CCHS/CTC graduate plans career in health field

KILLEEN, TX (June 2, 2025) — While most high school seniors are preparing for life after graduation, Copperas Cove High School’s Daniel Manning already has a college degree in hand and a clear vision for his future in the medical field.

Before walking across the stage to receive his high school diploma, Daniel graduated from Central Texas College (CTC) with an associate degree, an achievement that has not only set him apart but also brought him one step closer to his lifelong dream of working in medicine.

“I want to pursue a career in the medical field,” Manning said. “It’s something I’ve been interested in since I was a kid. A lot of my relatives say it just fits me. They’ve always seen how I care for others and notice when someone isn’t feeling well.”

Manning’s natural compassion and curiosity about health and healing found the perfect foundation in CTC’s dual credit program. By earning college credit while still in high school, he gained both academic experience and valuable confidence.

“CTC helped me get a lot of college credits out of the way early, and it really strengthened my college applications,” he explained. “The colleges I applied to were impressed that I already had an associate degree. That helped open doors.”

Set to attend the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in the fall, Daniel knows that the head start he earned at CTC will make a difference as he continues his journey toward a career in healthcare.

“Having so many college hours already completed feels amazing,” he said. “It’s like I’m starting ahead of the game and I’ve learned skills I’ll carry with me, like discipline, time management, and critical thinking.”

That path wasn’t without its challenges. Balancing high school, college classes, and sports required discipline, something Manning admits he had to work to develop.

“Time management was the hardest part. At first, it was tough to get the grades I wanted, but over time, I learned how to stay focused and push through,” he said. “There were definitely moments when it felt overwhelming, but it all paid off in the end.”

One of the biggest learning curves came from adjusting to the expectations of college-level coursework.

“College professors treated me like a college student, not a high schooler. There weren’t second chances, and that forced me to take responsibility for my learning,” Manning said. “Even with all the challenges, I made it. I’m excited to keep going and pursue something I’m truly passionate about.”