Looking ahead: Seniors make plans for the future Others already have a specific plan of what major to take or what As the seniors approach the last they are most likely to do even year of high school life, they have after HCC. to make plans for their future. “I’m planning on going to HCC Many of them decide to continue to study dental hygiene after learning in colleges and universihigh school,” senior Yadira Lopez ties, with students choosing diverse said. “If the career that I’m going majors and programs. through goes successfully with me, Community colleges are always then obviously I will try to transfer a practical choice for seniors and to another university. So it might Houston Community College is take two or three more years after one of the best community colleges HCC. First of all, it’s because I was in the state. Many seniors shared signed to the dental system by my goals to attend HCC after high counselor. The other reason is my school to continue their dream. dentist. I have known him since I Although they aim to go to the was four or five, and I still talk to same school, most of the seniors him about my career in the future have different pursuits planned at now. He explains about the money HCC. Some want to try to figure he makes, and he’s happy how it out what career they should follow works out. So now it’s my passion.” in the future by being involved in Besides community colleges, more occupations related activities universities are also one of the top and courses in the community col- choices for the seniors. As unileges. versities have more opportunities, “I want to go to community certificates and networks to follow college and try to figure out my a specific career path, attending major,” senior Roland Gramajo these schools will have a lot of said. “Probably if I enjoy it I’ll go advantages for seniors. with it, if not then I think I’ll drop “I want to attend Texas A&M out and go straight to work. I’d pre- to study Forensic Science,” senior fer this choice because community Allison Hernandez said. “It’s like college is not as expensive. Since when you get out of school with a I don’t know what I really want to forensic degree, you can go to the do yet, I don’t want to waste money FBI or police, and then you will on a 4-year university while I can investigate crime scenes, homicide, spend a lot less at community coland you will collect evidence as lege.” well. I want to do this though it’s By Anh Dao
Vet science: A
kinda dangerous since I want to help people to solve their family issues, because there are cases like in the movies, the family of the victims just don’t know what to do and where to go.” However, there are seniors that have a dream job but who have not yet decided which route to take in order to activate their dreams. “My plan is to go to college to study veterinary terminology because I love animals,” senior Joshua Phillips said. “But I haven’t decided on a school yet. I’m trying to do that right now.” There are seniors who have someone really special to depend on. “Although I made this decision on my own, I know that my best friend will support me,” Gramajo said. “She’s studying in another district right now, but she has always been there for me in my darkest times.” “The one who inspires me the most is my dentist, and he will obviously be the one who supports me the most with this career path,” Lopez said. “What’s more is that my sister will also encourage me a lot. Since she is the oldest child in my family, but she still hasn’t attended college yet, that drives me to become the first generation of my family to go to college. My sister will be happy with that.”
The others were affected a lot by their parents: “Since my dad was a part of the forensic team, he used to follow crimes and investigate corruption,” Hernandez said. “I watched him and admired him, so now I want to do that too. Moreover, I think that my parents will support me the most with my decision. There is no reason for that. Because they are my parents, so they will get my back no matter what.” To prepare for a long future ahead, starting with their plans after high school, the seniors will definitely have to set up goals to finish in order to achieve their plans. The majority of seniors know that FAFSA, TASFA or scholarships are what they are supposed to do if they want to attend colleges, and most of them are ready to apply for these grants. Besides financial aid, GPA is one of the most important requirements that they have to meet to be able to attend colleges. Acknowledging this, a lot of the seniors are doing their best at catching up with school and keeping a good GPA. Finally, setting a strong mindset is also a key to success that the students are following. As long as they have a strong determination with the choice that they make, they are more likely than ever to be successful with their dreams.
peak into CTE
By Maritza Ramos
One of the many programs at CTE is veterinary science. It’s often overlooked by others and maybe even thought of as less than the other programs. Many assume they have a class with dogs and it’s all fun and games but it is much more than that. The opportunities that this program offers are very unique and it stands out from the rest of the programs at CTE. The program is separated into two years. Students would normally start their junior year to take full advantage of it. The first year shows all the basic terminology that is used in a typical veterinary clinic. In addition, students get the experience of working with animals and clients, just like at an actual veterinary clinic or hospital. “My favorite thing would be just be to participate in the science lab and help the dogs
in any way I can,” Isabella Awitan, a current first year student in the program, said. One of the many things the students get to do in the canine corner is interact with real clients. Customers call to make appointments with them so their pets get to pay them a visit to vet science and get any of their needs taken care of. Being in any program at the CTE center helps to prepare the students for the career they choose to take but one unique aspect of the veterinary science program is that the student graduates with their high school diploma and their veterinary assistant certification on top of that. “I think the program would give me a head start in my career path, while some people would be barely starting with certification,” Sofia Alcala said.
Photo by Maritza Ramos
Junior Kailah Harris dries off Stardust after her bath at the CTE center.
