By Mira Radovich, Senior Contributing Writer
For as long as he can remember, Victor Neri-Cordova has been interested in computers and technology. In fact, he dreamed of one day working in the field of cybersecurity.
But as a single dad who has been raising four kids for the past nine years, Neri-Cordova put his dreams on hold to support his family.
Six years ago, he began working in a production role at a JBS Foods plant in Ottumwa, Iowa, before being promoted to quality assurance supervisor at a plant in Council Bluffs.
Then in 2021, Neri-Cordova learned about the Better Futures program, a partnership between his employer and Rio Salado College. Through the program, JBS employees can pursue a tuition-free education, making a college degree attainable.
“I started my first term in the fall of 2021,” Neri-Cordova said. “This was one of the biggest challenges in my life. As a single dad, I was raising my kids while working full time and attending their school events.”
Neri-Cordova enrolled in Rio Salado’s associate degree in applied science in cybersecurity program, and thanks to the flexibility of online classes, was able to fit school into his busy schedule.
“I honestly do prefer being in class but I was thankful for the opportunity,” Neri-Cordova said. “Between work, kids and school, there were a lot of late nights. But I learned to face the challenges of time management and assignment deadlines head on.”
In 2022, Neri-Cordova began to see the time investment in his education pay off.
“Two years ago, an IT analyst position became available in my plant and I was chosen to fill it,” Neri-Cordova said. “I was one step closer to the career I have always wanted in cybersecurity.”
Getting a foot in the door of his dream job bolstered Neri-Cordova’s confidence.
In May, he traveled to Arizona with his family to take part in Rio Salado’s commencement ceremony.
“I was nervous and proud at the same time,” Neri-Cordova said. “I had my four oldest kids in the audience along with my mother, my brother with his wife, and my sister who flew in with her fiancé, all cheering me on.”
Neri-Cordova was confused when, upon signing in prior to the ceremony, he was given a white cord to wear over his gown.
“I was surprised to be handed a white honors cord symbolizing that I was graduating with distinction,” he said.
The honor is given to students who maintain a 3.5-3.69 GPA while pursuing an associate degree.
That is not the only celebration worth noting. Armed with the knowledge he learned in his classes, Neri-Cordova successfully passed an IT assessment for a new job opportunity.
“I have been offered an analyst job with JBS’s cybersecurity team in Richardson, Texas,” Neri-Cordova said. “My kids are excited for this next step in our lives and are ready to experience something new.”
Neri-Cordova is grateful for how education has positively impacted his future, and encourages other adults to consider going back to school with Rio Salado College.
“I would recommend Rio to future students because I have had support from day one when I first enrolled, all the way to the end,” Neri-Cordova said. “The instructors were all great and very understanding. I look forward to continue expanding my knowledge and training.”