Introduction

            I have always known that I wanted to pursue a career in cybersecurity. Early on, I understood that technology was more than a tool used to connect people. It is a powerful force that could protect people, organizations, and even nations. That understanding led me through every step of my journey, from my original plan of joining the Air Force, to my academic studies at Virginia Peninsula Community College (VPCC) and now at Old Dominion University (ODU), to the hands-on experiences that have confirmed my path. At twenty-five years old and now a senior at ODU, I can see how my education, work experience, and internships have all steeled my resolve in pursuing this field. Whether I pursue a future role in government with the CIA, Department of Defense or the US Coast Guard, or contribute to the advancement of prosthetic technologies that empower amputees, my journey reflects the same core motivation: using technology to protect and improve lives.

Early Influences

            My plan was clear and well thought out from the beginning: I wanted to work in cybersecurity. At first, I imagined myself achieving this goal through military service in the United States Air Force. That path was appealing to me because it combined duty, discipline, and structure with my interest in technology. But due to some nuance medical reasons, I was unable to continue that path. This ultimately shifted my path toward higher education at VPCC, and then ODU.

            I also have some interests in innovations in medical technology, particularly prosthetics. Seeing how engineers and computer scientists have designed devices that restore mobility and independence to amputees revealed another layer of technology to me: its ability to give people their lives back and feel normalcy again. National security and human-centered innovation have shaped my sense of purpose long before I formally began my studies.

Educational Pathway

            My academic journey has been an ongoing and steady climb towards the goals I always wanted to achieve. In high school, we didn’t have the programs that are in place now for students. Even so, I graduated from Bethel High School in 2018 with an advanced diploma. After a few years and a failed attempt to join the military, I pursued an associate degree in Information Systems Technology at Virginia Peninsula Community College. That program gave me my first experience and training in computing systems and prepared me for higher-level coursework.

            In 2024, I transferred to Old Dominion University to complete my bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity. ODU’s program, recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense, was the obvious first choice of attendance to offer both depth and further opportunities. My courses ranged from ethical hacking and network defense to discussions about law, ethics, privacy, and other fields in a digital age. These classes taught me not only technical skills but also how to think critically about the ethical implications of cybersecurity.

            One of the most important and valuable lessons I took away from my academic coursework is the importance of interdisciplinarity. Cybersecurity is not just about computer science; it is a combination of law, ethics, philosophy, psychology, and policy. With this understanding, I’ve come to see that cybersecurity isn’t a solitary issue and is built on connections across fields and between people.

Work Experiences

            Before and during any formal academic training in cybersecurity, I worked in a range of jobs that built discipline, leadership, and teamwork skills. At Chick-fil-A, I worked as a regular employee for two years and then as a manager for the remainder of my time. I was entrusted with many leadership roles such as training others, managing registers, and ensuring customer satisfaction. This experience taught me how to work under pressure while maintaining a positive attitude. At Office Pride Commercial Cleaning Company, I served as both an office manager and cleaner. I gained some experience with computers by utilizing excel spreadsheets to maintain payroll and balancing hourly logs for other employees. Aramark expanded my experience in warehouse operations, requiring attention to detail and safety. My current role with Newport News Public Schools as a driver and warehouse associate has further developed my ability to work responsibly, collaborate effectively with teams, adhere to strict schedules, and maintain a professional, corporate mindset. Although none of these jobs directly correlate to cybersecurity, they have given me transferable skills: responsibility, adaptability, communication, persistence, and professionalism. These qualities are just as important in cyber defense centers as they are in a warehouse or customer-facing roles.

Internship with ODU Innovation Labs: MEESA Program

            The most significant and most exciting experience so far is my current internship with ODU’s Innovation Labs in the MEESA (Maritime Engineering and Environmental Studies Academy) program through NNPS at Point Option. MEESA connects students with real-world projects in cybersecurity, innovation, and problem solving. Unlike my previous and current job, this internship is placing me directly in an environment where I can apply my academic training to tangible and practical challenges for students.

            Through MEESA, I am partnered with two other cybersecurity majors that are helping me create coursework for high school students to understand, learn, and apply to their respective career path. While they are learning about cybersecurity, I am learning about how cybersecurity principles are being applied to real-world maritime and enterprise challenges, where the stakes involve both economic and national security. Even more importantly, I am uncovering the value of collaborating with peers across disciplines, making it clear that cybersecurity doesn’t exist in isolation. This internship is providing me with a firsthand glimpse into the professional world I aspire to join soon all while reaffirming what I have always known: cybersecurity is my path.

Career Goals

            Looking ahead, there are a few possible but equally meaningful career paths I could pursue. The first is trying to join the military again, but as an officer in the Coast Guard or Air Force, specializing in cybersecurity. After six to ten years, I would retire from the military and pursue agencies like CIA or Department of Defense that would offer opportunities to defend against cyber threats. This path would fulfill my sense of duty and my desire to protect others from harm. It would also continue the spirit of my original Air Force plan: combining military values with technological expertise in service to our nation.

            The second path draws would go with my interest in prosthetic technology. As medical devices become more advanced and increasingly connect to digital networks, they also become more vulnerable to cyberattacks. Cybersecurity in the biomedical field is a growing necessity, and I am very interested in being a part of developing that technology and cyber defenses for amputees to ensure they can restore their independence and mobility without worry.

Personal Brand and Identity

            If I were to label and summarize my personal brand, it would be rooted in clarity, resilience, perseverance, and service. Unlike many who take years to decide their career path, I have always had some idea in which direction I was headed. My work history demonstrates my willingness to take on diverse roles and responsibilities and grow from them. My academic journey reflects persistence, curiosity, and perseverance, while my internship emphasizes my ability to apply knowledge in meaningful ways. My identity as a cybersecurity professional is not just about my technical skills; it reflects a lifelong commitment to utilizing my skills to protect and empower others.

Conclusion

            As I look back, I can see how the chapters of my life have all aligned with the path I set for myself long ago. Each role has helped me build the skills, discipline, and perspective necessary for the specialized training I am pursuing at ODU. My story isn’t one of uncertainty but of clarity, persistence, and perseverance. I have always known that cybersecurity was my calling, and every chapter of my life has reinforced that decision. Today, as a senior at ODU, I am certain that my journey is preparing me for the challenges ahead. Whether I find myself defending national systems through the military, government agencies or securing prosthetic technologies that change lives, I will be building on the same foundation: the belief that technology can be used to serve and protect. That belief is at the heart of my career path and the personal brand I bring into the future.