Cybersecurity became my passion after I fell victim to a phishing scam. I was one of the unfortunate investors who lost money when Blockfi went out of business and I received a link to claim my lost funds. When I clicked the link I was taken directly to metamask. I knew this was strange so I went to Google to investigate. I found that this was a scam that had been running and former Blockfi account holders were being targeted. What started as an almost unfortunate experience quickly transformed into a deep desire to understand how such attacks worked and how to prevent them. That moment of vulnerability ignited my curiosity about cybersecurity, pushing me to explore the field further. As I delved into various security concepts, I realized the immense impact that cybersecurity has in protecting individuals and organizations from cyber threats. I took the Google Professional Cybersecurity Certification and became fascinated with this area of Computer Science. This realization motivated me to change my concentration to cyber and network security and pursue a career dedicated to strengthening digital security. Currently, I am a computer science student with a concentration in cyber and network security. Balancing academics with a full time job has been a challenge, but my commitment to this field has never wavered. In addition to my coursework, I also work part time as a Tech Fellow for CodePath’s Intro to Cybersecurity class. This role allows me to not only deepen my understanding of security principles but also give back by mentoring and guiding students who are beginning their own journeys in cybersecurity. I was a student in this course last semester and being a Tech Fellow has reinforced my knowledge and improved my problem-solving skills, as I often need to break down complex concepts in the lessons for students. Despite my passion, my path in cybersecurity has not been without obstacles. Managing a full-time job while pursuing a degree and working as a Tech Fellow has required exceptional time management and resilience. However, these challenges have only strengthened my desire to achieve success. I have sought out mentorship, joined cybersecurity communities, and continued to push forward, knowing that representation matters in this field. I aim to not only build my expertise but also to serve as a role model for others who may feel discouraged by similar barriers. These experiences have shaped my approach to cybersecurity, reinforcing the importance of both technical expertise and education. Cybersecurity is not just about defense, it is also about awareness and empowerment. I am committed to advocating for cybersecurity education and making security knowledge more accessible. In the future, I aspire to work as a cybersecurity specialist, focusing on threat analysis and defense strategies while continuing to mentor and uplift others in the field. My journey, though challenging, has solidified my passion and dedication to cybersecurity. I look forward to using my skills to protect digital landscapes and inspire others to pursue careers in this critical industry.