Highly motivated and detail oriented cybersecurity professional with 7+ years experience in troubleshooting, application security, physical security, network security and network administration. Skilled in critical thinking, experience with supervising others, flexibility to adapt to a changing schedule, provides one-on-one support and communication with clients, with an ability to learn quickly and adapt to new environments.
Personal Narrative Essay
Abstract
This narrative essay explores the key experiences that shaped my decision to pursue a career in cybersecurity. From my early introduction to computers through gaming to hands-on technical training at New Horizons and my time in the Marine Corps, each experience contributed to my growing interest in technology. Significant academic milestones, such as becoming Microsoft certified and enrolling in Old Dominion University’s cybersecurity program, have further deepened my passion for the field. Additionally, my current role at OneMain Financial and my research on election security through my internship class have provided valuable real-world insights into the importance of cybersecurity. This essay highlights how both family support and personal determination have driven me to succeed in a field that promises both job security and continuous growth. Ultimately, I am excited to see where my career in cybersecurity will lead me in the future.
Introduction
The first time I used a computer was in 2009, and it wasn’t for anything particularly academic or professional—it was to play RuneScape. At that time, I never could have predicted that this simple act of point and click gaming would be the catalyst for what would later become an interest in a career in IT and cybersecurity. As I spent more and more time with PCs, not only playing games but learning about how they worked, building my own, helping others do the same, I realized that I wanted to build a career centered around this technology that I loved so much.
Over time, this initial interest grew into a more serious pursuit, and several key experiences cemented my desire to enter the cybersecurity field. From becoming Microsoft certified in middle school to interning at the York County Schools computer warehouse for my first job, to serving as a data systems administrator in the Marine Corps, and finally enrolling in Old Dominion University’s cybersecurity program, each step along the way has shaped the path I’m on today.
Early Academic Experiences
My high school experience gave me my first real taste of the technical side of information technology (IT). I was enrolled in a technical school called New Horizons, where I took a computer networking class during my junior and senior years. This wasn’t a basic course; I was placed in the advanced group, where the goal was to study for and pass the CompTIA Network+ exam. It was in these classes that I first began to seriously consider IT as more than just a hobby and saw it as a potential career path.
When it came time to choose a university, Old Dominion University (ODU) was a natural choice for me for a couple of reasons. First, it’s my mother’s alma mater, and attending ODU felt like following in her footsteps. Secondly, and most importantly, ODU had recently introduced a new cybersecurity program. I had already become interested in cybersecurity by this point, and knowing that ODU offered a dedicated program for it only solidified my decision to enroll.
Work and Internship Experiences
Firstly, my time at Hale-Tech provided me with essential, hands-on cybersecurity experience. For duties related to cybersecurity, I was responsible for tracking and responding to antivirus incidents, installing antivirus software, monitoring and responding to phishing attempts, and running phishing campaigns. In addition, I managed network security and worked with end-user systems, servers, network devices, and proprietary programs. This job allowed me to see cybersecurity from a user perspective, understanding how security measures were implemented and perceived by end-users. I also observed firsthand how networks are probed and how penetration attempts occur, which gave me a practical understanding of network security and the importance of maintaining strong defenses.
At the time of writing, I work at OneMain Financial as a Data Center Operator, where I work closely with critical systems that require 24/7 supervision. The systems I manage—IBM iSeries and Mainframe—are essential to daily business operations. Monitoring these systems ensures continuity, and this responsibility has helped me develop a deep understanding of IT infrastructure and operations. This hands-on experience has been invaluable as I continue my journey in cybersecurity, providing a real-world context for the theory I learn in school.
My time in the CYSE 368 internship class has also been crucial in shaping my understanding of cybersecurity. During the class, I had the opportunity to investigate cybersecurity practices in election security. Before this class, I was unaware of just how extensive the procedures and protections are that safeguard the integrity of democratic elections. Writing my paper, “The Evolution of Election Security: Multi-Factor Authentication in Action,” gave me new insights into the importance of cybersecurity in protecting critical infrastructure, which is a growing area of concern worldwide.
Decision to Pursue My Career
My decision to pursue a career in cybersecurity has been shaped by several influences, with family being one of the biggest. Throughout my life, whenever I mentioned working in IT or cybersecurity, my family always pointed out the strong job security that comes with it. This encouragement gave me the confidence to keep pursuing this path. However, there was another moment that really solidified my decision, and it wasn’t a positive one at first. While I was in the Marine Corps, I expressed to another Marine, who was already working in IT, that I wanted to pursue a degree in cybersecurity. Instead of supporting me, he laughed in my face and told me I couldn’t handle it. That moment had the opposite effect on me—it only made me more determined to prove him wrong. It fueled my resolve to succeed in the field.
Cybersecurity is important to me for two main reasons. First, my early curiosity about technology and security pushed me to keep learning more about how computers and networks function, and how they can be protected. The second reason is the job security and availability in the field. I’ve always known that cybersecurity is a field where there will be opportunities to grow, and with the increasing importance of protecting data and systems, the demand for skilled professionals is only increasing.
Conclusion
In summary, my journey into the world of cybersecurity began with my first interaction with a computer, which sparked my interest in technology. Key experiences, such as becoming Microsoft certified in middle school, interning at the York County Schools computer warehouse, enlisting in the Marine Corps as a data systems administrator, and enrolling in Old Dominion University’s cybersecurity program, have shaped my path. High school classes at New Horizons and my early coursework at ODU solidified my passion for the field. My job at OneMain Financial has allowed me to gain valuable hands-on experience with critical IT systems, while my internship class at ODU has deepened my understanding of election security and cybersecurity measures. Influenced by my family’s encouragement and a pivotal moment in the Marine Corps, I’m driven not only by the promise of job security but also by a genuine passion for the field. As I look forward to completing my degree and further advancing my career, I am excited to see where this journey will take me in the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity.