Every single time I saw my uncle throughout middle school, the first thing he would always tell me (as a graduate himself) was that I should apply to the technical high school in our area. When the time came I listened to his advice and I got in, which I am now immensely thankful to my uncle for. My Name is Thomas Williamson, and I’m a junior in Essex Tech’s ITS program. I serve on the SkillsUSA State Office, and in my free time I enjoy taking my dog for a walk, hanging out with my friends, reading and watching TV. I’ve developed a large skill set during my time in High School, due mainly to my vocational program and being a member of SkillsUSA. The most concrete and tangible of these skills is my ability to work with computers. As I move forward, I plan to go to college and get a job in the IT field, where this skill set has already proven incredibly useful. I am considering multiple jobs, most of which pay very well especially for someone my age and they are all only possible with my experience. I also have the opportunity to skip multiple classes at my local community college due to my grades in the program. I’ve also learned how to be professional, courteous, polite, and I believe how to be a nice person. At every turn, I’m expected to act professionally, give good handshakes, good introductions, and good presentations. I have found this skill set to be extremely helpful, and because of the way I act I am viewed favorably upon when considered for anything. I plan to use these skills in every interaction I have as I move forward in life, and I expect it to pay dividends in the future.