Hobbies and interests
Cooking
Gaming
Learning
Exercise And Fitness
Board Games And Puzzles
Reading
Science
LOW INCOME STUDENT
Yes
FIRST GENERATION STUDENT
Yes
Jihad Turner
2,866
Bold Points2x
Nominee1x
Finalist1x
WinnerJihad Turner
2,866
Bold Points2x
Nominee1x
Finalist1x
WinnerBio
Hello! I am Jihad Turner, a first-generation senior Computer Science student at Virginia State University. I transferred to Virginia State in the Fall of 2023 to seek more opportunities in cybersecurity as I aspire to become a cybersecurity Red Teamer. Taking the risk to transfer led me to various excellent opportunities and exposure in the field. I competed in competitions like HBCU Battles of The Brain and AMIE Design Thinking Challenge. I even secured my first internship with The Federal Bank Of Reserve in their National Incident Response team. Transferring was the best decision I have made throughout my academic career and has led me to many opportunities. On the other hand, I am very passionate about growth and learning, which has guided me as president of our Trojan Tech Defenders club. Through this club, I aim to enhance our cybersecurity knowledge as students so that we can gain hands-on experience and improve ourselves!
On the other hand, in academics, I am an older brother of 2 siblings who loves engaging in sports, travel, and adventure!
Education
Virginia State University
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Computer Science
Simon Gratz High School - Mastery Charter
High SchoolMiscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
- Cyber/Computer Forensics and Counterterrorism
Career
Dream career field:
Computer & Network Security
Dream career goals:
Company Founder
National Incident Response Intern that gain hands-on experience across multiple teams
Federal Bank Reserve of Richmond2024 – Present11 months
Sports
Football
Varsity2018 – Present6 years
Awards
- All Public League player, Team Captain
Lacrosse
Varsity2017 – 20214 years
Awards
- All Public League Players
Research
Data Analytics
University Of Virginia & Virginia State University — Providing Visual Statistics based on map coordinates of incidents occurring during the time frame of study2023 – 2024
Public services
Volunteering
National Society of Black Engineers — As an NSBE member, I helped host an event for Junior NSBE students at VSU, where I taught high schoolers Python through a 'Guess the Number' game. I encouraged creativity in coding and engaged in one-on-one sessions to help them explore tech concepts.2024 – 2024Volunteering
Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center & Thrivent — Packaged and transported carepackages to be placed into trucks2024 – 2024Public Service (Politics)
Habitat for Humanity — Construction roles of transporting wood to build homes2024 – 2024
Future Interests
Advocacy
Volunteering
Entrepreneurship
HBCU STEM Scholarship
WinnerCollege is important because it reinforces diverse traits to improve my character as a son, brother, and individual. As a first-generation student, a teacher introduced me to college in third grade, and her description amazed me. As a child, the most I got out of it was freedom due to nobody supervising you, no dress code, and more. Based on that experience, I knew I wanted to attend college.
As I got older, I learned I wanted to be a cybersecurity analyst in technology, and my fascination with learning was impeccable. Although unsure about pricing for college, I knew that would be the best route for me because I would gain skills for my career and as a person. From working on many projects and unconsciously improving my communication, leadership, and discipline skills, I understood college is more than learning in the books. Understanding there is no single path in life and college has helped me understand many life lessons. Nobody can make choices for you; taking risks is what life is about, and discipline is a huge factor in life. From many tests of A's but also D's, misunderstanding content, or missing deadlines, I appreciate attending college because it has provided me with more than content in cyber.
Since attending college, I have been doing so much in life I wouldn't have dreamed of, from being invited to be a panelist for incoming, leading competition teams, and even securing a cybersecurity internship with the Federal Bank Reserve, which is EXTREMELY competitive. As stated, the college provides me with many experiences, opportunities, and chances to prove myself. This provided me the stance to make adult decisions as a young adult and a safety net in case things go wrong. College is more than just paying for an education. It's the chance to enter doors you didn't even know existed, which I am experiencing.
As I come to my senior year of college, I want to gain a continuation of my experience that will transfer to the real world. I want to maintain those skills in college and fortify them so I can continue obtaining that dream cybersecurity career. Continue to meet outstanding individuals who will form a mutual teaching and learning relationship. Most importantly, I want to enhance my skills as an individual, like communication, leadership, and influencing, so one day I can lead the next generation of children interested in cyber.
Although college is expensive, I learned early that it is an investment in myself, my family, and my future. I am so thankful to have the opportunity to attend college because I do not know where I would be if I did not participate in school.