Omar
"Do not allow yourself to preemptively shut out an opportunity. Never tell yourself you have no chance and let self-doubt...
"My name is Omar, and I now work in IT. However, this wasn't always my trajectory in life. I had previously studied and spent most of my professional life in business and customer service. While I usually was the guy most people would ask about problems such as why an electronic device was not turning on or behaving in a certain manner, I never considered myself for a career in IT, let alone cloud computing.
One major deterrent, as many encounter, was always finances. That was until one fateful day through a communication from MCC I learned of the Garcia Family Foundation Cloud Computing scholarship program. I spent some time considering if I should dedicate the time to submit my application. With no formal IT or direct tech experience, why would they pick me over anyone else? Becoming tired with my own indecision I decided to give it a try and put my best foot forward. I tried to highlight any skills that translate or relate to the IT field and above all else my willingness and desire to learn.
After a few suspenseful weeks I saw the email notifying me I was in consideration for the scholarship. During the program I think we all learned more about general IT and Cloud Computing than a majority of people learn about the two subjects in their life. Which, while great, was also one of the difficulties of the program. Just as with many other situations I think we are our biggest barricade. At times when the studying was overwhelming, I collected myself and tried to remind myself of why I am doing this to keep moving toward the goal at the end of the road, no matter how rough the journey.
For any incoming scholars that may encounter this issue, let your close friends and family know what you are working toward and for their cooperation to help keep you on track and study. Many terms and acronyms are very similar, a letter difference could make or break your scores and credibility. Research studying methods and find what works best for you. Personally, I found great success in flash cards and utilization of the pomodoro technique. Just like many things, those two methods were taught to me by the great professors we had. They are an outstanding resource with experience that cannot be replaced. If there is ever anything you are unsure of, reaching out to someone experienced in the subject is often a great step to learning.
With all these components combined I was able to study for and pass my CompTIA A+, Amazon Web Services Practitioner and Cloud Architect certifications. Toward the end of the program the Garcia Foundation and MCC had also put together a job fair for the scholars. It was from this that I was able to be called for additional interviews with one of the companies present and secure an internship. That internship then led to a full-time job that I plan on making my career.
Just because I am no longer in college does not mean my learning stopped. On the contrary, I am still learning something new every day and plan on working toward my CCNA certification and implementing my AWS certifications in the future. If there is only one thing anyone who hears my story takes away: Do not allow yourself to preemptively shut out an opportunity. Never tell yourself you have no chance and let self-doubt stop you. The worst they can tell you is no. Even if it is not the definitive best outcome, it can still change your life for the better and help you get out of the cycle and make the change you are looking for. However, none of this would have been possible without the Garcia Family Foundation, MCC and everyone else involved in the process. For that, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone for the opportunity and for taking a chance on me and believing in me."
