Cybersecurity program prepares student for IT career growth
When Henry Thomas II took an information technology class in high school, he realized he had a knack for technology.
“The class piqued my interest, and I excelled,” Thomas said. “My peers asked me questions, and that’s when I noticed I had a solid grasp on the subject. Currently, as an IT services manager with 20 years of experience in the field, my goal is to deepen my expertise and expand opportunities for the next generation of technology professionals.”
Why San Jac?
With an associate degree in computer technology, Thomas researched his next move and landed on San Jacinto College’s Bachelor of Applied Technology in IT cybersecurity, which he began in spring 2025.
Thomas was inspired to push forward after Rizwan Virani, the senior director of cybersecurity programs, confirmed his transfer credits.
He soon discovered that “David ‘DJ’ Thomas, computer information technology professor, had a passion for IT that matched his own and taught one of his favorite classes — information technology security. It opened his eyes to the importance of protecting digital information in an increasingly connected world.
This course strengthened my understanding of cybersecurity and reinforced my desire to help organizations and individuals protect themselves in an increasingly digital world
The distance learning experience
“I’ve learned that cybersecurity is just like locking your phone and being careful about what you share online,” Thomas said. “Protecting your identity on social media and avoiding scams is crucial, as cybercrime can affect anyone. It’s about staying vigilant and practicing good habits to keep your personal information safe every day.”
Although being a student and working full time has been challenging, Thomas has managed to find a work-life-education balance. Thomas credits his success to staying organized, maintaining a structured routine, and remaining committed to continuous growth.
“Being a distance-learning student has been a great experience, fostering greater independence, discipline, and self-motivation,” Thomas said. “Unlike traditional classroom settings, where instruction is guided and structured, remote learning requires me to take full responsibility for managing my time and staying on top of assignments, which has improved my self-discipline.”
He enjoys the flexibility of online learning, despite the faster pace and tries to maximize the experience by seeking out additional resources, staying organized, and engaging regularly with instructors and peers.
“Professor DJ once told me, ‘Henry, you are just learning what you already know,’ which was a transformative moment for me,” Thomas said. “His insight taught me the importance of confidence in my skills and the value of lifelong learning, inspiring me to approach challenges with both humility and assurance, a lesson that has profoundly shaped my approach to my career and continuous development.”
Thomas considered adjunct instructor Nevin Coco’s detailed feedback on a lab assignment a pivotal moment in his academic journey.
“She explained precisely where I went wrong and offered constructive criticism,” he said. “This experience taught me the importance of embracing feedback as a tool for growth, and it inspired me to approach every challenge with a mindset of continuous learning, which has helped me maintain my 4.0 GPA as an honors student and member of Phi Theta Kappa and stay on track toward my academic and professional goals.”
Taking it to the next level
Thomas anticipates a fall 2029 graduation, hoping to grow into executive leadership roles in information technology and cybersecurity.
It’s important to him to share his extensive knowledge by mentoring emerging IT professionals, helping create opportunities for others entering the field.
“It makes me proud to know I’ll soon be an alumnus of San Jacinto College, a top-ranked, nationally recognized school,” Thomas said. “I want my story to show others that it is never too late to continue learning, grow as a leader, and pursue the next level of your career.”
About San Jacinto College Surrounded by monuments of history, evolving industries, maritime enterprises of today,
and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served the people of East Harris
County, Texas, since 1961. The College is ranked second in the nation among more than
1,100 community colleges, as designated by the Aspen Institute and was named an Achieving
the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020 and 2026. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution
that spans five campuses, plus an online college, San Jacinto College serves approximately
45,000 credit and non-credit students annually. It offers more than 200 degrees and
certificates across eight major areas of study that put students on a path to transfer
to four-year institutions or enter the workforce. The College is fiscally sound, holding
bond ratings of AA+ by Standard & Poor’s and Aa2 by Moody’s. San Jacinto College is
accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
