At W.W. Samuell High School-Career Institute East, Javondrick Earl D. is already breaking barriers in the world of technology, before even receiving his diploma.
Javondrick recently made history as the first student in all of North Texas to earn his CompTIA Network+ certification as a junior, followed by the CompTIA Security+ certification as a senior. These are prestigious, industry-recognized credentials that put him on par with entry-level professionals in the IT field.
“The reason why I pursued and attended Career Institute East was because I wanted to better myself and make sure I could have a comfortable future, not just for myself, but also for my friends and family,” Javondrick said. “They’re what is currently driving me and motivating me to keep pushing forward.”
Now a senior, his journey into tech was sparked by gaming, but fueled by curiosity.
“What probably got me into IT was gaming. I would think to myself, ‘what would the future be like,’ ‘what could we do with better technology,’” he said. “Tearing apart computers, I got to know what each feature does, from the motherboard to our CPU. It’s all interesting, how these parts work together to give us the technology we use every day.”
Javondrick’s certifications weren’t easy to earn. He faced hurdles, including three attempts to pass the Network+ exam, but perseverance paid off.
Now, he’s eyeing a future in cybersecurity or possibly launching his own tech business. Colleges like University of Texas at Austin, UT Arlington, and UT Dallas are among his top choices, but he’s also considering jumping straight into the workforce.
Javondrick’s success is grounded in strong support systems, especially his cybersecurity and software development instructor, Carver Malone, and his family.
“I’ve been with him for three years, and he has done nothing but support us in ways that I can’t describe,” Javondrick said. “Even doing Saturday school, he took his own classroom time to help us. I can’t say anything but be grateful for him.”
Carver introduced CompTIA certifications to the program and saw Javondrick’s potential early on.
“He [Javondrick] kept up. He could take whatever I was doing as far as pushing him from a technical perspective, and he’s done nothing but shine ever since,” Carver said. “I definitely pray that he comes back here, so I can say, ‘this dude sat right where you’re sitting, and look what he did with the opportunity.’”
For Javondrick, the motivation to succeed is deeply personal.
“I have an amazing mother who pushes me to be the best that I can be,” he said. “She thinks it’s awesome. She’s been pushing me to do better, and hey, I’m trying my best.”
When asked what advice he’d give other students, Javondrick’s message is simple.
“Go for it. There’s nothing you can’t do. If you can believe, you can do it.”
