March, 2009
by Eileen Mattai

Applying Training to the Real World Confirms Conny Cavazos’ Career Choice

Conny Cavazos, a senior at Juarez-Lincoln High School in La Joya, knows exactly where she is going. Tech Prep is helping her get there with real-world experience, technical skills and a strong academic foundation.

“I have always had an interest in the medical field, and I want to give back to the community,” says Conny. She intends to become a Physician Assistant (PA), a career which combines those two criteria. “I am more responsible now that I know what is set out for me. I am no longer stressing because I know what I want to do and accomplish.”

Health and Science Technology courses, part of the Tech Prep curriculum, have provided her with the technical skills that are the foundation of many healthcare professions. Conny will complete the requirements to qualify as a Certified Nursing Assistant in May 2009. Currently she is spending three hours at a time on clinicals at the Alfredo Gonzalez Texas State Veterans Home in McAllen.

“Clinical is fully hands-on. We really interact with patients applying what we learned in CNA training,” Conny says.

Conny says she made a wise decision to take advantage of free dual enrollment and college courses offered at Juarez-Lincoln. She has earned college credits for multiple classes with her after-school courses including government and music appreciation.

When she enters college next fall, Conny’s accumulated credits will give her advanced sophomore standing. That means she and her family won’t have to pay the tuition, books and fees associated with the first few college semesters. It also means that Conny is that much closer to her career goal.

She has been accepted by Texas A&M and UT-Pan Am. While UTPA is known for its graduate Physician Assistant program, Conny believes she will get her Bachelor’s in biology at TAMU and then return to the UTPA for the PA training.

“I’m going to come back to the Valley. This is where I want to work,” Conny says. With her horizons opening, she does not rule out going to medical school at some point. Excited abut the goals she is working toward, Conny has advice for her younger siblings: work hard and don’t procrastinate. “You should take advantage of what school has to offer, join clubs and volunteer for community services.” The reward is working for and achieving your dreams.