Finding My Future in Cybersecurity

If someone had told 17-year-old me that I would one day follow through with the final project I presented in my high school senior year, I probably would’ve laughed. That project asked us to imagine our future selves, to pick a career and explain why we chose it. I chose cybersecurity. At the time, it was mostly curiosity. It seemed cool, futuristic, and the pay didn’t sound bad either. I didn’t know it then, but that decision would become a roadmap I’d return to years later, after navigating online classes during COVID-19, working multiple IT jobs, and developing a passion for securing systems in an increasingly digital world.

An Unusual Start: Learning Through Lockdown

My college journey started in an unusual time, during the pandemic. COVID-19 flipped everything upside down. I never had the typical college experience. No dorm rooms, no in-person lectures, no campus social life. Every class I’ve ever taken at Old Dominion University has been online. That forced me to become self-reliant in ways I didn’t expect. Without professors physically there to guide me, I had to teach myself many of the core concepts. I set up my own labs, created virtual machines, and explored cybersecurity tools on my own time. What could have been a disadvantage actually became one of my biggest strengths: I learned how to learn independently.

Setting up my own virtual environments became routine. I began using tools like Nmap and Wireshark, created and destroyed virtual machines, and ran mock penetration tests. I dove into log analysis and security configuration without waiting for anyone to show me how. That autonomy trained me to be proactive, self-motivated, and highly adaptable. These are traits that are critical in cybersecurity.

Beyond the technical skills, the process of teaching myself complex concepts built resilience and patience. I learned to push through problems without immediate answers, to dig into forums, manuals, and YouTube tutorials. These are underrated but essential habits that prepare cybersecurity professionals for a career that constantly throws new threats and puzzles their way. Remote learning turned my bedroom into a laboratory and my computer into a gateway to hands-on learning.

Coursework That Got My Hands Dirty

One class that really helped cement my love for cybersecurity was CYSE 301. This course was where theory met practice. We set up multiple VMs to perform penetration testing, monitor logs, and simulate real-world attacks. It was the first time I felt like I was truly in the field. I wasn’t just reading about attacks or watching lectures. I was actively participating in defensive and offensive cybersecurity activities. CYSE 301 gave me a sense of confidence and curiosity. It made me think, “I could do this for a living.”

The hands-on nature of the class also revealed how different areas of cybersecurity connect. Whether we were simulating intrusion detection systems or configuring firewall rules, it all felt like solving a giant puzzle. It showed me that cybersecurity is not just about tools, but about thinking critically, testing theories, and always staying curious.

Learning by Doing: Internships and Work Experience

As I moved through college, I sought out work experiences that could give me a leg up. My first major break came with an internship at Navy Federal Credit Union in their Enterprise Technology and Analytics department. I worked on AI-driven solutions to improve operational efficiency and reduce time-to-resolution on technical issues. I wasn’t just sitting on the sidelines. I helped develop dashboards with Power BI, Splunk, and Adobe Analytics, supported software implementation processes, and led a cohort of interns. These leadership opportunities taught me how to communicate and collaborate in a high-stakes, professional environment.

From there, I transitioned into full-time roles. At HunaTek, I worked as an IT Analyst supporting infrastructure performance, system hardening, and patch management. I also collaborated on quality assurance testing and client-facing support. I’m currently a System Administrator at Affinity eSolutions, where I manage databases, ensure system reliability, and apply security updates. Across these roles, I’ve dealt with enterprise systems like Oracle and ServiceNow and implemented security protocols aligned with NIST and ISO standards. These hands-on experiences have allowed me to apply what I’ve learned in the classroom to the real world.

These jobs have given me more than just a paycheck. They’ve given me perspective. I’ve worked in both government-adjacent and private environments, adapting to different workflows, compliance needs, and team dynamics. This exposure helps me see which environments I thrive in and which skills I need to sharpen. Learning doesn’t stop in the classroom, and I’m grateful that my jobs have helped me grow professionally and personally.

Influences and Community

My interest in cybersecurity didn’t develop in isolation. I had friends already in the field and others considering entering it. Hearing their stories and watching their progress confirmed that this path was not only viable, it was exciting. Talking with them about new vulnerabilities, tools, or certifications pushed me to stay engaged and continue growing. Our informal network of like-minded peers created a community that helped me stay focused and accountable.

We frequently shared study materials, recommended certifications, and discussed current events in the cybersecurity world. This peer-to-peer learning environment complemented what I was learning in class and on the job. It reminded me that while cybersecurity can seem like a solo profession, collaboration and community play a huge role in long-term success.

A Field That’s Always Evolving

What continues to intrigue me about cybersecurity is how fast it evolves. There’s always a new threat, a new challenge, or a new tool to learn. I’m especially interested in paths like government contracting, security analysis, and cloud security. These areas offer opportunities to specialize and make a significant impact. I’m still figuring out which path is the best fit for me, but I know that my foundation is strong, and my passion for learning will guide me wherever I go.

The importance of cybersecurity will only grow as our reliance on technology deepens. In an age of rapid digital transformation, every organization needs people who can protect systems, manage risk, and respond to threats. That’s the role I hope to play. I want to be involved not just in fixing problems after they happen, but in building systems that are resilient from the start.

Bringing It Full Circle

Looking back, I’m glad I listened to my 17-year-old self. Even though I took a few detours, that early vision stayed with me. Now, as I prepare to graduate with a degree in cybersecurity from Old Dominion University, I feel confident that I’m on the right path. My nontraditional experience—studying online, working while in school, teaching myself how to build labs and navigate enterprise systems—has prepared me in a way no textbook alone ever could.

I’ve learned that being adaptable, curious, and self-directed can be just as important as technical skills. Cybersecurity isn’t just a career. It’s a mindset. It’s about staying alert, thinking critically, and never getting too comfortable. And that’s exactly why I’m drawn to it.

As I continue exploring career paths and gaining experience, I’m committed to growing in this field, making a meaningful impact, and continuing to learn. This isn’t just about chasing a paycheck or following a trend. It’s about being part of something bigger: protecting information, empowering organizations, and building a more secure digital world.

One class that really helped cement my love for cybersecurity was CYSE 301. This course was
where theory met practice. We set up multiple VMs to perform penetration testing, monitor
logs, and simulate real-world attacks. It was the first time I felt like I was truly in the field. I
wasn’t just reading about attacks or watching lectures. I was actively participating in defensive
and offensive cybersecurity activities. CYSE 301 gave me a sense of confidence and curiosity. It
made me think, “I could do this for a living.”
The hands-on nature of the class also revealed how different areas of cybersecurity connect.
Whether we were simulating intrusion detection systems or configuring firewall rules, it all felt
like solving a giant puzzle. It showed me that cybersecurity is not just about tools, but about
thinking critically, testing theories, and always staying curious.
Learning by Doing: Internships and Work Experience
As I moved through college, I sought out work experiences that could give me a leg up. My first
major break came with an internship at Navy Federal Credit Union in their Enterprise
Technology and Analytics department. I worked on AI-driven solutions to improve operational
efficiency and reduce time-to-resolution on technical issues. I wasn’t just sitting on the
sidelines. I helped develop dashboards with Power BI, Splunk, and Adobe Analytics, supported
software implementation processes, and led a cohort of interns. These leadership opportunities
taught me how to communicate and collaborate in a high-stakes, professional environment.
From there, I transitioned into full-time roles. At HunaTek, I worked as an IT Analyst supporting
infrastructure performance, system hardening, and patch management. I also collaborated on
quality assurance testing and client-facing support. I’m currently a System Administrator at
Affinity eSolutions, where I manage databases, ensure system reliability, and apply security
updates. Across these roles, I’ve dealt with enterprise systems like Oracle and ServiceNow and
implemented security protocols aligned with NIST and ISO standards. These hands-on
experiences have allowed me to apply what I’ve learned in the classroom to the real world.
These jobs have given me more than just a paycheck. They’ve given me perspective. I’ve
worked in both government-adjacent and private environments, adapting to different
workflows, compliance needs, and team dynamics. This exposure helps me see which
environments I thrive in and which skills I need to sharpen. Learning doesn’t stop in the
classroom, and I’m grateful that my jobs have helped me grow professionally and personally.
Influences and Community
My interest in cybersecurity didn’t develop in isolation. I had friends already in the field and
others considering entering it. Hearing their stories and watching their progress confirmed that

this path was not only viable, it was exciting. Talking with them about new vulnerabilities, tools,
or certifications pushed me to stay engaged and continue growing. Our informal network of
like-minded peers created a community that helped me stay focused and accountable.
We frequently shared study materials, recommended certifications, and discussed current
events in the cybersecurity world. This peer-to-peer learning environment complemented what
I was learning in class and on the job. It reminded me that while cybersecurity can seem like a
solo profession, collaboration and community play a huge role in long-term success.
A Field That’s Always Evolving
What continues to intrigue me about cybersecurity is how fast it evolves. There’s always a new
threat, a new challenge, or a new tool to learn. I’m especially interested in paths like
government contracting, security analysis, and cloud security. These areas offer opportunities
to specialize and make a significant impact. I’m still figuring out which path is the best fit for
me, but I know that my foundation is strong, and my passion for learning will guide me
wherever I go.
The importance of cybersecurity will only grow as our reliance on technology deepens. In an
age of rapid digital transformation, every organization needs people who can protect systems,
manage risk, and respond to threats. That’s the role I hope to play. I want to be involved not
just in fixing problems after they happen, but in building systems that are resilient from the
start.
Bringing It Full Circle
Looking back, I’m glad I listened to my 17-year-old self. Even though I took a few detours, that
early vision stayed with me. Now, as I prepare to graduate with a degree in cybersecurity from
Old Dominion University, I feel confident that I’m on the right path. My nontraditional
experience—studying online, working while in school, teaching myself how to build labs and
navigate enterprise systems—has prepared me in a way no textbook alone ever could.
I’ve learned that being adaptable, curious, and self-directed can be just as important as
technical skills. Cybersecurity isn’t just a career. It’s a mindset. It’s about staying alert, thinking
critically, and never getting too comfortable. And that’s exactly why I’m drawn to it.
As I continue exploring career paths and gaining experience, I’m committed to growing in this
field, making a meaningful impact, and continuing to learn. This isn’t just about chasing a paycheck or following a trend. It’s about being part of something bigger: protecting
information, empowering organizations, and building a more secure digital world.