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Hobbies and interests
Cybersecurity
Music
Engineering
Reading
Foreign Languages
Anime
Reading
Adult Fiction
I read books multiple times per week
Jessica Carr
955
Bold Points1x
Finalist![user profile avatar](https://static.bold.org/profilePictures/img370543843bb19584426a971c8dd6e3b0bef6.webp)
Jessica Carr
955
Bold Points1x
FinalistBio
I am a US Navy Veteran and prior Engineering Technician. I have chosen to diversify myself by choosing to get a degree in Computer Information System-Cloud Concentration. My intention is to continue to grow and learn more as times change because technology changes. I aspire to be as flexible as the technology field is flexible.
Education
California Institute of Arts & Technology
Associate's degree programMajors:
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
Columbia College - Naval Base San Diego
Associate's degree programMajors:
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Miscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Master's degree program
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
Career
Dream career field:
Computer & Network Security
Dream career goals:
Technician, supervisor, program manager, Instructor
United States Navy2011 – 202312 years
Research
Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologies/Technicians
United States Navy — To your different Gas Turbien Engine ships and track environmental effects of each engine base on continued preventative and corrective maintenance2013 – 2014
Public services
Advocacy
United States Navy — Victim Advocate2016 – 2023Volunteering
Second Harvest Food Bank — Pack food for shipment2024 – PresentVolunteering
Feed My Starving Children — Pack food for shipment2021 – 2022
Future Interests
Volunteering
Young Women in STEM Scholarship
I am a young Haitian woman who strives to tackle life by picking up pieces of wisdom and inspiration through conversation and understanding. I have served in the United States Navy for 11 years as an Electrical Technician for Gas Turbine Engines, retaining much information and learning to apply what I learn to help others and train others.I needed my tour as an instructor, training my replacements to either know what I knew and willing to add on to it. After making the decision to hang up the uniform, I was initially lost and confused about my self-identity, not knowing who I was outside of the uniform I’ve worn my entire adult life (I joined when I was 18 years old). With that realization I began to do what I’ve been doing while I served, learn something new and apply it. After falling vulnerable to a phishing attack that led to me getting my identity stolen, it increased my curiosity about cybersecurity. I finally realized what my passion was in and I was willing to do what needed to be done to get every certificate I could get. I knew the way I felt after the incident, I didn’t want anyone else to have to suffer through what I did. After some research I’ve decided to attend a college that will allow me to get all the hands on experience needed to tackle the cyber world. My hope is to inspire others while doing my new job and also learning as the technology world changes.
As a woman, I feel there are not enough of us in STEM. As a Black woman I feel it even more. I want to make a difference and get through the door so that I may hold it open for others who are just like me, willing to learn. I am passionate about the change, and flexibility. I was once told that intelligence is not base on a number but the ability for the brain to adapt to different things, also known as the brains plasticity. I know there are many different women who are curious about STEM, but there are tough barriers in place. Many before me have put cracks into the glass I want enough of us women to push through it to break it completely. I made the decision to get a bachelors degree in Computer Information Systems, because it fuels my curiosity. I understood that the world of computers was also a dangerous one because so many people fell prey to those who hunt for ways to cause harm. I was one of the people that was harmed and if I can help prevent others from falling victim, I think it is my duty to get the knowledge needed to do it.
During COVID-19 I was doing my tour as an instructor of advanced troubleshooting and maintenance for Gas turbine engines and support systems. Due to the pandemic the decision on how to continue our courses while also preventing the spread of COVID was tough for the entire base. We served as one of the primary sources to training new combat personnel on their job as well as those who are returning from ships to get refreshed training and certifications to do their job. Our numbers continue to decline as more people got sick and had to miss classes. I presented the idea of using plexi-glass, which was a piece of sturdy plastic screen, in between each work station while wearing the masks, to prevent contact between students, I was then tasked with developing new curriculum that accommodates students being able to do majority of work needed at home. As a result the schoolhouse was able to prevent further spread of the virus between students, while also allowing the mission to continue. Our number of graduates were the highest we ever saw in the last 15 years. The students felt cared for, and they were able to have more time to study at their own pace while being away from the schoolhouse. We were able to levied the certifications needed to ensure the Navy continued to do the humanitarian my jobs, and the new sailors were able to learn their jobs and continue to replace those they were meant to replace. The idea was the spread to other military training bases as well. My team and I was able to do our jobs of continuing to serve and protect the United States of America even while the pandemic to its toll on us all.