Success requires pushing beyond your comfort zone

It wasn’t so very long ago, that Jacob Hillebrand stood behind the podium at Cornell High School, speaking to gathered students. Now, however, his role is somewhat different, as the 2017 graduate returned to impart some words of wisdom to those honored at the Cornell Lions Club Honors Program. Photo by Ginna Young

By Ginna Young

When the Cornell High School Class of 2017 was poised to step out of the high school world into the realm of adulthood, Jacob Hillebrand spoke in front of his peers, teachers, family and friends. Now, six years later, he was back behind that same podium at his alma mater, for the 64th annual Cornell Lions Honors Program May 17.

“Much time has passed since that speech,” said Hillebrand.

Serving as an electronic systems controls senior engineer at Cummins and coming from a farm family background, Hillebrand is no stranger to hard work.

Which is good, because that’s one of the things he stresses that must happen to be successful in life. That also means effort and discipline.

“In whatever you do, the outcome should be the results of your best effort,” he said.

Perseverance is just as important as hard work, but is more difficult to master. When Hillenbrand was first tasked with a weeks-long project at his current job, he ended up completely redoing the first attempt. While he may have been discouraged, he realized the setbacks make the achievements all the more satisfying. Hillebrand counseled youth to have patience, even when it’s daunting to take on the next phase of life, and to not get discouraged.

“It’s important to remember that success takes time and requires the willingness to stick with something, even when progress seems slow or that you’re moving backward,” said Hillebrand.

Admitting he still has a lot to learn, Hillebrand also has learned some valuable life lessons along the way, which will only help him in whatever else comes his way. No matter what occurs, Hillebrand encouraged the students to keep driving forward toward success.

“Success often requires pushing ourselves beyond our comfort zones and embracing the challenges,” he said.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="180"] This year’s recipient of the $2,000 Cornell Lions Club Scholarship, is Avery Turany (left), who was presented the award by Lions president Pat Denison. Photo by Ginna Young[/caption]   [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="180"] Receiving the WIAA Scholar Athlete Award, are Kelsea Popp (left) and Avery Turany. Photo by Ginna Young[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_178775" align="alignnone" width="300"] Receiving Conference Academic All-Conference Awards, left to right, are Dylan Bowe, Kelsea Popp, Bryce Anderson, Avery Turany and Rachel Laird. Photo by Ginna Young[/caption]   [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="368"] Receiving honors for the freshmen class, left to right, are Andrea Sternweis, Cadence Baker, Addy DeJongh and Kallee Dekarske. Missing, is Carson Stipek. Photo by Ginna Young[/caption]   [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="368"] Receiving honors for the sophomore class, left to right, are Richelle Raether, Briana Glaus, Bralee Schroeder and Sorik Spangler. Missing, are Faith Blaisdell, Alyssa Bowe and Torren Parker. Photo by Ginna Young[/caption]   [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="368"] Members of the junior class receiving honors, left to right, are Allie Turany, Grace Harycki and Camden Mercer. In back, are Haily Duffy, Brooke Anderson, Aliyse Maier and Faith Kubista. Missing, are Brooke Sime, Bentley Spangler and Mahli Wilson. Photo by Ginna Young[/caption]   [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="368"] Receiving honor awards for the senior class, left to right, in front, are Kelsea Popp, Kc Rose, Taiylor Sturgis and Rachel Laird. In back, are Blake Anders, Bryce Anderson, Avery Turany and Dylan Bowe. Missing, is Bailey Sikora. Photo by Ginna Young[/caption]   [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="368"] Receiving the President’s Award for Educational Excellence, left to right, in front, are Kelsea Popp, Taiylor Sturgis, Rachel Laird and Madyson Sanders. In back, are Blake Anders, Bryce Anderson, Avery Turany and Dylan Bowe. Missing, are Bill Dekarske, Cole Kesan, Khloe Kilde, Bailey Sikora and Breanna Schoonover. Photo by Ginna Young[/caption]