Lake Technical College’s 2022-23 Student of the Year is Genise Acosta of Leesburg.
“When my name was called at the graduation ceremony, I definitely was nervous to walk on stage. But once I saw my instructor’s supportive smiles, I knew I could do this,” Acosta said.
Acosta had been out of school for over 20 years when she decided to enroll in Lake Tech’s Pharmacy Technician program after picking up a Lake Tech brochure at a local library. She continued with her job in environmental services at UF Health Leesburg Hospital while she completed the full-time, year-long program. Acosta was also able to complete an internship at the hospital and will begin her new job as a General Pharmacy Technician in July.
Each year, faculty members nominate students who demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, academic achievement and an exemplary attitude towards students, faculty, and staff.
“Genise is the most dedicated student in the program this year and is most certainly a model student,” said pharmacy tech instructor Candace Chaklos.
Once Acosta started the program, she struggled with the basic skills assessment (BSA) math score and also was enrolled in the online BSA remediation course. She spent most of the year studying both for the BSA and the pharmacy curriculum. In March, she exceeded the math score required for her program.
Acosta’s hard work and dedication helped her finish the program with an excellent attendance rate and a final grade of 98 percent. She was inducted into the National Technical Honor Society and was Student of the Month in her program. All the while, she regularly found time to encourage and mentor other students.
Acosta was asked how she will use her education to change her life for the better and make a contribution.
“I am more confident. I now know more and can give better quality care to my patients,” she responded. “I want to keep learning and continue my education so I can help give my family a more relaxed life.”
Acosta believes a “career in a year” is attainable for people who don’t know what they want to do and says Lake Tech is making dreams come true for those willing to work for it.
