When I first came to Old Dominion university I started out as a Criminal Justice major but quickly realized I had a deeper love for cybersecurity. I like learning about computers but it’s not the reason I selected Cybersecurity as my major. I find it intriguing how an individual can destroy an organization’s data by using certain commands to hack into their system. Just thinking about it amazes me.  I like many components about this field. Therefore, I selected Cybersecurity as my major and can’t wait to apply the techniques that I’ve learned from school in my career. I selected this field for various reasons such as the salary, demand in society, and my interest in achieving this major.

Cybersecurity has an extensive number of benefits such as flexible hours and the potential to work from home, especially the earnings of a cybersecurity professionals. There are many careers in the world that do not allow for an individual to make much salary. However, salary is not the only reason I selected cybersecurity as a major. My stepfather is in the field. I want to follow in his footsteps. I think it will be fun to work in the same field as an individual that I look up to. I want to be able to take care of my family. I want to build a house for my parents and take them on trips.

I like the aspect of learning about the depths of electronic devices.  I started to learn about Information Technology in high school. I have a yearning to understand the importance of technology in society. This career path that I have chosen can give me the opportunity to travel around the world which is something I’ve always wanted to do. The main component that I’ve enjoy about cybersecurity is hacking. I like how the field challenges the brain to quickly come up with commands while protecting a business system.

Cybersecurity is in high demand currently. The rise of cybercrimes around the world has been happening frequently. Recently, I have noticed that in many medical, technology, and law enforcement fields that there is a lack of African American women that do not work in these fields. This is an issue within society because the stigma of certain fields being male-dominant needs to change. I want to contribute to that change within the cybersecurity field.

I selected Cybersecurity as my major because I want to make changes within my life and society. I want to be able to provide for my family and learn methods to help organizations fight against cyberattacks. I also want to change the stigma of a certain race, ethnicity, and gender only working in technology fields. By accomplishing these components in this field my love for technology will continue to flourish.