By Derrick Smith

The high school years of a student’s life can be some of the most important of their life. Not only are they finishing up their required education, but they are also in the process of deciding what they are going to do for the future. Paige Autry, who is a senior at Mustang high school, is getting a head start on her future.

“I want to either be a chiropractor or a physical therapist,” she said. “I am in the Biomedical Sciences program at the Cowan Campus of Canadian Valley Technology Center. This was the best program to get me closer to achieving my goal. I am getting hands-on experience and learning in a smaller class environment has helped tremendously. Having a harder work load than most students my age is difficult at first, but it is preparing me for the workload college will give.”

Autry first heard about Canadian Valley Tech through her high school. After taking classes there, she says that she recommends it to anyone that wants to get a leg up on their future.

“I first heard about CV tech through my school,” she said. “I was very interested in getting a head start into the field I knew I wanted to be in as an adult. Getting hands on experience sparked my interest right away.  If someone is on the fence about going or not, do it. It is still one of the best decisions I have made to this day. It will take commitment and drive. The journey is difficult, but it is so rewarding in the end.”

As a student at Mustang high school, Paige is a member of the cheer team. She says that competing with her teammates is one of the best feelings. 

“Competing is such a surreal feeling,” she said. “Being on the mat with some of your closest friends and showing off what you’ve worked so hard for is amazing. In those moments, all of the toughest moments in and out of practice all feel worth it.”

As she is in her final year of high school, Paige already has her post-high school plans ready.

“I plan on going to the University of Central Oklahoma to further my career with a Biomedical Sciences degree. After that, I plan to go to Parker University in Dallas, Texas to get my degree of chiropractic.”