I plan on commissioning in the United States Navy as a Surface Warfare Officer, specifically a Communications Officer aboard a Navy vessel; or alternatively, as a Naval Aviator or Naval Flight Officer should my eyesight maintain a 20/20 vision before the start of my commission. I have discussed it with many of my mentors and have concluded that the cybersecurity technology field will assist in my endeavors to become a Surface Warfare Officer via a Cybersecurity Major at Old Dominion University. At this time, I am a Bachelor of Science Psychology Major but I shall soon transfer over to a Cybersecurity Major to better my chances at officer selection in or around two year time.

The cybersecurity field has always interested me. Ever since I was a child, growing up playing video games on consoles and computers, I found that many people online were out to try and scam myself or my friends out of our accounts, currency, or personal information. After one of my cousin’s accounts were doxed and exploited by someone online, it became essential that I make myself aware, at least on the basics, of how to protect myself online. This protection stemmed to my other online affairs as well such as social media, banking, online shopping, etc.

After making the decision to commission in the Navy in sophomore year of high school, I decided that I would do so as a Communications Officer, which in turn falls under the Surface Warfare specialty; managing parts of a ship along with its personnel. An understanding of cybersecurity is a vital part in operating as an effective Surface Warfare Officer, as the ability to monitor, assess, and maintain key on-ship systems is equally paramount. After my time in military service, I wish to use my cybersecurity and technology experience to work for another part of the government sector, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Central Intelligence Agency, Department of Homeland Security, or other government organization.