Camila Cisneros-Perez: How CTE Helped Her Find Her Voice
As Career and Technical Education Month comes to a close, one North Lenoir High School senior is a shining example of what CTE can do.
Camila Cisneros-Perez, recently named a North Carolina Presidential Scholar for Career and Technical Education, has transformed her high school experience through creativity, leadership and a willingness to take a leap of faith.
When Camila first arrived at North Lenoir, she described herself as “really quiet” and reserved, with a small circle of friends. Today, she is a confident leader. A two-time chapter president and current Public Relations Officer for her school’s chapter of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), Camila also serves as Vice President of Public Relations for the state chapter, representing students across North Carolina.
“I came in as a shy student,” she said. “But through FCCLA and my other extracurriculars, I’ve been able to open myself up and become more comfortable speaking in front of people, even if it’s still a little difficult.”
Her growth started with a simple decision to try something new.
As a child, Camila remembers watching the musicals at North Lenoir and thinking how exciting it looked to be on stage. When she entered high school, fear held her back at first. Encouraged by a teacher, she auditioned for drama during her second semester.
“It was scary at first because it was new,” she said. “You’re not used to making big expressions or being overdramatic on stage. But once I understood what they were looking for and saw the audience enjoying the show, I really started to love it.”
That same willingness to step outside her comfort zone led her to a freshman year interior design class and eventually to FCCLA.
“I’ve always loved anything creative,” Camila said, recalling her interest in interior design shows, baking competitions, fashion programs and home remodeling series. “When I saw that interior design was an option in high school, I thought, ‘Oh my goodness, I didn’t know we could take classes like this.’”
Through FCCLA’s competitive events program, Camila turned that interest into hands-on experience. In her first competition, students were given a real-world scenario and asked to create a complete floor plan and design solution. Camila’s project, a combined counseling office and apartment space, earned her second place at the state level.
“It really sparked something in me,” she said. “Even though there’s a lot of technical work behind it, it was so enjoyable.”
FCCLA is a national Career and Technical Student Organization that helps students develop leadership, communication and career-ready skills through competitive events, community service and networking opportunities.
“It’s based on family, career, and community,” Camila explained. “But everything you learn, communication skills, leadership skills, networking, you can use in your everyday life.”
She credits CTE courses and FCCLA with giving students exposure to real career pathways long before they step onto a college campus.
“If you’re interested in something like culinary arts or interior design, you can explore it now,” she said. “You can compete, get experience at the state level and then continue it in college. It gives you that exposure early.”
Beyond competitions and titles, what has meant the most to Camila are the connections she has built.
“I think what will always stick with me is getting to meet other people and travel,” she said. “Being able to travel through this organization and make connections, even if you don’t see those people every day, you never know when you might meet again in college or after. Those lifeline connections really matter.”
As a chapter leader and now a state officer, Camila has worked to expand awareness of FCCLA, strengthen communication among members, and encourage younger students to find their place within CTE programs.
“It can feel scary at first, not knowing what the outcome will be,” she said. “But it’s that leap of faith. Once you see how much you can grow and how much your skills develop, you realize how rewarding it is. I love seeing other students grow through the organization.”
Her experience has shaped her future plans. Camila intends to pursue a degree in interior design, possibly paired with architecture. Among the schools she is considering are University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Savannah College of Art and Design, Meredith College and Queens University of Charlotte.
Looking back, Camila says CTE didn’t just prepare her for a career, but it changed her life
“It doesn’t matter which organization you join,” she said. “When you take that chance and join, you grow. Just take that leap of faith. No matter what the outcome is, have fun with it and keep growing.”
As Lenoir County Public Schools wraps up another CTE Month, Camila Cisneros-Perez stands as a powerful example of what happens when students are given opportunities to explore their passions, build real-world skills and step confidently into leadership.
