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Each issue of the SCS Newsletter
recognizes the achievements of one of our outstanding students.
This month we shine our spotlight on Samson Dantin,
an Applied Computing and Information Technology major, with
a minor in digital design.
We sat down with Sam recently to discuss his SCS experience:
Now that you have been a student at School of Continuing
Studies for a few years, what is your overall impression of
the school?
Continuing Studies provides its students with the
most current curriculum, which prepares its students with
the knowledge to face the challenges seen in today's work
place. Since I received my Associates of Science from Tulane's
Continuing Studies summer 2007, I was promoted as an Information
Technology Project Manager [at my place of employment] and
couldn't have achieved this without the knowledge gained from
Tulane.
How did you happen to choose Applied Computing and Information
Technology as your major and Digital Design as your minor?
A: Choosing my major was pretty much a no brainier, since
I've been working in the Information Technology field for
23 years without having a degree. I decided to select Applied
Computing as my major because I wanted to position myself
for a management role in Information Technology. I choose
a minor in Digital Design because I love to be creative and
always wanted to learn the correct method of thinking like
a professional designer.
How would you characterize your experience with your teachers
at SCS?
Very challenging, but fair and knowledgeable in their subject
matter.
For students who have just started their SCS experience,
or those who are considering going to school here, what advice
would you offer them?
Work closely with your adviser and map out your schedule
early in each semester, as well as selecting back up classes
in case you decide that you’re not ready for the classes
selected as your first choice.
You have worked for several years for Northrop Grumman
Information Technology designing and building the latest up-to-date
networks. How will your degree from SCS enhance your career
from this point forward?
It has prepared me with the opportunity to advance into
a manager's position with Northrop Grumman. I also plan to
own my own Information Technology Company in the future.
SCS has a diverse student population. Please briefly discuss
your experiences and interactions with other SCS students.
Over the course of time working with study groups, I have
met some very smart and super nice friends at Tulane which
helps to prepare you with your social skills for the work
field.
What have you discovered about
yourself (academically, professionally, personally, skills,
talents) during your time at SCS?
Academically I've learned that listening and paying close
attention is the most important part of increasing your academic
and professional knowledge level. Personally I've discovered
that attending school with a family is much more of a challenge
then I ever expected. My skills and talent have grown since
attending Tulane's SCS, especially by viewing issues from
other points of view, and maintaining an open mind.
You have been very open about the challenge that dyslexia
has posed in your life. How have you met that challenge in
your college years, and what message would you like other
students with this disorder to hear?
I would say that English writing has challenged me the most
with my disability of dyslexia, but as I learned from Professor
George North, being dyslexic is not a disability, but a gift.
I know now that's the reason for my success as a Network Engineer
for fifteen years without a college degree. The message
that I would like to give other students with any disorder
is never be ashamed or hide your disorder, but trust your
heart and never stop challenging yourself to work as hard
as you can to achieve your dreams.
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