Friday, October 11, 2013

Meet Francis Burrell, a Motivating Interview With a Caring and Bright El Centro College I.T. Student


 “My advisor, Linda Savage has been there to encourage, coordinate my registration into correct courses, and to design my correct degree plan along my certificates.” “My instructors provided the program knowledge, labs, and support I needed to secure my degree in Microsoft Server; and with this superb knowledge helped me to excel in my current position.”


By: Marco A. Ayllon
El Centro College
 

Tell us something unique about you:
 
"My name is Francis Burrell, my friends call me “Franc.” I was born and raised in Houston, TX.  I spent around 6 years in foster care in the Houston area from the ages of 12 to19. Before that I lived in a life suppressed with hardship and scarcity.


Talk to us about your previous higher education:

I started out taking courses at a University but the traditional college path and experience was not working for me as I needed to work to support myself.  My interest has always been in computers. When I was 20 years old I moved to Boston, MA and got my first IT job installing computer monitors. I was doing ok in the IT realm but I was missing that little bit to get me over the top.

How did you found out about the best I.T. programs at El Centro College?

A got a technical degree (AAS or BAAS), around age 23 when I had just arrived in Colorado, and I heard about this online Network Administrator Support associates degree (A.A.S.) specializing in Microsoft Server Administration program that was offered through the Dallas County Community College District – DCCCD, yes at El Centro College main branch and it was offered 100% online. Wow, I did need this program and the flexibility of taking online classes at my convenience to maintain a full-time job and attend classes around my work schedule!


Reveal to us about El Centro College exceptional I. T. Advisors and Counselors:

Less than 2% of foster children in America ever graduate college but El Centro and DCCCD were there for me along the way. My advisor, Linda Savage has been there to encourage, coordinate my registration into correct courses, and to design my correct degree plan along my certificates. She helped me to choose the best modules, administer my degree, outstanding assistance to complete needed certificates plans, support with paperwork for the program, and to facilitate my interaction with admissions office. Ms. Flores, help me to review, audit my degree plan,  to choose better courses toward completion, and graduation.

 
Uncover the best Faculty at El Centro College:

At El Centro College, the Information Technology I. T. faculties enlighten me with newer technologies.  My instructors provided the program knowledge, labs, and support I needed to secure my degree in Microsoft Server; and with this superb knowledge helped me to excel in my current position.

Today I am proud to say I am a System Support Technician, in the Healthcare Industry, and currently specializing in Microsoft Networks. I really appreciate and credit my education from El Centro College in reaching my business and educational achievements."

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“Mr. Burrell made his own success story, as a 100% on-line student(s) need to be self-motivated while taking on-line courses. With the many outside factors to distract him, a student needs to be self-motivated.
Franc was very determined to complete his degree.  As advisors we are here to support our students and encourage them; through guidance and direction with their courses and degrees. They "the students" are the ones putting in the time and work to be successful.  Franc is the rear and determined individual who knew his path, and how hard it would be to get there, his determination help him succeeded.” 

Linda Savage, El Centro College Advisor