Editor’s Note: This is the sixth in a series of stories highlighting programs at James Rumsey Technical Institute.
MARTINSBURG — The cybersecurity/Cisco program at James Rumsey Technical Institute provides students with training in networking and IT work.
Students in this program gain hands-on experience by working in the IT department, providing support to other programs within the school. They also earn four valuable certifications: COMPTIA A+, COMPTIZ Network+, COMPTIA Security+, and CCNA.
With 14 years of teaching experience at James Rumsey, Ronald Odom is dedicated to guiding young individuals to success. Witnessing his students grasp concepts and excel in their careers brings him immense satisfaction.
“Seeing the moment when students truly understand something and watching them achieve success in the future is incredibly rewarding,” Odom expressed. “This year, a first-year student, Adiel Rodriguez, won the gold at the SkillsUSA competition, a remarkable feat for a newcomer. I have no doubt that he will go far. These moments make it all worthwhile.”
Rodriguez, the winner of the competition, showcased his expertise in computer knowledge and cable connections by successfully setting up communication between two computers to collaborate on editing a file.
Reflecting on his participation, Rodriguez highlighted the thrill of traveling, competing against peers, and interacting with fellow competitors and the competition’s organizer.
“The program focuses on troubleshooting and problem-solving, which aligns perfectly with my interests,” Rodriguez shared. “I enjoy the logical thinking involved, knowing that every problem has a solution—it’s just a matter of finding it.”
Aaron Hickman, a senior at Washington High School and the cybersecurity/Cisco safety manager, is a second-year student in the program. With a lifelong passion for computers, Hickman was drawn to the program at James Rumsey as an opportunity to gain practical experience in the field.
“Working in the computer labs is one of the highlights of the program for me,” Hickman revealed. “It allows us to deepen our understanding of computers and delve into the software we use.”
Upon graduation, Hickman plans to enter the workforce immediately and is considering furthering his education in the future. Meanwhile, Rodriguez aims to attend Blue Ridge Community and Technical College to complete his college credits before transferring to another university.
For more information about James Rumsey Technical Institute, visit https://jamesrumsey.com.