George H.W. Bush New Tech Odessa’s top two students are going into the medical field.
Nisabella Karais, 18, will attend University of Texas San Antonio to study biomedical engineering while Katlynn Nevill, who will turn 19 June 1, is going to Odessa College to earn her registered nurse degree. She hopes to go on for a bachelor of science in nursing, which OC is working toward offering.
Karais has her associate degree and Nevill has her licensed vocational nurse degree.
Nevill went to private school before NTO.
“I knew I wanted something small and more focused on higher education and being able to get an associate or any other type of degree like that. New Tech was … the best because I also don’t like a lot of kids being at one school at a time,” Nevill said.
Karais went to a charter school for elementary and middle school.
“Part of it is my dad said you’re going and that’s final. But I also, you know, I had the choice to leave if I ever did want to, but I never did really think about it just because I enjoy the smaller environment. I really enjoy the project-based learning. Laptops are always a plus. I just feel like the environment’s better,” Karais said.
Both girls said there was no competition between the two of them, especially not compared to last year.
“We were pretty okay with how things were going. We weren’t too competitive about it,” Karais said.
They worked to become top 10 students, not necessarily knowing they would get the valedictorian and salutatorian spots.
“My goal wasn’t necessarily valedictorian. It wasn’t until I realized that I was and I was like alright, I need to keep it,” Karais said.
Nevill said she has been in the top 10 all four years of high school and knew she wanted valedictorian or salutatorian in the back of her mind. When she found out she was salutatorian, she started crying.
“I didn’t think I would hit this point where I would be No. 2, but I’m really proud of myself because I did a lot to be here. But … it took me back a lot,” Nevill said.
Nevill has wanted to be a nurse from about third grade.
“I used to want to be a teacher and then … my mom started becoming a nurse, too, and I was just like … that’s a better path for me than being a teacher,” she added.
Her mom has her bachelor’s of science degree in nursing and is working on her practitioner designation.
Karais said there are many benefits that come with reaching the top 10, despite all the nights you spend crying trying to keep those grades up.
“It’s going to be so worth it and that you have to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It’s going to be hard, but it’s going to be one of the most beneficial things you’ll ever do in high school,” she added.
Nevill advised that you shouldn’t let anybody talk you out of going for the top 10.
“If you have problems, go to your mom and let her help you. It’s OK to cry about things when you’re stressed but just know it’s going to end at some point and you’re going to push through it,” she added.
Karais and Nevill said they both found the project-based learning at NTO suited them.
“I really like it,” Karais said. “I’m a very hands-on and visual learner. It keeps me way more occupied than just reading a textbook and so being able to use those skills and those learning abilities that apply into a project that I might actually really like, I feel it helps me retain the information a lot better.”
Nevill agreed saying it was the best thing for her.
“Based on my personality and how I learn I don’t think any of the other public schools would have worked as well as New Tech did for me because I can read things and understand. But having visual aids and working through things helps me a lot more,” she added.
Nevill said the idea of graduating is scary, but she’s heading right back to school at OC.
“I don’t really get a break, so it’s just one part of school off my plate while still having nursing on it still,” she added.
Karais said she is excited to start a new chapter in her life.
“It is scary, but I know that’s not going to stop me because this is something I really, really want to do. I really do want to go into this next chapter,” she added.
Karais is involved in Writing Center, Art Club, National Honors Society, National Art Honors Society, Peace Academy of West Texas and Medical Center Hospital Junior Volunteers.
Nevill is in the National Honors Society, Writing Center and a member of the LVN program.
