My name is Teon Parker, son of Timothy and Kishema Parker, two of the most influential figures in my life. My parents gave me life, nourished me, sheltered me, and taught me important skills and values that, hopefully, I will never forget. Some of these skills were taught to me directly such as how to ride a bike or how to fold clothes. My values were taught to me indirectly—to learn of them, I had to observe my parents over the years. In my honest opinion, values are more important than some of the other skills that I was taught. From my mother, I learned ambition. My mother didn’t have the best childhood, but it didn’t hinder her success. Her poor upbringing only fueled her hunger and motivation to discontinue the cycle of poverty. She attended a community college to receive her associate’s degree and begin her career as a medical coder at Duke University. This has instilled in me the drive to be all that I can be and to achieve all that I can. From observing my dad, I learned altruism. I had often seen my father helping people out and giving away things because he realizes that it would be in better use in the hands of the less fortunate. My heart grew lighter and more considerate of the welfare of my family and friends in light of this. These are the skills and character qualities that I attribute to my parents, and they will guide me in the attainment my own goals.
In elementary school, I was regarded as a bright child. My favorite subjects were mathematics and science. However, I had quite a penchant for reading. I enjoyed fiction, but nonfiction books were more fascinating. Even as a child, I would think “Why read something that’s not real when you can read nonfiction and learn real facts?” This mode of thinking is why I loved to read biographies of important, historical figures like Abraham Lincoln, Henry Ford, and Frederick Douglass. I also attribute my love of facts to my appreciation of science. My elementary school taught us Spanish. I enjoyed it so much that even today, I am still learning foreign languages. I took Spanish 4 last year, and I’m taking French now. In the fifth grade, I joined an AG(advanced grade) club with a few other students. We did pre-algebraic functions. During this period, I began taking karate. It became my passion. The elation I had from every belt I received at the end of each session was indescribable by words. When I finally reached my black belt, I felt I had crossed a major stepping stone on my rite of passage to manhood. From karate, I learned not only how to defend myself but self-discipline and respect as well.
In middle school, I began taking band, and I played clarinet. I also joined an AG club once again in the seventh and eighth grade. In my eighth grade year, my AG club went on an overnight trip at Appalachian state to debate with other students about important international issues like nuclear proliferation. In high school, I continued taking band. It was a great honor to watch the ribbon cutting and be one of the original members of the marching band Huskies at Heritage High School. Throughout my high school career, I took courses pertaining to my interest-computer science. In the tenth grade, I took Microsoft Word/Publisher/PowerPoint and I received a certificate for Microsoft proficiency. That same year, I was inducted into the National Achievers’ Society. It’s an honors’ society with the goal of uniting and recognizing the academic achievements of minorities. In the eleventh grade, I took Multimedia Webpage Design, I attended the Triangle Youth Leadership conference at NC State, and I attended a career fair at NC State. This year, I was elected for the parliamentarian’s position in the National Achievers’ Society. I am currently hoping to finish my last two semesters of high school very strong and attend A&T University to continue my education to achieve my goal of majoring in Computer Science.
Life & Professional Aspirations:
Computers are a very important interest of mine. From the intricate functions of the mouse and keyboard to the amazingly swift and accurate calculations of the CPU, the computer is a highly complex piece of technology. My affinity for computers is commensurate with its intricacy. There is an innumerable variety of uses for the computer. Schools use computers to create websites to post easily-accessible information for their students to view; businesses use computers to create websites to decrease the difficulty of advertising and selling their products to consumers, improving the potential for revenue; 3d art and video game designers utilize animation programs to create visually artistic character models and backgrounds. I, however, plan to use computers to create web pages and improve networking systems.
I have already begun constructing the pathway that will lead me to a successful career in technology. Over years in high school, I have taken two computer courses. In my sophomore year, I took the Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Publisher course. In that class, I learned all of the functions of these very important Microsoft programs. At the end of the semester, we had to take a test in which a score of 700 or higher would award you a Microsoft Office Specialist certificate. I succeeded and was promptly awarded. In my junior year, I took Multimedia Webpage design. In the beginning, we worked with PowerPoint and Publisher, creating business cards and presentations on various topics. At the end of the second quarter, we learned how to write in HTML code. Frankly, that was the most fascinating unit of the entire course because I was now working with a software feature that I had never seen before. My fascination was short-lived, however, as we only had a few weeks to work with HTML. This would not be the last time I work with computer; nothing can separate me from passion.
My education with computers will continue at A&T University. I plan to attain a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. My newly acquired education and versatile skills form the foundation for my career. I plan to work for a reputable networking corporation. There is one that I have my eyes set on: Cisco Systems, Inc. After I graduate from A&T, I contemplate acquiring a job at Cisco, developing networking hardware or networking software systems. With my skills, I’d be a valuable asset to the corporation.
