Hawk learns the ropes to become certified nursing assistant

Michael Ruben Reynosa, Senior at Harlingen High School South hopes that by the time he graduates with his high school diploma, he will have also become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).

As a student of the Practicum in Health Science, Reynosa has been putting into practice skills that he’s learned in class. And soon, he will have the opportunity to take a test that could allow him to receive his license to work as a nursing assistant.

“In the program we have to learn a lot of medical terminology, and we get to practice our skills in the lab and at Retama Manor Nursing Center,” said Reynosa. “When we go to the nursing home, we practice on real cases under the supervision of our teacher. Once we finish executing all of our skills, we will come back and study for the state exam.”

With his certification, he plans to start working while going to school to become a registered nurse.

Reynosa’s teachers have really seen his academic growth and improvement in a short span of time. Just four years ago, he started school in the United States at Harlingen South with limited English proficiency. He moved from Mexico with his grandparents in pursuit of a more advantageous education.

“I was motivated to come to the U.S. to learn English and I also like the schools here better,” he said. “I feel like there are more opportunities available to students. The teachers help you a lot more and the counselors not only give you advice on your classes but on your personal life as well.”

Since his freshman year, Reynosa has come a long way in the English language and has also started learning another language, French.

“I enjoy all of my classes because I like to learn, but I have to say, French is my favorite,” he said. “I like learning languages. It makes me happy to understand words that are not spoken in my first language and I feel proud of myself every time I learn something new.”

This past summer, Reynosa had the opportunity to attend the American Legion Boys State program in Austin. The conference is one of the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction for high school students.

Nominated by his school counselor, he was the only student representative for Harlingen South. There he learned about the operation of his local, county, and state government.