Personal Narrative: Uncovering my Passion
Opening
Narrative coherence, as discussed by Nguyen (2013), plays a vital role in shaping our self-understanding and ethical living, emphasizing the significance of our life stories in shaping personal values and aspirations. In parallel, my journey reflects the transformative power of narrative alignment. During my initial college years, I embarked on an entirely different academic path, and it wasn't until later that I recognized the misalignment between my chosen major and my genuine interests. Drawing inspiration from McAdam's (2001) research on The Psychology of Life Stories, where he explores how “individuals construct and understand their sense of awareness through the stories they tell about their lives” (p. 6), this narrative aims to shed light on a critical shift in my academic and professional journey.
My decision to pursue a major in cybersecurity was influenced by thematic coherence rooted in my values and aspirations within the tech field. So, let me wind back the clock and take you back to where it all began, through the personal and academic experiences that shaped my cybersecurity journey. These moments, presented in chronological order, collectively contribute to a deeper understanding of my journey, giving insights into the experiences that influenced my decision and highlighting the significance of this transition in my life and the exciting path that lies ahead.
Choosing a Major
My journey began when I applied for college and faced the challenge of selecting a major. Throughout my childhood, I became accustomed to emulating my older siblings, eagerly adopting their interests and aspirations. So, when my older sister pursued a major in pre-nursing, it was natural for me to follow suit. However, my enthusiasm waned after my first semester, and I came to a profound realization – I wasn't passionate about anything related to my chosen major. The hospital environment and the scent of medicine made me cringe, chemistry courses left me uninterested, and the thought of tending to patients' illnesses and injuries as a potential future career was emotionally overwhelming. This realization prompted me to reflect on the path I followed, as I thought deeply about what I could see myself doing in the next 4-5 years after earning my bachelor's degree. Ultimately, I decided to pursue a major in the realm of technology, a field with room for growth and diverse career opportunities. As I conducted research on high-paying professions, the path of opportunity clearly steered me toward the field of computer science. With newfound determination, I decided to switch my major from pre-nursing to computer science.
First Transition: A Fresh Start in Technology
Transitioning from a pre-nursing major to computer science was an eye-opening experience. I was excited to explore the complexities of technology and uncover the secrets behind software and applications. I completed two years in a community college, earned my associate degree in computer science then transferred to a four-year university to continue my bachelor's as a computer science major. These years were a valuable educational journey that laid the foundation for my subsequent academic pursuits.
As I progressed through my programming courses, I encountered some challenges in a specific aspect of it. Coding, which unquestionably plays an essential role in computer science, did not provide me with the fulfillment I had expected. One reason for this is the repetitive and sometimes tedious nature of coding tasks, especially when working on large-scale projects. This monotony can lead to lack of engagement and enthusiasm over time. Additionally, the isolation that often comes with coding for long hours can be socially isolating and contribute to a sense of disconnect from the broader world, which is not as personally rewarding. Interactions with peers and conversations with my advisor ultimately led me to reconsider my options and research potential careers that aligned with my passions in the tech field. With that, I decided I was better suited and more interested in the broader aspects of technology, with careers that particularly involved roles in ensuring security and privacy. That's when I discovered cybersecurity, a field that allowed me to work with technology, but not exclusively through coding. This switch offered a refreshing perspective and reignited my excitement for the world of technology.
Second Transition: From Coding to Safeguarding
The switch from computer science to cybersecurity occurred in my junior year, right after I transferred to Old Dominion University (ODU) from a community college, and it turned out to be one of the best choices I’ve ever made. While I initially had a deep interest in computer science, I couldn't help but feel a stronger pull towards the security aspects of technology. When I first started taking cybersecurity classes, I discovered a new passion that I'd never felt before. I found it incredibly exciting to dig into things like analyzing harmful software, finding vulnerabilities in systems, and making sure everything stayed safe and secure.
As I delved deeper into my new major, I not only loved the courses but also thrived in them. Learning about different domains within the broader field of cyber such as ethical hacking, cryptography, and network security was like solving complex puzzles that constantly challenged and engaged my mind. The practical hands-on experience, from penetration testing labs to secure coding practices, solidified my desire to pursue a career in cybersecurity. One pivotal moment in my journey was securing an internship directly related to my newfound major. I was fortunate to secure a summer internship at Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS), where I had the opportunity to work alongside cyber experts. This internship provided me with real-world exposure to the field, allowing me to apply my knowledge in a professional setting. It was here that I truly understood the gravity of cybersecurity threats and the importance of defending against them. My transition from computer science to cybersecurity was a transformative experience, aligning my education with my true passion and opening doors to exciting opportunities while reinforcing my commitment to a career dedicated to safeguarding digital landscapes.
Looking back: Forging Ahead
In today's interconnected and digital-centric world, the significance of cybersecurity cannot be overstated. Cyber threats and attacks are not limited to a particular sector or industry; they pose a pervasive and evolving challenge to individuals, businesses, and governments worldwide. The need for cybersecurity experts is growing rapidly as we witness an unprecedented rise in cyberattacks, data breaches, and threats to digital infrastructure. As I continue my journey in this field, I am deeply aware of the responsibility that comes with it. Cybersecurity is not just a career choice; it's a commitment to protecting the digital realm and contributing to a safer and more secure online environment for all.
Going into college, my mind was already set on pursuing a pre-nursing degree, however, a profound fascination with technology and its boundless potential soon redirected my path toward computer science. As I delved deeper into the tech world, I sensed that something vital was missing from my exploration. In my quest for thematic coherence, I discovered a passionate commitment to safeguarding digital environments and data integrity. This realization led to a pivotal decision to transition into the field of cybersecurity, where I could maintain a deep relationship with technology. This transformation underscored the importance of aligning education and career with personal passions, values, and aspirations. It's in this context that McAdams' (2001) observation becomes particularly relevant: “Traits, attitudes, beliefs, and preferences may now be explained in terms of the life events that may have caused them” (p. 6). Cybersecurity harmonizes with my core values, emphasizing responsible and ethical technology use to protect individuals, organizations, and societies from cyber threats. This thematic consistency in my academic pursuit empowers me to make a meaningful impact in a world that relies heavily on secure digital technologies, driven by a deep passion for technology and a commitment to safeguarding the digital world.
References
McAdams, D. P. (2001). The Psychology of Life Stories. Review of General Psychology, 5(2), 100–122. https://doi.org/10.1037/1089-2680.5.2.100
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