Hi! My name is Blake Erickson and welcome to NetworkingExamAcademy.com.

My goal for this website is to create a free online resource where anyone who wants to get their Cisco Certification can come and learn exactly what they need to pass their exams. Many of the study guides for the Cisco exams are just too big and contain a lot of extra information that is not even on the test. This website will not be full of the extra fluff, but will be a clear and concise source for exactly what you need to pass your Cisco Exams.

Short Bio:
I’m 23 years old and am currently Studying Computer Science at Boise State University hopefully UC Irvine Fall 2011! I love it, and even though it is hard, I’m having a lot of fun learning about computers and math. Wow, that sounded extremely nerdy, but that’s me!

When I was in high school I took extra computer classes because I loved learning and enjoyed expanding my mind. I was already taking 2 hours of Cisco Networking classes, but then I also signed up for 2 more hours after school and took Windows 2000 Server, I’ve also taken A+ and Linux courses. Also during high school I had 14 computers in my bedroom. Why?? well it’s a lot easier to learn about computer networks if you have more than one computer to network! so the more the merrier. Don’t worry I in no way had the money to afford 14 nice computers, These were all pieces of crap that were all from the early 90′s, but they ran Linux very well. Some I even pulled out of dumpsters, thank you whoever put them there. I’m still too afraid to ask my parents how much the utility bill went down when I moved out. When I turned on the vacuum the lights would dim, but I don’t remember ever blowing a fuse, so that’s good. Thanks mom and dad for being supportive!

I had several different jobs growing up that I have learned a lot from. They definitely have helped my define my life and change my goals and priorities. I’ve been mowing my neighbors lawns since I was 12, which taught me how to work hard, take initiative, and not quit until I was finished. I worked at McDonald’s for 3 months, where I did not get to sit down, and while yes the store is air-conditioned, it doesn’t feel like it when your standing over the hot grill. One of the reasons I quit was because I couldn’t be innovative. I need to be in an environment where I can create and fuel my ideas. I couldn’t do that at McDonald’s. I got in trouble for finding ways to increase my hamburger production, which was not in the strict manual that had to be followed which turned into a no no. Lame.

I also quit McDonald’s because I got a job with the Boise School District managing their network. It was awesome, I got to manage a Windows 2,000 server, upgrade all the Mac G4 CPUs, and make sure hundreds of computers were working. What more could have I asked for? I learned a lot there and it was great to finally get a job in the field that I was pursuing.

In February 2005 (my Last semester of High School) I started working for Extreme Media Technology, a Voice Over IP phone company. AWESOME!! Ya I don’t think I could have asked for a better job as an 18 year old in high school. I was like their first real employee and I got to play on Cisco Routers every day. Not just small routers, but our big core routers. A lot of fun. And learned a lot. About a month after graduating high school (June ’05) I passed my CCNA exam and officially became a Cisco Certified Networking Associate. And I got a raise! They treated me very nice there and I appreciate my boss Robert very much for all that he taught me.

In October 2005 I went to Honduras for 2 years to serve a mission for my church. That was amazing! I loved every minute of it, even though it was extremely hard and hot. I learned how to set high goals and work extremely hard until I achieved them. I also learned a lot about Leadership from hands on experience. My last year in Honduras I was in charge of training new missionaries, running entire churches, find new leaders to take over once I left, managing 20+ missionaries in several different cities, all while setting records and achieving success with my own personal responsibilities in San Pedro Sula. I also learned to love that country and many people and families that live there. I can’t wait until I can go back. Ohh the food was amazing! I can’t wait to go eat some more baleadas. mmmmm que rica.

When I got back to America in October 2007 I started looking for networking jobs. The company I previously worked for went under and was under new management. Not hiring. I had an interview with several other companies. All of them liked my resume and was surprised at how experienced I was for such a young age (kinda) I was 21, and had taken 2 years off of computers, so in my mind I was a little behind. Still, no one was hiring. But still I didn’t realize that the economy was down and in a huge slump. I had just spend two years in a third world country where I didn’t watch any news or read any news paper. I was back in America, but totally in a different world. I thought everybody was rich and doing just fine. Anyways I was a janitor (got to make things happen no matter what!) until I landed an awesome job at Pinnpointe Consulting Group in February 2008.

I still work there as today (July 2010). I help out with the IT stuff and I’m a data analyst where I get to put my emerging programming skills to wonderful use.

I also have been going to school ever since I got back from Honduras at Boise State University. I’m studying computer science and love it very much. As I continue to study computer science, math, and networking I hope that one day I can put them all to good use and who knows maybe change the Internet in some profound way or just become the worlds best daddy.

I just moved to Aliso Viejo, CA in June, 2010. My wife and I have been talking about moving to California ever since we got married and we finally made it happen. We love it here and couldn’t be happier! I still need to finish my computer science degree, but I am currently waiting for me to get my residency here in California, my wife to get her degree, and for my to get my CCIE. So, hopefully in the next Fall (Fall 2011) can go to UC Irvine!

That’s right, I got to save the best for last. I’ve been married for over 2 years now to my high school sweetheart. Her name is Hailey and she a beautiful Red Head, who passed that gene down to our little 15 month old daughter, Sophia. She is so awesome, and brings such joy to our lives and am very glad to be her Daddy.

Thanks for coming to the site, I hope you can take the time to learn a lot here and get Cisco Certified!

-Blake, CCNA