Many high school students in northwestern Oklahoma make the decision to attend one of Northwest Technology Center’s campuses throughout the area. One of those students is Carson Schanbacher, who is a senior at Cherokee High School. She is in the Digital Design program and she has a personal connection to the tech center.
“My mom, Jessica, is a teacher at Northwest Tech,” Carson said. “She teaches the Digital Design program there. I had many older friends that told me that tech would be a great place to go. Plus, I had always wanted to be in my moms class, and after attending the sophomore tours I knew I was interested in the Digital Design class.”
Last year, Carson was in the Bio-Med program, which helped her make a decision on what she wanted to do with her future.
“Taking the Bio-Med course helped me decide that I wanted to go into the medical field.,” Schanbacher stated. “There are so many different programs you can attend, and within each program there is a variety of professions you can choose from for your future career.”
As a student at tech, Carson is a walking advertisement for the school and what it gives to opportunity to do.
“I would, and have already, advised a lot of my friends or anything that is interested in going to tech,” she said. “The teachers and staff are wonderful, and they treat you like adults. It is such a great experience and opportunity to get your foot in the door when it comes to your future career.”
Schanbacher is involved in a number of programs at Cherokee. She is a member of the softball, basketball, and track teams. She is also involved in the Student Council, Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America, and the Business Professionals of America.
Being an athlete for the Chiefs is something that Carson is proud to be able to do and also is thankful for what she has taken from it.
“I have enjoyed the relationships I have made within my athletic programs. My teammates have truly become a family, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
Once she graduates high school, Carson plans to attend college and major in Exercise Science and minor in Biology so that she can begin her journey to become a physical therapist.
