Associates in Cybersecurity

In Fall 2022, as the world was emerging from the pandemic, I found myself at a crossroads. I had changed majors several times—Psychology, Health & Fitness, and even Firefighting—searching for a field that truly fit me. During a family gathering, I spoke with my uncle, a Marine Corps veteran who had served for more than two decades. He told me that cybersecurity was “like a giant puzzle,” something that rewards curiosity, analytical thinking, and persistence. That single conversation gave me the direction I had been searching for.

Inspired by his advice, I enrolled at Coastline Community College and immediately found myself thriving. My professors recognized my dedication early on and supported my growth as both a student and an aspiring cybersecurity professional. I completed foundational courses such as Networking I, Introduction to Security, and Server Administration, building a strong technical base and developing confidence in my abilities.

After completing Networking I, I sat for the CompTIA Network+ exam and passed on my first attempt. Motivated by that success, I continued studying and later earned the CompTIA Security+ certification as well.