opens in a new windowNAME: Ron DeMoss

PROGRAM: Cosmetology

CURRENT EMPLOYER: I am the Owner of DeMoss House of Cuts

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE LAKE TECH?
At the time I went to Lake Tech they had the best completion rate for my program. It was really close to home and allowed me to still work, go to school and be a new father.

HOW WAS LAKE TECH DIFFERENT THAN OTHER SCHOOLS? 
My instructors were vital in helping me succeed. It wasn’t easy for me because my life had a lot going on but they believed in me and it was huge. To this day my instructors are still involved in my life one way or another and it means a lot to me to have their continued support.

HOW DID YOUR LAKE TECH PROGRAM PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR CAREER?
It gave me amazing teachers and fundamental skills to set me on a great path for success.

WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER ACCOMPLISHMENTS?
Being out of school only 3 years and opening my own shop is huge. I worked hard in those 3 years to reach my ultimate goal of a place I could call my own. I opened my first location in 2015 and I was the only one in there. I came from a location over 40 minutes away and none of my clients followed. I had a few clients locally but I put everything I had in to it 7 days a week. Working 7am-7pm the first 18 months to build my clients. On December 17, 2018 I moved my location to almost triple the space to open my current location which is a successful Barber Lounge and Salon in Leesburg. Now it isn’t just me, I have several employees some of which are Lake Tech graduates.

WHAT IS THE ONE THING THAT FUTURE STUDENTS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT LAKE TECH? 
Don’t give up. It sounds cliché but don’t. Also, I never made a plan B. I never put it in my head “if this fails I can go do this instead”. It puts you in another mindset when you don’t have a backup plan, you work harder. Also, this industry is full of talent. Don’t let that make you feel like you have to do what everyone else doing, you are not them! Your clients come to you for a reason and it isn’t just the haircut, color, or service. Stay in your lane, do you and you will succeed. Y’all got this!

NAME: Deshanna Warren

PROGRAM: Nails and Facials Specialty

GRADUATION YEAR: 2016

CURRENT EMPLOYER: Essential Therapies Garden Spa

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE LAKE TECH?
I choose Lake Tech for the location and tuition. I was and still am a working adult that wanted to change careers so I wanted to remain local. I was so happy when I saw the billboard for this school, I just knew that it was meant to be!

HOW WAS LAKE TECH DIFFERENT THAN OTHER SCHOOLS YOU MAY HAVE ATTENDED/CONSIDERED?
The teachers and staff are there to make sure you’re successful. I loved that if you needed help with your studies that they would be readily available. And the tuition is great!

HOW DID YOUR LAKE TECH PROGRAM PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR CAREER?
There was lots of hands on services that I needed to perform to make sure that I was ready for future clientele.

DESCRIBE YOUR BEST EXPERIENCE WHILE BEING A STUDENT AT LAKE TECH.
When I spoke to a counselor about continuing my education for facial specialty it was an easy process. I was able to get an in house scholarship and be put on a payment plan. With me being a working adult enrollment at Lake Tech I was able to provide for my family and continue my education simultaneously.

DO YOU HAVE PLANS TO CONTINUE YOUR EDUCATION? OR HAVE YOU ALREADY OBTAINED FURTHER EDUCATION? IF SO WHERE AND FOR WHAT?
No I am in the career that I want to be in. I have no other plans for more schooling.

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE GOALS?
I would eventually like to own my spa in the Golden Triangle area. I would be provided all skin care and nails services.

WHAT IS THE ONE THING THAT FUTURE STUDENTS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT LAKE TECH?
Stay focused! if the path you chose is the one you desire Lake Tech will help you get there.

NAME: Tore Giannone

PROGRAM: Lake Tech Program Commercial Foods & Culinary Arts

GRADUATION YEAR:: 2017

Current Employer & Job Title: Brookdale Senior Living Solutions, Manager Dining Room

Why did you choose Lake Tech?

I chose Lake Tech for my schooling because of the fantastic things that I heard while attending High School. There were students that, at the time, were dual enrolling at Lake Tech.

How was Lake Tech different that other schools you may have attended?

Right from the start, the office staff at Lake Tech showed that they really cared about getting me into the school. Unlike select other colleges in the area, Lake Tech made it very clear that they cared about me as a student, rather than a number and dollar signs.

How did your Lake Tech program prepare you for your career?

Lake Tech prepared me for my career by providing me with the hands-on experience and offering me education from actual experts in the field. Through the year I was there, I learned enough technical experience to not only get me into the field I was aiming for, as I was provided with the knowledge to excel and make it into management as well.

Describe your best experience while a student at Lake Tech.

Truth be told, I had an abundance of great experiences at Lake Tech. A notable one was when myself and a peer of mine decided to try our hand at the Instagram-Famous “Mirror-Glazed Cake.” Through trial and error, we made a fantastic looking cake that we put on display in the Student Center. From students and teachers alike, we got praised for it. I was also a Student Ambassador under the direction of Kim Frazier, which in and of itself was a fantastic experience.

Do you have plans to continue your education? and/or What are your future goals in your career?

I do plan to continue my education by earning my Bachelor of Food Service Management. A future career goal of mine is to rise to a Director-Level position so that I can oversee all aspects of food service.

What is one thing that future students should know about Lake Tech?

If you are on the fence about going to Lake Tech, just make the jump and go! You won’t regret it. There is a mixture of all age groups, so nobody feels left out or alone. Going to Lake Tech was one of the best decisions of my adult life.

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Name: Alfonzo Baptiste
Program: Early Childhood Apprenticeship Program
Graduation Date: June 25, 2009
Current Employer and Job Title: Lake County School Board, Eustis Heights Elementary, Teacher Assistant
Former job: Coleman’s Preschool
Testimonial Quote: ”Lake Tech taught me the necessary skills so I can be an effective childcare provider!”

Why Lake Tech?

Lake Tech endeavors to reach students, regardless of their ability or disability. 

How was Lake Tech different from other schools you have attended?

Lake Tech is different from so many other schools because they provide you with memorable learning opportunities. The school offers experiences that will make you successful in the field that you desire to work in.

How long did it take you to complete your training?

Two years

What did you learn in your program that prepared you for your job?

I learned how to assist the educational staff to monitor children’s progress, as well as the preparation of academic activities. In addition, I gained an understanding of how to assist children with their academic difficulties and personal needs; to provide emotional support and encouragement to students; to lead by example for students; and model appropriate behaviors and practices in the educational setting.

Describe your best experience while a student at Lake Tech….

When I graduated from the Early Childhood Apprenticeship program with honors! This memorable experience will always be with me because it taught me that if I can achieve noble honors, then the impossible can be achieved.

What is one thing that future students should know about Lake Tech?

Lake Tech equips and prepares you for the work field that you have a passion to work in.

Do you have plans to continue your education?

I will continue to pursue any and all relevant classes and coursework to increase my skills in order to provide children with the best possible environment and education.