Reflective Essay
Introduction
In Parkes, Dredger, & Hicks (2013), journal on ePortfolio as a Measure of Reflective Practice, it was noted that “support for electronic portfolio use in higher education has increased over the past decade due to calls for greater accountability concerning student learning” (p. 1). Within the IDS program, creating an ePortfolio has been a transformative experience, one that has offered valuable insights into my academic journey. It has allowed me to reflect on my academic and personal growth, providing a platform to showcase my evolving skills and interdisciplinary approach. As I transitioned from a pre-nursing major to a cybersecurity major, this ePortfolio has acted as a living portal, sharing my identity and narrative with others. Through the inclusion of various artifacts, from technical assignments to research papers, I have highlighted the development of essential skills such as technical proficiency, critical thinking, and writing.
Theme 1: Technical Skills Development
One of the key themes that has consistently emerged throughout my undergraduate journey is the development of technical proficiency and problem-solving abilities. In my cybersecurity major, the curriculum has been designed to nurture my technical skills in areas such as Linux, Vulnerability assessments, and digital forensics.
An artifact that effectively showcases my technical skills is the password-cracking assignment undertaken in a Cyber Technique and Operations course. This project was a thrilling trio of tasks that allowed me to put my knowledge into practice. First, I tackled the setup of Linux user groups, which involved creating secure environments for digital operations. They exposed the inherent vulnerabilities associated with weak passwords and provided an eye-opening glimpse into the techniques used by both cyber attackers and security professionals. It was a rollercoaster of learning as it sharpened my skills in identifying and countering potential threats. The project also culminated in an exploration of Windows password security. This phase provided invaluable insights into the intricacies of protecting vital digital assets and maintaining the integrity of systems. Password Cracking was a hands-on, exciting journey that brought the theoretical knowledge to life and left a lasting impression on my understanding of Linux commands and the importance of strong passwords.
Another notable project I had the privilege to undertake was a Digital Forensics course, where I embarked on a journey where the field of computer science and legal knowledge converged. This project was my portal into the heart of digital forensics, covering techniques and tools for collecting and analyzing digital evidence in various environments. My mission was to construct a comprehensive report that would serve as the blueprint for a state-of-the-art computer forensics laboratory. This endeavor was nothing short of an adventure, involving the meticulous planning of the laboratory's physical layout, secure evidence storage, high-powered analysis computers, and reinforced security measures. It wasn't just about hardware; I had to detail an equipment inventory, formulate a lab accreditation plan, create a maintenance strategy, and assign roles to the lab personnel. As I completed this project, I found myself not only equipped with a deep understanding of digital forensics but also armed with practical knowledge of equipment management, accreditation processes, and the art of digital evidence analysis. The journey honed my adaptability and analytical awareness, two vital skills crucial in the dynamic realm of cybersecurity. This experience laid a rock-solid foundation for my future endeavors in this exciting field, where every digital trail holds the potential for discovery.
Theme 2: Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking skills are another recurring theme in my cybersecurity education. I’ve always understood this skill to mean being able to effectively address all perspectives and figuring out ways to combine multiple ideas. It aids in problem-solving and improves decision-making by weighing risks and benefits. The IDS program contributes to a well-rounded education that encourages a deep understanding of complex issues, the ability to think critically, and a comprehensive approach to examining security challenges a vital skill in cybersecurity.
My term paper for Interdisciplinary Studies required me to weave ideas from various disciplines into a cohesive narrative, making it one of the most challenging tasks during my time in college. The core task was to create a unique topic and gather insights from at least three different fields of study to gain a comprehensive understanding of the subject. It was like exploring a treasure map, with each field of study offering a unique clue. I came up with a topic that would explore the intriguing connection between social media usage and teenage behavior. Thinking across different academic areas wasn't always easy. Most research papers tend to stick to one discipline, but this project demanded a more flexible approach. Looking back, I see the value of considering diverse viewpoints, backgrounds, and ways of thinking when tackling complex issues. The skills I developed in this course will undoubtedly prove invaluable in my future career, helping me address real-world challenges with a more comprehensive approach. This project wasn't just another assignment; it was a stepping-stone to a more holistic way of solving problems, in the academic world and beyond.
The Bio Cybersecurity Capstone Project, a comprehensive semester-long assignment, was a collective effort undertaken by me and three other individuals. It involved a comprehensive sequence of ten steps and concluded with an executive briefing and board presentation. Within our group, we assumed the role of a cybersecurity consulting firm to assess a publicly traded company in the biological sciences industry, as exemplified by our work on the Baxter International Cybersecurity Assessment. The project's complexity became evident as I integrated biology and cybersecurity knowledge, addressing evolving ethical and security issues. We approached this task through collaborative brainstorming sessions, which were instrumental in our project's success. Completing the capstone project required me to conduct extensive research and employ critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This project represents the culmination of my academic experience that allowed me to make meaningful contributions to real-world cybersecurity challenges and highlighted my capacity to work effectively within a team.
Theme 3: Research/Writing Skills
Strengthening my research and writing skills has been a fundamental aspect of my academic journey, especially within the realm of cybersecurity. This ongoing theme highlights the significance of improving these skills, understanding essential principles in complex areas, and approaching sensitive topics with fairness and ethical considerations. During my college experience, I engaged in various research projects that notably enhanced my ability to conduct research and write effectively. Among these, three papers, namely, The Societal Impacts of Modern Technology, Domino's India Identity Theft Attack, and Gun Violence in the U.S., stood out as pivotal experiences. These projects presented unique challenges and offered valuable insights, which have continued to shape my academic and professional perspectives.
The Societal Impacts of Modern Technology paper allowed me to explore the profound influence of modern technology on society. It forced me to engage with complex topics, such as the positive and negative aspects of technology, including issues like addiction, health concerns, and cyberbullying. This paper reinforced the importance of responsible technology use and equipped me with skills in critical evaluation, data analysis, and information synthesis. In the case of Domino's India Identity Theft Attack, I delved into a real-world cyberattack, which not only exposed vulnerabilities in the global pizza chain's security infrastructure but also highlighted the far-reaching consequences of cybersecurity breaches. This project compelled me to consider the broader societal implications of cyberattacks, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of cybersecurity. It equipped me with skills to navigate complex issues and communicate insights clearly in the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape. Lastly, Gun Violence in the U.S. was a project that required applying criminological theories to real-world issues, while maintaining an ethical and objective approach to sensitive topics. This experience improved my understanding of criminological theories and enhanced my research and analytical skills. It emphasized the importance of approaching sensitive topics with an open mind and evidence-based reasoning, valuable skills that I now carry into both academic and future professional endeavors in the field of criminology and criminal justice.
Conclusion
My academic journey has been profoundly shaped by a series of overarching themes. These themes collectively enriched my knowledge, skills, and character, equipping me to confidently tackle real-world challenges in my future career and personal development. Moreover, my ePortfolio journey has been transformative, serving as a testament to my academic and personal growth and showcasing my evolving abilities and interdisciplinary approach. As noted by Celeste Fowles Nguyen (2013), ePortfolios encourage “new understandings of traditions and current experiences,” enhancing assessment and a sense of belonging. The process within the IDS program has effectively documented my growth and reinforced the real-world relevance and adaptability of various skills across diverse contexts.
Reflecting on my undergraduate coursework and the artifacts I've accumulated, I can discern three key areas of my development: technical skills, critical thinking, and research/writing skills. The uniqueness of each artifact becomes evident when considering their purposes. However, they share common threads, particularly in their consideration of the rhetorical situation. Whether it's the research papers, labs, group projects, or technical assignments, the diverse nature of these projects is driven by their respective rhetorical contexts, fostering my ability to adapt and write effectively in various situations. Creativity played a role in most assignments, albeit to varying degrees. Each artifact represents an original creation, reflecting my unique input rather than a mere completion of tests or certificates. The skills I acquired during my college journey, though distinct, continuously influenced and complemented each other. I realized this when I combined these skills and artifacts, underscoring the value of reflection in the learning process. These themes significantly impacted my growth and will continue to influence my future career in the field of cybersecurity. As I approach the conclusion of my cybersecurity program, constructing an ePortfolio encapsulating my educational journey has been instrumental in identifying my strengths and preparing for my career. It allows me to showcase my qualifications and emphasize my unique contributions.
References
Nguyen, C. F. (2013). The ePortfolio as a living portal: A medium for student learning, identity, and assessment. International Journal of ePortfolio, 2(2), 135–148. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1107805.pdf
Parkes, K. A., Dredger, K. S., & Hicks, D. (2013). ePortfolio as a measure of reflective practice. International Journal of ePortfolio, 3(2), 1. http://www.theijep.com/pdf/ijep110.pdf