Hello! My Name is Sage Hensley, I major in Cybersecurity, and minor in Criminal Justice at Old Dominion University. Within my portfolio you will be able to find samples of my work throughout my academic career along with the skills I have developed.
Personal Narrative Essay
Sage Hensley
IDS 493 ELECTRONIC PORTFOLIO PROJECT
Professor Carin Andrews,
January 31, 2026
I grew up surrounded by the internet. With things such as social media and online gaming, the digital world was always present in my daily life. At the same time, I developed a strong interest in true crime because of my mom and older sisters. With a rather large age gap, I was exposed to true crime shows and media at an early age. I was fascinated not just by the outcomes of cases, but by how evidence was gathered, patterns were identified, and conclusions were reached. While I did not know it at the time, these two interests would eventually converge and shape my academic and career path.
I first began thinking seriously about my future during high school. Like many students, I knew I wanted a career that was stable and intellectually engaging, but I didn’t have a clue on what that would be. What I did know was that technology felt intuitive to me. I was comfortable navigating digital spaces, troubleshooting issues, and learning as the internet and technology evolved. As cyber attacks and data breaches became more common, I became aware of how dependent society had become on technology and how vulnerable that made us. That realization sparked my initial interest in cybersecurity.
When I enrolled at Old Dominion University, a university located in Norfolk, Virginia, I decided to major in Cybersecurity and in my junior year I added on a minor in Criminal Justice. Cybersecurity allowed me to engage deeply with technology, while criminal justice connected back to my interest in true crime. Together, they provided both the technical and human halves behind cybercrime.
Early in my academic career, my coursework introduced me to the foundations of networking, operating systems, and security principles. While the material was challenging, I found it actually interesting. I enjoyed learning why systems behaved the way they did and how vulnerabilities could be exploited. As I went through the school, two courses in particular played a pivotal role in shaping my understanding of the field, Cybersecurity Techniques and Operations and Cyber Strategy and Policy.
Cybersecurity Techniques and Operations was the first course where everything began to come together. Rather than focusing solely on theory, the class used learning through labs designed to mimic real-world cybersecurity scenarios. For the first time, I was not just learning concepts, I was applying them. These labs required me to analyze systems, identify vulnerabilities, and respond to simulated threats. There was a clear turning point when I realized I could take everything I had learned across multiple courses and use it to solve problems. That moment confirmed that I was developing the skills needed to succeed in this field.
Cyber Strategy and Policy focused on the larger aspects of cybersecurity, including national security, organizational risk management, and the ethical responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals. It helped me understand that cybersecurity is not just about protecting systems, it is about protecting people, businesses, and critical infrastructure. The course also made me realize the importance of adaptability, as cyber threats are constantly evolving and would require me to think critically and strategically.
Although I have not yet gained formal work or internship experience in cybersecurity, I have taken initiative outside the classroom to expand my knowledge. One of the most significant milestones was earning my CompTIA Security+ certification, an industry-recognized credential that shows my foundational cybersecurity skills. Preparing for this certification required disciplined study, practical understanding, and the ability to combine the information of everything I have learned in school. Earning my Security+ not only strengthened my technical skills, but also gave me confidence in my ability to work in this field. More information about this certification can be found on CompTIA’s website https://www.comptia.org.
Beyond my coursework and certification, one of the clearest indicators that I had chosen the right career path was how I spent my free time. I found myself researching cybersecurity topics independently, watching youtube videos about cyberattacks, and keeping up with current cyber incidents, because I genuinely wanted to. What made me certain I wanted to work in cybersecurity was understanding the impact the field has on others. Many individuals and organizations lack the knowledge needed to protect themselves online, making them vulnerable to attacks that can have serious financial, emotional, and operational consequences. Being able to help protect people who “may not know any better” is important to me. Cybersecurity professionals serve as defenders in a constantly changing digital world, and I take that responsibility seriously.
At the same time, I value the financial stability that cybersecurity offers. The demand for skilled professionals continues to grow as technology advances. This stability allows for long-term career growth while still providing opportunities to specialize, adapt, and continue learning. For me, cybersecurity strikes the right balance between purpose and practicality.
As I prepare to graduate, I see my academic journey as the foundation for a career that can be defined by adaptability and critical thinking. Cybersecurity is not a static field, threats, and best practices are always changing. Success requires the ability to learn quickly, and respond effectively. These are skills I have developed through my coursework, labs, and independent study.
Looking ahead, I am excited to apply what I have learned in professional environments through internships, jobs, and many more certifications. My time at ODU has prepared me not only with technical knowledge, but with the mindset needed to grow in this field.
My portfolio is more than a collection of my school work, it shows my interests, education, and skills. Cybersecurity is more than what I study, it is something that challenges me, motivates me, and allows me to make a meaningful impact.