About You & Your Work
To start, tell us who you are and what you do. How did your path lead into higher-ed AV?
My name is Wendell Quintyne – Fernando, yes my last name is long. I’m a Technology Technician who enjoys staying curious about technology and how quickly it continues to evolve. I like keeping up with new developments across the tech world and seeing how innovations shape the way we work and connect. Outside of work, I try to keep a good balance in my life by working out regularly and taking time to relax at the beach, which helps me recharge. I also enjoy watching anime from time to time; it’s a fun way to unwind and appreciate creative storytelling. A big part of who I am comes from my strong family background, which has always kept me grounded and motivated to keep improving both personally and professionally.
Around 2020, as things were settling after the pandemic, I found myself thinking seriously about where my career was heading. At the time, I was working as an IT Technician, handling a lot of the day-to-day support work—cabling, helpdesk requests, PC repairs, and general troubleshooting. While I appreciated the experience, it became frustrating not seeing real progress or direction within the department. My main education is in networking, but there didn’t seem to be any plans or opportunities being created in that area, and it started to feel like my growth had stalled.
When the opportunity came up to transfer from the university’s IT department to the AV and Education Technology department, I decided to take it. I was looking for a change that would push me forward and keep my skills relevant. Moving into AV gave me a renewed sense of energy and purpose, especially working in an environment that directly supports teaching, learning, and evolving technology. Looking back after six years as an AV Technician, that move turned out to be one of the best decisions I could have made for my career.
What does a typical day in your role look like—and what does a “busy day” look like when everything hits at once?
A typical day at work involves a mix of monitoring, managing, and maintaining our enhanced classrooms across campus. These range from standard face-to-face teaching spaces equipped with a projector, control unit, and manual screen, to fully integrated Zoom Room classrooms that include switchers, compute devices, PTZ cameras, array microphones, electric projection screens, touch panels, and confidence monitors. My role is to ensure these systems are functioning reliably so instructors and students can focus on teaching and learning without technical disruptions.
Throughout the day, I also respond to Zoom and enhanced classroom support requests through our helpdesk system, troubleshoot issues, and assist users when needed. In addition to support, I generate documentation for maintenance visits, track AV assets, create purchase requests (PRs), and collaborate on projects aimed at future-proofing and improving our current AV systems. On busier days, multiple tickets can come in at once, especially when a classroom at a remote campus experiences technical difficulties right before or during a class, so being able to respond quickly and resolve issues efficiently becomes critical.
Outside of work, how do you unwind and recharge?
I live in Trinidad, the sister island to Tobago, which gives me easy access to beautiful beaches, rivers, and waterfalls that I often take advantage of to unwind and get away from the pace of everyday life. Spending time in nature is one of the ways I reset and keep a healthy balance. When I’m not able to travel to those spots, I usually relax with friends and family in what we call “liming,” where we gather, talk, and enjoy each other’s company while enjoying food, drink and music.
Fitness is also an important part of my routine and plays a big role in maintaining my mental well-being. During quieter moments, I like to watch anime from time to time, sometimes on my own and other times with friends. Between staying active, spending time with loved ones, and enjoying the environment around me, I try to keep a good balance outside of work.
The Road to Prism
When were you selected as a Prism Scholarship recipient?
I was selected in June 2024 as part of the 2024-2025 Prism Scholarship recipients.
What motivated you to apply—was there someone who encouraged you, or was it an internal push?
My supervisor, Lisle Waldron, encouraged me to apply, explaining that even if I was not successful, simply going through the experience would help push me to a higher level of understanding in AV. He felt it would broaden my perspective on the field and expose me to the different branches of the industry, not just within higher education, but across the wider AV landscape.
What was happening in your career or life that made Prism feel like the right next step?
At the time, I was in the process of reshaping my career and focusing on strengthening the areas where I knew I needed improvement. I was also motivated to pursue the certifications relevant to AV in higher education so that I could build a stronger foundation in the field and continue growing professionally.
How did you feel when you got the news, and who did you share it with first? Why?
I felt both excited and surprised because I honestly didn’t expect to be accepted. I had never been awarded any type of scholarship or admission into an online academic program before, so it meant a lot to me. The first person I shared the news with was my girlfriend, since we had already talked about the possibility of me going back to school and making some financial sacrifices to gain the certifications I needed to build a solid foundation in AV.
Inside the Scholarship Experience
What did you enjoy most about the Prism experience?
InfoComm. I’m glad I went. It was an incredible experience, and I genuinely enjoyed stepping into a new environment, meeting people across all sectors of AV, and gaining fresh perspectives on the industry.
What proved most challenging, and how did you work through it?
I was coming out of a couple of family tragedies that had a significant impact on me mentally and emotionally. During that time, I leaned heavily on God, as well as the support of family and friends, to help me get through it.
Any study or memorization approaches you found especially effective and would recommend to others?
I made shorthand notes from the key chapters of the textbook and repeatedly worked through the AVIXA CTS practice questions to reinforce my understanding.
Certification Status & Outcomes
Where are you right now in your CTS journey?
I’m back to studying and implementing what I have learned in my everyday work duties where I can.
If you’ve earned your CTS, what impact has it had on your confidence, opportunities, or day‑to‑day work?
I don’t have my CTS certification just yet, but my confidence in handling my daily duties, and especially taking on new projects has grown.
If you haven’t sat or passed yet, what hurdles are still in the way?
I mean, most people deal with these kinds of challenges. I’m no different. Financial pressures and life interruptions happen, but I wouldn’t necessarily call them hurdles.
Growth, Community & Professional Trajectory
Looking back, which accomplishments or moments in your career are you most proud of?
My first classroom installation as lead without any supervisor intervention.
Any current project you’re excited about?
We currently have two projects underway. The first is a Crestron Flex meeting room built using donated equipment, where we had to fabricate mounts for the All-in-One Video Conferencing Bar due to limited funding for the proper TV and AV rack or mounting system.
The second project involves upgrading five classrooms, three of which feature dual displays. We’re executing this in phases, starting with replacing the projectors, as the current units are over 10 years old and have become unreliable.
How have communities like HETMA, AVIXA, or other higher‑ed groups influenced your growth or opened doors?
HETMA and AVIXA have been very beneficial to me by creating opportunities to collaborate with other AV professionals and by providing valuable information and insights that I’ve been able to access through the HETMA PRISM Program.
What impact has the Prism Scholarship—and the Prism community—had on you personally and professionally? Anything that surprised you?
I would say it’s just been a huge benefit to have access to a wealth of knowledge through HETMA and the vast network of AV professionals and up-and-comers.
Where do you see your career heading over the next few years?
I plan to pursue my AVIXA CTS certification and build a stable career in AV design and AV networking within the higher education sector.
Advice & Acknowledgments
What advice would you offer to someone considering applying for Prism—or preparing for the CTS exam?
I’ll be real with you, coming from a place where budgets are tight, access to gear is limited, and most companies don’t prioritize certifications, chasing something like the AVIXA CTS certification or even thinking about the AVIXA PRISM Program can feel like you’re aiming way outside your lane. But that’s exactly why it can matter.
As a technician, the real reward is ownership of your knowledge, your skills, and your place in the AV industry.
AVIXA CTS certification builds confidence when working with other AV professionals and companies. Don’t expect an immediate pay rise. Many institutions still don’t know about AVIXA certifications. Instead, approach it with a long‑term mindset.
You’re investing in a stronger technical foundation and global‑standard knowledge. That’s what prepares you for bigger opportunities and more advanced roles. It’s not an instant reward, it’s positioning yourself for future growth.
Who would you like to thank or acknowledge as you reflect on your Prism journey?
First and foremost, I thank God because without Him placing these people in my life, none of this journey would have been possible.
I’m deeply grateful to my supervisor, Lisle Waldron, for believing in my path, giving me the opportunity to be part of the AV and higher education community, and mentoring me through both the highs and the challenges, along with the support of HETMA.
I’m forever grateful to Kevin Connell, our department’s second in command, for playing such an integral role in shaping my perspective on my career path and for helping bring me into the Teaching, Learning and Instructional Support family.
I also want to thank my PRISM mentor, Chris Ferrer, for his patience and understanding during a difficult time in my life, and for always making himself available and supporting me along the way.
And finally, to my mother, Sharon Quintyne, thank you for encouraging me to stay committed to InfoComm, and my exams, even while our family was facing challenges.
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