Sebastian Ku's Journey into Marketing

At Burnsville High School, senior Sebastian Ku has found a passion for marketing that has transformed his educational experience. 

Last year, he enrolled in an introductory marketing course on a whim, not knowing how pivotal it would be for his future. 

“I had no idea what I was interested in until I took Marketing 1 with Mrs. Mayernik last year. After that class, I realized everything I learned in it, I saw myself using it in the future, and I could apply everything I learned to college and a future business,” he said.

Sebastian signed up for more classes within the school’s Business Management and Entrepreneurship Pathway this year. At Burnsville High School, the Pathways model provides opportunities and clear guidance for students to find their passion and take courses that provide real-world skills and tools they can use in their futures.

Sebastian is currently taking two marketing classes -  Entrepreneurship, as well as an independent study course in Project Management - and he’ll take Marketing 2 next semester. He said the interactive activities that are part of all his marketing classes help keep him engaged and fuel his interest in the field. 

“The teachers have made it extremely easy to learn because we don't just do assignments; we run simulations and do presentations where we get real-world experience,” he said. 

Sebastian’s interest in business and marketing also led him to join DECA this year. He’s serving as president and is in charge of membership. He’s enjoyed developing his presentation skills and building relationships with classmates who have similar education and career aspirations. 

“It is not typical for first year DECA students to seek out much less be approved for a leadership position,” Mayernik said. “We had one (leadership) vacancy which we were not initially going to fill this year. However, after Sebastian advocated and sought out the role, the other student leaders determined his aptitude and strengths in marketing and communications would be a great asset to the team and nominated him.”

Sebastian’s interest in marketing extends beyond the classroom, as well. He helps out at his dad's wholesale business in St. Paul, where he orders products and handles paperwork like invoices, checks, receipts and deposits. Working at the family business has provided him with a chance to see the real-world applications for what he’s learning at BHS.

“I can see the things I’m learning when I’m helping my dad. It’s been very useful,” he said. “The classes I've taken have helped me sharpen my skills and learn new things. They've helped me try to elevate the business and create a vision of what I want to do with it when I'm older and how I can improve it.”

Looking ahead, Sebastian plans to study marketing and business at the University of St. Thomas, where his brother currently attends. He said he feels fortunate that the classes he’s taking at BHS have helped him learn more about himself and prepared him for his future.

“These classes have gotten me to apply myself more and opened my eyes to what I’m learning and what I like about it and what I enjoy doing,” he said.

Mayernik sees Sebastian’s journey into marketing as a great example of the success of Pathways at BHS. 

“One thing I really appreciate about BHS is that we don't lock the students into one pathway. They can explore their interests and lean in when that spark catches on. That's what I think is happening with Sebastian now,” she said. “He is interested and ready to go and we are ready to support and encourage him.”

Pathways in District 191

From preschool through graduation, District 191’s Pathways model provides all students with age-appropriate experiences through which they explore possibilities, develop the skills and attributes they’ll need to succeed, find their passions and prepare for their futures. 

Being a Pathways district means we:

• Remove barriers and ensure equitable access for all students,

• Center students as decision makers in their learning journeys,

• Promote a future-focused mindset, ensuring students have a plan for meeting their next challenge,

• Engage in partnerships to maximize resources and opportunities, and 

• Provide real-world benefits, including professional certifications and college credits by graduation

Learn more at pathways.isd191.org.