Danielle Rocco used words like unreal, fantastic, fun, cool and amazing in describing her experience at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference June 24-27. The Rhinebeck High School graduate was the first student from Dutchess BOCES’ Career and Technical Institute to win a state nursing assistant title to qualify for nationals.
“I met the nicest people from all over the country,” she said. “I think I met someone from every state, which was my goal. It was a fantastic experience. I had the best time.”
Rocco’s results will not be known until August, but she said she did well. There was a written test on June 24 and skills test on June 26. On June 25, she was able to visit sites in Atlanta such as the aquarium and Coca-Cola museum.
“It was an all-day thing, so it was very exhausting,” she said of nationals. “It was such a great experience and I wish I could do it all over again.
“I learned each state has different ways of doing things, which is so cool to me because seeing medicine and nursing in all different states is way broader than I thought it would be. It was so fun to see how everyone else does it around the country.”
Rocco said the competitors had the opportunity to exchange pins, similar to what tourists do at Walt Disney World. She also had the chance to meet competitors from Alabama, who shared places to visit and eat near the University of Alabama campus where Rocco will attend college.
“I will definitely be checking out some of the places they told me to go visit,” she said.
Rocco’s principals praised the efforts of their pupil in representing their schools.
“We are extremely proud of Danielle,” said CTI Principal Nick Millas. “She has been a dedicated member of Skills USA the last two years. She is a student who persevered after not getting the results she wanted at states last year. She works very hard at building her skills and knowledge. Her going to nationals means a lot to CTI and the nursing program since she is the first student to compete in nationals in my four years as CTI Principal.”
Millas added, “She is a kind and caring person with a warm personality that will serve her well in the medical field. She is a model CTI student who has helped us break the mold of what people perceive as traditional ‘vocational education’ and elevate our standing as an academic institution.”
Rhinebeck High School Principal Edwin Davenport echoed those compliments.
“The faculty and I are so impressed, but not surprised, by Danielle’s success!,” he said. “At both RHS and CTI, she has been incredibly hardworking and an important student voice in each school. We wish her the best and look forward to hearing about her future successes!”
Rocco will study to be a nurse at the University of Alabama. She is heading there shortly for freshman orientation and will move into her residence on campus Aug. 14 and 15. Classes begin Aug. 20.
“This is a new chapter for me,” she said. “I met so many people on campus already. I have freshman orientation soon and am excited to meet more people when I go there for orientation.
“I’m beyond excited start my next chapter.”