
Hobbies and interests
Baking
Cleaning
Cooking
Couponing
Cybersecurity
Culinary Arts
English
Mental Health
Music
Sewing
True Crime
Spanish
Shopping And Thrifting
Writing
Food And Eating
Reading
Comedy
Legos
Reading
Fantasy
Adult Fiction
Horror
Gothic
Science Fiction
Politics
I read books multiple times per month
Indra Samano

Indra Samano
Bio
Hello, my name is Indra, and I'm a Mexican female working for my Bachelor's in Cybersecurity. As a first-generation student, I intend to inspire others to succeed in their educational path and make my family proud.
I was diagnosed with scoliosis when I was in seventh grade. Since then, I've been spreading awareness among peers and classmates.
I attended Oakton College from August 2022 to December 2025 to get my A.A.S. in Network Security Administration. In September 2022, I joined the Latino Club.
I volunteered for an event from the Environmental Club in October 2023. I removed decayed plants and planted trees in a park near our campus. That experience opened my eyes to the crucial role our environment plays in our society, leading me to become an advocate for saving the planet.
I'm currently attending DePaul University to earn my Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, and I'm proud to be a member of the class of 2027.
Education
DePaul University
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
Oakton Community College
Associate's degree programMajors:
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
Maine East High School
High SchoolMiscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Bachelor's degree program
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
- Information Science/Studies
Career
Dream career field:
Computer & Network Security
Dream career goals:
Information security analyst
Research
Cooking and Related Culinary Arts, General
Maine East High School — Student2018 – 2021
Arts
Maine East High School
Computer Art27th Annual Maine East Art Exhibit2021 – 2022
Public services
Volunteering
Environmental Club — Tree Restorer2023 – 2023
Future Interests
Advocacy
Politics
Volunteering
Cybersecurity & The Latinx Community Scholarship
At the end of my junior year of high school, the realization of me becoming an adult felt like a sudden slap to my face. I only had a vague idea of what I wanted to be, which was being a writer. I wrote fictional stories as a hobby and believed it would be a good career, becoming a famous author, such as J.R.R. Tolkien or Mary Shelley. I have discovered that, after some research, I would struggle financially because of the lack of demand for creative writers if I pursued this idea. So, it was appropriate to say I didn't have a clear idea of what I wanted to be or major in.
Before my senior year began, I was in a Zoom meeting with my school counselor. After an entire school year of being trapped in my bedroom and dealing with my mental health, I was tired. Growing up, I was told to go to college and be successful, but nobody asked 'What do you want to be?' Which I would respond 'I have no clue.' My school counselor provided me with a list of classes I could take. Some classes seemed interesting, but they didn't catch my eye like a class called 'Cybersecurity.' It was a gut feeling to register for that particular class. It attracted me in some way I didn't understand, yet I knew this was my destiny.
Throughout the school year, I thrived in the cybersecurity class. I became invested in learning tech and unconsciously picked up a hobby of watching YouTube videos of people discussing security programs and catching up on the latest cybersecurity news. Despite being one of only three girls in a class of 27 boys. I had a sense of belonging in that class and passed with flying colors. It was a relief for me, I had an idea of what I wanted to be; I belong in the cybersecurity field.
After I graduated high school, I went to community college, where I'm getting my A.A.S. in Network Security Administration. As I progressed further into my education career, I began to research what fields in cybersecurity I wanted to work in, since the industry is booming with potential. My professors have kindly provided resources to help me find an entry-level job within or close to my area after I get my degree. I intend to work for a year to build experience and create strong relationships with future coworkers and employers to open more opportunities. I also plan on going to a four-year university in Chicago to get a bachelor's degree. I wish to become someone who works in the cloud security industry, learning cloud services in one of my college classes made me realize how much the world depends on these services. I would like to become someone who helps people to utilize and learn from the World Wide Web.
Anthony McPherson Memorial Automotive Scholarship
Meme culture has popularized DUIs and drunk driving. Within the last year or so, people from the Internet have been 'normalizing' DUIs and drunk driving. The term 'booze cruising' has informally been accepted by internet users, calling drinking and driving a casual pastime. There has been a surge of photos of people holding beer cans while driving, with captions like 'Booze cruiser' and 'Drinking makes anything fun.'
Many people still believe you can still drink and drive unless you are stumbling and slurring your words, but that's incorrect. Driving requires good eye-hand coordination and a fast response rate to changes on the road. Alcohol can distract people from the changes in their surroundings and slow them down. People who drink little alcohol can still risk their lives and others if they are driving, whether they have any mental or physical effects.
In addition, getting a DUI can impact you. Depending on the state, a DUI can remain on your driving record permanently. It can also be on your insurance record and increase your payment rates. If you get enough DUIs, the state can suspend your driver's license and pay fines. You must take DUI classes or counseling to get your driver's license back in some states.
It's vital to know some users who ignited the 'booze cruising' trend may have supported it in an ironic sense. However, it can be challenging to figure out tones via text. A common rule of thumb while using the web is to assume most jokes such as this are ironic. It may be the safest opinion without being distressed or causing arguments. Another way is to use tone indicators. They are used to prevent confusion in the reader, examples being /gen = genuine or /srs = serious.
If a user is not ironic about drinking and driving, it is recommended to comment (or private message if the user allows it) and explain how drunk driving is not a funny topic. Explain to the user how many car crashes happen because of drunk drivers and inform them how to prevent them. It is crucial to spread awareness of the consequences of drunk driving so people can stay safe and sound.
Excelsior Cyber Security Scholarship
I am a first-generation Mexican female student who is majoring in a STEM career. I chose to pursue cybersecurity because a teacher from my senior year of high school made me discover a passion.
I didn't know what I wanted to major in, let alone a career path. I felt lost compared to my classmates, some of whom made plans way before they started high school. When I selected elective courses for my senior year, I chose a class called cybersecurity. When I entered the classroom on the first day of school, I was one of three girls in the entirety of 27 boys. As the school year flew by, I unveiled new talents and abilities. I received A's on most assignments and projects. My teacher even asked me if he could use some of my work as future class examples, which I approved. Thanks to my teacher, I learned a new passion and knew what major and career I wanted.
Admittedly, I am not a perfect person. I grew up as an only child. I considered myself as independent. I rarely asked for help whenever I struggled with something, even when I needed it. Whether it involves homework or a mental health struggle, I wouldn't ask someone for help. I figured my independence in childhood caused my inability to seek out help.
I aim to seek out assistance whenever I struggle with something. When I started going to college, I slowly sought out academic help. It began with asking professors to clarify topics, and then I made appointments with tutors to rework my essays. I became more comfortable asking for help for school purposes.
Yet, I still struggled to seek help for my emotional health. I feel embarrassed when I talk about my feelings. The thought of exposing my true self to another unsettles me. I've been called a 'closed emotional book' by a few friends since I rarely discuss my feelings with them.
Halfway through my senior year of high school, I became closer with one friend (whom I still talk to even though we are in different colleges). We bonded quickly since we struggled with emotional health for a long time. We quickly realized how much we bumbled to open each other, despite knowing each other since middle school. My friend and I supported each other whenever we needed to vent during the remainder of the school year. We built a foundation of comfort and safety, and thanks to him, I feel confident talking about my emotional health.
Minecraft Forever Fan Scholarship
The music always has a special place in my heart. When I first played Minecraft, the music enchanted me. Its eerie yet soothing tones left me relaxed. It accompanies me whether I am mining for diamonds, tending to my farm animals and garden, or fighting off creatures from my dirt house during the night.
I consider myself an "audiophile." I listen to a mixture of music, from thundering drums with screaming guitar riffs to soft pianos and whispering violins. Minecraft has one of the most delicate kinds of music I ever heard. It reminds me of my childhood, with pure feelings and innocence. Sometimes, it brings back memories of me playing with my friends or being with my family. I get very nostalgic about my youth because of Minecraft.
Another reason is it calms me down. If I'm stressed or anxious, I would go on my laptop, plug in my headphones, and start Minecraft. My mind becomes clear, and my heartbeat rate goes down. I forget about my worries and woes, and I am at peace.
Minecraft music has been and always will be my favorite aspect of the game, for it has made a significant mark on my heart and life.