Final Reflection
Introduction
During my time at ODU, I have taken courses and encountered experiences that have prepared me for a brighter future. I have gained new skills and refined others over the past few years. This growth started early, with courses like English, where I was challenged to take new approaches to writing. I learned the basics of Spanish, programming in my Intro to Programming course, and developed creative thinking skills through Philosophy. I also gained hands-on experience with cybersecurity techniques and strategies. These skills, and many others, are showcased throughout this ePortfolio. Overall, my time at ODU has helped me grow academically, professionally, and personally.
Program Reflection
Some of the most valuable learning experiences I had came through hands-on projects and interdisciplinary discussions. Courses like Philosophy strengthened my critical thinking, while Cybersecurity and Sociology and Cyberlaw expanded my understanding of systems and society skills that are highly valuable in cybersecurity and computer science.
One of the biggest obstacles I faced was managing my full-time job alongside a full course load. Balancing work and school was difficult, but my past experiences juggling responsibilities helped me create a schedule and prioritize tasks effectively.
Skills developed in earlier courses, such as research, writing, and critical analysis, helped me complete my projects more efficiently. Many of the assignments linked throughout this portfolio reflect the growth and knowledge I gained over time.
IDS 493 Reflection
About the Course
IDS 493 is a course designed to help students create a professional digital portfolio that can be used even beyond university. Throughout the course, I gained valuable knowledge, especially about accessibility and proper formatting. I had never fully considered how features like color contrast, font size, or structure could impact a user’s experience on a website. I also realized how important consistent formatting is to keep a portfolio professional and easy to navigate.
Highlights
One of the aspects I feel I did best was the overall layout and design of the site. I selected the colors, organized the menu structure, and handled all design details. I am especially proud of the content I included, showcasing essays from throughout my academic career that received high marks and demonstrate my knowledge.
If someone could only view one section of my portfolio, I would direct them to the Experience page: Experience Page.
Challenges
A major challenge I faced during IDS 493 was time management. Balancing schoolwork and a full-time job required careful planning. Fortunately, my prior experience helped me create a system to complete all assignments on time.
If I had more time, I would focus on polishing every page even further, ensuring perfect consistency across the entire site.
This course gave me a deeper appreciation for the technical and creative skills required in web design and digital communication.
Conclusion
Looking back, interdisciplinary learning greatly shaped my understanding. Courses like Philosophy, Sociology, and Law taught me to approach problems from multiple perspectives, which is crucial in cybersecurity and computer science.
Being an interdisciplinary thinker is important because real-world challenges are rarely confined to one field. Having knowledge across different areas allows for more creative, critical, and effective problem-solving.
After graduating from ODU, my next steps include pursuing a career in cybersecurity though I have not fully narrowed down a specific focus. I plan to continue building my skills and earning certifications to stay competitive in the field and open new professional opportunities.