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 A
car poster collection hanging on a college dorm room wall and
a love of computers were the clues to Rachel Lancaster's possible
career path. But, the key that unlocked the door to a future
career in computer graphic design was her newly discovered passion
for design.
That passion, ignited in Metro Technology Centers' computer graphic
design program, led the 28-year old Lancaster to winning the
only scholarship in advertising design awarded at the 2001 SkillsUSA-VICA
national competition. SkillsUSA-VICA is the CareerTech
student organization supporting trade and industrial education
programs.
The $36,000 scholarship is for a full two-year tuition scholarship
to attend any art institute in the United States. Lancaster said
she easily selected the Seattle Art Institute.
"I had actually been considering a move to Seattle before
the competition. It's such a beautiful and cultural city. It
was luck that there was an Art Institute there," noted Lancaster.
Although Lancaster hadn't planned on a career in graphic design,
like many other young adults searching for a rewarding career,
she discovered the answer right in front of her nose in
the form of car posters.
"I enrolled in Anita Parks' computer graphic design class
at Metro Tech knowing only that I liked computers and those posters
on my wall," Lancaster said.
Three years and many design awards later, she is adjusting to
her new role as a student at the Art Institute of Seattle.
 Lancaster
attributes her success thus far to the knowledge she developed
at Metro Tech. That's why she is being recognized as one of Oklahoma's
CareerTech Champions.
CareerTech Champions are alumni of programs or student
organizations of Oklahoma's Career and Technology system, who
have found success in a career and attribute much of that success
to their career and technology experience.
"Thanks to the computer graphic design program, I understand
the fundamental design concepts being taught in my new classes
at the Art Institute," Lancaster said. "I can focus
more attention on the creative portion of my assignments, because
I don't have to spend a lot of time learning the essential concepts
of design."
She further credits her instructor, Parks, with the improved
confidence of her own abilities.
"Mrs. Parks helps motivate students and makes them want
to be the best they can be," she said.
Lancaster plans to stay in Seattle and hopes to someday become
a creative director at an advertising agency, using the graphic
design skills she developed at Metro Tech.
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