EDU C AT I O N
BY: SHARLA BARDIN
Technology Center Organizations Offer Students the Chance to Build Leadership Skills
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ilia Valerio-Weekley’s involvement in SkillsUSA, a student organization at Moore Norman Technology Center, gives her the chance to grow as a leader, collaborate and connect with others, and advocate for programs that are important to her. “I think it just opens up so many doors for not only opportunities but getting to meet other people,” such as students, instructors and business professionals from the local and national levels, Valerio-Weekley said. Membership in student organizations offer personal and professional benefits, such as serving in elected positions, competing in competitions that relate to their career field and serving the community, said Traci Hopper, student organization coordinator at the center. “It really is a life-changing experience for our students,” Hopper said. The organizations focus on a variety of trades and career paths, such as the business industry to healthcare fields. Hopper said every student at the technology center is automatically enrolled in at least one of the organizations based on what they’re studying. It’s then up to students to determine how involved they want to be in the organization. Hopper said one of the aspects she loves most about her job is watching the gains that students can make through their involvement. She’s seen them build confidence, take on challenges, network with others and travel to new places through events and competitions. Valerio-Weekley said one of the reasons she wanted to participate in SkillsUSA is the opportunity to enhance her leadership skills. The organization is open to students in
18 April 2025
areas of construction, cosmetology, digital cinema and TV production, graphic design and transportation. Valerio-Weekley, a student in the digital cinema program at Moore Norman Technology Center, said she enjoys participating, especially when serving as an officer, traveling to Washington, D.C. to advocate for CareerTech education, working on community service projects and connecting with others. Valerio-Weekley said she also is grateful for the camaraderie that has developed with her fellow members. That connection proved especially powerful when she was in high school and was diagnosed with cancer. She said she was touched by how her fellow officers worked to keep her involved and how they reached out to her with encouraging calls, messages and gifts. Now in remission, Valerio-Weekley said she is thankful for the deep friendships she has formed. Valerio-Weekley said she also is learning skills that help make her career ready. She aspires to become a screenwriter and author and said her involvement in SkillsUSA has helped her learn adaptability, flexibility and resiliency. “Sometimes, things don’t go as planned and that is true for a film crew, as well. You have to be able to not back down when trouble arrives,” she said. “Through SkillsUSA, I know that you can learn from every experience and that because something doesn’t work out the first time, doesn’t mean you have to give up.” For more information about the organizations, visit www. mntc.edu.– BSM