Nick Myers, a senior TSTM student, turned an extra credit assignment into a rewarding job at Fast Forward, an organization that aims to provide technology and computer education to the community.

Before he began his work with Fast Forward, Nick had been working independently as a freelance computer trainer and repairman. In March 2008, he volunteered at Fast Forward to earn extra credit for a class. Since then, he has become increasingly involved with the organization.

“Fast Forward is a community technology center providing open access computing to people in and around Columbia,” explains Nick.

Fast Forward also provides computing classes for adults, after-school programs for children and technology education for veterans.

Working at Fast Forward gives Nick the chance to work on a variety of technology-related tasks. Not only is he responsible for computer repairs and updates, but he also builds and maintains Web sites and works with webcasts.

Nick says that his technology support and training management classes have been useful in preparing him for his work at Fast Forward.

“Many of my TSTM courses have provided me with a better understanding and knowledge of technology related subjects,” says Nick. “I can perform tasks faster and better using the knowledge and skills I acquired from those classes.”

Aside from valuable work experience, Nick says that seeing people learn to use computers is a rewarding part of his job.

“Watching people apply newly learned skills to everyday life is a great thing to see,” says Nick. “We have seen people seek and acquire better employment, communicate with family across the country and much more.”

Nick ultimately hopes to own his own computer repair and training business and looks forward to the constant education he will get in his field.

“Learning never ends in the computer industry,” says Nick.