Justin Appel
Flash Programmer – San Diego
BY BEING INDEPENDENT and exploring many options, the internship at High Tech High helped a lot. Specifically, it helped with the many technological skills I learned. SOMETHING THAT SURPRISED ME about the real world would have to be doing taxes, but it was mostly a matter of getting stuff in order. Then, later down the road, it was thinking about the long run rather than the short run and preparing for the future. I USED TO WORK for D.O.D. as a contractor, but then I was referred by ManTech International. Everyone has time to come back and offer you a job.You have to treat everyone nicely because that’s how I was referred; if they like you, they’ll refer you. Currently, at ManTech, I’m a Flash Programmer. I also do some graphic design, photography, and create programs for the military MY DREAMS ARE to have the same job but a higher position. I would like to have the option to retire. I’d like to be leading ManTech as the best programmer on the team. I would also like to travel more. I would love it if I had my own photography business. MY INTERNSHIP training at SPAWAR was fun. I ATTENDED the Art Institute of California. I wanted to be a Tech Illustrator. I found my passion in the arts. It’s pretty hard to get into the institute; I had already done most of the classes. It was pretty pricey. MOSTLY, I MISS most all of the friends I made at High Tech High. I also played a lot of magic cards and hacky sack during lunch time. I DIDN’T LIKE the first year of unorganized chaos at High Tech High when everyone was finding how to work things out. YES, IT WAS CHALLENGING at High Tech High. Everyone was struggling since new technology was coming out, so the first year of high school was the hardest challenge. My internship at SPAWAR was a super challenge. The teachers always pushed us to the limit for our work; they always got the best out of us. BE PREPARED FOR ANYTHING. Always keep your options and mind open. Treat everyone nicely. Make sure you research 110% of the time. It will help you down the road. There might be days where nothing is happening and others where everything is happening.
Art Institute of California – Graphic Designer Interviewed by Jesus A. Rubalcaba and Alan R. Kharel