Reflection
My experience at ODU with the cybersecurity program, has been done fully online. A particular skill I gained from previous is participation, most of the online courses required weekly discussion post, and responded to at least another classmate. For example, one of the classes I’m currently taking in Spring 2026, CYSE 407 Digital Forensics, one of my weekly assignments is a discussion post, and I have to responded to at least two other classmates.
One of the most valuable experiences while in ODU, was Cyberforge. I had the opportunity to participate in this event for beings a cybersecurity student. I was very glad, that I took the chance and join other students in the same major as myself. In this event I was able to network with fellow peers, employers and had the chance to join a CTF event. The event also hosted event speakers, where they express different topics relating to cybersecurity, from how to getting started in the field to speaking about cyber-attacks in foreign countries.
An obstacle I encountered during my learning experience, is the ability to test my knowledge. I consider myself a hands-on learner. I think it is very important to have hands-on experience, so you can feel confident with talking and answering questions an interviewer might ask. I would feel more confident speaking about a topic I have done hands-on.
Previous courses that helped my complete the program, was my associates degree. In 2024 I completed my associate’s degree in information systems technology with BRCC before I transferred to ODU. The courses in my previous degree created a basic foundation for my knowledge in cybersecurity. I’d say it help me complete the cybersecurity program.
The IDS 493 course, helps and guides students to create the best version of their portfolio. An ePortfolio creates a space for students to display their academic study, work experiences, skill identification, and work products. This course prepares the students to compose, apply, review and revise their ePortfolios.
An interesting concept I have learned throughout this course, is the ability to reflect on my academic studies and how to apply my experiences on my ePortfolio. I have also practiced the ability to communicate my thoughts and opinions within the assignments. Also, receiving and creating constructive criticism in a professional environment.
I think I did a good job, including projects and assignment in my courses to demonstrate my academic studies. If someone were to look at my ePortfoilo I would point them to the about me/ blog page, so they can learn a little bit about me.
A challenging aspect in IDS, was reviewing a classmate’s ePortfolio. It made me think how I would be able to create a constructive criticism comment on another’s students ePortfolio. Also, the weekly work assignments contained a lot of questions, I sometimes did not know how to answer. I navigated these issues, by thinking outside the box, and answer to the best of my ability.
My ePortfolio can improve overtime. I want the viewers to get to know and feel like they are reading me through the site. I do not want viewers to feel they are simply reading my assignments and coursework. Previous courses express the importance of having a portfolio and would remind students to add the course to their page. This really helped my shape and create my ePortfolio.
Skills that I gained throughout the program was time management, and adaptability. This program shaped me into a professional individual with an open-minded mindset to learn and be curious. It is important to be an interdisciplinary thinker in this field of study, since technology is always changing. There are always opportunities and room to grow. It is important to be curious and if you do not know the answer to a certain topic, it is critical to ask question instead of giving up.
After ODU I plan to continue my education. I have the chance to become the best version of myself, and I want to be able to apply that mindset to my professional career and education.