The path to success has been clear for years to Wright City student Zoe Riggs, who says every decision she’s made in her high school years has been to cultivate a future career in “ministry-based business.”

Riggs currently is participating in a full-time dual enrollment program with St. Charles Community consisting of a mix of in-person learning in St. Charles and online classes. She’s enrolled in economics, Spanish, and general education classes to prepare her for an eventual business degree.

In prior years, Riggs was a hybrid homeschool student, attending Wright City High School only for certain classes and athletics.

Riggs has a clear goal of establishing a community business that is guided by her Christian faith to benefit disadvantaged people and communities. She’s already building experience through an online shop that deals in handmade jewelry and accessories, including bracelets from a nonprofit that supports families in the Philippines.

In her free time, Riggs also works multiple part-time jobs at cafes in St. Charles and Wright City.

Q: What kind of business do you want to have?

“I want to have something like the places I work now, like a coffee shop or a cafe/boutique. But I want the things I’m selling and working with to have a greater impact.

“Instead of just buying my products from a random website, it would be from locals or disadvantaged people. Eventually I would like to employ teenagers or people from backgrounds where they can’t find any other job. And it would be a safe place for them to work in a good environment.”

Q: What educational path has led you to where you are now?

“I was homeschooled until my freshman year. I started taking two classes at the high school so I would be eligible to run (track and cross country). My goal was going to the state meet so that I could get recognition from college coaches and get an athletic scholarship so that college could be affordable.”

Q: Who has been an important mentor?

“The biggest would be my parents. ... I love learning from anyone older than me with experience. With my employers I work for now at small businesses, I’ll take notes. And grandparents are amazing examples, keeping me strong in my faith and reminding me what’s most important.

Q: Are you enthusiastic about economics/business classes?

“Honestly, it’s been a struggle. I have this (business) I know I want to do, so I say ‘Why do I have to do X, Y or Z’? But this is the process, this is how you get to those goals. ... You can’t just have a dream but not put in the work.”

Q: Any advice for younger students finding their goals?

“Do what you’re good at, and what inspires you, and just work at it. There’s so many people with amazing talents and skills that they don’t utilize.”

Q: What are your plans for future education?

“After the next semester at SCC, I’m going to transfer over to Southwest Baptist University. I committed for track and cross country there. ... I think that school will be good for my plans for a ministry-based business.”