By Derrick Smith

The junior high and high school years are when students really begin to think about the future and what they are going to do once they graduate. For some it may be an easy decision while others may have a tougher choice to make. Northeast Tech gives students that know what they want to do a head start on their career.

Benjamin Cox first heard about Northeast Tech when he was younger, but a few years later he really became interested.

“The first time I heard of Tech was when I was in the eighth grade when we went on a tour,” he said. “I didn’t think much of it until my sophomore year when they were doing applications for it. I started watching videos of the different programs and got interested. At first it just looked cool. Then I started looking into the long-term benefits of the pay and just having a trade in my pocket. So, I decided to do it.”

Cox is in the CNC Machining program at the Claremore Campus, and he says that he is learning a lot in the program. 

“Tech has been a good learning experience so far and has taught me and I’m sure all the other students some life skills,” he said. “My instructor, Mr. Christian, has taught us a lot more than just machining. He’s taught us what jobs to look for, how to be presentable to jobs, and what to look for in a workplace.”

Ben is a junior at Claremore Sequoyah High School and he is thankful for two people that have helped shape him into the person that he is today.

“My parents are the biggest role models in my life,” he stated. “My dad always told me if I’m going to do something I need to give it 100 percent no matter what it is, and he’s guided me through all my decisions and just overall showed me what a man is. My mom is the strongest person I know. She always goes out of her way to do whatever she can for me, my dad, and my two siblings. She’s taught me how to be kind, humble, and patient with everything in life.”