As a senior at Wheeling Park High School, I can easily say CTE (Career Technical Education) has helped shape me into the person I am today.
In my eighth grade english class, I decided to sign up for the Broadcasting Technology program. I wasn’t even 100% sure what CTE meant or stood for at the time. I took this step knowing I wanted to be involved in something that used cameras because of my love for photography and editing.
On my first day of high school, I remember walking through the doors having no idea what to expect. From the time I was little, I was always a little shy and not much of a public speaker. On top of that, I was extremely intimidated by the big kids. I remember looking at all of the students with tattoos and beards thinking, where am I?
As I grew as a freshman in my Broadcasting Technology fundamentals class, I found myself doing activities that were completely out of my comfort zone, which was honestly pretty scary. Left and right, I was learning different aspects of broadcasting from my advisor, Mrs. Dillon. Before I knew it, I was standing at the front of the class presenting to my classmates. The next moment I was being recorded by another student and reading announcements. Although this was a whole new experience, I found myself growing immensely.
During my sophomore year, I started to experience what it was like creating a news story for our student newscast, the Patriot Connection. Writing a script, editing on pinnacle studio, pressing the record button on a camera and working with others, is all a part of the broadcasting process. This not only improved my broadcasting and camera skills, but my communication skills. I got to the point where I could go up to a student in the hallway and ask them a question without being terrified. By the time I got to the end of my second year in high school, I recognized how much I was improving and decided to take the next big step.
When my junior year came around, I found myself not only in my third year of broadcasting, but in my school’s newspaper. The Park Press was something that always interested me since my freshman year, but I never felt like I was brave enough to take it. I was so wrong!
My third year of high school was the special year that I found myself to be a more confident and outgoing individual. Before I knew it, I was writing about Wheeling Park fashion for the Park Press and mentoring students in TV production. I also took my first radio class, which was such a cool experience. I never thought or guessed I would have gotten the hands-on experience of running a radio board and talking on-air.
After just one year of being in the Park Press, I was awarded the Director of Photography position for the following school year.
Due to being a completer in CTE, I was inducted into the National Technical Honor Society and recognized for my achievements.
When senior year came around, little did I know what else was right around the corner.
This school year has by far been the best year of my high school career and was full of so many different adventures, all due to CTE. Starting off, I got to attend a Lunch and Learn trip to cover the whole event. Secondly I got to travel to Charleston, W.Va. for the SkillsUSA Charleston Leadership Academy and cover the conference, as well as the different activities. Lastly, and best of all, I had the amazing opportunity to compete at SkillsUSA. Introduced to me by my Social Journalism advisor, Mrs. Droginske, I accepted the offer to compete in the photography portion. Although I wasn’t sure what to expect, I took the leap and it turned out to be one of the best experiences!
A few seniors around Wheeling Park agree that CTE has made a big impact on their life and learning experience.
Kendra Beaver is a member of the Machine Tool Technology program (Eagle Precision). From working a CNC milling machine to using lasers, she has acquired a variety of skills. “I have made a lot more friendships and have gotten a lot of good experience from being in it,” said Beaver.
Hunter Nick is a member of the Collision Repair Technology program (Parkview Collision). This program has revealed to him skills on how to fix a car in the real world if it gets damaged. “I have learned how to repair rust, fix dents, repair damage from collisions, straighten out parts, and weld,” said Nick.
Looking back on these last four years, it’s honestly fascinating how many opportunities arose. Knowing that it all came from choosing to sign up for a CTE program when I was just a middle schooler is even harder to believe.
The one big thing I have taken away from CTE is you never know where life will take you. If you aren’t sure about what you want to do, try everything until you find where you feel you belong.
You honestly have no idea where you will end up unless you try, and you might just find what you want to do for the rest of your life.
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