Cybersecurity Wasn’t My First Language, But I Made It My Voice

Remember Myspace? When it was all the rage, you had to make your page look super cool. I was all into tweaking the embedded code to make sure my playlist played the perfect breakup song. Looking back, I wasn't just bedazzling up a page; I was actually picking up skills in logic, design, and realizing how crucial spacing is when dealing with code.

What really drew me to technology and cybersecurity?

I feel there's a cliché thing where people say, 'Oh, since I was a child,' but in fact, it's the truest statement. As a child, I was always interested in computers. I used to play a reading game that was on a CD-ROM all the time, and I would sit there clicking around. Talking about CDs, my first one ever was the Backstreet Boys, and I remember distinctly that once you popped it in the computer, it had hidden content. I was very curious how that worked.

As I got older, I became the designated tech person for the family (I know some of you can relate to that feeling). When I started working, I realized some of the roles I was in weren't as fulfilling. Kind of like when Goldilocks is tasting the porridge... I was seeking something that felt just right. I went back to school and decided that Cybersecurity was my calling, and now I am here. Cybersecurity wasn’t my first language, but I made it my voice.

Advice

There are some things that I wish I could have told myself when I started my career journey and even my younger self. I am going to share it with you.

1. Don't be afraid to change courses in life. Just like I mentioned, try things until it is just right.

2. If you do not see people who look like you, be that person. Why? I can assure you that others wish they saw some representation.

3. Closed mouths don't get fed. My first lead role only came to me because I expressed interest in overseeing the group I was working with.

4. When things don't work out, it's not a bad thing; it is a redirection.