CareerTech Champion Brooke Bennett

CareerTech Champion graphic

Image of Brooke Bennett Brooke Bennett was 12 years old when she decided to become an orthodontist. As a Chickasha High School Varsity cheerleader, Student Council President, and co-valedictorian of the graduating class of 2000, goal setting has always come naturally to her.

By setting a career goal at such an early age, Bennett admits she was able to get the jump on pre-dentistry by enrolling in the Health Science Technology program at Canadian Valley Technology Center, Chickasha, while still in high school.

That's why she is being recognized as a CareerTech champion. Champions are alumni of the system's programs or student organizations who attribute much of their success to their CareerTech experience.

"The Health Science Technology program at Canadian Valley Technology Center sounded like a great opportunity to try some hands-on experience in my field of interest," she said. "So, I enrolled while still in high school."

Bennett, currently a biology/pre-dental major at the University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, credits her CareerTech Health Science Technology program with providing a good foundation for her college studies.

"The training I received at Canadian Valley, has really helped me excel in my college coursework," she said. "It's given me a chance to be a step ahead on the path to orthodontics."

Her training has also provided her with the skills to get a high-paying job while she is in college.

Image of Brooke Bennett Apart from learning about the dental field, Bennett also made new friends through Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), the student organization supporting CareerTech's health occupations education. And, she found a mentor in Janie Hierstein, her instructor.

"Ms. Hierstein made a tremendous impact on me," Bennett said. "She always took the time to help one-on-one in the classroom. Her encouragement was never-ending. I still stay in touch with her."

"Brooke's enthusiasm was evident in academic as well as extra-curricular activities," Hierstein said. "She was HOSA president, high school student council president and placed in the prepared speaking competition."

Her ability and skills in dental assisting led to working part-time for a local dentist after completing on-the-job training.

Looking back, Bennett is glad that she decided to explore her career at Canadian Valley before choosing a course of study at college. She encourages high school students to do the same.

"Even if you're not sure which career path to follow, don't be afraid to try new things and just get started," she said.

posted 10/26/2001
Story by Lea Ann Castleberry

For more information contact: Manny Otiko
Communications and Marketing
Email: motik@okcareertech.org

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	Brooke Bennett was 12 years old when she decided to become an orthodontist. As a Chickasha High School Varsity cheerleader, Student Council President, and co-valedictorian of the graduating class of 2000, goal setting has always come naturally to her. By setting a career goal at such an early age, Bennett admits she was able to get the jump on pre-dentistry by enrolling in the Health Science Technology program at Canadian Valley Technology Center, Chickasha, while still in high school. That's why she is being recognized as a CareerTech champion. Champions are alumni of the system's programs or student organizations who attribute much of their success to their CareerTech experience. "The Health Science Technology program at Canadian Valley Technology Center sounded like a great opportunity to try some hands-on experience in my field of interest," she said. "So, I enrolled while still in high school." Bennett, currently a biology/pre-dental major at the University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, credits her CareerTech Health Science Technology program with providing a good foundation for her college studies. "The training I received at Canadian Valley, has really helped me excel in my college coursework," she said. "It's given me a chance to be a step ahead on the path to orthodontics." Her training has also provided her with the skills to get a high-paying job while she is in college. Apart from learning about the dental field, Bennett also made new friends through Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), the student organization supporting CareerTech's health occupations education. And, she found a mentor in Janie Hierstein, her instructor. "Ms. Hierstein made a tremendous impact on me," Bennett said. "She always took the time to help one-on-one in the classroom. Her encouragement was never-ending. I still stay in touch with her." "Brooke's enthusiasm was evident in academic as well as extra-curricular activities," Hierstein said. "She was HOSA president, high school student council president and placed in the prepared speaking competition." Her ability and skills in dental assisting led to working part-time for a local dentist after completing on-the-job training. Looking back, Bennett is glad that she decided to explore her career at Canadian Valley before choosing a course of study at college. She encourages high school students to do the same. "Even if you're not sure which career path to follow, don't be afraid to try new things and just get started," she said.
	posted 10/26/2001	Story by Lea Ann Castleberry For more information contact: Manny Otiko Communications and Marketing Email: motik@okcareertech.org