Reflective Journal : Session One

Technology has played a crucial role in advancing society.  This week’s learning has refreshed my understanding on how all the myriad communications and computer components work independently and collectively to provide solutions for consumers and businesses. The information from the assigned reading was applicable to my workplace environment.  Recently, we received new equipment from different vendors.  As we started equipment testing it was revealed there were some compatibility issues.  Despite assurances from the salespeople and systems engineers, interfacing the new equipment to our legacy equipment has been problematic.  Some vendors have dispatched technician to the work-site for further testing to resolve the issues.

Additionally, reflecting on the information presented in the reading assignments re-energized has invigorated my critical thinking skills.  I have used this awareness base to help my daughter with concerns she is experiencing with homework assignments. I shared with her not to be totally concerned about the answers, but try to gain an understanding of how she arrived at the answers. Take it in steps.

Finally, I totally overlooked another member of our family; our dog, Summer.  We adopted Summer in the summer of 2010 from the SPCA. Many have inquired of the type of breed. Some say a rat terrier, Papillion, Chihuahua, or basically a mutt.  However, to us she is our "Designer Dog", made just for us.

Greetings from the Eastern Shore

Hello Fellow Classmates,

My name is Adrian Justis and I reside on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.  I am happily married with an 18 year old son and an 11 year old daughter.  When not working or studying, I love to spend time with my family.  We love to travel, play sports, and support our children in their various endeavors.

I have been taking on-line courses since the fall of 2004.  The on-line format has been a welcomed solution to fulfill my desire to complete the bachelor’s program requirements, while at the same time accomplishing an active role as husband, father, mentor, employee, etc. In May of this year, I joyously graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science degree.  Additionally, my son graduated high school and is now a freshman in college.  So 2011 has been a year full of milestones and transitions.

Presently, I work at NASA’s-Wallops Flight Facility, Wallops Island, VA as contractor with the firm ITT. As a Fixed Telemetry Electronics Technician my role is to provide support to various missions including: rocket launches, satellites launches and orbits, Space Shuttle missions, aircraft missions, and mission simulations.  In this position, I operate and maintain a variety of telecommunications, antenna, and computer systems.  My goal is to use my work history coupled with an advance degree in Information Assurance to obtain a position in the cyber security field.

Giving to others give me a sense of worth in my life.  I teach “New Members Class” at my church, volunteer at the Red Cross and Kidney Foundation, and participate on electronics advisory committee at a local career and technology facility.  I am also in to fitness and I actively participate in 5k or 10k races which benefits worthwhile organizations such as cancer, kidney disease, and the like.

My wife is working towards her Master’s degree, so we are frequently doing homework along with our children.  My children think my wife and I are geeks.   Not dissuaded, I feel my wife and I are giving them models in emulate as they progress in their educational pursuits.  When we are doing homework together, we all get a chance to share not only about our current homework assignments, but these occasions allows  us to communicate any concerns or problems we may be facing.

Now that I have been exposed a bit, I will I look forward in interacting with you all.  I hope everyone has a successful semester.

Peace