Lakeside Manufacturing Education Center
Rocio Galang
Pierre Couture
Ann Widen
The Class of 2025 student speeches shares stories of gratitude for mentors, instructors, and others who have helped them along their journey. Click this icon “▶️” next to the students’ names to hear their stories.
Alexandro ▶️
"Don't take things for granted and remind yourself we have been given a head start in life that no other teenager can have."
Andrew ▶️
"Keep striving for all that you want to accomplish in life. Become the best version of yourself and keep growing as a person so you can achieve your dreams in life."
Armando ▶️
"I have learned what to expect from the real world and how I will face it even when times get rough. The world does not stop for anyone."
Aron ▶️
"Most kids can't wake up in the early morning or even have the energy to go to regular school. I get up with motivation every day, ready to work and earn some money."
Cooper ▶️
"I learned how to function as part of a team, read blueprints, and spend a long time working towards a distant goal like building a drill that takes multiple months to complete."
Ernanii ▶️
"I learned that I need to put an honest effort into learning new skills and when I make a mistake, I need to own it so I can improve myself and not make the same mistake again."
Ethan ▶️
"I learned the importance of being coachable and open to learning. How you choose to receive and apply that information is crucial to your success and personal growth."
Fontaine ▶️
"Adapting to change has also become second nature; each day brings new challenges and opportunities that require a fresh approach."
Gianna ▶️
"Working at ITU-Absorb Tech taught me important skills and lessons, including communication, leadership, problem-solving, time management, and work ethic."
Jack ▶️
"I have learned that the world doesn't care if you're late. It doesn't care if you get stuck in traffic. It doesn't care if you forgot to eat breakfast. This is something I realized going through the apprenticeship program."
Jesus ▶️
"GPS Ed was a valuable investment in myself, motivating me to push forward despite challenges. It taught me that the world expects performance, encouraging me to prioritize self-investment and growth."
Leonardo ▶️
"I have learned to be professional when the time is right, how to work with others, and how to talk to people either customers or strangers so they feel comfortable being around me."
Malachi ▶️
"As an apprentice in the GPS Ed program, I have developed a strong work ethic and learned the importance of being a good employee by following the rules and fulfilling my responsibilities."
Michael ▶️
"The last piece of advice to other students is to get ahead of your school work because you will earn lots and lots of full working days. Show them you are responsible in and out of class."
Orrin ▶️
"After attending class and going to work I have developed more self-confidence and am better prepared to take on my role as an adult."
Sawyer ▶️
"One of the best experiences I had as a GPS Ed student was my first time volunteering. I was reading to little kids so I was pretty nervous but when I showed up and saw just how happy they were by just seeing us, it touched my heart."
Tyler ▶️
"I have learned to come professionally prepared and be successful at work. I have learned how to handle situations at work professionally and as a team discuss the issue at the moment, fix it, and continue as a team."
William ▶️
"I have learned if something isn’t easy, you can’t sit and wait for it to get easier, you have to buckle down and take the challenge. If something is difficult, it just means you have more to learn from it."
