LESLIE CENICEROS

Stilwell

As the goalkeeper for the Stilwell girls soccer team, Leslie Ceniceros understands the need to stay focused, to be aware of everything happening on the field and be ready to react to the next shot on goal.

‘There’s always a lot of people coming at me, a lot of challenges that require me to stay aware of everything that’s happening,” explained the Stilwell senior.

It’s the same approach, a heartfelt passion to always find a way to help others, that Leslie puts into practice as a student enrolled in the Health Career Certification program at Indian Capital Technology Center in Stilwell.

“Leslie has a definite passion for what she’s doing in class and what she wants to do with her future,” said the program’sinstructor on the Stilwell campus, Shannon Gilbert. “She’s taken her internal drive and shared it with the other members of her groups in the class to build confidence in whatever skill we’re studying.”

The learn-by-doing curriculum enhances the students’ comprehension of medical terminology as well as anatomy and physiology.

“We have a full lab process that develops our student’s skills through hands on training,” said Gilbert. “Students will construct clay models for certain anatomical locations, a cell model and a neuron model as part of the nervous and sensory training to learn what the body’s nerves look like and understand how they work.”

The HCC game plan through ICTC is a perfect match for Leslie.

“I love all the skill training including vital signs and taking blood pressure readings, heart rate and temperature as well as the bed side skills where I get to have my hands involved and understand how things really happen,” Leslie said with a voice of excitement. “Wow, the CPR training gives me a phenomenal feeling that I can actually save someone’s life in a time of crisis.”

And, according to Gilbert, Leslie displays a passion to help her teammates in class share the same excitement. 

“I see a competitive edge, a heartfelt concern to see that her team understands what’s needed to achieve their assignments and goals and that everyone completed the tasks. Leslie is a true leader among her peers.”

Without question, Leslie Ceniceros looks forward to her future and the opportunity through health care to make a positive change inspired by the words of a family member and the confidence gained through the HCC program.

“My cousin (Haley) has taught me the importance to never give up, even when things are difficult and when you are struggling, stay focused because there’s always a bright side at the end of your situation,” Leslie said, explaining her positive outlook and a desire to chase her dream to become an LPN and eventually a radiologist.

“I can do it because now I know how to do it.”