EVERETT — Justin Caldwell attends ACES High School in the morning and Sno-Isle TECH Skills Center in the afternoon. The 17-year-old is in the center’s Computers, Servers and Networking program, where he is racking up credits at Edmonds Community College. He considered dropping out of school his sophomore year, but Justin found the right fit at Sno-Isle. His teacher said Justin’s hard work, determination and ability to learn from his own mistakes kept him in school. He is a joy, she said.
Question: Why did you choose Sno-Isle TECH Skills Center?
Answer: I guess because of my interest in computers. They offer something more and higher level classes, and I get college credits. I was looking for something else.
Q: What program are you in and why that choice?
A: Computers, Servers, Networking. We deal with IT (information technology). It’s not programming. It’s problem-solving with computers. I like the atmosphere in this class. They offer certifications in this class.
Q: It sounds like you’ve become a better student since you first started. What changed for you and why?
A: I started at Mariner High School. I had trouble with the transition from the eighth grade to freshman year. I was pretty unmotivated. I went to ACES my sophomore year and didn’t earn many credits. As soon as I hit my junior year I came here. It was like motivation. I came here with five credits. By the end of the semester I’ll have 22.5 credits or more. It’s really fun and engaging here.
Q: Did you consider not finishing school?
A: Yes, my sophomore year. My parents were adamantly against it. I’d earned like 3-1/2 credits. I felt like I was at a dead-end. I changed my mind. I think it was a combination of growing up and having a little more responsibility. You realize when you get closer to graduation it’s real. I couldn’t see that as much freshman year.
Q: What kind of certifications have you earned since starting Sno-Isle?
A: I’m Pro PC certified. I have certification in Microsoft operating systems and fundamentals in Windows 7. I have network fundamentals, security fundamentals and Windows server 2012. I’m looking at another two and studying for A++ certification.
Q: How did you spend last summer?
A: I was here last summer seven to eight hours a day for three weeks. We were the on site technicians for summer school. We solved all of our own problems, and a lot of it was helping teachers. None of it was really challenging.
Q: Why do you choose to mentor first-year students?
A: It’s required of second-year students. We mentor students. We study and take certification tests. As our third job we do tech support around the school.
Q: What are your plans for the future?
A: I’ve applied at Edmonds Community College. I already have 15 credits. I’m trying to go into computer security and forensics.
Q: How old were you when you first discovered computers?
A: I didn’t have a lot of electronics until I was 10. I pretty much read. I got my first computer at 13 to do online school. It was just a laptop. I would try to do games on the laptop and try to maximize the performance. I built my first computer my sophomore year. I still have that computer.
Q: Do you still enjoy reading?
A: Yes. Admittedly, I read less. I have work and school and social stuff. I work at McDonald’s.
Q: What’s your grade point average?
A: 3.1. It was like .027 my freshman year. I have been on the honor roll at this school for the three semesters I’ve been here.
Q: What do you do when you’re not on a computer?
A: I work, and lately I like to go camping, now that I have a car.
Diana Hefley: 425-339-3463, hefley@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @dianahefley.
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