Ever since Advanced Computer Information Systems (ACIS) was made a class at Fluvanna County High School, only two students have achieved the Expert status on 2013 Microsoft Office Specialist.  Sophomore Emily Antesberger is the first student to earn the industry certification in Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook, therefore earning the dual Expert status on Word and Excel.  What makes this accomplishment even more impressive is how early in her education she was able to achieve this status.

Antesberger’s teacher, Linda Harding, has had two seniors in the past achieve Expert status: Devon Smith (2015) and Mark Jones (2016).  Achieving the dual Expert status is significant, but for Antesberger to do it as a sophomore is especially impressive.  Harding said that this is due to Antesberger’s “methodical persistence,” noting that she is “very methodical, diligent, and persistent to find answers and resolve challenges.”

Antesberger achieved her Expert status by completing four 2013 Microsoft Expert series certifications — Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook — coupled with Word and Excel Expert — an advanced two-part certification.  Her hard work always pays off when she accomplishes whatever she sets her mind to, and this is just another example.  “It’s normal for me to be able to excel in everything I do,” said Antesberger, before adding, “pun intended.”

Becoming a 2013 Microsoft Office Expert has laid down a lot of groundwork for Antesberger if she chooses a technology field in college, which she is considering. This accomplishment has also opened many doors for her future career. For example, she is planning to apply for a job at a local hospital working in Medical Records, a part-time position which requires an advanced technological skill set.  She has reached the highest Computer Information System level, being the first student in her grade level so early in the semester to do this.  “Doing this was easy, and I am not surprised that I finished it, but I am surprised that I was the first to do so,” said Antesberger.

The most time-consuming section for Antesberger was the Excel Expert 2013 series, which Harding says is “beyond challenging.”  Antesberger completed this level on Oct. 15, 2015.  “After completing this, I felt awesome,” said Antesberger.

She said she is thinking about choosing a career in technology, although she is not sure that is what she wants to do for the rest of her life.  She says she has to get through college first, then she will decide on a career.  “I will keep an open mind about it, but I want to see all of my options first, then choose what I think suits me best,” Antesberger said.