If I had to stamp a word on my journey so far, it would be "confusion." I am coming from a place of confusion, a leak from the ceiling that nobody can trace the source to. All my life, I've been trying to differentiate who I was vs. who I thought I wanted to be: every time I turned on the TV, it took blonde hair, blue eyes, and a name like "Cole" to be accepted and beautiful, but I wasn't any of those things. Everywhere I looked, there was someone in my face pointing out something about me they deemed as a flaw: "You should cut your hair." "Let me cut your unibrow." "You got taco meat on your head." "You walk funny." "He looks like Oscar from Shark Tales!" "You're too sensitive." I allowed these comments to get me to a point where I wanted to do things like changing my name, bleaching my skin, getting colored contacts, shaving my head, or even dying because I thought that maybe if I looked like what I saw on TV, then I could avoid these everyday experiences that left me mentally and emotionally disoriented for years. When originally compiling this essay, I planned on writing an inspirational ending where I talked about how I now love myself and finally being content with who I am. However, like most things, that would've been a façade. Unfortunately, this story doesn't have a happy ending, at least not yet. I still hate myself more than ever before, actually, and the concept of self-love has always been a constant battle for me. The constant thought of me not being worthy enough for love and acceptance lingers around me like an annoying mosquito in Arkansas heat. These thoughts that I thought went away reared their ugly heads during my first semester of college. Entering an environment that was foreign to me and surrounded by people I felt were more deserving of being at the University than I was, I felt like I didn't belong. Declaring for a major that I was new to, I suffered severely from imposter syndrome. I began to hate who I was even more, as well as my journey so far, because I thought that if I were anyone different, like the people I went to class with, then I'd feel more deserving of where I was. My self-hatred fueled me as I was determined to prove worthy of being where I was. As someone who is always driven by doubt, I had to alter my thinking to focus on my end goals. Through tons of inner work, identifying my goals, and focusing on those goals, I was able to reach success in my first semester, which I previously never knew existed.

In an era dominated by technology and interconnected systems, the significance of cybersecurity has never been more pronounced. The pervasive influence of the digital realm on our daily lives, coupled with the escalating threats to online security, has fueled my commitment to pursuing a career in cybersecurity. This decision is driven not merely by an interest in technical issues but also by a profound sense of responsibility to contribute to protecting individuals and communities in the digital landscape. The rapid digitization of our world has ushered in opportunities but has also given rise to complex challenges, particularly in cybersecurity. As technology becomes more integral to every facet of society, the need for individuals well-versed in safeguarding digital assets becomes paramount. My interest in cybersecurity stems from realizing the vulnerabilities accompanying our increasing reliance on technology. Cybersecurity represents not only a career path but also a calling to be at the forefront of defending against cyber threats that can have far-reaching consequences. The prospect of understanding and countering sophisticated cyber-attacks, protecting sensitive information, and contributing to the resilience of digital infrastructures is both intellectually stimulating and socially significant. In pursuing a degree in cybersecurity, my primary goal is to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the evolving landscape of cyber threats. From mastering encryption algorithms to understanding network security protocols, I am eager to delve into the technical aspects that underpin effective cybersecurity practices. Beyond the technical realm, my commitment to community upliftment through cybersecurity is grounded in the belief that a secure digital environment is essential for societal progress. One avenue through which I intend to contribute to the community is by advocating for and implementing cybersecurity education initiatives. By raising awareness about online threats, best practices for digital hygiene, and the importance of cyber literacy, I aim to empower individuals to navigate the digital world with confidence and resilience. I envision collaborating with educational institutions, community organizations, and local businesses to develop outreach programs that address cybersecurity at different levels. These programs range from student workshops to comprehensive training sessions for small businesses, providing practical insights into protecting personal and organizational digital assets. By demystifying cybersecurity and making it accessible to diverse communities, I aim to foster a culture of digital responsibility and resilience. Moreover, I recognize that underserved communities often face heightened cybersecurity risks due to a lack of resources and awareness. As part of my commitment to community upliftment, I plan to engage in pro bono cybersecurity consulting for non-profit organizations and community groups. By offering my expertise to those who may not have access to dedicated cybersecurity resources, I aim to narrow the digital divide and contribute to a more inclusive and secure digital landscape. Another dimension of my vision for community upliftment through cybersecurity involves contributing to policies and initiatives that prioritize digital security at a societal level. By engaging with policymakers, advocating for cybersecurity legislation, and participating in public discourse on digital rights and responsibilities, I aim to contribute to developing a robust legal and regulatory framework that safeguards the digital interests of communities. In conclusion, my decision to pursue a career in cybersecurity is driven by a combination of technical fascination and a profound sense of responsibility to protect individuals and communities in the digital age. My future in cybersecurity is a professional endeavor and a mission to uplift communities through education, outreach, and advocacy. By equipping individuals with the knowledge to navigate the digital landscape securely and contributing to the development of comprehensive cybersecurity policies, I aspire to be a catalyst for positive change in the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity.