The Sequoia Information
Technology program at Sequoia High School in Redwood City, California,
provides students with advanced training and industry- recognized
certification in the field of information technology. Information
Technology is a broad and rapidly growing career field with
great opportunities for students who take the challenge to master
technical subjects.
Matt Rigdon is a 16-year old student at Sequoia, and is enrolled
in the Cisco Networking Academy Program offered at this school.
Governor George W. Bush recently visited some of the students
at Sequoia High School and Matt was one of the students who
had the opportunity to speak with Governor and Mrs. Bush.
Matt first heard of the Networking Academy program through
his school counselor. Although Matt has had an interest in
computers for quite some time, he wanted to take advantage
of the networking program offered at Sequoia High School to
further broaden his knowledge of the computer field. Matt
first enrolled in the Academy program in February 2000, as
a high school sophomore. His favorite aspect of the class
is the online curriculum. "I like not having to carry
around a book," Matt said.
It's through his curiosity and intellect that Matt is able
to teach himself computer basics. However, the Networking
Academy program is taking him to the next level in computer
learning. In addition to hanging out with his friends and
rehearsing for his performance in the school's fall play,
Matt enjoys playing computer games. At one point Matt took
apart the family's computer, then successfully put it back
together. His mom Sandy says, "we're glad Matt has the
opportunity to get technology training during high school.
The networking class will enable Matt to work part-time, in
a field he's interested in, and maybe help fund his college
education."
Currently, Matt is half-way through the Networking Academy
curriculum and on his way to earn his Cisco Certified Network
Associate (CCNA) certification. He works part-time at Laurel
Technical Services, a publisher of math and science books.
And, very shortly, he will move on to a Network Administrators
position at Peninsula Covenant Church, where among other things,
he will document software on computers, fix cabling and NIC
cards and add new users to the network, skills he learned
in the Networking Academy course.
Matt plans to attend Stanford University after high school,
majoring in Computer Science or Computer Engineering. He recommends
the Networking Academy program to all students. Matt says,
"even students who are not interested in networking will
gain a basic knowledge of computers that will prepare them
for future careers."
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