurance and a 401k, and opportunities for overtime, Evan is well-positioned for financial stability and career growth.
A Passion Supported by Community
"Everybody is involved," he says of his classmates in the heavy equipment pathway. "The only argument is about who would get on a piece of equipment." This enthusiasm extends beyond the classroom, as Evan has already applied his skills in carpentry and other projects.
Evan's journey has been supported by his family and educators, along with a number of Fairdale’s community partners. His parents have been open to his career choices, encouraging him to explore different paths. "My parents would have supported me either way," Evan notes. This support, combined with mentorship from teachers like Mr. Maupin, has given Evan the confidence to pursue his goals.
Looking to the Future
As Evan prepares to enter the workforce, he does so with a clear vision and determination. "Heavy equipment is my passion," he declares. For Evan, this choice represents not just a career path but a chance to pursue work that excites him and sets him up for long-term success. As he transitions from the soccer field to the construction site, Evan stands ready to build a future that is both fulfilling and stable. With a grin, he sums up his newfound career: "It's just a big sandbox!"