Tess Combis is a graduating senior in the Early Education and Care vocational program. (Photo courtesy Southeastern)
Tess Combis of Norton is recognized as a Southeastern Regional Class of 2024 Senior in the Spotlight.
Southeastern’s Senior Spotlight honorees are chosen based on their high academic and vocational achievement. Seniors are selected from each of the nine communities Southeastern serves and are highlighted before graduation, which will be held this year on June 5.
Combis is a senior in the Early Education and Care vocational program. She chose this program because she has always possessed a love for learning and teaching. Realizing she wanted to educate young minds, she knew that Southeastern’s Early Learning Center would be the best place for her to prepare for a flourishing career in the teaching field. What she loves most about her vocational program is how extensively hands-on Southeastern's curriculum is. From her freshman to senior year, she has been immersed in the classroom, interacting with students and applying her lesson plans and activities daily.
She says, "It was truly amazing to see my own growth reflected in the children and in the classroom."
Her favorite experience from her vocational work was participating in cooperative education. She is currently employed at a childcare center in Foxboro where she works with children ages three months to five years old. She creates and applies curricula, plans developmentally appropriate activities and leads and assists in the classroom. Co-op has made a significant impact on her life, from encouraging her to step out of her comfort zone to teaching her how to be a creative role model. Through her co-op, she has gained immense insight into real-world childcare and what it truly means to be an educator.
After graduation, she plans to attend a four-year college and earn a Master’s degree in Early Education to teach Kindergarten through Grade 2 in Massachusetts public schools.
For new students attending Southeastern, Combis says, "Balance is key. Taking both academic and vocational courses at the same time can be difficult, however, with stability comes success. For me, taking advanced classes and simultaneously being out on co-op can bring challenges. However, I overcome these obstacles through proficiency, time management, and goal setting. Believe in yourself and your abilities!"
Hannah Sammut, John Guilfoil Public Relations