Shamshad Azimi
Shamshad Azimi is a young man whose pivotal journey started long before coming to Passaic County Technical Institute. At the age of twelve, he moved from Bangladesh to the US and continued to move around the Tri-State area before settling in Paterson. It was here that he decided to become a medical professional, hence why he chose the Academy of Medical Arts.
“My choice was motivated by circumstance. I saw how doctors in America took care of my family and wanted to emulate their kindness and consideration for others.”
For the past four years, Shamshad has involved himself in a host of activities, including Boys Golf, the Chess Club and the Muslim Student Association, all while maintaining a 4.3 GPA and ranking 5th in the Class of 2016! As a HOSA member, he’s competed as a member of the Dental Terminology team and has placed at the regional level. Additionally, Shamshad is a certified CNA and is working towards his EMT certification. Outside of PCTI, he can be found designing fliers and banners as the Head of Marketing for the Ashraq Youth Group, volunteering to organize and clean up Paterson’s Elysium Community Garden, and working twenty-five hours a week as a sales associate at Sears.
When asked about his challenging course load, Shamshad said, “There are so many opportunities to take advantage of and I love thinking analytically. Even if something isn’t easy, I’d rather have the experience and work through it than not be involved at all.” It’s no wonder he’s taken classes that are worth nineteen college credits!
The future looks bright for this determined Bulldog. Shamshad will apply to Stevens University, Rutgers New Brunswick, TCNJ, and Columbia University (he’s already applied to Fairleigh Dickinson) and will pursue a degree in Biomedical Engineering. In the future, he hopes to earn a Doctorate in either Hematology or Oncology.
Shamshad has learned a great deal about himself since coming to the United States, especially in relation to his education at PCTI. “I’ve gained so much confidence since my freshman year. Now I actively engage with others - which is something I never would have done in the past - and I have great friends from diverse backgrounds that I’ve learned a lot from!”
Congratulations to this young man on achieving his accomplishments!
Highlights
View the PDF
“My choice was motivated by circumstance. I saw how doctors in America took care of my family and wanted to emulate their kindness and consideration for others.”
For the past four years, Shamshad has involved himself in a host of activities, including Boys Golf, the Chess Club and the Muslim Student Association, all while maintaining a 4.3 GPA and ranking 5th in the Class of 2016! As a HOSA member, he’s competed as a member of the Dental Terminology team and has placed at the regional level. Additionally, Shamshad is a certified CNA and is working towards his EMT certification. Outside of PCTI, he can be found designing fliers and banners as the Head of Marketing for the Ashraq Youth Group, volunteering to organize and clean up Paterson’s Elysium Community Garden, and working twenty-five hours a week as a sales associate at Sears.
When asked about his challenging course load, Shamshad said, “There are so many opportunities to take advantage of and I love thinking analytically. Even if something isn’t easy, I’d rather have the experience and work through it than not be involved at all.” It’s no wonder he’s taken classes that are worth nineteen college credits!
The future looks bright for this determined Bulldog. Shamshad will apply to Stevens University, Rutgers New Brunswick, TCNJ, and Columbia University (he’s already applied to Fairleigh Dickinson) and will pursue a degree in Biomedical Engineering. In the future, he hopes to earn a Doctorate in either Hematology or Oncology.
Shamshad has learned a great deal about himself since coming to the United States, especially in relation to his education at PCTI. “I’ve gained so much confidence since my freshman year. Now I actively engage with others - which is something I never would have done in the past - and I have great friends from diverse backgrounds that I’ve learned a lot from!”
Congratulations to this young man on achieving his accomplishments!
Highlights
- Ranked in the top 1% percent of his class
- Member of ERASE, Boys Golf, HOSA, Chess Club, & the MSA
- Certified Nurse Assistant, working towards EMT certification
- Head of Marketing for the Ashraq Youth Group, volunteer at Elysium Community Garden, Sears Associate
- Goal: Graduate from a university with a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering, become a Hematologist/Oncologist
View the PDF
Melanie Hoyos
Melanie Hoyos is a Paterson local whose love of animals influenced her decision to attend Passaic County Technical Institute. Taking full advantage of career and technical education, Melanie chose the Academy of Medical Arts to jumpstart her journey of becoming a Veterinarian/Zoologist.
When she was in middle school, Melanie found herself drawn to the well-being of furry creatures. “I even had a few pets,” she adds. “I always found it easy to identify with animals.”
Naturally Melanie did what any forward thinking individual would do - she selected an area of study best suited to her needs.
For the past four years, Melanie has taken full advantage of the opportunities offered by PCTI. She has selected numerous honors and AP courses which have pushed her GPA to an astounding 4.39, earning her the distinct honor of ranking 4th in the Class of 2016!
Melanie keeps an active routine and is involved in numerous clubs and activities. She is a Class Representative (previously Secretary), a member of HOSA, GSA, National Honor Society, World Language Honor Society, and the Environmental Club. In HOSA she has competed twice with success at the National level. Melanie is also a Certified Nurse Assistant and is working towards becoming an EMT.
When asked to elaborate on her passions, Melanie cited her love of science and being selected for the Teen Crusaders - a community service program that builds character. Through this venture she has attended summer science courses at Rutgers University. Melanie is also involved in the 4H National Youth Organization through which she has competed and won numerous awards in the Arts & Crafts category.
During her education at PCTI, Melanie has learned much about herself. She enjoys working with the elderly and plans on embracing her CNA certification by picking up a part time job while attending a university. She plans on following the Veterinarian track by earning a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and Ecology.
It takes a special amount of warmth and kindness to successfully deliver care to humans and animals alike. Melanie has the precise amount of drive and determination needed to make a difference in the world. Congratulations to this outsanding Bulldog. Best of luck in the future!
Highlights
View the PDF
When she was in middle school, Melanie found herself drawn to the well-being of furry creatures. “I even had a few pets,” she adds. “I always found it easy to identify with animals.”
Naturally Melanie did what any forward thinking individual would do - she selected an area of study best suited to her needs.
For the past four years, Melanie has taken full advantage of the opportunities offered by PCTI. She has selected numerous honors and AP courses which have pushed her GPA to an astounding 4.39, earning her the distinct honor of ranking 4th in the Class of 2016!
Melanie keeps an active routine and is involved in numerous clubs and activities. She is a Class Representative (previously Secretary), a member of HOSA, GSA, National Honor Society, World Language Honor Society, and the Environmental Club. In HOSA she has competed twice with success at the National level. Melanie is also a Certified Nurse Assistant and is working towards becoming an EMT.
When asked to elaborate on her passions, Melanie cited her love of science and being selected for the Teen Crusaders - a community service program that builds character. Through this venture she has attended summer science courses at Rutgers University. Melanie is also involved in the 4H National Youth Organization through which she has competed and won numerous awards in the Arts & Crafts category.
During her education at PCTI, Melanie has learned much about herself. She enjoys working with the elderly and plans on embracing her CNA certification by picking up a part time job while attending a university. She plans on following the Veterinarian track by earning a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and Ecology.
It takes a special amount of warmth and kindness to successfully deliver care to humans and animals alike. Melanie has the precise amount of drive and determination needed to make a difference in the world. Congratulations to this outsanding Bulldog. Best of luck in the future!
Highlights
- Ranked in the top 1% percent of her class
- Class representative, member of HOSA, GSA, NHS, WLHS, & Environmental Club
- Certified Nurse Assistant, working towards EMT certification
- Volunteers throughout the community as a member of the Teen Crusaders
- Received “Best in Division” at 4H National Youth Organization competition
- Goal: Graduate from a university with a Bachelor’s degree Animal Science/Ecology, become a Veterinarian/Zoologist
View the PDF