Hannah Fagan
Pre-Nursing: Phlebotomy Tech
TCTC Top 5 and Bristol High School Valedictorian
Why did you choose TCTC?
I have always known that I wanted to be a nurse, and I felt that becoming an STNA through TCTC would be a good start. My mom and brother also attended TCTC in high school, and they both liked it and did well grade-wise.
Were you involved in any extracurricular activities?
National Beta Club, Student Council, The Round Table, German Club, Drama Club, National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, and HOSA.
What or who motivated you most during high school?
The fact that I knew I had to have good grades to be a nurse motivated me a lot, and my parents pushed me to have good grades, so that kept me going.
What resources or people did you appreciate during your time here?
My lab teacher Mrs. Meyer and all of my English teachers were great.
What have you enjoyed most or consider your best achievement here?
My best achievements would probably be my academic accomplishments and being a valedictorian.
How has TCTC prepared you for life after graduation?
Becoming an STNA has been a great help. I work as one now, and I get to be around people all the time. I’m a relatively shy person, so it’s been good for me to get out of my comfort zone. I now talk to nurses, families, and residents regularly. After graduation, I’ll be going to Kent State University at Trumbull for nursing while maintaining my job as an STNA.
How does it feel to be awarded valedictorian and TCTC Top 5?
It feels good. It feels like all the work that I put in has paid off.
Any advice for future students?
Some of my friends didn’t come to TCTC because it was so big compared to our homeschool, and I would tell them not to worry about that. The programs here are so good that it is worth the change.
Nicholas Z. Allen
Engineering Technology
TCTC Top 5 and Lordstown High School Valedictorian
Why did you choose TCTC?
As a kid, I was so big on engineering and chemistry. When I found out about this Engineering Technology program, I was thrilled and could not wait to come.
Were you involved in any extracurricular activities?
Esports, Robotics Club, Lions Club, Key Club, and Prep Bowl
What or who motivated you most during high school?
My parents. They always wanted me to do better and always encouraged me to take an extra step in everything I do.
What resources or people did you appreciate during your time here?
My lab teacher Mrs. Fleming. Mrs. Haught was very helpful when I was struggling with calculus. Chemistry was also a bit challenging for me when COVID happened. Being removed from the classroom was difficult, but Mrs. Landers was quick to respond. She got back to me within 10 minutes every time. That was a big help.
What have you enjoyed most or consider your best achievement here?
I most enjoyed Esports competitions. I was able to make a lot of friends with similar interests. Every Wednesday, our school would compete in online video game competitions against other tech schools. Before COVID, we all met at Kent State University at Trumbull and practiced for hours. That was a lot of fun, and we would all get dinner together afterward.
How has TCTC prepared you for life after graduation?
I became more prepared by simply attending a bigger school. At TCTC, there are so many different teachers and students with different viewpoints and ideas. The diversity is great. The courses were also more challenging than I expected, but I was determined to overcome them. At TCTC, it is challenging and relaxing at the same time. You can share your ideas here without being judged. After graduation, I plan to attend YSU for chemical engineering and will later pursue my doctorate. A couple of places were looking at me for an apprenticeship that I will also consider.
How does it feel to be awarded valedictorian and TCTC Top 5?
Honestly, at first, I felt shocked. My teachers would tell me all the time I was going to achieve it. I just figured there would be someone better than me. I was thrilled but also surprised. I just thought someone else would overcome me.
Advice for future students?
I would say learn a little about the program before coming here. Contact a guidance counselor or program teacher by email, take a tour when you can, and keep an open mind. At first, it's going to be challenging, but it will eventually be better.