Justice Ptomey
Personal Narrative Essay

How I Would Introduce Myself Professionally

My name is Justice Ptomey, and I am pursuing a Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity at Old Dominion University. From the start of my academic journey, I have dived deep into how systems operate and learned how to fortify the system against vulnerabilities. My interests lie at the intersection of network security and practical software development, where I focus on building a robust, secure environment that stands up to real-world challenges.

While my coursework happens to provide a foundation, I happen to apply those concepts to hands-on projects. I am the type of person who doesn’t just learn the skill, but I happen to build with it and learn from it. For example, I took the skills I learned from my Python class and developed tools for myself that happen to be time-tracking applications, like inputting pool chemicals like pH and chlorine that need to be checked every 2 hours, which work in my workflow for my seasonal employment. Then, I made another Python program that is called stargazing, and this program has a login system and gives me information about galaxies, stars, and constellations. The program told me what days and months each constellation was visible, and I had to do research on the backstory of each one to add to my coding of this program, and the program has a credit to show where I got information from. During my free time, besides just writing scripts, I do some independent research on server architecture, and the reason for this is that I used to make gaming servers for fun, and I would debug the server’s configuration. The reason for this is that I approach every task with a problem-solving mindset, and it is the reason I’m drawn to roles that happen to require proactive, analytical thinking. On top of that, I enjoy the process when it comes to turning complex technical obstacles into secure and functional systems.

Key Experiences that shaped my path

My path when it came to cybersecurity happened to be from just using technology and learning how to understand the mechanics and their vulnerabilities behind it. As for the two areas that happen to be my instrument when it comes to shaping this trajectory, and it happens to be still ongoing is my CompTIA Security+ certification and my independent software development projects.

Most of my influence when it comes to technical development has been my preparation when it comes to my CompTIA Security+ certification, and it has been the reason for my understanding, since the hands-on labs that are associated when it comes to this certification are where the concept truly clicks for me. When navigating these labs, it forced me to adopt a diagnostic mindset instead of just memorizing security definitions, as it helped me learn to identify and mitigate threats in real-time. When it comes to the experience, it helps me understand how to look at the network in different ways, as I should see entry points and look at defensive layers that are required to be secure.

Complementing the academic focus when it comes to my background in Python development and server management, it is where I have treated my personal projects as a challenge. For instance, I have made two custom applications, which include a stargazing script and a time tracking tool for my seasonal work. Furthermore, my independent work helps me set up gaming servers, which helps me understand the requirements for real-world troubleshooting. I remember spending a weekend trying to configure and set up firewall rules to help me better understand how to keep the connection stable and secure. The struggles I had with it helped me understand and learn command-line basics and the difference between a public-facing port and a secured one.

What I learned along the way

My journey into cybersecurity has taught me that the most valuable skill I can possess is not just mastering one single language or platform; it happens to be the ability to understand the underlying logic when it comes to how the systems communicate. When I first started using Python to help me with some of my personal projects, I originally viewed coding as a means to an end, but I learned that there is a process of debugging and refining that code.

I happen to recall a moment where I was developing my stargazing program, and there was a persistent bug where the login part would not save any new accounts, and I was getting frustrated with it. I had my friend help me look at it and pointed out that I made an error in the code, but Python didn’t see it as an error and ran it fine, and as a result, I learned I used the wrong command when I was trying to make an account. I learned the difference between it just working vs it working correctly. This taught me the value when it comes to error handling and solving the coding error when a program tells you that there is no problem.

What is equally important that I have realized is that when it comes to interconnected technology, it truly is, as my exploration into the network architecture and server management has helped me understand how the data moves across a system. I got to learn more about how security is not just about a single firewall or a specific policy; it happens to be more about the ecosystem of data flow. I also learned that tools and threats in cybersecurity evolve rapidly, and my strength happens to be teaching myself how to navigate new technologies when they emerge, even if it takes me a few tries to understand them.

Where I am Headed

As I look toward my graduation from Old Dominion University in December 2027, I view this milestone not as a conclusion, but as a new path that opens up for my professional career. My Goal is to get a position as a SOC Analyst or an IT Auditor, and both require analytical and diagnostic skills, which I am heavily interested in. I also plan to complete the certifications that are needed when it comes to this field.

I am mainly drawn to the work of a SOC Analyst because it demands the same investigative mindset that I have when I practice in my Security+ labs and my coding projects. I do happen to enjoy a challenge when it comes to real-time troubleshooting, identifying potential threats, and helping coordinate a defensive response. Alternatively, I am interested in IT Auditing, which happens to be my interest when it comes to complex systems that are not only operational but also happen to be built on foundation frames and have compliant security principles. I learned that both of these roles happen to require an ability to bridge a gap between technical complexity and organizational security, but I feel confident enough in my ability to thrive in either environment.

Ultimately, the goal I have at the end of whichever role I seek would be being able to tackle problems and contribute to long-term resilience when it comes to an organization’s digital infrastructure. I do understand that the cybersecurity field does evolve rapidly due to technology changing, but I’m willing to learn and adapt to the change during my undergraduate years and keep adapting when I graduate too.

Disclosure 

I utilized Ai, and Gemini was used to help me brainstorm my messy ideas, and Grammarly helped me with my grammar for this personal narrative essay.