Our next senior profile in the series on BT-BOCES New Visions’ program features Nasser Al-Khalidi. The New Visions program is a unique opportunity that gives students in our region a realistic peek into a career they may be contemplating, while also earning them college credit. Students enrolled in a New Visions academy spend mornings taking classes and working side-by-side with professionals in the community, observing and participating in real-world experiences.
Nasser decided to participate in New Visions to challenge himself, and he enrolled in the program’s Health Careers Academy because he aspires to become a physician. “This program is a great steppingstone toward my goal,” said Nasser. “I am able to gain exposure to various healthcare careers, complete rigorous coursework, and better understand those in our community.”
His favorite aspect of New Visions is the social connections he has been able to make. “This program facilitates an environment of support and friendship,” said Nasser. “Everyone wants to be there every day, so it is an enjoyable experience.”
He plans to become a physician and work with the immune system or infectious diseases. To that end, Nasser intends to major in biology with a focus on public health at college. His ultimate career goal is to combine his knowledge of immunology and public health in a way that promotes health equity both locally and globally.
"My favorite rotation so far has been dental care. I learned the anatomy of the jaw and how to create a mandibular block with a Novocain injection,” shared Nasser. “…It was interesting to see the effects of gum bacteria on the immune system and the ways cavities can damage nerves to go unnoticed.”
Nasser added that the dental rotation confirmed for him his suitability for a field in healthcare when he watched a tooth extraction.
Health Academy students complete 22 weeks of clinical rotations in area hospitals and community partner clinics and offices. Nasser is a UHS student and shadows on Thursdays and Fridays, and he is in a different healthcare area observing several types of providers every week. His upcoming rotations are in the areas of physical therapy, dietetics, speech therapy, operating room, ophthalmology, emergency medical services, emergency department, and obstetrics.
In addition to their real-world experiences, New Visions students receive their grade 12 English and social studies requirements through coursework in conjunction with SUNY Broome’s Fast Forward program. Health Academy students take Economics as well in the first semester for high school credit. In the second semester, they take Public Policy, also through SUNY Broome’s Fast Forward.
The application process for New Visions includes an essay, teacher and school counselor recommendations, and an interview. Upon completion of the program, students earn four high school credits and varying numbers of college credits, dependent on the academy in which they are enrolled.
Watch for more upcoming posts about SV Seniors and their experiences with the New Visions Academies! For more information about Broome-Tioga BOCES New Visions program, visit the New Visions web page.