How Career & Technical Education Programs at College Place High School Molded a Grad’s Future
College Place High School (CPHS) Class of 2020 graduate Samanta Valladares, currently employed as a CPHS Career and Technical Education (CTE) Paraprofessional, recently shared her journey through the Career and Technical Education programs at College Place High School. Valladares reflects on the impactful guidance she received from her instructors, the invaluable skills she acquired, and the pivotal moments that shaped her career trajectory.
Recalling her experiences, Valladares fondly acknowledges the profound influence of Mr. Matthew Hunter, her Computer Science teacher. She credits him with providing crucial emotional support and encouragement, especially during her initial apprehensions as one of the few girls in the class stating, “I wanted to get out, but he convinced me to stick with it.” Mr. Hunter's unwavering belief in her abilities ultimately sparked Valladares' passion for computer science, a field she might have otherwise overlooked.
Equally significant was Valladares' interaction with Mrs. Cathy Mebes, her Yearbook and Leadership instructor, who exhibited immense patience and fostered an inclusive learning environment. Despite facing language barriers during her sophomore year, Valladares found solace in Mrs. Mebes' supportive approach, which empowered her to embrace challenges and strive for excellence. Samanta commented, “She treated me like a professional, even when communication was difficult.”
When asked about the CTE classes that best prepared her for life after high school, Valladares emphasizes the impact of the Personal Finance course. Despite her initial struggles with English proficiency, she recognized the practicality of the lessons and their relevance to her future. The fundamental financial principles she learned then assisted her with tools in navigating the complexities of adulthood when she “had to learn how to be independent at a very young age.”
Valladares proudly shares her accomplishments in earning industry-recognized credentials, including an Adobe Photoshop certification and journalism credits through WWCC. These achievements underscore the tangible outcomes of CPHS's robust CTE programs, which equip students with valuable skills and qualifications for today's job market. Reflecting on the broader implication of CTE programs, Valladares emphasizes their role in providing students with diverse career exploration opportunities beyond traditional academic pathways while discovering their strengths and passions, regardless of their academic backgrounds.
Valladares' journey epitomizes the power of CTE programs in shaping students' career trajectories and fostering personal growth. Samanta was able to gain skills that she could apply immediately to enhance her life and career aspirations. During March, the month celebrating Career and Technical Education, her story serves as a testament to the dedication of exceptional educators and the enduring impact of quality career-focused education at College Place High School.