Withlacoochee Technical College

Amanda Bautista’s early life was literally a circus. Her parents were professional performers; she was a contortionist by age three. Life on the road did not mesh with formal schooling. She was homeschooled and could read, write, and do basic math. At 16, Amanda went to school, but did not complete her formal education.
 

For many years, Amanda travelled the world as a performer. Along the way, she passed half of the exams for her GED® credential. A career change forced her to focus on her commitment to earning the credential. She enrolled in WTC’s GED® prep classes. Amanda passed the rest of the tests and went to work on a cruise ship. Then, COVID 19 hit and shut down the industry.
 

Amanda returned to WTC and enrolled in Massage Therapy. She blossomed—as a performer who reveled in movement, something about Massage Therapy spoke to her. The 750 hour program was the longest time she was continuously enrolled in school. Now with her own massage practice, she combines her love of massage with the joy of travel as she works part time in merchandising for a nationwide event company. Amanda says, “I wouldn’t be where I am if it weren’t for all of my support systems, including WTC.”