Welcome to PCIA’s Student Profile blog series, where we help you get to know a little more about each of our all-star students! While we’re proud of our academically rigorous, STEM-focused program, we also know how important it is to take a break from work sometimes, and make space for some of the more fun things in life, like getting to know your classmates. After all, PCIA is known for its focus on building strong relationships, not just between students and faculty, but among peers as well.

All of our students come from different academic backgrounds, and each has come to PCIA with the desire to be challenged academically and with the intent to build a satisfying future and life after high school, whatever that means for them. PCIA students go on to 2- and 4-year colleges and universities, technical degree programs, and some enter the workforce right away after graduation. We hope that by getting to know some of the students who already attend PCIA, you might begin to envision your own bright future right alongside them.

Lexi Manning

Grade: 10th
Favorite subject: Science
Activities/clubs: Science Club

What project or assignment challenged you the most as a student? Why?

Probably the science paper we are doing this semester. I had to learn how to research journals and read/understand academic writing and figure out how to put it in my own words. With this assignment I learned that not everything is going to be as easy for me as it used to be, so I should not wait until the last minute to do it, even if it seems easy.

What was the most enjoyable book you’ve read for school this year?

The comic book we had for summer reading called, “They Called Us Enemy.” It is the only book I have had to read that is not a textbook and his story about his experience in the Japanese internment camps was interesting. I liked the art style of the book and how the pictures made it easy to understand what was happening and made it more entertaining to learn about something I did not know a lot about.

Which subject do you think will prepare you most for life after high school? Why?

I think it would be science because I am planning on becoming a nurse after I finish school and learning some of it now will make it a little easier in college.

What is your favorite class in school? Why is it your favorite?

Either English because it challenges me the most in class and we have had a lot of good discussions, or science because I am more interested in what is being taught.

Do you prefer group or individual work in school? Explain.

I prefer individual work because I usually like things to be done a certain way. When I am doing individual work I also do not have to work out who does what part and depend on other people to do their work. I do like being able to split up the work if I know I can count on the people I’m working with.

If you could live anywhere, where would you live? Why?

I think I would continue to live in the United States, but move to the east coast. The state I want to live in over there changes a lot, but right now it is Connecticut because it has a high pay for nurses and it is close to New York, where I could see a lot of plays and ballets.

What’s your biggest dream in life?

My biggest dream is either to have children when I am older or to work as either a labor and delivery nurse or a certified midwife nurse. I have always loved babies and kids, so working to care for pregnant women and help deliver babies would be my dream job, and raising kids would be my biggest dream outside of working.

What advice do you have for new PCIA students?

Expect it to be difficult, but don’t think you are not able to do it because it’s really not that bad. Just make time to do the work and get help from the teachers or the other students when you need it and you’ll be fine.

Learn More

At PCIA, we’re here to help you choose the future that’s right for you, and make sure you have all the support you need along the way. Visit our application page to get started.