Editor's note: This is the sixth in a series of articles highlighting programs at the James Ramsey Institute of Technology.
MARTINSBURG — James Rumsey Technical Institute's Cybersecurity/Cisco program trains students in networking and IT jobs.
Through this program, students gain real-world experience working in the IT department and supporting other programs across the school. Students also earn four important certifications, including COMPTIA A+, COMPTIZ Network+, COMPTIA Security+, and CCNA.
Ronald Odom has been teaching at James Ramsey for 14 years. Odom has a passion for working with young people. Because he enjoys seeing young people understand concepts and succeed later in life.
“I always feel fulfilled when I see the light bulb go on for my students and see them go on to successful careers,” Odom said. “We have a freshman who won a gold medal this year at the SkillsUSA competition, which is a huge accomplishment for his freshman year. I'm sure he's going to go far. Those moments are what really make it worth it. ”
The winning student was Adiel Rodriguez, who won a contest that tested his knowledge about computers and cables. He took on the challenge of making two computers aware of each other and working together to edit files.
Rodriguez said her favorite parts of the competition were being able to travel, testing her knowledge against other students, and meeting other people, including the instructors who ran the competition. Ta.
“This program deals with troubleshooting and problem solving, and that's what I want to do,” Rodriguez said. “Classes that focus on problem solving are perfect for me. It's very logical and every problem has a solution, you just have to find it.”
Washington High School senior Aaron Hickman is a cybersecurity/Cisco safety manager and a second year student in the program. Hickman has always been interested in computers, so when he had the opportunity to tour James Ramsey and learn about the cybersecurity program, he thought it was a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience working in the field.
“One of my favorite things about this program is working in the computer lab,” Hickman said. “In the lab, you gain more experience with computers and learn more about the software you are using.”
Hickman plans to get a job after graduation and is considering attending college afterward, while Rodriguez attends Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, earns college credits and then plans to attend another college. I am thinking of transferring to.
For more information about James Rumsey Technical Institute, please visit https://jamesrumsey.com.
