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Steven Mell
Elementary School Student, St. Elizabeth Seton Elementary
Microsoft Office Specialist
In many ways Steven Mell is like other kids his age, but when it comes to Microsoft® Office Specialist certification, he's well beyond his years. At just 11 years of age, Mell is one of the youngest people ever to achieve the only Microsoft-approved certification for Office programs.
"Certification exams require a broad range of Microsoft Office skills and are challenging even for adult business professionals," says Janice Frohlich, owner of the Click-On Computer Learning Centre where Mell has taken exams. "The fact that an 11-year-old has mastered these skills is very impressive."
Mell's love for computers began at an early age when his father Kevin bought the family's first computer. Initially Kevin did the training and Steven did the learning, but now the roles are reversed. "We can't keep up with him!" says his mother Britta. "We're glad Microsoft Office certification provides a tangible goal that helps him continue learning."
Training at Click-On Computer Learning Centre is expanding Mell's knowledge and skills to more advanced business programs, such as Microsoft Access. Knowledgeable instructors like Lindsey McLean help Mell utilize the full functionality of Office programs, and have already enabled him to pass exams for Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Outlook® and PowerPoint® with top scores. "I thought I would just pass. I didn't think I would do so well," says Mell. "I got 98 percent on the Word exam! Who wouldn't be happy with that?"
In addition to the satisfaction of knowing he's become a productive user of Office programs, Mell now has a portable credential that proves his expertise to others. "We are very proud of Steven's achievement," his mother says. "We encourage him to continue his learning and certification because it boosts his confidence, and we know it will help him accomplish future goals."
Microsoft Office Specialist certification is a step towards a bright future, and Mell has already realized the benefits of an industry-recognized certification. Last summer, Click-On Computers invited him to be a junior instructor at a one-week computer youth camp. Mell enjoyed tutoring students, and the students liked having someone their own age to explain computing concepts. Mell has also used his advanced skills to assist his brothers with school projects, and has even helped his parents refine forms they use for their business.
"People of all ages and professions can benefit from Microsoft Office Specialist certification," explains Frohlich. "For young people, Microsoft Office Specialist certification provides proof of knowledge and skills on key computer applications that enable them to excel in the fast-paced computer world and venture into more intricate computer programs and hardware."
Although Mell is very busy being an 11-year-old with things like school, swimming competitively, and playing his favorite computer games, he continues his pursuit of certification by attending courses at Click-On Computers every Thursday. He is now preparing for his next certification exams and hopes to soon set a new record by becoming the youngest Master Instructor in the world!
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