For some students, college is the right choice at age 16, when they participate in dual enrollment classes at their local high school. For others, college is right at age 18, after high school graduation and prior to entering the workforce. For still others, college is right when they find the sweet spot between their past and their future – and that can look different for everyone.

For Russell Joseph, Denmark Technical College student, the right time for college is right now!

You credit much of your success to your parents. Tell us about their influence.

My parents’ insistence on the value of education and their sacrifices for my benefit have been a driving force in my life. They left Haiti to provide me with a better future in America.

You speak about college being the sweet spot... Understanding the sacrifices my parents made for me in the past and having faith that something special is waiting for me in the future is what keeps me going.

You actually started college elsewhere and then made the switch to Denmark Tech.

I spent a year at Kennesaw State University, not too far from my home in Atlanta, GA. There was nothing wrong with the school, but it didn’t feel like the right fit for me. I heard about Denmark Tech from a friend who received an offer to play soccer there. Not long after, I also received an offer, and that led to a transformative experience for me. I didn’t so much choose Denmark Tech as it chose me. The warm and welcoming environment made it an easy decision to embrace.

Speaking of soccer, congratulations on being the first Denmark Tech player to receive Second Team All-Region recognition! Is it accurate to say that soccer is what brought you to the college, but the Computer Information Technology program is what will push you into your future?

I initially chose the IT field without a clear plan, but I was surprised to discover the vast array of directions my major could take me. Exploring the complexity of the tech world has been an enlightening journey, and I look forward to finding my niche within it.

My all-time favorite place on campus is our Mac lab. It’s where I’ve spent countless hours on homework and research, experiencing both challenging lows and rewarding highs. But what I cherish most are the instructors: Mr. Charles Offutt, Mr. Frankie Birch, and Dr. Danny Swilley. Their unwavering support and love for their students is something I’ll forever be grateful for.

Denmark Tech also offers so many engagement and networking opportunities outside of the classroom! I serve as a national ambassador for the Digital Learning Initiative, and I lead the HBCU C2 project with Tennessee State University, where I teach students of all ages how to create personalized apps and participate in Denmark Tech’s annual App Challenge Expo. I also serve as the secretary for the Panthers Academy for Coding and Excellence, a club for computer science majors, and I’ve had the privilege of being a counselor at Camp Innovation, a summer camp where we introduce high school students to computer science through various hands-on activities. To get real-world insights into my field of study, I’ve interned with Advanced Technology International (ATI) and Atlas Tech in Summerville.

These experiences provide an excellent foundation for my future. Having already earned my certification in cybersecurity, I aim to complete my associate degree before continuing my education at a four-year university – ideally an HBCU.

What advice would you give to someone who is considering starting something new at a technical college?

Always put your whole heart into everything you do. If you don’t value what you’re doing, it’s difficult for others to recognize your passion and potential.