Two BC students recently had the opportunity to personally advocate for the educational programs that are helping them become college- and career-ready. In doing so, they got the attention of those at the highest levels of state government.
BCHS senior Yousif Alsammarraie recently represented the Career and Technical Education Center at the annual BOCES Expo at the Legislative Office Building in Albany. A second-year student in Capital Region BOCES’ Network Technology program, Alsammarraie met with state lawmakers and employees, answered questions and spoke about the benefits of workforce training programs like Capital Region BOCES offers.
“The environment in the program is excellent. The hands-on activities and really the people are just good – we all learn together,” Alsammarraie told lawmakers.
‘When I graduate, I plan to go to Hudson Valley Community College for ECM [Electrical Construction Maintenance]. I want to be in fiber optics as soon as I get out of college,” he said.
BCHS junior Maya Marrero represented the BOCES Early Childhood Education program during a recent visit by Gov. Kathy Hochul to the Albany BOCES CTE Center.
The two-year program prepares students for careers ranging from education to childcare to occupational therapy and physical therapy.
Marrero, who is in her first year of the Early Childhood program, said she enjoyed the opportunity to meet the governor.
“She showed an interest in what we want to do and said she supports us,” the BC junior said.
Marrero has said that her goal is to improve the lives of children.
“I want to be a social worker and help kids realize that they can be safe and happy.”
(Photo credit: Capital Region BOCES)