What kind of work are you doing today?
I've been doing general desktop support, installing software and working on spyware and antivirus solutions for Lane County, in Eugene.

This job started as an internship which I did the last 6 months I was in school. I worked here in kind of a learning environment without being paid, and it worked into a temporary position. Then I interviewed for a permanent position as an Information Systems Analyst, and was offered the job! I am excited to start my new responsibilities.

What inspired you to pursue technology as a career?
I was always fascinated with technology. When computers first came out, they were kind of were like a toy at first and I enjoyed playing with them. I actually worked in a lumber mill doing production work. They happened to be one of the most advanced mills in the country, and I could see firsthand the computerized equipment and how it benefited them. I was fascinated at how so many things could be automated, and it just got me more interested in the computers.

Was it a big leap to decide to go back to school?
Oh, it was huge, I'd considered it for years but I always held back because there is that big, grey unknown area. I have three kids and so I have a family to support, and a house payment and you just wonder what is going to happen, "Will it work out"? But I got to a point where I decided to go for it.

What gave you the courage to go for it?
Where I worked they were going to be laying off some people. I wasn't in line to be laid off, but because of the circumstances in the layoff, some people qualified for assistance to be reeducated, so I checked into that. They allowed me to voluntarily take a layoff and qualify for the education grant. And that was just enough to give me the edge to say, "At least there is a portion of it that will be paid for."

What was holding me back from going to school was how to pay for it, but the grant helped, and I figured it was now or never. I figured, "Do I stay here forever or do I take a chance and go for it?" I went ahead and took the chance.

What did you like about Pioneer Pacific College?
In talking to other people and my career counselor, I realized that if I went to a community college, my 2-year degree might take three years to get and I didn't have that kind of time to take 3 years. With Pioneer Pacific I was guaranteed to get through the program in 16, 17 months.

Also, they really work with you to meet your goals. The goal was to graduate with a degree, and not just the degree but also to have the skills. And they would work to meet that end.

What are your next goals?
I achieved the main goal of getting my diploma and I'm actually working at what I went to school for, which is good. That actually inspired me. My goals now are to get a permanent job and go back to school and get a bachelor's degree. I'd like to get into a position where I could get into other areas of network management, and get into a little bit more into network and desktop security.

What would you say to someone who's considering going to school, but hasn't taken the next step yet?
I'd just say to do it. If you are considering school, but you're not sure, I can guarantee you'll be in the same situation a year from now if you don't do anything.

Life is not a certainty. If it's a dream, you have take that leap of faith and go for it. You aren't going to achieve what you're dreaming about if you don't take a chance.