Most challenging aspect of
earning a cert: “Staying focused was
sometimes very difficult. To help me
focus, I would listen to music, and
once in the ‘zone’ I would get going
and stay in there for a good hour. I
just kept telling myself that this was
for my future.”
Most enjoyable aspect of earning
a cert: “Getting the certification was
the most satisfying feeling. Realizing
that all of the work I put into studying
and preparing paid off in the end. I
passed all my cert exams on the first
try because I didn’t want to pay for a
retake.”
Importance of support: “My par-
ents always encouraged me to do my
best. Before I could drive, they would
transport me to practices. They didn’t
understand what I had to do but did
everything in their power to help me
in whatever way they could. They also
helped to make sure that I remem-
bered to study.”
Plans for future certs: “I want to
earn my Cisco CCNA Certification,
Linux Pro, MTA Python, and Ethical
Hacking Pro. I enjoy watching hack-
ers. Being able to hack has always
been a dream of mine.”
Advice to other students: “Study
hard, keep going and don’t give up.
Being certified is worth all the trou-
ble.”
Trinity Bell
Certifications: TestOut PC Pro,
Networking Pro, Switching Pro, Rout-
ing Pro. Working on Security Pro.
Study strategies: “We used TestOut
materials and did a lot of our study in
class. During school breaks, I would
be at school doing labs repeated-
ly until I got a 90 percent or better;
then I felt ready for the real exams. It
worked; I passed each exam the first
time I took them.”Hobbies: “I like going to the
movies and spending time with my
friends. I love drawing; most times,
it is of other people. My muse is my
older sister; I get a lot of inspiration
from her. She will buy a canvas and
ask me to paint a picture for her. We
are very close.”
Why Mr. Rick’s class: “I didn’t
plan on taking his class. I never
thought of myself as liking computers
and did not know anything about
them before the class. Once I started
working with them, I found it interest-
ing and fun.”
Best IT achievement: “The Routing
Pro certification, because I worked so
hard on it. I was not at all sure that I
would pass the exam and when I did,
it made me feel very accomplished.”
Educational and career goals: “I’m
planning on attending Auburn Uni-
versity at Montgomery, then medical
school at the University of Alabama. I
have always been interested in wom-
en’s health and want to be an OB/
GYN.”Thoughts on certification: “I
thought it would be cool to have all
this knowledge. Technology is a huge
part of our present and future and I
would like to be able to advance my
knowledge of it as it grows. Tech is
a big part of everyone’s life, and it’s
helpful to know as much as you can.”
Favorite fictional character: “Jessi-
ca Jones, because she is fearless, bold
and courageous — everything I aspire
to be. Those characteristics really stick
out to me.”
Craziest accomplishment: “Bun-
gee jumping! I have a horrible fear
of heights and will probably never
do it again. Whenever I do anything
involving heights, I feel great.”
Most challenging aspect of certifi-
cation: “Daily practice, because some
days you just feel like you want to
give up. But, you push through it all
because you know the outcome will
be rewarding in the end.”
Most enjoyable aspect of earning
a cert: “The sense of accomplishing
something significant and knowing I
worked hard for it.”
Advice to other students: “Study
until you know every detail you need
for the exam. Believe in yourself and
never give up. If you don’t succeed
the first time, keep trying because the
feeling you get after receiving your
certification makes all those long days
of studying worth it.”PEOPLE IN CERTIFICATION
During school
breaks, I would be
at school doing labs
repeatedly until I got
a 90 percent or bet-
ter; then I felt ready
for the real exams.
It worked; I passed
each exam the first
time I took them.
Photos courtesy of: Rick Shirley