Metallica Scholar: Joe Deskevich

Since he was quite young, Joe Deskevich has been fascinated with computers, how they work, and has enjoyed unraveling the mysteries of codes and circuits. In fact, his bedroom became a sanctuary of wires and motherboards, where he meticulously built his own servers from discarded computers.

Growing up Joe's curiosity only deepened. He devoured every piece of information he could find on IT and Cybersecurity. It wasn't long before his father, recognizing his son's passion, shared the CompTIA A+ Certification materials with him. Joe embarked on a journey of self-education, immersing himself in the intricacies of computer systems.

Joe, currently a senior in high school at Horse Creek Academy, found himself drawn to the idea of translating his passion into a career. The Air Force Cyber Camp provided him with a platform to showcase his skills, where he emerged as a formidable contender. His success fueled his ambition, pushing him to explore formal education in IT and Cybersecurity.

As a senior in high school, Joe enrolled in the CompTIA Security+ certification course offered by Aiken Technical College’s (ATC) Continuing Education (non-credit) division. Despite being the youngest among his peers, Joe embraced the challenge with unwavering determination. The transition from self-learning to structured education was invigorating, with an instructor guiding him through the complexities of cyber defense.

In addition to taking the non-credit CompTIA Security+ course, Joe is also a dual enrollment student taking college courses through ATC. He has found that balancing high school responsibilities with college coursework required him to develop time management skills and build resilience. The online format posed its own set of challenges, forcing Joe to confront the nuances of discipline and perseverance.

With all of his responsibilities, Joe has become more determined than ever to pursue a career in IT and Cybersecurity. His experiences as an Eagle Scout, coupled with his academic endeavors, instilled in him a sense of purpose and maturity.

Reflecting on his journey, Joe felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. If given the chance, he would convey his appreciation to Metallica for supporting students and technical colleges like ATC. “Thank you so much for supporting technical colleges like ATC, it enables students like me to pursue my dream of working in technical fields. Without support and influence encouraging students to pursue technical fields we will have far fewer cybersecurity workers, electricians, plumbers, and others. Their support helps more people learn the skills that help their community and the world.”