In a couple days, I will be graduating with two diplomas: one from regular academic high school and one from the technical side of my high school. I can truly say the technical division has changed my life; it has made me into the person I am today. I remember growing up with my big brother who was in carpentry, and he was doing great. I always said to myself I was going to take up a trade, too. Fast forward to freshman year and I was very lost. I was committed to taking up a trade but which one I had no clue. After spending a couple weeks in each trade I made my mind up, I was going to be taking computer aided design (CAD). Ever since that day my life has changed for the better.
Back in the day, vocational schools weren’t the same as they are now. Before, they use to be for people who supposedly weren’t going to college because they couldn’t make it academically, and they had a bad reputation. However, I wasn’t going to let the old stereotype get to me. I decided to put all my effort in succeeding. I think it is important to have trade skills in my pocket. Some people thought that being in a vocational school meant they wouldn’t have an equal education. I can personally say that is false, I took just as many classes and I was even in AP classes. Not only am I going to college but I am also planning to have a non-traditional career in architectural design. I am a non-traditional student because I am a woman going into a male-dominated career. I am proud of my accomplishments. The technical division of my school has opened my eyes to many opportunities. I am the president of SkillsUSA at my school—SkillsUSA is a vocational student based leadership organization.
Personally, I believe it is important to have vocational schools. Students are able to learn a trade and still get an academic education. Some students may pick a trade just to have something to fall back on if all else fails but some also want to pursue a career in their chosen trade. Also, if you think about it, most skills people can relate back to the vocational area.
I am proud to be a vocational student, and I am ready to see what my future holds for me. Thank you, technical division.
