One of my greatest achievements to date was participating in the National Cyber League (NCL), a national online cybersecurity competition that brings together students from across the country to solve real-world challenges in cryptography, network security, open-source intelligence, and more. As a first-generation college student from a low-income, immigrant household, I never imagined I would have the chance to compete on a national stage. That experience became a turning point for me, not just in my academic journey but in how I saw myself. When I first heard about NCL during my early semesters as a cybersecurity major, I was intimidated. I didn't know anyone on campus who had competed before, and I doubted whether I was ready. I had just transferred into the cybersecurity program after discovering a deep interest in how technology could be used to protect people against online threats like human trafficking and cybercrime. I grew up in a household where we learned through necessity. My dad, after arriving in the United States, became fascinated with computers once he got his hands on a few. He had briefly studied software back in school but could not continue due to financial struggles. Still, with that limited knowledge and a strong curiosity, he began teaching himself on his own time. Watching him repair devices planted the early seeds of my passion for technology. When I decided to join the NCL competition, I pushed past my fear. I studied on my own, attended tech club events, practiced Capture the Flag tools, and reviewed past challenges. Balancing preparation with classes, work, and life wasn't easy, but I knew this was an opportunity I couldn't pass up. The competition challenged me from the very start. I felt the pressure, the unfamiliarity, and the doubt. But with each challenge I attempted, I started building more confidence. At the end of the competition, even though I didn't score near the top overall, I outperformed my own practice rounds and saw real growth. That mattered more to me than any ranking. I solve challenges I once thought were impossible. I proved to myself that effort, persistence, and the willingness to keep learning can take you further than self-doubt ever could. NCL gave me more than technical skills. It taught me that I have what it takes to face uncertainty, to keep learning even when things are tough, and to push myself beyond what I thought I was capable of. This achievement reminded me that I carry more than just my goals. I carry my family's dreams and sacrifices. My parents came to the United States from Guatemala in search of a better life. They were not able to finish their own education, but they always supported mine. We have made many sacrifices so that I could pursue a degree, and there have been moments when I struggled to stay motivated. But I always remembered why I started and who I am doing this for. Looking ahead, I hope to continue developing my cybersecurity skills and specialize in digital forensics and cybercrime prevention. I want to work with organizations that fight against online exploitation and human trafficking, especially those that serve at-risk communities. My long-term goal is not just to succeed in my career but to serve and protect others through technology. I also want to give back by mentoring other students from low-income or first-generation backgrounds, especially those who may not see themselves represented in fields like cybersecurity. If I can help even one student feel seen and supported, then I will have made a difference. Financially, this journey has not been easy. Balancing work, school, and internships as a full-time student requires constant discipline and sacrifice. I am doing everything I can to stay on track, but scholarships like WCEJ Thornton Foundation's make an incredible difference. They provide more than just funding. They offer peace of mind and the chance to fully focus on learning and building a future. The NCL competition might seem like just one event, but for me, it was a turning point. Even though it took place online, it was a nationally recognized challenge that pushed me far outside of my comfort zone. It gave me the courage to believe in myself and the motivation to keep going. I discovered that I am capable of growth, resilience, and success, even when the journey tests my limits. And I'm only getting started.

Growing up, as the oldest daughter, I was always expected to assist my father with errands. Whenever I had to assist him, I noticed him using the same car tools to fix most issues in the house. During that time, my school hosted a tool identification competition. It was a new competition, and you had to identify tools and explain how they work. My agricultural teacher persuaded me to join in, and I did. So my teacher established a team and did her best to prepare us for the competition. I just had a booklet with images of the tools to help me at the time. We lost the first competition. It wasn't too awful given the resources and time we had for the tournament. However, my teacher persuaded me to participate next year. I was fully prepared for that competition. My teacher had brought in tools to provide a visual learning experience, and my team had been preparing for three months. However, I was hospitalized a week before the competition. I had appendix surgery. I had to stay home for three weeks. I remember desperately trying to persuade my parents that I could still compete, but they refused. I knew my team could compete without me. But I was upset as I had prepped so hard for this competition just for it to be in vain. I had placed myself in a position where I was injuring myself with negative comments. It would go through my mind, and I would refer to my surgery as a dreadful thing. I returned to school three weeks later. I was anxious to hear if my team had won. Except, when I returned, I discovered that another teammate dropped out for no apparent reason, and the team was disqualified. At that point, I felt terrible for failing my team and being unable to participate. To make matters worse, my appendix ruptured and needs to be cleansed inside. I have weekly appointments to follow up on it. Months later, I'd forgotten about the competition. I was torturing myself with excessive weight gain and hair loss due to resentment. This extends throughout the years. However, if there is anything I have remembered most about my life, it is my parents' life stories. My mother would occasionally discuss how she began her profession as a nurse in her native country. She would go to a hospital to obtain her training, but financial difficulties forced her to withdraw. Likewise, my father chose to attend a college to study computers and English. For the same reason, he would eventually drop out. My parents desire to achieve something. They couldn't make it, though. However, did that cause them to destroy themselves? No, because life goes on. It will not cease after something goes wrong. I needed to let go of all the hurtful thoughts. I needed to accept what had happened and carry on. Whatever happens, I have to accept the result, either positive or negative. Similar to how I struggled in my studies while attending both high school and college at the same time, but I persevered and accepted my failures along the way. I knew back then that I wanted to compete because I wanted to make myself and my parents proud. Regardless of the outcome, they serve as inspiration for me to keep going and achieve more. Despite the fact that my parents did not complete their education, they understand the importance of being here to support my educational journey and offer me the opportunity to begin and complete it. I'm forever grateful to my parents.