She grew up interested in her dad ’ s job in the heating , venting and air conditioning ( HVAC ) industry and worked at the shop where he works for the past two summers . Her goal is to be an HVAC technician .

“ My dad was my inspiration . I saw how hard he worked . And I love hands-on learning ,” Aleksa said .

Through Fresno High ’ s Construction Design and Technology Academy , she took classes in various aspects of the construction industry tied in with core classes for graduation and preparing her for college . Her freshman and sophomore years were focused on construction , her junior year on electrical and her senior year on HVAC .

She enjoys learning things that are directly tied to the career she wants to pursue , including technical skills , like how to take apart an air conditioning unit and put it back together .

“ Aleksa is an amazing student . She ’ s very diligent in the classroom and even more so in a group setting . She is more than willing�to help others during assignments ,” said HVAC teacher Christopher Torres . technician . Technicians are in demand and as a female , she will be a highly competitive candidate as companies seek to hire more women . She is one of just two girls in her HVAC classes at Fresno High .

“ Girls think they can ’ t do it , that it ’ s a man ’ s job ,” Aleksa said . “ Given the opportunity , they ’ re going to realize . ‘ I can do it too .’ It ’ s not that hard .”

Keisha Shabazz , a College and Career Readiness coordinator , said Aleksa excels at all her assignments , “ proving that determination and skill know no gender boundaries . We are very proud of Aleksa , and we know a bright future awaits her .”

Shabazz is also the International Baccalaureate

Career Programme coordinator for the Fresno High region .

Along with her interest in HVAC , Aleksa plays the clarinet in the marching band and likes English language arts classes , especially writing .

Students in the construction pathway take their classes in a career technical education ( CTE ) building with shops and classrooms completed in 2021 and funded by a CTE facilities grant and Measure X , a bond passed by the community in 2016 .

Students work on industry standards equipment so that they are prepared for the workforce and can earn certifications . For example , if Aleksa completes all of the requirements , she will earn her EPA 608 certification this year .

She said her dad is proud that she wants to pursue the same industry that he works in .

“ He ’ s really excited about it ,” Aleksa said .

They even talk about possibly owning a business together .

“ I feel like HVAC is a job , but it can also be fun ,” Aleksa said .

After graduation , Aleksa plans to enroll in the two-year HVAC program at Fresno City College , which will fully prepare and certify her to get a job as a

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