Operation Blueprint:

Cole Gaughenbaugh didn't always know he would become a teacher.

The O'Neill St. Mary's graduate envisioned life as a chiropractor and enrolled in classes at Wayne State College in the fall 2019 semester.

Seven months later, the pandemic struck.

"The whole world got thrown for a loop," he said. Gaughenbaugh packed his bags and headed home, to O'Neill, to finish classes.

He contemplated returning to college, deciding to seek a business degree.

Call it divine intervention - or the Master's plan - at work. Gaughenbaugh determined he would study industrial technology and become an educator. After speaking with his college advisor, he outlined a blueprint to "crunch it all in" in three years.

"Luckily, I took enough dual-credit classesin high school through Northeast Community College. I was able to squeeze in and graduate on time with the rest of my class," he said.

Gaughenbaugh is putting his skills to the test this semester as a student teacher at Summerland Public Schools, working alongside veteran IT instructor, Mike Odell.

The student teacher said he enjoys teaching all aspects of IT, noting his favorite strand depends on the moment.

"It depends on the project I have on my mind. That's usually my favorite area to be in at the time. If I have my mind set on a project, I usualy have tunnel vision to see the end product," he said.

After two weeks of observation, Gaughenbaugh began teaching all class periods, except for eighth grade, which alternates. He teaches wood production, welding, introduction to IT and construction.

Since taking over classes, he's discovered the adage, "Measure twice, cut once," applies to teaching.

"Trying to explain something you've done a hundred times to someone who's doing (the task) for the first time can be difficult," Gaughenbaugh said. "To wrap your head around a certain task in the shop can be a difficult thing."

One unexpected lesson he has learned is the amount of time educators put in every day.

"I have a new respect for teachers and how exhausted they get through the day," he said. "You always have to put a smile on your face, even if you're having a bad day."

Next year, Gaughenbaugh will teach at Shelby-Rising City Public Schools. He's working with school administrators to shape the future of the program and devising class offerings.

IT teachers can be a jack-of-all-trades, as components can include anything from woodworking to small engine repair to welding.

"There's a lot to know, but if you use your resources, you can keep up with stuff. There's a lot to remember," he said.

Staying in touch with ever-changng technology will also be important to the young educator.

"As an instructor, you have to push yourself to keep up to date. Otherwise, the technology will advance and you'll be behind and so will your students," Gaughenbaugh said.

Laser engraving and computer numeric control programs have evolved and become popular over the past five years, according to Gaughenbaugh. CAD drawing remains popular.

"The old board drafting is a thing of the past," he said.

In addition to his classroom schedule, Gaughenbaugh may be adding a SkillsUSA chapter, possibly working with the robotics program and coaching golf.

He is looking forward to building relationships with his new students and taking part in the communities the school serves.

This semester, he has helped with the Bobcats SkillsUSA program and will serve as a volunteer golf coach.

And, he's learned important lessons he'll carry with him.

"My favorite part of being at Summerland is getting to know people in the community, where they were prior to the consolidation and putting the connections together to see how three communities come together to make one strong community," he said. "This is an outstanding facility."