Gordon Cooper Technology Center offers area students a wide variety of programs to help give them a head start to a possible career. Graci Bishop is one of those students that has taken advantage of the programs and has a plan for her future.

“I am in the Health Careers program at Gordon Cooper,” she said. “Once I graduate, I plan to go to the University of Central Oklahoma and get my Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree. My plan as of now is to become a NICU nurse.”

Bishop’s decision to enter the medical field was one that was greatly influenced by a situation that she had as a young child.

“My sister was born when I was seven years old,” Graci said. “She and my mom had the most amazing staff. That crew definitely inspired me to go into nursing. I knew that the Health Careers program would be a really good stepping stone into that career path.”

As a current student at Gordon Cooper, Graci has one word for anyone that is considering attending Gordon Cooper Tech but cannot decide for sure. 

“Go,” she stated. “Votech is such an amazing opportunity to decide if the program you chose is right for you. Vo-Tech has already taught me so much about what to expect out of high school. The curriculum is difficult, but it is also preparing me for the college courses I will be taking. Getting my CNA will be very helpful in finding a job that will hopefully help me pay for college.”

Bishop is a junior at McLoud High School, where she is a member of the fastpitch and slowpitch softball teams. She also serves as the manager for the boys basketball team and she is a member of the National Honor Society. 

Throughout her life, there have been people that have had an influence on Graci’s life, but she says that there are two people that have had the biggest impact.

“My parents are my biggest role models,” she said. “They have taught me to never give up, and to always persevere through whatever life throws at you.”