Rachelle Cha is a bright young woman from Clifton whose interest in technology led her to study as a member of the School of Applied Technology. “It began with an elective in middle school. I really enjoyed CAD and turning 2D images into 3D isometrics.”

This advantageous Bulldog has certainly been making the most of her of her time at PCTI. Paramount to Rachelle’s education has been her involvement in numerous clubs and activities. She has served as a Student Ambassador, a TI@TI peer leader, the Public Relations Officer for SkillsUSA, Yearbook Editor, as well as a member of Concert Band and Marching Band. In addition, Rachelle was selected for NJ Girls State, World Language Honor Society (where she serves as the Secretary), National Honor Society, Rho Kappa Honor Society, and Circle of Success.

High marks in AP and honors courses have allowed Rachelle to achieve Principal’s Honor Roll as well as a rank among the top three percent of her class with a GPA of 4.24! She has the potential to graduate with thirty college credits.

Outside of school, Rachelle spends her time volunteering at Clifton Public Library and acting as a counselor for Hana Missions. One of her all-time favorite hobbies is rock climbing. In what free time she has left, Rachelle enjoys taking photos and editing videos. Expanding on her creative outlet, she says, “I enjoy commemorating everything - my first day of school, vacations, hiking, Girls State.They’re recaps of my life.”

Her future aspirations include pursuing an education in law. “Girls State made me realize how much I love helping people, but there’s more to that than being a volunteer or a doctor. I can interact with people as a lawyer, help them through vulnerable situations, and change their futures.”

Her concentration would be Corporate Law. Rachelle aspires to work at a District Attorney’s Office and become a State Prosecutor.

After graduating from PCTI, she will pursue dual undergraduate degrees in Political Science & Statistics. “So many misused statistics have affected court cases,” she adds. Eventually, Rachelle will attend Law School and earn her Juris Doctor degree.

She dreams of attending American University and will be applying to Columbia, Brown, Duke, and Amherst College.

When asked about a valuable lesson she learned in high school, Rachelle says, “After obsessing about my grades for the first two years, I realized that learning is a life-long process. It’s about perspective.”

Congratulations to an eager young woman who has found both her voice and her dream!

Arushi Garg is a young woman from Wayne who aspires to innovate the world. This member of the Academy of Finance explains how practicality led her to choose this particular area of study. “I’ve always been surrounded by numbers and I appreciate that finance is important to the economy.” Arushi further elaborated that her father is in sales/marketing and her mother is an IT project manager. Both of their careers influence what she wants to do in life.

Arushi plans to study computer science and will pursue a minor in finance/business. Her take on combining both disciplines is quite unique. “Future technology will integrate computer science and business endeavors. I’m interested in studying artificial intelligence and aim to create a new computer system that will be used in the finance industry.”

Her motivation to succeed is unparalleled, as evidenced by her countless achievements in high school. Arushi has been nominated to Principal’s Honor Roll, National Honor Society, Rho Kappa Honor Society, and World Language Honor Society. She was selected for New Jersey Girls State, has acted as a delegate for the Congress of Future Science & Technology Leaders, represented the AOF at the NAF Competition in Texas, and much more.

At PCTI, Arushi showcases her true leadership skills as a student ambassador and flute section leader, as well as a member of Student Council/Interact, Gifted & Talented, Book Club, Chess Team, Concert/Marching Band, and FBLA. She has volunteered with Liberty Science Center, Habitat for Humanity, and acts as a summer camp counselor at her religious institution.

It comes as no surprise that Arushi ranks in the top four percent of her class with a GPA of 4.18! Electing to take extensive Honors and AP courses has ensured this Bulldog has the potential to graduate with an astounding forty-five college credits.

After graduating from PCTI, Arushi will attend a university and receive her Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, with a minor in Finance/Business. She aims to eventually pursue a Master in Science and her MBA.

“I can’t wait to figure out how to get new technology to customers and connect everything with sales,” Arushi says.

When asked about advice she has for her fellow classmates, Arushi offers, “Work on balancing social life and education in the classroom. Give your full focus and effort - that’s the only way to be successful.”

Congratulations to this motivated young woman who will undoubtedly accomplish great things in the future!