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From
a farm in Perry, Okla., to the life of an actor in Los Angeles, Travis
Brorsen and his sidekick, a brindle boxer named Presley, are creating
quite a stir across the country. They
are the first winners of a new reality television show, “The Greatest
American Dog.”
A former Oklahoma FFA state reporter, Brorsen, graduated
from Oklahoma State University with a major in Agricultural Communications
and a minor degree in Theatre. He attributes much of his “luck” on
the show to the preparation that began while in junior high school
and the CareerTech student organization, FFA.
That is why Brorsen is being recognized as a CareerTech champion,
according to Phil Berkenbile, CareerTech state director.
“CareerTech Champions are alumni of the system's programs
or student organizations who attribute much of their success to
their CareerTech experience,” Berkenbile said.
“I’ve
been told that I was in the right place at the right time to be on
the show,” Brorsen said. “But, I’ve been working
hard for years preparing to be in the right place at the right time – paying
bills and keeping a positive attitude.” |
Presley and Travis pose with
the winning trophy. |
Although he can be seen in several television commercials, after six
years of working hard to break in as an actor in California, Brorsen
admits this star in his crown was completely unexpected.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think a dog would make me a
regular on a 10-week TV show.”
Travis and Presley
tackle a challenge on the TV show, “The Greatest American
Dog.” |
The life
experience of leadership conferences, FFA alumni camps and travel
across the state visiting FFA chapters as a state officer team
member helped ready him to meet and work with show contestants
who came to the show with highly trained dogs.
Through relationships built with other contestants, Brorsen and
Presley both excelled. The contestants actually helped Brorsen
train his young dog who, at only 15 months, didn’t even know
how to come when his name was called.
Brorsen also credits FFA’s
public speaking opportunities and the constructive criticism given
by judges, teachers and peers at competitive events throughout his
FFA and Agricultural Education high school career that prepared him
for success. |
Upon moving to L.A. Brorsen began putting the things from his FFA speeches
into practice.
“I set goals – short-and long-term – and looked at
the big picture instead of living on a day-to-day basis. People skills
and communication skills set the tone for what I do today,” Brorsen
said.
“The show’s judges gave me the hardest time of anyone,” Brorsen
said. “But, I needed their criticism to be better the next time, and
not just put my tail between my legs and walk away. In acting, if you can’t
take rejection this isn’t your line of work. For every 20-50 auditions
you might get good feedback on one or two with most just telling what went
wrong rather than what went right.”
| Brorsen’s grandfather, a past Oklahoma FFA president, called
him after the show’s initial interview process, commenting
on his restatement of each question before answering, just as FFA
teaches.
“I was taught that gives you time to think, so I was at
an advantage from other contestants who would ramble on for a couple
of minutes before framing an answer,” Brorsen said. “In
FFA, we learn to take all the time in the world to be sure of what
you want to say so that it comes out clearly. And, if you mess
it up – but are being yourself – that is okay.”
Brorsen believes that by taking one day at a time, the small goals
make big goals happen.
“I love acting and have a passion for
it. But if tomorrow my acting career was over, that would be okay if
I could do something else – with passion – in the entertainment
business. I’ve learned that even if your path doesn’t take
you where you think you want to go, you’ll still end up somewhere
you want to be.” |
FFA
Reporter 1997-98. |
When first in L.A., Brorsen wondered about all the people carrying dogs
in their purses. Living on a farm all his life, he’d never owned
a dog that actually had a name. Brorsen and Presley weren’t yet “best
pals.” After 10 weeks of spending 24 hours a day, seven days a
week together, that relationship could go either way – from asking
his sister, who owned Presley’s mother, to take him back – to
being best buddies.
Travis and Presley visit Perry School children.
|
“Luckily, we’re best buddies now,” Brorsen
said. “Now, as the show’s winning team, we visit schools
and hospitals and make public appearances all across the country.
Never having a dog as a pet before, I had no idea the impact one
can make on a child or someone who is ill.”
Brorsen admits he’s following FFA’s encouragement
to its members to keep doing what you love.
“FFA encourages people to chase their dreams to become whatever
you want to become,” Brorsen said. “I am a firm believer
in not letting anything stand in your way.” |
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