Name: Melina De La Paz
Program: GED
Graduation Date: June 23, 2010
Current Employer and Job Title: Owner, Sol De Mexico, Mexican Restaurant
Testimonial Quote: “Lake Tech taught me I do not have to go where the path may lead; instead go where there is no path and leave a trail.”

Why Lake Tech?

I heard so many good things about the school.

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

The instructors inspired me to do my best every day. I earned my State of Florida High School Diploma in June 2010, then started Commercial Foods and Culinary Arts in August 2010.

How long did it take you to complete your training?

Six months. It will take me a little longer than a year to earn my Commercial Foods and Culinary Arts Certificate.

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

The program not only prepared me for my GED exam, it also taught me I do not have to go where the path may lead, but instead go where there is no path and leave a trail.

Describe your best experience while a student at Lake Tech.

Meeting so many wonderful people.

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

It is never too late to start a career and this is a great place to reach for future success.

Do you have plans to continue your education?

I plan to finish the Commercial Foods and Culinary Arts program this fall.

Name: Leslie DiCesare
Program: Evening Cosmetology
Graduation Date: December 6, 2011
Current Employer and Job Title: Katie’s Salon, Stylist
Former Job or Career: Katie’s Salon, Receptionist

Why Lake Tech?

I researched several different schools offering cosmetology. I decided upon Lake Tech because, from the moment I walked through the doors, everyone made feel like my goals and dreams were attainable.

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

With flexible class schedules available, Lake Tech offered me a program with personalized attention, smaller class sizes, and excellent instructors.  Along with all these wonderful things I was able to attend class in the evening making it easy for me to work and receive a quality education.

How long did it take you to complete your training?

Approximately 14 months.

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

The Cosmetology program offers students the chance to experience firsthand how to work proficiently in a real salon. From servicing clients, to working as receptionist or salon manager, I was able to learn how to work with a diverse group of people in a fun environment all while learning valuable skills for my desired profession.

Describe your best experience while a student at Lake Tech.

In addition to receiving student of the month and being inducted into the National Technical Honor Society, my best experience at Lake Tech was building a relationship with a very special client. I was always happy to see her for our weekly appointments. She taught me a lot about life it the short time I was able to spend with her. That is the sad part about graduating; leaving behind all the wonderful people you meet along the way.

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

The education I received went above and beyond my expectations. All of the cosmetology instructors are very knowledgeable of the many different aspects of the business. I graduated Lake Tech with the confidence that I am ready to conquer any challenge that may come my way.

Do you have plans to continue your education?

As a cosmetologist there is a wealth of resources at your fingertips from the Internet to nationally recognized hair shows. I plan on using every opportunity available to me to stay current with the latest trends and techniques.

Name: Chris De Libro
Program: Emergency Medical Technician, Corrections and Law Enforcement
Graduation Date: August 24, 1995
Current Employer and Job Title: Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Lake Technical Center Institute of Public Safety/ Criminal Justice Academy Director
Former Job or Career Volunteer Firefighter/EMT

Why Lake Tech?

Lake Tech provided the tools and training I needed to obtain certification and the staff were all extremely helpful. The fact that they were so close and affordable was also a benefit.

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

The instructors were all individuals who worked in the field in which I was training. This made them much more credible to me. They also treated you like an adult.

How long did it take you to complete your training?

All in all, for all three training programs, it took me a little more than a year to complete.

What did you learn in your program that prepared you for your job? Describe your best experience while a student at Lake Tech.

The best experience or experiences I should say are the relationships and friendships I made while here.

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

Believe in yourself and remember that with hard work, anything is possible!

Do you have plans to continue your education?

Yes, because of personal reasons I had to drop out of High School and obtain a GED. I then decided to go to Lake Tech for the aforementioned programs. Since then, I have earned an Associate’s Degree from Vincennes University, a Bachelor’s Degree from Saint Leo University and a Master’s Degree from Saint Leo. I have taught myself to never stop learning.

Why did you choose Lake Tech?

I chose Lake Tech because after 12 years of school I was tired of going to class and I was looking for something that I could get trained for with the least amount of time possible. I have lived in Lake County my whole life and always heard about Lake Tech but never researched it until late 1986 when I started the Firefighting night class of 252 hours.

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

I only had high school to compare it to and it was far greater than that as the program was built around a hands on approach which I found very easy to learn by.

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

I graduated the fire program and then entered the EMT program and after graduating both programs I have worked in the field ever since and I just retired from Leesburg Fire as Battalion Chief. I have taken several other classes during my tenure at Lake Tech to enhance my education and job abilities.

Describe your best experience while a student at Lake Tech.

I think my best experience is the fact that I started my career with Lake Tech as a student and I now teach in the Firefighting program alongside of some of the same instructors that taught me in standards.

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

I am retired now however I have thought about taking the welding class as a hobby.

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

Lake Tech is a great way to get started in a career choice especially if you struggled in traditional school/college work. Lake Tech got me started in the best career ever and encouraged continuing education.