Amado Perez was born in Mexico and immigrated to America with his family in fourth grade. He grew up in Chicago where his father delivering meals for the elderly. 

Amado first heard of SkillsUSA Illinois his freshman year in high school. His soccer teammates told him about the organization and suggested he join, which he did in his sophomore year. As it was a COVID recovery year, Amado participated in online competitions. 

The SkillsUSA Illinois State Leadership & Skills Conference Amado attended his junior year was overwhelming as it was his first in-person event. He recalls navigating a hectic schedule which included preparation, practice, and completion of three separate competitions: Opening & Closing Ceremonies, Math, and Customer Service. Through all the running around, he states he was still able to devote time to making some connections he hopes to maintain through and after graduation. 

Amado’s team ended up placing fourth in the Customer Service competition at the state conference. Through a series of cancellations and unavailability of the other teams to attend, his team was called to represent Illinois at the National Leadership & Skills Conference that year. 

When asked his thoughts on the national conference, Amado sums up his experience in one word – crazy! He did not expect so many people, noting the state competition for Customer Service had 14 entrants whereas the national competition had one from almost every state. Once again, Amado comments on the incredible opportunity he had to meet people from all over the country who shared similar values and interests in their future.

Amado admits he felt more pressure at nationals with so many competitions going on at the same time, but he did not let that distract him. He resolved to put in his best effort and made a point of getting everything he could out of the experience. When he heard his name called for first place in Customer Service, he was in shock but incredibly pleased and proud of his accomplishments. 

Amado is now in his senior year. He plans to try for a scholarship to a 4-year college where he hopes to major in either computer science, business, or pre-law. He believes the leadership preparation aspects of SkillsUSA Illinois helped him prepare for his future no matter the outcome. He has learned the importance of being professional in all environments, and supervisors see that in him. His real-world experience from competitions (both prep and the competitions themselves) have also given him an edge over others who haven’t had those experiences. Winning a national medal in a competition like Customer Service demonstrates developing those soft skills doesn’t hurt either! 

Amado lists the many benefits of being a member of SkillsUSA Illinois as including self-improvement, community improvement, college or career preparation, and adaptation skills. He also wants others to know it is a fun environment where you can meet people, make friends, establish relationships with advisors and mentors, and even become a role model for newer members to help them through the process. Everything Amado has learned through SkillsUSA Illinois, he plans to take with him to his college and employment experiences.