Introduction 

I never thought a single moment of curiosity could shape the rest of my life. It all started with a mysterious pop-up on my mother’s old computer, the kind that seemed harmless but froze everything in its tracks. While most people shrug it off or call tech support, I found myself fascinated. Who caused it? Who was behind it?  And more importantly, how could it be stopped? That experience sparked a journey of discovery that led me into the world of firewalls, encryption, and ethical hacking. Choosing cybersecurity as a career wasn’t a decision I made overnight, it was a path that slowly revealed itself, with moments of frustration, fascination, and a growing sense of purpose in protecting the digital landscape. 

My Story 

Back then, I didn’t know what “cybersecurity’ even was. I was just a teenager who liked to fiddle with computers. I would spend hours in front of the screen, exploring settings I probably shouldn’t have touched, breaking things and then figuring out how to fix them. I started visiting online forums, watching YouTube videos, and reading articles that explained how computer viruses worked and how networks could be attacked. I wasn’t trying to become a hacker, I just wanted to understand how things worked and how they broke.  

The deeper I dug, the more I realized how vulnerable everything online really is. Our photos, bank information, conversations, even our identities are stored in systems that are constantly under threat. The idea that I could learn how to defend against those threats was both thrilling and terrifying. The idea that I could learn how to defend against those threats made me feel like I could make a real difference in the world. Unlike other careers that felt far-off, cybersecurity was real. Tangible. Urgent. 

Still, deciding to pursue it as a career isn’t a straightforward process. Like many people, I had to wrestle with doubt. Could I really make a living doing this? Was I smart enough? Would I have to live behind a keyboard in a dark room forever? The media did not help, I will tell you that. Cybersecurity professionals were often portrayed as shadowy figures or socially awkward geniuses. I didn’t see myself in those images. I just knew I cared about solving problems, protecting people, and understanding systems. Luckily, I had a high school teacher who saw something in me. 

Mr. Dawson taught computer science/STEM, and while the curriculum mostly focused on programming basics, he noticed I was always finishing early and diving into side projects. One day, he pulled me aside and asked what I wanted to do after graduation. I told him I wasn’t sure, maybe something with real estate or a trade, maybe not. He encouraged me to investigate cybersecurity more seriously and pointed toward some free resources to help me. This conversation was a turning point. For the first time, someone validated the idea that cybersecurity could be more than a hobby.  

In high school, I volunteered at a local community center, helping small businesses and older adults learn the basics of digital safety. It was a humbling experience. Many people had never even heard of multi-factor authentication or knew what a phishing email looked like. Some had already fallen victim to fraud and felt ashamed and helpless. I saw that cybersecurity knowledge could restore a sense of control and confidence in people who often felt left behind in the digital age. For me, it was another turning point, it confirmed that I didn’t just want to work in cybersecurity, I wanted to help shape how people think about cybersecurity. That experience also inspired me to consider how I could contribute beyond a technical role. Maybe one day I’ll write about public policy or develop educational programs that make cybersecurity accessible to all. The digital divide is a real and pressing issue, and the more we rely on online systems, the more we risk leaving vulnerable population exposed. Cybersecurity must be inclusive, not just in terms of who works in the field, but also in terms of who benefits from its protections. 

But perhaps what motivated me most was the realization that cybersecurity is not just about protecting machines, it’s about protecting people. Behind every system is a human being who could lose money, privacy, or peace of mind because of a breach. The ethics of this field started to matter to me more and more. I didn’t just want to fight cybercrime; I wanted to be part of a broader movement to create a safer digital world. 

I’m also drawn to the ethical side of cybersecurity. As threats become more complex like AI and quantum computing, the stakes will only get higher. Questions about surveillance, data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the role of government in digital security are more relevant than ever. As a cybersecurity professional, I want to be part of the conversations that shape how we balance security with civil liberties. I believe we have a responsibility not just to protect systems, but to protect the principles that undermine a free and open society.  

College solidified that belief. I majored in cybersecurity, which consists of studying cryptography, ethical hacking, digital forensics, and risk management. What struck me the most was how interdisciplinary the field is. It’s not just about writing code or configuring firewalls, it’s about understanding human behavior, predicting how an attacker might think, and building systems that balance security and usability.  

This summer, I am aiming to land an internship at a local cybersecurity firm. That’s where theory will meet reality. Helping people on real projects, helping clients assess their vulnerabilities, monitoring IDS systems, and even responding to minor phishing attacks, will truly test my capability and obsession for this subject.  

I know the road ahead won’t be easy. Threats will evolve, attacks will just get smarter, and the responsibility of staying ahead will be constant. But I also know I’m not alone. Cybersecurity is a heavily growing, diverse community filled with people who are just as passionate about making the world safer. Whether I’m building defenses, educating users, or responding to incidents, I’ll be part of something bigger than myself. But as I look to the future, I’m motivated by the idea that cybersecurity is always evolving. No two days are the same. One day might involve analyzing malware, the next, preparing for a compliance audit or consulting with a company on how to secure their cloud infrastructure. The pace of change in the field keeps me energized, and the need for continual learning is something I embrace, not avoid. And that’s what makes it all worth it.