Success Stories

For Jacqueline King, a career in nursing had been a dream since she was 18 years old. She had taken college courses sporadically but it seemed that life kept getting in the way of nursing school. While raising a family, she continued to take nursing courses. This past year the opportunity arose to take the TEAS exam and she passed! With 5 children, the next hurdle for Jacqueline was paying for school. Things worked out with financial aid and she was able to use both grant money and student loans. Jacqueline first heard about STI through an alumnus who attended the LPN program and had gone on to get her RN and eventually her Bachelors’ degree. The alumnus is now a Nurse Practitioner and credits STI’s program as the very foundation of her nursing career. When Jacqueline looked into other schools, they either didn’t accept financial aid or didn’t offer a bridge program which is her ultimate goal. She thinks she would enjoy working in hospice as an RN. Other factors influencing her decision to enroll were STI’s academic reputation, affordability and it’s location is 10 minutes from home! Jacqueline’s children are her biggest motivator. She wants to further her education and career to better their lives and wants them to see first hand what hard work and perseverance can accomplish. They have witnessed the challenges and obstacles she has faced in order to create a balance between providing and caring for them while attending school. When feeling fatigued or overwhelmed Jacqueline’s children remind her why she pushes herself; she strives to be the best mom and future nurse that she can be. What she likes most about STI is how the program is set up and the small class size. She has bonded with other students and made new friendships. The staff is friendly, supportive, and each instructor has their own teaching style. She enjoys lab where they learn and practice the skills required for clinical and on the job. In summary it’s the people – students, faculty, & staff. Jacqueline’s advice to prospective Practical Nurse students: “Take heed of the instructors recommendations. Be prepared to make a few friends – not only to have others to chat with both in & out of class but because they will be there to encourage you. There is a sense of comradery. Going into the program willing to assist others and accept assistance for yourself will help you succeed. Your nursing friends will be your study partners, your therapists, and biggest cheerleaders!”

The PN program exceeded my expectations. Before applying to the program I researched many and STI had everything I wanted in a program, particularly the high graduation and passing NCLEX rate. The teachers made me feel prepared for the exam. Even when covid happened the teachers made sure to be available and help make sure we learned everything we needed. They were available before and after school hours. During lab we had fun while learning. It helped prepare me and take the nervousness away from caring on a real patient. Being in a setting with my peers and an instructor like the lab allowed me to make mistakes and learn from them so when I encountered a real patient I was prepared and didn’t make mistakes. Thank you to the wonderful teachers Mrs. DiBona, Waugh, and Miller for helping to make my dream of being a nurse become a reality. I will forever be grateful for everything you all have taught me.

My aunt told me about the school. Then when I went to the open house, the program was everything I was looking for. The program’s timing was great and in 10 months I could not say no to that. Everyone was welcoming and believed in you. I found the class times were convenient. I was in the day program and it worked out great for me to make time to study. Clinical was great. I was eager to learn, and I learned a lot there. All the staff was so supportive of me. They were so helpful when I didn’t understand things. All the instructors encouraged me to push myself and keep going, but Mrs. Waugh stood out as my counselor and my clinical instructor and teacher. Mrs. Waugh definitely believed in me more than I believed in me sometimes. When I didn’t think I was going to make it to the end she would encourage me to keep pushing. I had so many good experiences I can’t pick one. My favorite has to be the potluck we planned at the end of the school year to celebrate our accomplishments.If you want to be a nurse this is the school. You should do it now. Be a nurse, they got you. It’s hard but it’s worth it.

I wanted to go back to school start a new career, always loved Dentistry. My boyfriend was getting a root canal therapy at a specialist in Taunton. He was so impressed with how the DA there liked and performed her job. He asked her where she went to school. She was very enthusiastic and confident when she told him about STI. She said “ this is the school she needs to go to.” We both did some research and agreed that it was the best choice for me to pursue a new career. I like that the Dental Assisting Program is very fast pace, you have to work hard, there’s no other choice. It forces you to be organized and productive, you find out that you can achieve these goals, and you know what the outcome will be. It is very clear that you will be successful and have a new career if you work hard and give it 100%. It’s extremely rewarding to be part of something new, to have knowledge about it. You become a part of this amazing community of professionals, a new world, but you knew so much about it before you got there. I enjoyed externship very much. It helps you see the real world of how your new life will be.The faculty are extremely knowledgeable. They keep the motivation and excitement going. They are always there to help you navigate through the journey. I had many great experiences at STI . The chairside labs and workshops were a favorite. I think graduation day was the best one, after working so hard it was an amazing feeling to be there and to share this with my family and everyone. To future students, we control of our future, education is a key part of it, it will always be. With knowledge, determination and specially with hard work, you can improve your life and have a very productive career, and if you are lucky enough to get started early you will always be ahead, with plenty of time to grow more and more, go as far as you want to go. Time is our must precious asset. We should never waste it.I would say that if you want to change your life and improve every aspect of it, focus on this goal for a few months, work the hardest you ever had and you can achieve this, you can start to build a great career that will be rewarding from day one. You will definitely change your future, you will improve your quality of life, and be able to have more of the things you want for yourself and of course more time to enjoy them.

The best part of Medical Assisting was the faculty. I enjoyed the way that Mrs. Williams related her experiences in the healthcare field to the topic we were discussing in class. The class also helped me to pick out medications when going over a history in my externship. I liked that we were able to use Schoology, being it the first time I’ve ever used it, because it was an easy way to keep track of what assignments were coming and I was able to get a head start on looking over slide shows so I would be able to ask questions in class. It also was convenient to have as an app on my phone to study for exams. I love Ms. Becker’s enthusiasm for teaching and that she wanted us to succeed from the beginning and never gave up. It left an impact on me and I respect her highly for that. I feel that Mrs. Beer’s knowledge of the content matter that we were learning helped me understand anatomy. It also helped tremendously when we first learned how to break down a word root in the beginning of the year so that when we learned a system, we could break down what exactly was happening.

Jessica learned about STI through her cousin who graduated from the Dental Assisting program in 2013 and highly recommended it to her. As a young mother Jessica had to put her education on hold until the timing was right and her son started school. She did her research and looked at other schools but “was sold” when she realized that STI’s tuition was very affordable, the school is fully accredited, and the Expanded Functions certification isn’t offered anywhere else. Jessica’s fiance and children were what motivated her to go back to school knowing a new career would provide many opportunities for her family. When asked what she likes most about STI she said the community environment where everyone is incredibly supportive of each other. Over the next few years Jessica sees herself as an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant or Office Manager. To those contemplating a new career her advice is “Go for it! You won’t find a better education, that leads to certification, anywhere else!”

I first heard about Southeastern Technical Institute through my friend who was enrolled in the Medical Assisting Program. She told me to look into the school and see what they offered. I instantly became interested in the Dental Assisting Program.I originally went to Massasoit Community College for nursing, I found out that the nursing field was not for me. After that I fell off the college train and took a full-time position working as a cake decorator. Fortunately, I also got hired for a front desk position at a dental office. I had been wanting to go back to school for a while and decided that if I did, I would go into the dental field. Once I saw that STI offered a Dental Assisting Program that included learning Expanded Functions skills, I ran with it. This was a sign that it was time to go back to school.The biggest obstacle to overcome was to get myself to start and sign up for the program. I was afraid I would not be accepted and that made me postpone for a whole year before I actually filled out the application. The fear of starting something new is real!I chose STI because it was close to home and more than affordable. Another local program I was considering was longer and more expensive. I did not want to spend another two years in school. Also, the office I had worked in actually had a dental assistant who was an STI student and spoke highly of the program. I happened to look at the school’s pictures and saw him and knew I was in the right place!I am three months into the program and what I love the most is the hands-on work with the actual tools and materials we will see and use in a dentists’ office. It’s invaluable being able to go into the field with experience & not just book knowledge. In the future, I see myself advancing in the dental field. I would like to continue school and become a dental hygienist. After that I want to work hard and be part of the state’s dental board and hopefully contribute to the advancement of the dental field. The advice I would give to someone considering enrolling at STI, is that it’s going to be a lot of work but you will have passionate teachers who will help you get through the program –  it will be okay!

I heard about the Dental Assisting Program through a few friends who also went to STI. They always had great things to say about the school and how much they enjoyed it so I signed up and it was the best decision I ever made. Everything was excellent. The class time was used wisely. I feel I learned what I needed to in order to pass my boards. Shop time was my favorite, learning new skills for the first time was very exciting. As for my externships, I thought all the offices were amazing and very helpful. Without the faculty and staff being there just even for the moments of doubt and when you felt stressed, I don’t know how I would have made it through without them. They were amazing. Shout out to Cristina Barros for helping us all out with financial aid and all the other things we didn’t have a clue about. She made it easy and simple to understand and get done! Graduation was hands down the best experience. Just knowing all the hard work you put in, paid off and you have your whole future ahead of you. Not a better feeling than that! It’s never too late to change your life! STI changed mine!

I was always interested in a career that would allow me to be hands on and work with people. It was important to me to have the knowledge to help others, as well as the skills to match. I have always struggled with school and book work and was worried that I would never be able to handle the course load STI would ask of me. This was not an easy program, but it was 110% worth it. My biggest motivation at the start of the program was my family. I could not have gone to school without them and I would never have graduated without their support. As the end of the program neared I found I was also my own motivation….When others believe in you, you start to believe in you too.The staff at STI goes above and beyond to match your hard work. This CODA accredited program teaches you hands on skills and background knowledge about being a DA but you also get so much more! I was taught compassion, professionalism, Sacrifice, time management, responsibility, gratitude, teamwork, ethics and perseverance. The work load is intense but it is manageable and prepares you for “the real world”.  So much work is put into designing a top of the line curriculum. The reputation that STI hold speaks loud and clear of their hard work.I have never experience a more dedicated, professional, welcoming, personable, conscientious group of educators or staff. From day one each and every one of them remember names and stories, and I could not have asked for a better education! They incorporate all learning styles and aspects of what it takes to go through the program, graduate, find work and succeed in your profession. No detail is left behind, and they do it all because they love what they do and believe in it, it is so inspiring!I am leaving the doors open for my future. I may continue my education into hygiene, or stay working as a Dental Assistant. No matter where I end up though, STI’s DA program has taught me so many fundamentals to being a professional, and so many skills when working with the public. They have boosted my confidence and skill set. I know I will be a life long learner whatever path I take.If you are passionate about being a dental professional this is a top notch program. Each and every staff member plays a roll in your success and is there to support you. The program will push you to your limits at times and when you push back with hard work, dedication and TIME MANAGEMENT, you realize you are stronger than you think! The best part of all of this is that no one has to wait for a light at the end of the nine month tunnel, STI’s program is a process that can also be enjoyed.

I was seven months pregnant when I applied to STI and in the process of moving from South Carolina. My previous career of bartending was not the life I wanted for my daughter and I, which is when I started asking around and spoke to a previous student about STI’s Dental Assisting Program. She had already completed the program and was thriving in the dental world. I decided to give it my all and see what happened. Truthfully, I did not look into any other program once I heard the praises about the program and faculty from this former student.Once school started, my daughter Chloe, was only two and a half weeks old. I certainly had my hands full but was determined to give school my best effort. She is my biggest motivator. The faculty and staff were there for myself and the other students every step of the way, especially Dr. Hassan, Mrs. Ferris and Cristina. Hard work certainly paid off in the end graduating top of my class, with multiple job offers.After graduation and being able to compare my training and skill set with others in the field, I am forever grateful that I chose STI. The education I received has put me a notch above the rest. I am also grateful that STI is still here for my classmates and I even after graduation. Over the next few years, I plan to still be at my current job, utilizing my expanded functions and being the best assistant I can be.STI is not only going to give you the best education and get you ready for employment in every way that they can, but is also going to be there for you in years to come, which is huge. I am not going to lie the Dental Assisting Program is highly intense and a lot of work, but every minute of class, labs and study sessions was worth it in the end.

Good afternoon Mrs. Aguiar, I hope all is well and that this school year is off to a great start already. I just want to say thank you for your patience with me throughout the nursing program. You truly have the gift of teaching, especially the hands on part (clinical). I learn best hands on, and being in your clinical or lab group was the best experience. You took your time to teach/review procedures and made sure I was comfortable enough to do it on my own. I remember if not late September than it probably was early October, I stayed after with you for extra help on Fundamentals, and to go over my test #2. I had a 68% on that exam, and although a 68% was a big improvement from my exam #1, it was still not a passing grade.I was so angry, frustrated, discouraged and confused, I was ready to give up. The passion, understanding and determination was most certainly there for me. I didn’t understand why my grades weren’t reflecting that. When I told you that I was ready to give up, you said “Why? you’re only two exams in and you have 3 more to go, you can do it!” You said the students that struggle with their grades usually make the best nurses, the knowledge is there but they’re just bad test takers even though they understand the material. They are usually the ones who want it bad enough and will do anything to reinforce the material and make sure their knowledge reflects on paper.You were the main instructor who reassured me that I can most certainly bring my grade up, just don’t give up. You gave me different strategies to help reinforce the material more. You suggested listening to podcast, rewriting my notes, going over my exam and for every one that I got wrong check off what you did. I took your advice and it worked.Overall I just wanted to say thank you, you may not have realized how personal I took your advice but I took it very personal. You are a phenomenal nursing instructor. Looking back now I’m SO happy that I stayed after with you that day, and extremely proud of myself for not giving up. Successfully completing the Practical Nurse Program was a blessing, and passing the NCLEX on my 1st attempt was an even greater blessing, and I owe a BIG thank you to you.THANK YOU SOO MUCHH!!!!!! – Vicky

I chose because it was affordable and close to my home. At STI I liked that the time spent in class was always well utilized. There was never a wasted moment or boredom. It was filled with so much information to take in. For externship, all the details were worked out before you even got there. You knew where you were going and what to expect. You also met with your predecessor beforehand so you knew at least one familiar face before you went on your first day. STI staff is A+! They all know what they are teaching and offer their own experiences in the field. My best experience at STI was graduation! I also liked that CPR was included in the curriculum. It is a challenging program but you will be completely equipped and prepared for a job in the workforce.

I chose STI after a thoughtful comparison and analysis of its Nursing Board Licensure exam results. Class time was as regular as any intensive full time studies schedule. I didn’t have to come back for classes against my work or family life schedule. I opted for full-time studies and the class time fitted into my expectations. The clinical period was no joke. We were exposed to all we basically needed to know, no half- measures, no laziness or indiscipline. Faculty and staff were very helpful. They were ready to stay after school to explain difficult areas. They really encouraged us and offered tips to lessen even our non- academic problems. Mrs. Aguiar & Mrs. Miller are exceptional in this regard. After my studies, they continued to help in my job search and referred me to jobs. Just can’t thank them enough. There were moments of confusion & outright tears that l had to confide in Mrs. A. Her soothing words, gestures and advice encouraged me never to give up. I still don’t know what l could have done without her. The student support staff is amazing. Cristina always sent job fliers to all graduates, encouraging us to apply, asking to know our experiences and challenges, giving tips for preparation for our job interviews and so on. Mrs. Miller’s humility and ‘down to earth’ approach during my clinical experience at the Veteran Hospital, Brockton. She is a professional to the core. She worked side by side with her students, without any feeling of superiority. STI is the best school for the Practical Nursing Program. I have already referred many prospective students.

I chose STI to better my future and lead me to an outstanding career path. I liked that we got to do a lot of things hands on. I also liked how we switched rotations and got to experience more than one specialty. The faculty did everything they could to help get the students through the program. They really cared about the students succeeding. My best experience at STI was graduating. It felt so good to earn my certificate. In the beginning at open house I was told it was an intense program but didn’t realize how intense it would actually be. For future students, study, take extra notes on the side, highlight details that stand out, and focus, because you will need most of what you’ve learned in the dental world.

STI was a great experience for me.  Our class was like a family; we were close, supported each other and made being in school again a positive experience.  The teachers could be tough but kept me in check also.  Since I graduated in 2012 I worked as a medical assistant floating at Signature Healthcare.  I gained experience in internal medicine, family practice, orthopedics and eye services.  With the experience I gained there I then went on to working in an optometry office as an optometric technician.  It pays a little more than medical assisting and believe it or not there is a lot to know about eyes, and it can be interesting.  I don’t think a lot of people know that there’s a lot of different positions you can work in just from becoming a medical assistant. STI definitely has been the root of my beginning of many career opportunities and helped me find myself.  Recently I started online courses at Quincy college to start towards becoming an RN.  I am doing it very part time and hoping to be finished within the next five or so years.  That is my ultimate goal.

I first toured Southeastern Regional High School with my daughter when she was considering attending here. I kept thinking that I should have come here for high school years ago.” A few months later, Susan was driving by and saw the sign for Adult Education Open House and decided to check it out. As her children were getting older, she was ready to focus on her career. Although she had worked part-time for the last several years in administration for a dental office, she wanted something more hands-on and people oriented. “STI was the best tuition and accelerated program to get me out into the workforce in less than a year.” Her biggest motivator(s) are her husband and children who wanted her to succeed and fulfill her goals. What she likes most about STI are the classes that are “so interesting and informative.” In the next few years, Susan anticipates working in a medical office and possibly pursuing other certificates in the medical field. Susan’s advice to others who might be considering STI is not to wait if you are interested in a new career. Start taking classes as soon as possible and don’t stay in a job that you don’t enjoy.

Haylei and Hannah Conte are recent high school graduates who are enrolled in STI’s Medical Assisting Program.Hannah wasn’t exactly sure what she wanted to do after high school but was thinking about the medical field. Once she learned about Southeastern Technical Institute,and decided to attend, she knew she made the right choice. “STI requires a lot of studying but the hands on procedures are perfect for someone like me.” Her sister Haylei was planning to go on to an expensive school after high school “but I realized I wasn’t sure of what I even wanted to do for so much money. When I heard about STI it sounded like the perfect place for me.” She liked that it was fast paced and that she would begin a career after graduation in June. They both chose STI for its affordability and supportive environment. Hannah’s biggest motivator is “knowing that by the end of the academic year I will be doing something that I love.” Mrs. Beer has been Haylei’s motivation as she “has definitely pushed me to be the best student I can be. When I was struggling in class she did all she could to help me improve. I also like how small the class size is because it’s more personal.” Both Hannah and Haylei see themselves working in the Medical Assisting field long term. Their advice to students who are considering STI would be to study! “It’s not always easy and it takes a lot of effort but it will pay off in the end.”

The Medical Assisting Program at STI was more than I hoped for. The job readiness aspect of the course was very helpful. I learned a lot about the interview process and what future employers are looking for when reviewing resumes. I enjoyed doing the blood pressure and pediatric clinics during the year. I hope you continue to do it in following years because it is a great way for the students to get practice on other people besides classmates. Also like doing the study sessions before a test.Mrs. Beer’s lectures are always very thorough and informative. I always felt like I took something away from them. The teacher’s themselves really just helped me learn. It was the perfect mix of fun yet down to business. Perfect for me. Mrs Williams is excellent! She’s knowledgeable and has great experience related stories. The class discussions were always relevant and thought provoking. Although we sometimes got off track, I saw nothing wrong with that because we were gently guided back by Mrs W.

I heard about STI from my dad who works at Southeastern. During my senior year of high school, I was very lost and had no idea what I wanted to do after graduation. Going to a big college and spending crazy money (all while trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life) didn’t seem right for me. When I first heard about STI I didn’t know what to think. But after my interview with Mr. Degan I decided to give it a try! Going into school I had no clue about the dental world and was very nervous. Dr. Hassan assured me that with lots of hard work and studying I could do it! Those nine months were crazy and there were times where I didn’t think I was going to make it but as they called my name at graduation and I walked across the gym I felt a huge wave of accomplishment. I wouldn’t have the opportunities I have today if it weren’t for everyone at STI. The reason I chose STI over other Dental Assisting programs is because they are an accredited school. This means that the bar is set high to reach expectations set by the state and is reevaluated each year. The class sizes are also smaller than most schools allowing for more one on one learning experiences. My biggest motivators were definitely all the instructors. They came in every day excited to teach and always pushed my classmates and I to do our best – not only with school work but chairside as well. What I like most about STI is the hands-on learning. We were able to learn about something in the classroom and then actually perform the task right there in the lab. I was also able to graduate as an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant. This means that as an assistant I’m allowed to perform more tasks than most. Five years from now, I hope to grow further in the dental field and graduate from Dental Hygiene school. During my year at STI, I was lucky enough to intern for Tufts and was hired right after graduation. I am thankful for this opportunity and see myself working here for a long time! Cristina assists with job placement after graduation which is very helpful! I would tell the students considering STI to go for it! They have intense programs so work hard and in the end it will be worth it.

If you are looking to start a new career, I highly recommend this CODA ACCREDITED program. It’s extremely affordable, it’s 9 months long, the curriculum is very detailed and thorough, and the teachers genuinely care. They will go above and beyond for you if you need any help. This program teaches you EVERY job in the dental office, from sterilization, to chairside, to taking radiographs, to office work & even the prosthetics lab. I have over 5 different certifications prior to graduating, I have multiple job offers, and I will be licensed after taking DANB. All of this because I enrolled into THIS program. I am a mother of three children under 5 years old, I also have a job, and I was still able to complete this program with mostly A’s and B’s. It’s hard, but if you put the time, effort and work in like I did, you will be reaping the benefits come graduation. This was the best choice I have ever made for my family and myself. I couldn’t be happier. If I can do it, you can do it. So do it!

Taking the leap and going to STI for the dental assisting program was one of the best decisions of my life. I didn’t know it at the time, but when I signed up for the program, that set my life into motion. I fell in love with the field of dentistry and now I’m back in school for dental hygiene to further my career in this incredible field. The instructors at STI are amazing! Not only do they teach in a way that is easy to understand, but they also push you to be the best version of yourself. I would absolutely recommend this program to anyone who wants to build a better future for themselves.

My experience in this program was nothing less than extraordinary! I walked into STI being 21 and already going to college once for something I didn’t love. Lost and confused I knew I wanted to help others and try my hand in the medical field. STI’s program not only taught me professionalism but also taught me compassion for others. I gained hands-on experience and was provided support to ensure that I understood, and was comfortable with, the skills that were being taught. Upon graduation I was confident & knowledgeable in my field, but I also knew I could reach out to my instructors for any assistance if needed. Though school has ended I have contacted them from time to time with questions and  they respond immediately! The teachers became like family and were my biggest supporters. I truly believe STI has the best Medical Assisting program out there.

This program has been quite the journey filled with all of the emotions. However, I wouldn’t change a thing. I came into this program with the hopes of a stable career and so far I’ve been able to gain so much more than that. This program pushes you to achieve and allows you to discover your potential and the true meaning of hard work. In the beginning I was intimidated, which comes with anything “new” especially being a mom of 3, but with the amazing instructors and the support they have given me throughout the program I have reached a potential I never knew I had within me. This isn’t just an ordinary program where you will receive a certification – this is one that teaches you to go beyond that. With anything there are “what if’s” but if you give it your all and put your heart into it you will succeed. If you are looking for a sign as to whether you should apply to this program, let this be it! Choosing STI was the best decision I have ever made for myself and my children.

When I decided after 20 years of owning a business to go back to school for nursing the excitement and nerves were present. I can’t say enough what an amazing journey the past year has been. Going to school with 3 kids of my own through a pandemic was scary and exhausting. With hard work and the amazing staff in the practical nursing program I am proud to say I am graduating with honors. Mrs. Miller, Mrs. Waugh and Mrs. DiBona are all amazing. They push you to do your best & always made themselves present to help you along the way. If you are looking at an LPN program look no further – you will find the best at STI.

The 10 months that I’ve spent in the practical nursing program were no joke- especially during a global pandemic! The daily online zoom classes & weekly Covid testing was stressful. With exams, clinical 3 times a week, online simulation( and working 20 hours week at the hospital)you have to dedicate a majority of your time and effort towards your studies and your future nursing career in order to be successful. It takes some sacrifice to propel yourself into a better career. However, with the support of the amazing & intelligent students around me, it made the journey well worth it and easier to manage. The instructors were excellent, friendly and supportive throughout the year. We really became a big family despite spending much of the time on Zoom. The biggest piece of advice I have for future nursing students is really try to understand and grasp the content as opposed to memorizing. If you understand the pathophysiology of a certain disease everything else will follow. I’m glad to say I will be graduating with honors and I look forward to working as a licensed practical nurse in the near future!

I just graduated high school last year and I was so excited to start a new chapter in my life. I knew that I always wanted to become a pastry chef but I just didn’t know where and how to start. I knew that I would have to go to school for this and it wasn’t going to be very easy. I wanted to ensure that I picked the right school, the best location, and the school that would benefit me. Money was also a factor in the choice. STI fell in my price range and I also went to SERSD for high school, therefore, I was very familiar with the setting and location. My biggest motivators are my parents. They have always stuck by my side and have always pushed me to reach my dreams and goals. They have never let me down and I strive to make them proud. There is a lot I like about STI. The first thing I would like to say is that Amy is very helpful and makes all of my problems so easy to solve.  Cristina is also extremely helpful. When it was time for the FAFSA forms to be completed I had no idea what I was supposed to do and Cristina helped me through the process. The chefs at STI are the best! The amount of information being taught can be overwhelming at times, however, Chef Peterson  finds a way to make it easier to  understand. Chef Irber makes learning fun and has built up my confidence. Chef Maiden teaches me the skills to be a better baker and encourages me to go for my dream of being a pastry chef. Finally, Chef John  knows so much about the culinary field and is training me to become a better chef. In 5 years, I see myself working as a pastry chef and making my parents proud.

I graduated high school not really being the best student. School was always a challenge. Going to STI was a complete game changer for me. I graduated from STI with the highest of honors, which was a big accomplishment for me, & I’m now  a licensed cosmetologist. I chose STI because the cost  & the hours were better than any other program in the area. The location is also close to home. My instructor, Ms. Pestana, was one of my biggest motivators. Anytime I wanted to give up she would encourage me until I succeeded. I owe all my success to her.  The staff & instructors were so helpful.  Even Mr. Degan went above & beyond to make sure we had everything we needed to be successful young adults. In 5 years I see myself one step closer to my dream of owning a salon. I still want to be behind the chair with my clients but maybe also become an instructor motivating young adults.

I was looking for a career change. I was working in the corporate world and wasn’t happy. I decided to enroll in the culinary program for that change. I wanted to do something I loved. STI helped me with that change. I heard about STI through a local career center and BAWIB. I chose STI for a few reasons. Cost was a big part of the decision, but most of all it was for the personal attention and the way the program catered to the needs and wants of each student. Aside from my family as motivation, I would say the instructors were unbelievably attentive and the knowledge they brought into the program made it hard not to be motivated. They were always available to talk 1 on 1 and they help me grow as a chef and as a person. Over the next few years I hope to open my own establishment and help others like me make their move/change. I hope to motivate others to reach their own goals and aspirations. I would tell future STI students; do it, do it for your future, do it for your dreams. I would invite them to visit the facility and to contact any of our alumni, especially me!

I heard about STI when representatives from the Admissions staff came to my school and did a presentation. I was a bit apprehensive joining the program because I was right out of high school. I chose STI because it’s a very hands-on type of learning, they provide amazing kits, and it’s much less expensive than other Cosmetology schools. I credit my mom with being my biggest motivator. What I like the most about STI is that everyone is so friendly and we are like one big family. Over the next few years I see myself working in a hair salon in Boston or travelling and providing my services for clients. My advice to other students considering Southeastern Technical Institute is to always have a positive mindset and a big goal!