The first of four required research papers was plopped on my desk with a thud of a grade. As a freshman, I was accidentally placed in a senior-level, dual-credit cybersecurity class. Rather than accept a schedule change, I convinced my counselor that I could handle the challenge. Rightfully, the teacher had set high expectations, requiring college-level critical reasoning and analytical skills. The “C-” on my paper was a true reflection of my abilities. There were large gaps in how I analyzed, communicated, and solved problems compared to my peers. If I hadn’t stopped to face those weaknesses, I might have failed and slunk away from a future in technology. By being honest with myself, I determined that it was time to be more than just a student. I began by taking ownership of my learning. I bumbled through asking a community college professor for help learning how to research and analyze data. Having the humility to ask for help continues to improve me to this day. Backing up and getting assistance to be on a learning par with my peers gave me the space to develop a deep appreciation for the need and nuances of the art and science of cybersecurity. My years in Scouting showed me that actively doing leads to better understanding. This appreciation motivated me to find opportunities to apply knowledge rather than simply study it. I joined programs such as the UMSL Bridge program and GenCyber, where I could apply my growing passion for cybersecurity in meaningful ways. I was privileged to have selfless mentors. They guided me in using technology to facilitate the needs of underserved communities. From these programs, I truly came to appreciate that solutions are strongest when shared. By the end of the semester, I not only earned an “A,” but more importantly, found purpose within cybersecurity that meets my need to serve. I learned to be continually resourceful - pulling in the skills from those that give and the efforts I am making. I envision working for an organization that is interested in building multifaceted suites of systems that enable others to fully realize their objectives, whether technology-based or not. Developing cybersecurity technology that is goal-specific and intuitive would allow them to focus on their unique aspirations rather than issues such as bad actors, integrations, and data-driven advantages. I envision my work empowering those often left without a resounding voice to be invited and heard in conversations about economic and social priorities. This starts with ensuring that their missions can be developed in secure environments. It means that I set myself up through classes, internships, and volunteerism to develop tools to protect against the ever-increasing threats in the cyber environment. Personally, I want others to know that I make a mean homemade tomato soup, and my table is always welcoming. I often come off as reserved, but there is a lion in me that is driven to protect others. While I tend to be more of an active listener than a verbose leader, I greatly care about my marginalized and under considered communities. As a determined defender, I intend to use the cybersecurity tools I am refining in college to securely connect and protect communities. At the end of the day, I am still the guy comfortable in the quiet, putting plans into action through code and strategy. However, if you ever need an ally or brother, I can pull out the soup bowls and bake some Lángos bread for us to share while we make a plan to bring the world into secure clarity.