Valerie Amaya knew early on that she didn鈥檛 want an ordinary high school experience. She wanted something that would challenge her and allow her to learn by doing. That鈥檚 what led her to 桃色视频 Technical Early College High School (OCTECHS).
鈥淚 learn faster when I鈥檓 hands-on,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 knew OCTECHS would challenge me in that way.鈥�
She didn鈥檛 just choose a different path, she chose a bold one. Valerie enrolled in welding, a field traditionally dominated by men. Inspired by her older brother, who was already taking welding classes at 桃色视频, she decided to give it a shot.
鈥淗e told me I would enjoy it and be good at it,鈥� she said. 鈥淎nd he was right.鈥�
While she had also considered a future in nursing, Valerie saw welding as an opportunity she couldn鈥檛 pass up, one that could open doors now, while keeping her long-term goals within reach.
In the welding lab, Valerie found more than just technical skills. She found confidence, connection, and a sense of belonging. The experience helped her step outside her comfort zone, build friendships, and become more outgoing.
But her journey wasn鈥檛 without challenges.
During her junior year, Valerie faced significant changes at home that required her to take on greater responsibility.
鈥淟ife happened,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 had to step up and help take care of my siblings.鈥�
Balancing school, family, and personal growth wasn鈥檛 easy, but it became a turning point.
鈥淚 learned how strong I was,鈥� she said. 鈥淢y brother encouraged me, and I stayed in school and took care of my siblings. The way I looked at the world changed.鈥�
That shift in perspective carried over into the classroom. Valerie became more focused, more determined, and more appreciative of the support around her.
鈥淭he teachers really want you to succeed,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hey treat you like an adult, and that made me take everything more seriously.鈥�
As her skills developed, so did her vision for the future.
鈥淚 could see how my welding skills could benefit me after I graduate,鈥� she said.
Valerie approaches life with a mindset rooted in courage and optimism.
鈥淚 always want to just go for it,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 believe something good will come from it.鈥�
That mindset is already shaping her next chapter. After graduation, Valerie will move to El Paso to attend the University of Texas at El Paso, where she has been accepted into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. While pursuing her degree, she plans to continue welding part-time to help support herself financially, combining the skills she鈥檚 gained with the future she鈥檚 building.
Valerie鈥檚 long-term goal is to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), a path that requires years of dedication and perseverance.
鈥淚t may take 10 years, but I鈥檓 willing,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 worth it for me to have a really good career and to help people.鈥�
From stepping into a welding lab to stepping up for her family, Valerie Amaya鈥檚 journey is defined by resilience, determination, and a willingness to take on whatever comes next - head-on.