My name is Omarion Branch, and I’m from Suffolk, Virginia. I graduated from Nansemond River High School in the class of 2021, and I recently completed my Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity at Old Dominion University. Looking back at the past few years, it’s incredible to see how much I’ve grown—not just academically, but personally and professionally as well.

When I first entered college, I was still figuring things out. Like many freshmen, I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to major in. I had a general interest in technology, but no clear direction. It wasn’t until I really took a moment to reflect on my time in high school that everything started to click. In high school, I had already started developing a passion for technology, business, and computers, even if I didn’t realize it right away. My curiosity was sparked during late-night YouTube tech reviews, watching my dad troubleshoot tech issues, and tinkering with my own devices just to see how they worked. But what really made a difference was the mentorship I got from my dad.

He took my interest seriously and started guiding me before I even knew I needed it. He gave me articles to read, tasks to complete, and introduced me to computer programs I could experiment with in my free time. He’d tell me to try solving problems on my own before asking for help, and those trial-and-error moments taught me more than I realized at the time. That mentorship shaped my learning style and laid the foundation for my decision to study cybersecurity. By the time I graduated from high school, I knew I wanted to build a career in technology—and more importantly, I wanted to protect it.

Choosing Old Dominion University was an easy decision. It’s local, it’s affordable, and most importantly, it has a strong cybersecurity program. From the beginning, I knew that ODU would give me the chance to expand my knowledge and network with people who shared my interests. What I didn’t expect was just how many opportunities I’d have to grow along the way.

At ODU, my academic experience gave me a strong technical foundation in cybersecurity, from network defense to digital forensics. But what really made my time meaningful was the hands-on work I got to do. I was involved in several major class projects, including building and testing a basic intrusion detection system, applying machine learning models to cybersecurity datasets, and simulating threat analysis for hypothetical companies. These weren’t just group assignments—they were stepping stones that helped me bridge the gap between theory and real-world application.

One of my favorite projects was during my junior year when we worked on a semester-long case study focused on social engineering attacks. We had to design a full awareness campaign for a small business, complete with mock phishing emails, a prevention strategy, and a training presentation. That experience pushed me to think creatively and strategically, and it gave me a real appreciation for the human side of cybersecurity. It’s not just about code or firewalls—it’s about understanding how people interact with technology and how to protect them.

In addition to classwork, I took advantage of every opportunity to develop professionally. I attended cybersecurity career fairs, ODU Tech Talks, and virtual panels with professionals from companies like Booz Allen Hamilton and Northrop Grumman. I also joined the Cybersecurity Student Association on campus, where I collaborated with other students in CTF (Capture the Flag) competitions. These challenges sharpened my problem-solving skills and gave me the chance to apply what I was learning in class in a fast-paced, team-based environment.

One summer, I had the opportunity to complete a mini-internship through a campus initiative that partnered students with local businesses. I worked with a small IT company based in Norfolk, where I helped set up secure network configurations and assisted in reviewing basic firewall rules. Even though it wasn’t a full-time internship, the experience was valuable. I got to see firsthand how cybersecurity principles are implemented in a small business setting, and it reinforced the importance of even the smallest details in protecting systems.

Outside of academics and work experience, my time at ODU also helped shape who I am as a person. Being on campus taught me independence and time management. There were late nights, tough deadlines, and moments where I questioned whether I was cut out for this field. But every time I pushed through those moments, I came out stronger. I also made lasting friendships—people I studied with, collaborated with, and sometimes even failed with before figuring things out together.

Looking back, I’m most proud of how far I’ve come since freshman year. I walked onto campus uncertain and a little overwhelmed, and I’m leaving with a degree, a clearer sense of purpose, and the confidence to take the next step in my career. I’ve built a solid foundation of technical skills—things like configuring firewalls, analyzing logs, using tools like Wireshark and Splunk, and even writing scripts in Python to automate basic tasks. But more than that, I’ve developed the mindset of a problem-solver. I know how to think critically, ask questions, and keep learning, even when the answers aren’t obvious.

As I prepare to transition into the workforce, I’m excited to start applying what I’ve learned in real-world environments. My goal is to land an entry-level role in cybersecurity or IT support where I can continue growing while making an impact. I’m especially interested in roles that allow me to blend technical work with communication—whether that’s helping users troubleshoot issues, writing security documentation, or working on a team that investigates security incidents. I know the journey won’t always be easy, but I’m ready for the challenge.

To anyone just starting out or feeling unsure about their path—just know that it’s okay to not have all the answers right away. What matters most is being curious, staying consistent, and being open to learning from every experience, good or bad. That’s what helped me find my way, and it’s what I’ll carry with me moving forward.

ODU wasn’t just a school—it was the place where I became the person I am today. And for that, I’ll always be grateful.