Day in the Life
Every day in an OCPS CTE classroom, lives are changing.
The world around us is changing and progressing in part due to OCPS CTE. What’s being learned in the classroom is applied in the field—in businesses we patronize, stores we shop and organizations we support.
Like most things, it simply begins on an ordinary day. An inquiry becomes a completed application. And successful enrollment transitions into enjoying classes. Every step in the process becomes a significant moment that marks a "new day" in the life of an OCPS CTE student.
As soon as applicants enroll, their lives become different. Days are varied and each one welcomes a new opportunity based on the experience and knowledge gleaned. From information technology to agriculture and graphic design to automotive services technology—the days are as unique as the students who live them.
Click on the Tech Center links and read the latest Day in the Life, a continued series brought to you by current students of OCPS CTE and Reinvent Me.
CTE Student "Day in the Life"
Orange County Public Schools Career and Technical Education helps more than 50,000 people each year by providing specific technical knowledge and skills. Additionally, we partner with many corporations, in a wide range of industries, to meet hiring goals, training requirements and recruitment needs. Hear from alumnus and corporate partners as they share their success stories. We’d love to hear from you! If you have a story to share, please click here.
A Highlight of a Westside Tech Student
Name:
Dorion Hightower
Campus Location:
Westside Tech
Program or Coursework:
Architectural Drafting
Expected Graduation/Completion Date:
December 2009
Dream Job: I would like to open my own design and construction company.
Previous jobs or career path (if any)? Previously, I owned my own hair stylist business.
How did you become interested in current program or coursework?
I have always been fascinated by how structures are built.
Did you have any fears about going back to school? Sure, I was concerned about my age and how long it’s been since I’ve been in school. Would I fit in…could I grasp school after being out for 12 years? Fortunately, things have worked out well!
Why did you select OCPS CTE as a postsecondary or continued education option?
A combination of convenient location and affordability.
What do you like most about the program?
I can work at my own pace. Plus, I can concentrate on course specific material rather than take a bunch of general education classes that don’t peak my interest.
What's something "unexpected" that you learned during your time at OCPS CTE?
I was able to enroll in a photo-voltaic and thermal heating class to complement my Architectural Drafting classes.
How has OCPS changed your life?
It has made me more aware and responsible. It’s also prompted me to become more involved with my children’s education as well.
What will you do with your certificate/degree/knowledge upon completion of your program/coursework?
I will be able to transfer credits to Valencia Community College and continue my education which is important for me to realize my dream of owning and operating a successful construction and design firm and ultimately work directly with architects and engineers.
Do you have any future education plans (at OCPS CTE or another institution)?
Yes, I plan to next work on attaining my AA degree.
What are your hobbies or what do you do for fun?
I enjoy working with kids and couch baseball and basketball in my spare time.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I see myself completing an AA degree and having my own successful Construction and Design Group.
Source of Inspiration:
My faith and my family.
What words of wisdom would you give to future OCPS CTE students (pursuing your chosen field or others)?
Sacrifice time and energy to make a better you.
A Highlight of a Westside Tech Student
Name:
Jeremy Stremkowski
Campus Location:
Westside Tech
Program or Coursework:
Architectural Drafting
Expected Graduation/Completion Date:
06-09
Dream Job:
Own and operate a commercial architectural firm.
Previous jobs or career path (if any)?
All previous jobs were in restaurants.
How did you become interested in current program or coursework?
When in high school I took drafting classes. I did quite well and from then on always wanted to be an Architect.
Did you have any fears about going back to school?
I was very scared. After almost 10 years of making bad decisions with drugs and alcohol I wasn’t sure if I would be able to follow through.
Why did you select OCPS CTE as a postsecondary or continued education option?
It was recommended to me while in a rehabilitation program.
What do you like most about the program?
The class is set as hands on assignments and we work with real world homes and other buildings.
What’s something “unexpected” that you learned during your time at OCPS CTE?
Not only do I have the determination to follow through. I am also fairly good at what I want to do.
How has OCPS changed your life?
It was the stepping stone to me believing in myself again and nothing can stop me now.
What will you do with your certificate/degree/knowledge upon completion of your program/coursework?
Find entry level work using AutoCAD in the commercial construction industry.
Do you have any future education plans (at OCPS CTE or another institution)?
If yes, please explain. While working in the industry I plan on taking classes at night until I get my degree. If all goes well I won’t stop until I have a Masters in Architecture.
What are your hobbies or what do you do for fun?
I really enjoy playing golf. I used to love riding my motorcycle, but a recent accident has made me rethink the safety of this hobby.
How do you spend your days on campus when attending class?
Doing what I love, starting with nothing and ending with a set of working drawings used in constructing structures.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years I see myself as being very close to being a licensed Florida Architect.
Source of Inspiration:
My family has stood behind me through all the wrongs I have done. One day I will prove they all were right for believing in me.
What words of wisdom would you give to future OCPS CTE students (pursuing your chosen field or others)?
It’s never too late to become the person you could have been. Never give up on your dreams simply because you made bad decisions in the past.