Fascinated by how characters with different mental health conditions think, behave, and interact, she began exploring psychology. With encouragement from her dad, she discovered psychiatry as a possible career path.
When she attended the MICTED Fair at her school, Angelica saw an opportunity to take her first step toward that goal by enrolling in the Medical Assisting program.
Although her ultimate interest is in mental health, Angelica recognizes the importance of understanding the entire human body. "Every part of the body still affects each other in some way, even if it seems completely unrelated."
What she especially appreciates about CTE is the opportunity to put classroom knowledge into practice. Students work through medical case studies, practice clinical skills, and participate in realistic patient-care scenarios in a simulated examination room. Unlike a traditional classroom, Angelica says the experience shows students what working in healthcare is really like.
"The teachers are going to be very honest with what you might face. Not in a way that's trying to push you away or scare you, but in a way that's like you need to be aware of what's going to happen." And while some days involve studying lengthy textbook chapters, others are a little more unexpected—including dancing to practice monitoring cardiovascular vital signs!
Outside the classroom, Angelica enjoys theater, art, and video games, often finding ways to connect those interests to her fascination with psychology.With plans to pursue psychiatry, Angelica is already building a foundation in healthcare while discovering how her interests can translate into a meaningful career.
That's what CTE is all about—connecting interests with opportunities and turning curiosity into a career path!