TSA Voices: Season 2
In this season of TSA Voices, TSA chapter advisors share the stories behind their chapters — how they got started, what keeps them going, and how TSA helps students grow into confident leaders. Each episode highlights a 21st-century leadership skill, such as perseverance, collaboration, or communication, and how advisors use these skills to support students and build thriving TSA communities.
SEASON 2, EPISODE 1
Adaptability & Leadership Growth by Dr. Matthew North
In this episode, Dr. Matthew North shares how an unexpected shift—from 14 years in IT to teaching engineering and advising TSA—reshaped his life and leadership. What began with carrying boxes of Chromebooks through an engineering lab sparked a career grounded in purpose, challenge, and student impact. He reflects on the steep learning curve of stepping into TSA, his doctoral research on CTSOs and leadership, and the breakthrough moments that define the student experience. Now president of the Georgia TSA Board of Directors, Matthew highlights how adaptability, community, and service shape both student leaders and the advisors who guide them—showing that TSA is far more than competitions; it’s a catalyst for confidence and lifelong leadership.
SEASON 2, EPISODE 2
Resilience by Melissa Swallow
In this episode, Melissa Swallow shares how TSA shaped her from a shy sixth grader in her father’s shop class into a confident leader, educator, and lifelong mentor. Her story reveals how resilience—built through competition setbacks, leadership roles, and years of advising—became the foundation of her teaching philosophy and her approach to empowering students. From guiding middle schoolers to national championships to helping hesitant students discover their voice, Melissa shows how TSA cultivates the grit, communication skills, and growth mindset that fuel success far beyond the organization. Her journey is a testament to how resilience can transform both students and the advisors who guide them.
SEASON 2, EPISODE 3
Belief by Shenica Bridges Mathieu
In this episode, Shenica Bridges Mathieu shares how rebuilding a struggling TSA chapter transformed both her students and her own career. Through unwavering belief—often before students believed in themselves—Shenica led her chapter from 69th in the state to 6th, creating a culture in which confidence, courage, leadership, and belonging could take root. Her story highlights how belief can ignite potential, reshape school culture, and sustain a 17-year teaching career that continues to mold tomorrow’s leaders.
SEASON 2, EPISODE 4
Perseverance by Darla Van Corbach
In this episode, longtime educator and TSA advisor Darla Van Corbach shares how her 40-year teaching career—and nearly a decade leading middle school TSA students—has been defined by perseverance, growth, and community impact. From launching her TSA chapter with just four students to guiding them through state and national competitions, Darla reflects on the challenges and rewards of helping students discover their potential through STEM. Her story highlights how TSA fosters essential leadership skills like teamwork, communication, and resilience—skills that extend far beyond competition and into life. With practical advice for new advisors and inspiring student success stories, Darla’s journey embodies the lasting power of perseverance and purpose in leadership.
SEASON 2, EPISODE 5
Building Leaders Through Belief by Evan Biddulph
In this episode, longtime TSA advisor Evan Biddulph reflects on his remarkable 22-year journey with the Technology Student Association and the thousands of students who shaped it. Evan shares how TSA transformed from a small after-school activity into a life-defining mission—one built on confidence, curiosity, and hands-on learning. Through stories of sixth graders growing into mentors, ambitious teams engineering inventive solutions, and the evolution of technology from hand-sketches to AI tools, Evan illustrates how TSA prepares students not just for careers, but for life. He also reveals the leadership lessons he gained along the way: empowering students, embracing imperfections, building community, and finding meaning in every challenge. Evan’s story is a heartfelt reminder that true leadership is measured in the lives we impact—and that TSA’s collaborative, student-driven spirit continues to build the innovators and problem solvers of the future.
SEASON 2, EPISODE 6
Why Not? Turning the Impossible Into Impact by Kurt Twining
In this episode, longtime TSA advisor Kurt Twining shares how a simple mindset shift — “Why not?” — transformed his program, his students, and his own leadership journey. Kurt recounts how he built a thriving TSA chapter against the odds: navigating district restrictions, launching a new high school chapter from scratch, and empowering students to take the lead on ambitious ideas, including a communitywide STEM Night featuring a drone light show. Through every challenge, Kurt chose possibility over limitation and encouraged students to do the same. His story is a powerful reminder that when educators trust students with real responsibility, they don’t just create better projects — they create confident innovators who believe they can make the impossible possible.
SEASON 2, EPISODE 7
Inspiring the Next Generation by Marissa Dolch
In this episode, Marissa Dolch shares how one TSA competition — Future Technology Teacher — transformed her career path and ignited her lifelong passion for education. What began as a high school engineering class project evolved into a calling to teach technology and engineering and to inspire future innovators. Today, as a middle school technology education teacher and TSA advisor, Marissa guides her students through hands-on STEM challenges, helping them build confidence, discover new interests, and even envision future careers. Her full-circle story illustrates how TSA can uncover hidden potential, shape leadership, and create lasting impact—one student at a time.
SEASON 2, EPISODE 8
Perseverance by Samantha Aikens
In this episode, Arkansas TSA advisor Samantha Aikens reflects on how perseverance—both her own and her students’—has shaped her teaching and leadership journey. After discovering TSA early in her career, Samantha built her chapter from just a few students into a thriving community of confident leaders. She shares powerful stories of teamwork, resilience, and mentorship—like the all-girl audio podcast team that overcame last-minute challenges to win at state and then passed their knowledge on to younger members. Through TSA, Samantha has watched her students transform from shy and uncertain to capable, collaborative leaders, and she’s grown herself—learning to delegate, stay flexible, and empower students to take ownership of their learning. Her story is a heartfelt reminder that perseverance isn’t just about persistence through challenges—it’s about believing in potential, modeling resilience, and helping others rise with you.
SEASON 2, EPISODE 9
Perseverance by Sherry Roses
In this episode, Sherry Roses reflects on her four-decade journey with TSA—one that began as a pioneering female industrial arts student and evolved into a career defined by perseverance, leadership, and service. Sherry shares how early moments of proving herself, discovering student leadership, and launching her first chapter shaped her philosophy as an educator. Her story follows the ripple effect of perseverance: helping students overcome personal challenges, encouraging officers to run (and rerun) for leadership positions, advocating for technology education, and inspiring multiple generations—including her own children—to become teachers and advisors. Sherry’s journey is a powerful example of how perseverance can transform lives, create communities, and build a legacy that continues long after students leave the classroom.