Travis Dodson is both a student and an employee at San Jacinto college. He is graduating this fall with a Bachelor’s of Applied Technology IT – Cybersecurity, as part of the inaugural class. He earned a place on the Dean’s list while splitting his time between online classes and studying at the south campus, where the Security Operations Center and CIT department are located.
Dodson’s favorite course in his program has been Industrial Control System Security, because San Jacinto is one of the only colleges in Texas with this course as part of the curriculum for a Bachelor level Cybersecurity degree. As a student, his most memorable lesson has been the importance of fostering a culture of security in your organization, and as a member of the faculty, he will always remember that if you do something you love, you never work a day in your life.
Dodson plans to utilize his degree by continuing his career with San Jacinto college, whether that’s a management position, joining OCS as a Cybersecurity Analyst, or continuing his work as a Technical Analyst at South Campus. Dodson was working full time as well as taking full time classes. He notes that his organizational skills were crucial to tackling the huge workload. Dodson’s advice to future graduates is to know why you are pursuing your degree, and to learn the power of delayed gratification. “The road to high achievement tomorrow requires making sacrifices today.”
Nikki Carter majored in Nursing through the RN and BSN program, attending classes full-time and working full-time. She is graduating from San Jacinto College Central and earned a place on the Dean’s List.
Carter enjoyed all her nursing classes, but the Leadership and Management class stood out as her favorite, challenging her and helping build practical skills, grow confidence, and better understand the type of leader she wants to be. Carter feels prepared for even greater responsibilities in management. Nikki emphasizes the greatest lesson she learned from San Jacinto College has been perseverance and consistency, especially through the toughest moments.
Carter plans on continuing her career as a nurse, advancing to Level 4, and continuing her education to become a Nurse Practitioner. Nikki acknowledges the support she had from her husband Jimmy, family, friends, coworkers, professors and classmates, who kept her grounded and focused on earning her degree. She wants to tell future graduates to take advantage of every resource available. Asking questions, staying open-minded, and connecting with students and staff carried her through the hard days.
“Aim high, protect your vision, and don’t let anyone discourage you,” says Carter.
