Senior speakers reflect on experiences, opportunities at A. W. Beattie

A.W. Beattie Career Center selected three seniors from a highly qualified group of students to speak at the Class of 2024 Senior Recognition Ceremony. Below are their stories.

Natalee Frank - North Allegheny

North Allegheny senior Natalee Frank, a second-year student in the Automotive Technology program, plans to attend Duquesne University where she will double major in Marketing and Management.

“I’m not entirely set on an end goal, but I want to do something related to the marketing and sales side of working in a dealership,” Natalee said. “As much as I do love working in a shop and getting my hands dirty, I also really love talking to people and connecting with people. I’d love to be on that side of the field. I feel having the background of knowledge in this program will really help with that. I can explain the ins and outs of a vehicle fully and not just market cars based off appearance and new features.”

Natalee was interested in speaking at the Senior Recognition Ceremony to provide a unique perspective on opportunities at the Career Center.

“I'm in a male dominated program, and felt it would be good for someone to represent non-traditional students,” she said. “I do talk about it a little bit in my speech. I want to represent everyone, especially students who faced challenges. In my program, I didn't know as much as some of the guys originally. Now, I feel we are all on the same level. I feel a lot more comfortable and confident. And, honestly, if anyone has a younger sibling like a younger sister who would want to do what I did, I want them to know that it will be OK to join a program like Auto Tech because there are opportunities for everyone.”

Natalee was nervous about how instructors and peers would perceive her when she joined the Automotive Technology program.

“There was some anxiety over whether I’d be made fun of for being a girl in Auto Tech and looked at as less than,” she said. “My teachers never looked at me differently. As we learned as a class I didn't feel anyone looked at me differently so it's been really nice to know that no one perceives my skills as less valued just because I’m a girl.”

Joining the Automotive Technology gave Natalee the opportunity to work with her hands.

"Working with my hands feels natural to me," she said. "If I see, I can do it. That's how I learn and how I connect the logistics behind everything. Beattie's teachers always were great at working with me and encouraging me. They also get to know you on a personal level, and I appreciate that they take the time to get to know you and to understand who you are. I got along with everyone here too because we have a lot of the same interests. It was the perfect environment for me to do well."

Ava Hansen - Deer Lakes

Deer Lakes senior Ava Hansen, a third-year student in the Health and Nursing Sciences, plans to attend Nova Southeastern University in Florida to major in Nursing and earn her BSN.

“I feel it’s a special honor to be a speaker,” Ava said. “I’ve heard others speak at graduations and ceremonies, and I’ve always felt I could offer something to people in that type of role. I want everyone to truly feel they have a purpose in their own way to make a difference in the world whether you’re going to the military, the workforce or college.”

Ava, who hopes to be a pediatric nurse or traveling nurse, enjoyed opportunities in the Health and Nursing Sciences program to be in a clinical atmosphere in the lab and to do volunteer work through the Career Center.

“Helping others has always been an important part of my life,” Ava said. “I come from a family of service (in the military and as EMTs) and I go by the quote, ‘The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.’”

At Deer Lakes, Ava was involved in Best Buddies. She also has been a dancer since she was 8 years old and hope to continue that passion on NSU’s college dance team.

At Beattie, Ava has been a member of the Beattie Assistance Team (as Vice President) and SkillsUSA in which she earned second place at district competitions for First Aid and CPR. Ava also helped lead a fundraising effort for breast cancer research and a clothing drive the Light of Life Foundation, which filled the entirety of a school van.

“Once I became comfortable meeting a lot of people from other school districts I really wanted to get involved in different student clubs,” she said. “Doing things like volunteering and encouraging positive mental health through BAT are important. Even just the smallest gesture, even just a little bit of community service can make a huge difference and they can mean a lot to people.”

Aditi Patwari - North Allegheny

North Allegheny senior Aditi Patwari, a third-year student in the Sports Medicine program, will attend Slippery Rock University where she will be in the accelerated program to double major in Public Health and Physical Therapy.

“I feel it's a great honor to be recognized and to have the opportunity to be a speaker,” Aditi said. “I really want to celebrate everything that we have accomplished as a senior class and the great memories we have made together.”

Aditi has been involved in Beattie Assistance Team, Beattie Ambassadors, SkillsUSA, PartnerUp, assisting Cooperative Education Coordinator Mrs. Vano at the Job Fair and speaking at Open Houses and Road Shows at elementary and middle schools.

“You meet so many more people when you get involved,” Aditi said. “With Beattie Ambassadors there's at least one person from every program. PartnerUp introduced me to so many different people and helped me understand so many different tips and tricks for the future to brand myself. Trying all of these different things enhanced my Beattie experience to the fullest extent.”

Aditi participated in the Sports Medicine program due to her interest in healthcare.

“When I filled out my application I thought about what was involved with physical therapy,” Aditi said. “Some people who need physical therapy might be at the lowest point of their life, and I want to see them build up their strength and confidence. I want to help them build momentum toward feeling better. That's such a rewarding experience.”

Aditi’s passion for physical therapy grew each year in the program. Participating in Co-Op at UPMC Passavant solidified her desire to pursue a career in health career.

“I’ve loved watching RAs and PTs working with patients,” Aditi said. “I cannot wait to be one of those PTs to do what I love.”

Aditi also had Mr. Vtipil as her instructor for three years.

“I have to give Mr. Vtipil the biggest thanks in the world,” Aditi said. “The way that he supports me and believes in me and everyone else means so much. He makes every class enjoyable. i love coming to Beattie and discovering what knowledge I can gain. I love being here because it's one of the most positive environments and rewarding experiences I've ever had. You learn about the field you are in, and you learn about yourself.”