Hi, I’m Akela Villegas, born in Washington, D.C., and grew up in Maryland, where my curiosity for technology and problem-solving first began. Before coming to ODU, I earned my Associate of Science in Computer and Information Technology with a concentration in Cyber and Information Security from ECPI University in 2022.

I chose to study cybersecurity because I’ve always wanted to stay ahead of innovation. Technology never stops changing, and understanding how to protect and strengthen it keeps me motivated to learn more. My plan after graduation is to gain more hands-on experience through another internship and start my own business, something that lets me blend creativity, independence, and tech. I had a small taste of working with small businesses providing them risk assessments during my time during the Cyber Clinic which I would like to explore more.

Outside of academics, I’m a very organized person (maybe too organized sometimes, my OCD keeps everything perfectly in line!). I love playing the bass guitar, dancing, and finding creative outlets that balance the stresses of everyday life. But I enjoy the simple things in life. All I need is some hot tea, some fuzzy socks, and my favorite show and I’m in bliss.

Fun fact: I have a photographic memory, which definitely comes in handy when studying complex systems or remembering small details.

MY STORY

My path to this point has been far from straightforward, but it’s a story of persistence and growth. I’ve transferred schools four times, adapting to new environments and overcoming challenges from COVID and personal health issues. Despite the setbacks, I kept pushing forward and never lost sight of my goal to graduate.

My interest in cybersecurity didn’t come from a single defining moment, it developed naturally from curiosity. I’ve always wanted to understand how technology works and how innovation shapes our world. Cybersecurity felt like the perfect fit because it connects both the creative and analytical sides of my personality.

Earning my associate’s degree from ECPI was a huge milestone, and continuing my education at Old Dominion University has helped me refine my skills and broaden my perspective. As I look ahead, I’m focused on gaining hands-on experience through internships and eventually building my own business where I can merge innovation with real-world solutions.

My journey has taught me that success isn’t always about a clear path, sometimes it’s about resilience, curiosity, and the willingness to keep moving forward no matter what obstacles come your way.