As we continue the Starting the Prism Journey series, we’re taking a closer look at the newest Prism Scholars before they begin their scholarship experience. The goal of this series is simple: to share the diverse stories, backgrounds, and aspirations of the individuals selected for the program while highlighting the many paths that can lead into AV. By giving current scholars a platform to share their journeys, we hope to encourage and empower not only this year’s cohort, but also future applicants who may be wondering if they belong in the industry. Every Prism Scholar brings a unique perspective, and their stories help demonstrate that there is no single path to success in higher education AV.
Tell us who you are, what you do, and where you work. How did your path lead into higher education AV?
I’m Sabastian Kwantreng, and I work at George Mason University as the Classroom & Desktop Support Wage Coordinator. I started with the GMU IT Help Desk Support Center, then transferred over to Classroom & Desktop Support as a Classroom Technician Assistant (CTA) supervisor. After staying for about two years, the wage coordinator position opened just after I graduated. I really enjoyed working in that office as a student worker, and I found the AV technology in the classroom fascinating, so I decided to apply.
What does a typical day in your role look like?
I hold a managerial role where I direct and support the CTAs on projects and tech support calls. Usually, the day starts by looking over previous tickets that the CTAs closed the day before to ensure they addressed their tasks properly. If I notice any issues with the tickets, I bring it up with the CTA, find out what happened, explain what the problem is, and show them how to correct it.
I also direct the CTAs on any projects we have for that day or week and make sure they are completed properly. If a CTA is running a call to provide support to a professor, I act as extra support over Microsoft Teams in situations they may not be familiar with solving.
Outside of work, what are some of the things you enjoy doing?
I enjoy reading, playing video games, and sleeping. I also like to browse tech news and keep up with what’s going on in the tech world.
How did you first learn about the Prism Scholarship?
I learned about it through a co-worker who is a member of HETMA and regularly helps with activities. Since I was just out of college, she mentioned the Prism Scholarship and said I would be a great fit.
What motivated you to apply?
I really enjoyed working at GMU Classroom & Desktop. Although I went to school for IT, learning about AV while working for GMU was a lot of fun. I wanted to continue to diversify my skillset, as IT and AV go hand in hand.
Was there a specific person, experience, or goal that encouraged you to take this step?
I must go back to my co-worker, Brooke Paige. She was the person who helped me get over my fears of getting my Security+ and greatly encouraged me to learn more things. My sister’s boyfriend, Brandon, also encourages me to try as many tech-related things as I can. There is nothing worse than staying pigeonholed in one thing.
What made this feel like the right time in your career?
I’m young and just finished school, so if I want to pursue a career path, now would be the perfect time to jump in. I have nothing to lose by just trying. If I do fail to get my CTS, at the very least, I’ll be walking out with more knowledge and a better understanding of AV than when I started.
What are your current professional goals?
Although this scholarship is for getting the CTS, I’m more interested in expanding my AV knowledge. GMU has some pretty good AV tech, and I can follow along with the basic things they talk about when it comes to servicing the classrooms. When the conversations get technical, I get lost easily, and it can be hard to follow along.
I want to be able to follow along in those conversations, but not only that, I want to contribute in a meaningful way.
What skills or knowledge are you hoping to gain through the Prism experience?
AV networking and audio systems are what I’m most interested in learning, as my knowledge of them is bare bones. I want to get a better understanding of these topics the most.
What excites you most about this opportunity?
That the Sabastian walking out of this opportunity at the end will have gained a lot of knowledge and will be capable of walking into the AV industry with confidence.
Why do programs like Prism matter to the AV industry?
It gives people who might never have the opportunity a chance. There are so many people who want to get into AV or seek higher AV education, but due to money, time, or just bad luck, they couldn’t do so. The fact that programs like Prism exist is not only giving people better chances, but also improving the AV industry overall.
Have there been moments in your career when representation, mentorship, or community made a difference for you?
The GMU Classroom & Desktop department has been the definition of supportive. If I didn’t understand something, they had no problem teaching me, and they would go into great detail without skipping anything. They didn’t just want you to perform the tasks they gave you; they wanted you to learn and grow.
What does being selected as a Prism Scholar mean to you personally?
It means I’m one of the few people who has been given a free chance to grow in the AV industry. This isn’t something to take lightly, and I should take full advantage of this opportunity.
What part of the program are you most looking forward to?
Going to InfoComm and getting to see all the new and cool AV equipment right out of the gate. Talking with AV professionals face to face will also be pretty exciting.
If you could fast-forward to the end of the experience, what would you hope to have accomplished?
Being able to follow along in AV conversations and discussions, and contribute to those conversations.
What message would you share with others who may be considering applying in the future?
It may seem scary at first, and they might feel like they don’t meet the criteria for the scholarship, but they should still apply because it gives you a chance to grow. Nothing bad is going to happen if you apply or if you fail the CTS. Everyone interested should take the chance.
Connect with Sabastian on LinkedIn.
