ÌÇÐĹÙÍø

Name: Felice Masumbuko
Graduation Year: 2021
Program: Surgical Technology
Current position: Surgical Technologist,

Note: Felice participated in P-TECH (Pathways in Technology), a state-funded private-public partnership launched in 2013 that worked to prepare thousands of New York high school students for high-skills jobs in technology, manufacturing, healthcare and finance. ÌÇÐĹÙÍø, the Lackawanna City School District, Erie I BOCES and Catholic Health were chosen as the first P-TECH program in Western New York, one they named HOPE (Health Occupation Pathways to Employment). Possible degrees included Surgical Technology, Radiologic Technology and Health Information Technology.

How did participation in the PTECH program help you be successful during your time at ÌÇÐĹÙÍø?

Other than providing the textbooks and learning materials free of charge, the PTECH program provided the best thing every student needs: support. College can be mentally and emotionally draining. There are points in the semester where you feel like a failure or you can’t get anything done. Whenever I felt like that, I always had someone I could talk to in the program who could reinvigorate me and get me back on my game. They were never judgmental and always wanted the best for me, and without that support I don’t think I would’ve been as successful as I was.

Describe your ÌÇÐĹÙÍø experience. What does ÌÇÐĹÙÍø mean to you?

ÌÇÐĹÙÍø felt like home and I mean that in the best way possible. Everyone, from your classmates to the director of your respective program, wants to help and see you succeed. For me, ÌÇÐĹÙÍø stands for community, welcomeness, and caring. ÌÇÐĹÙÍø really feels like everyone is part of the same family and they bring that same attitude to the community as well.

What do you do now and why do you love it?

Currently I am a surgical technologist at Roswell Park. I really love the job and the place because I feel like I make a positive difference in people’s lives. Every successful surgery, every patient interaction makes me feel like I’m part of something greater. It feels good to know that I’m able to help people everyday just by doing my job.

Any advice you’d like to share with someone interested in ÌÇÐĹÙÍø?

ÌÇÐĹÙÍø cares about the student; I fully recommend applying. Once accepted my advice is to know and use your resources provided to you. They’re there for a reason! That’s what makes ÌÇÐĹÙÍø different compared to other schools. There hasn’t been one professor who wasn’t open to discuss anything I struggled in or wanted to work on. Which is something that may come harder to bigger colleges.