Lab Everyday- A Father's Guide to Navigating in STEM

Father's Day is a celebration honoring fathers and celebrating fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in society. In honor of Father's Day 2018 we've decided to feature a Brotha in STEM!

 

Hi! My name is Du’An Lightfoot and I am a husband, father, Air Force veteran, and an IT professional.

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I believe that as parents and teachers we have to nurture the dreams of our children. I’m thankful my mother was aware of my interest and cared enough to help me grow in that area. If it wasn’t for her, I would not be involved in stem today.

Early Life introduction into I.T.

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I grew up in a time when computers were not in every classroom and they definitely were not in every home. During that time I always had a passion for science. I use to tell my mom that I wanted to be a scientist. When I was about 9 years old my mom surprised me with a science kit and a telescope for Christmas. Since then my curiosity and my passion for learning and teaching STEM has only amplified.

 

Being a Father in STEM

I believe that as parents and teachers we have to nurture the dreams of our children. I’m thankful my mother was aware of my interest and cared enough to help me grow in that area. If it wasn’t for her, I would not be involved in stem today.

As a black man and a father, it is important for me to show my children and other youth the many areas of stem. Where there are scientists, network engineers, and mathematicians who look just like them. In my family my daughters are mainly interested in the arts and sports. But I do encourage them to also learn things like security and coding.

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Creating an online Space to help others in IT

In 2016, I achieved a certification called the Cisco Certified Network Professional. The journey to get that cert was difficult because of so many obstacles that I was facing in my life. After talking to other people about my journey. I realized that I could help others by sharing what I have learned while being in the I.T. field. So, in 2017 I started uploading videos and now here we are today.

Check out one of Du’An's latest video here:

 

My goal on YouTube is to help you avoid the same pitfalls that I have experienced throughout my career. By providing advanced educational resources, keeping you highly informed and showing you how to get PAID!

 

What keeps Du'An motivated?

What keeps me motivated is my family and seeing people succeed. Coming from where I am from and going through my career only seeing a few people that look like me was difficult. With my platform I desire to be a guide and a light that helps others shine and reach their full potential.

Do you have a Brotha in STEM you would like to shoutout? Comment them below!

 

Follow Mr. Lab Everyday on all social media platforms!

Subscribe to Du'an's YouTube channel @duanlightfoot

Instagram @labeveryday

Twitter @labeveryday