Economic Development Center

In 2000, Patricia Hudson began working for Metro Tech.  Since 2003, Patricia has taken on the role of the Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO) coordinator along with her duties as an Instructional Specialist. Patricia not only coordinates student memberships to organizations like SkillsUSA and Business Professionals of America (BPA), she also fills the role of an advocate and mentor.

“I felt that taking this position was a calling. Many of our students never have had the opportunity to be in an organization or in a leadership role,” Patricia said. Many of Metro Tech students have gone onto national competitions because of the diligent preparation that is available to them through Patricia’s efforts.

Once all the students have prepared themselves for an array of competitions through a variety of student organizations, Patricia makes sure their appearance represents their professionalism. The Health Occupations of America (HOSA), SkillsUSA and BPA all require matching blazers and that men wear ties. Students must dress the part to receive their awards at competitions. “One kid couldn’t go on stage because he didn’t have a tie,” Patricia said. “I did what was needed and found him a tie”.

Metro Tech gives a CTSO scholarship of 600 hours of Metro Tech classes to the first, second and third place winners at all state competitions. “This opportunity really makes a difference in the kids’ lives. It gives them a chance to continue their education”. Patricia said. “Once they get that first taste of winning, taking state isn’t good enough; they want to go to nationals”.

Teachers use the “CTSO Survival Guide” Patricia wrote to delegate tasks that are required of each organization’s elected officers. Patricia goes to great lengths to ensure that all students who are participating have the best chance to succeed. From a contest-to-contest basis, she works directly with students to prepare them for Parliamentary Procedure competitions. Parliamentary Procedures are the rules of conducting a business meeting. “You could say Parliamentary Procedures are my baby,” Patricia said. “I try to make it fun and awarding for the students”.

When asked what the most rewarding part of coordinating CTSO is, Patricia didn’t hesitate to answer. “I get to see them grow like I did when I was a teacher. They develop confidence, aspire to set goals and realize they are awarded for their hard work. Hard work pays off.”