Holley junior Alex Mendoza attends the Phlebotomy and Laboratory Science class at Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center. She knew she wanted to work in the medical field after graduation, but she wasn’t sure which area she wanted to specialize in. As soon as she became aware of the program at CTE, she knew she had to enroll.
Her experience with the program helped her fall in love with Phlebotomy. “I believe it’s important to be an advocate for these programs because the experiences give us a feel for careers we want to pursue in the future,” said Alex. “Most of the kids I know love the CTE programs. I want kids who don’t know what they want to do, have the opportunity to figure that out by attending CTE. I want kids to understand that the opportunities at CTE give us a leg-up to possible careers.”
Alex has met with her principal and counselors to have them observe classes and help them promote CTE programs to other Holley students. “She’s a very headstrong, devoted, committed and passionate young lady,” said Counselor Kristina Tese. “When she believes in something, she takes every step in order to fulfill her purpose.” Alex presented to her fellow Holley students about CTE and the lifesaving skills she has learned in her program, including a project she is working on with a Holley biology teacher. She demonstrated how she learned to take samples from a prosthetic arm, explained what the samples are used for, described how to test them and revealed the process for determining results. She continually hones her skills so she can leave CTE as a certified Phlebotomist.
"Alex is a special young lady with a wonderful personality that works hard in the Phlebotomy and Laboratory Science program," said Phlebotomy and Laboratory Science Teacher Jim Payne. "She found out about the program one month before it started and quickly became one of the biggest advocates I have ever had for program."
"My plan is to obtain my Phlebotomy certification and attend college to possibly major in microbiology,” said Alex. “During college, I’ll be working as a Phlebotomist, doing something I love, helping people and earning money while doing it!”