Well, we've reached the end, which isn't really the end, but the beginning. It's the beginning of a new chapter, especially for me, looking forward as a CIT major; ready to take on the next set of challenges. I want to thank my wonderful professor, Albert Wu, for all his assistance throughout the semester. I also want to show appreciation for all of my classmates; we never gave up, and we were always on each others team. I truly wish everyone the best. The photo above was taken on the last day of class, so it doesn't include everyone, but I hope this snapshot can serve as a fond reminder of our cool little group in IS-101-3021.
Good luck everyone! 💖
Brittany Rodriguez
Looking Ahead
I've already got my classes picked for next semester, and I'll be taking a class called IT Essentials. I'm eager to see what kind of course it will be. In a spark of excitement, I started looking at what kind of content the A+ certification covers. I ended up doing the practice tests on the CompTIA website, and I was surprised at how much I already knew. It also gave an insight on how much more I needed to learn. The journey continues!
Baby's First Certification
Just a few hours ago, I took the last of the IC3 exams. I'm proud to report that I passed! This was the last of three needed to earn the digital literacy certification. This is hopefully the first of many certs that I plan to obtain, and seeing my name on this first one means so much to me. I hope all of my classmates will get to share this feeling with me!
Optimism
As the semester comes to a close, I'm glad to say that I have a different mindset than when I started this course. Even in these short months I've been able to feel this change, and gain a clearer image of my not so distant future. This IS101 journey has been eyeopening on several occasions, and all for the better.
I have to say, this class felt more like a club than a college course. We've all been involved in each others' successes and challenges throughout the semester. And the whole way through has been filled with nothing but support from and for my fellow classmates.
I'm so glad to say that this course has made a bigger impact than just a few credits towards my degree. It's helped me to get on a better path towards making passion into reality. It was with the help of my CSN academic counselors and Professor Wu that I was able to decide on what specific degree to choose. I'm excited to share that I'm officially a CIT major! More formally; I'll be working towards my Associate of Applied Science degree in Computing and Information Technology, with an emphasis in Cyber Security-Digital Forensics.
I have to say, this class felt more like a club than a college course. We've all been involved in each others' successes and challenges throughout the semester. And the whole way through has been filled with nothing but support from and for my fellow classmates.
I'm so glad to say that this course has made a bigger impact than just a few credits towards my degree. It's helped me to get on a better path towards making passion into reality. It was with the help of my CSN academic counselors and Professor Wu that I was able to decide on what specific degree to choose. I'm excited to share that I'm officially a CIT major! More formally; I'll be working towards my Associate of Applied Science degree in Computing and Information Technology, with an emphasis in Cyber Security-Digital Forensics.
Get It Together
The end of the semester feels like its right around the corner, and I'm starting to feel the pressure of the ticking time. I'm very confident that I'll get credit for all my classes, but I always have some sort of deadline on my mind. At least I'll have some time during winter break to work on the rest of my classes and better manage my stress.
IC3- Key Applications
Two exams down! One left. This one was definitely more hands-on compared to the last. I would say more than half of it was on a simulated desktop. I had a bit of trouble with my computer about 25 questions into the exam. A dialog window appeared, telling me I had 14 minutes before my computer would force restart for updates.
Great.
After immediately raising my hand and asking for help; Professor Wu assured me that I would have the chance to retake the exam after class if I needed to, but to finish as many questions as I could. My heart raced as I watched the timer slowly countdown from the now 10 minutes I had remaining.
After my computer shut down, I was certain I had to retake the test. At least I had a little preview for my second attempt.
After class, Mr. Wu opened up the exam portal, and we were welcomed by a results page from my first attempt. Certiport had graded the partial exam and I ended up with a 719, a passing score.
I wasn't too happy with it. I had spent so much time carefully working on the projects and making sure I was completely comfortable with certain processes. I wanted to really test my knowledge. So I decided to retake the exam and on my second try, I ended up with a 925. In the end I was satisfied with my score and I'm glad I was able to try again the same day. I hope things will go a bit smoother with the third exam!
Great.
After immediately raising my hand and asking for help; Professor Wu assured me that I would have the chance to retake the exam after class if I needed to, but to finish as many questions as I could. My heart raced as I watched the timer slowly countdown from the now 10 minutes I had remaining.
After my computer shut down, I was certain I had to retake the test. At least I had a little preview for my second attempt.
After class, Mr. Wu opened up the exam portal, and we were welcomed by a results page from my first attempt. Certiport had graded the partial exam and I ended up with a 719, a passing score.
I wasn't too happy with it. I had spent so much time carefully working on the projects and making sure I was completely comfortable with certain processes. I wanted to really test my knowledge. So I decided to retake the exam and on my second try, I ended up with a 925. In the end I was satisfied with my score and I'm glad I was able to try again the same day. I hope things will go a bit smoother with the third exam!
The Fight Continues
My academic pursuit can be described as one with many trials and many, many errors. Being a first generation college student has not been easy; I've had to learn most processes from scratch, and ask for a lot of help. But still, all of these challenges were life lessons in disguise. And the long, scenic route I've chosen is finally starting to show the destination ahead. Right now, I'm trying to finish up my Associate of Arts degree here at CSN, but that might change very soon because I plan to change my major again to zero in on my career goals. Its taken me longer to get myself into gear compared to my peers. But I always say, as long as I keep the wheels turning and keep some sort of momentum, I'm happy.
Halloween!
I hope everyone is as excited for Halloween as I am! I usually take my nieces around the neighborhood, but I'm thinking I might stay in this year and watch some movies. I also have the night off from work so I might make it extra cozy and just have a chill night. Most years I've been running around with my nieces, dressing up, and going to parties; so I think its time to have a relaxed Halloween, and I can't wait. Let me know in the comments if you're dressing up, and who you'll be!
October
The sample of cold weather we had recently put me in a very "fall" mood. Now that the temperatures are up again, it doesn't feel close to the end of October. At the same time, I feel like the time is flying by! I really enjoyed everyone's PowerPoint presentations in class, it was nice to see everyone's personal style shine through :)
I found a picture from when my tomato plants were about to be moved outside (plus bonus pepper seedlings):
I found a picture from when my tomato plants were about to be moved outside (plus bonus pepper seedlings):
Ren Faire!
I can't even begin to explain to everyone how exhausted I've been feeling recently, but I won't bore you with that. I'm actually a bit eager to be done with class today because I get to spend some time at Sunset park. If any of you aren't aware, Las Vegas has an annual Renaissance fair called the Age of Chivalry. Its usually around the same time every year, and they have lots of cool vendors and good food. If you haven't been, I definitely recommend going at least once. Plus you get to dress up :)
Adjustments
This week has been terribly busy. I officially started my new job, and I've had to fill my head with loads of new information, along with completely readjusting my schedule. I haven't felt this tired in a long time! But once the dust settles, I'll bring my attention back to my classes and keep focus on what's important to me.
Don't Undersell Yourself
Getting job postings together for our project sheds some light on my current possibilities. I just secured a new job at the cosmopolitan doing food and beverage, but looking at current job openings and my skills; I realized that there's potential to be in a better place. I suppose my personal struggles have been blurring my vision for a while, but I feel ready to pick up where I left off. There was nothing holding me back but myself.
One Down, Two To Go
It's been a few days since we took our first exam in class. I was really focused on getting a passing score, and all the work paid off! I ran into a few speed bumps trying to get a test voucher; but luckily, our classmate Corey was there to save the day. I'm proud that I got a good score, but now I feel like I set the bar pretty high for myself, I hope I'm able to do as well on the remaining exams. But for now, time to work on those tricky word projects :)
Getting Into the Groove of Things :)
I've been feeling optimistic about the way I've been handling some of the challenges that have come my way. I'm starting to see the paths available to reach my goals.
I'm really enjoying these SimNet lessons :) I don't know what it is about Microsoft Office that gets me really fired up, but I want to keep learning and exploring. I can't believe we're already coming up to our first Certiport exam! I feel prepared for it, but nervous at the same time. I really want to try and pass on the first try, but I know there's nothing wrong with having to do it a second time.
I'm really enjoying these SimNet lessons :) I don't know what it is about Microsoft Office that gets me really fired up, but I want to keep learning and exploring. I can't believe we're already coming up to our first Certiport exam! I feel prepared for it, but nervous at the same time. I really want to try and pass on the first try, but I know there's nothing wrong with having to do it a second time.
Week 2
Well, it's the end of the second week of the semester. And I have to say, I'm really feeling the pressure to stay on top of all my assignments for my classes. Luckily, this class is actually very engaging. I don't get bored as quickly as I do with the others. The interactive learning portal is actually very useful in keeping my focus. I like that it gives you the ability to decide how you want to study.
I also especially enjoyed today's class lecture regarding the internet. Going over the brief history in class made me notice just how recently this incredible tool has existed. And raised questions about where the internet can evolve from its present state.
I also especially enjoyed today's class lecture regarding the internet. Going over the brief history in class made me notice just how recently this incredible tool has existed. And raised questions about where the internet can evolve from its present state.
IS 101 First Post!
Being an on and off CSN student means that I'm on a different pace compared to those who haven't taken any breaks in their academic career. I was very excited to finally get a chance to be in the C building for something other than an English course. I've always walked by the downstairs classrooms with curiosity and excitement, knowing that I would one day be able to catch more than a split second of information.
My first day of class was off to a rough start; all just minor speed bumps so far. Our professors' introduction to the class really got me thinking about my experience with higher education as a whole. I sensed a hard working attitude behind his words that made me reflect upon my own work ethic. Am I working at my full potential? Are there things I can change to push myself to the next level? Just asking myself these two questions proved that there is more that I can do to achieve my goals. I just have to remain committed, and focused.
I thought those were some interesting ideas to take away from the very first week of the semester. It makes me eager to keep on with my classes and see what else I can discover.
My first day of class was off to a rough start; all just minor speed bumps so far. Our professors' introduction to the class really got me thinking about my experience with higher education as a whole. I sensed a hard working attitude behind his words that made me reflect upon my own work ethic. Am I working at my full potential? Are there things I can change to push myself to the next level? Just asking myself these two questions proved that there is more that I can do to achieve my goals. I just have to remain committed, and focused.
I thought those were some interesting ideas to take away from the very first week of the semester. It makes me eager to keep on with my classes and see what else I can discover.
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