Whipping up a winning recipe

Sometimes, things don't go as planned.

Despite a few hiccups during a presentation in job skills demo, open, Taelyn Nilson finished first in.

Nilson decided to compete because, in her words, "It seemed fun."

She wrote and memorized a speech demonstrating how to make a recipe.

According to event rules, Nilson used a table and had access to one duplex 110-volt electrical outlet.

She took all the necessary supplies with her.

Prior to the presentation, Nilson said, "I measured out my ingredients and put them in Ziplock bags."

The presentation required demonstration of an occupational skill that is not within the student's chosen pathway.

She had three minutes to set up and clear the demonstration. The presentation was to last five to seven minutes.

During the presentation, she learned how to overcome a problem with her recipe.

"I had to add more milk to fix it," she said.

The Summerland seventh-grade student said none of the presentation was too difficult.

"It just made me very nervous," she said.

Before she presents at the state conference in April, Nilson said she will need to improve on her speaking abilities.

"I got nervous and messed up a bunch. I will also have to improve the recipe I used.

What's the biggest takeaway Nilson has discovered from participating in SkillsUSA?

"It has taught me leadership skills," she said.