Career Goal:
It is my goal to secure a position in Cyber Security at the federal level in order to help protect our nation against threats from cyber criminals. We have seen in recent years how vulnerable our networks have become to cyber threats and the need to ensure that those threats are minimized. The opportunity to work for a federal agency in this line of work has been a dream of mine. I would love to be offered a position as a Cyber Security Officer. The position entails identifying threats, mitigating vulnerabilities, and solving future challenges.
My Post Graduation Plans
After receiving my Bachelor of Science degree in Management Information Systems and minor in Cyber Security, I plan to attend graduate school to pursue a Master’s degree in Cyber Security. As stated previously, it is my goal to secure a federal position in security, specifically Cyber Security in order to help protect our nation against threats from cyber criminals. My post-graduation plans also include receiving technical certification in various areas of my field in order to remain competitive and to further my professional growth and development.
Involvement
I find it important to be involved in my school community. I am an active member of the following organizations: Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., Future Business Leaders of America, Caribbean Student Association, National Society of Leadership and Success, and Reginald F. Lewis Student Advisory Board.
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- Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., The fraternity’s motto is “Building a Tradition Not Resting Upon One” with five principles that include: Scholarship, Leadership, Citizenship, Fidelity, and Brotherhood. The principles of scholarship and leadership are the focus of my Tom Joyner Foundation application. When it comes to scholarship, I have been taught the importance of exceeding academically while also balancing a healthy social life. When it comes to leadership, I have been learning what it takes to become a great leader and to be able to inspire and influence others. As a member of my fraternity, I hold the positions of Vice President, Treasurer, Head of Fundraising, and Parliamentarian. In my new roles, I am developing leadership and organizational skills that will prove to be tremendously beneficial in my academic and professional career.
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- Future Business Leaders of America. I am the Treasure for FBLA Phi Beta Lambda Chapter at VSU where our motto is “To Create, Lead, and Inspire.” My role in the organization has helped to develop my communication, interpersonal, and financial management skills, particularly in the area of budget management.
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- Caribbean Student Association. I am a “family” member of CSA at VSU, where the purpose is to educate and promote to others, at Virginia State University, the true essence of the Caribbean culture. We also partner with many different organizations on campus and agencies off campus for community service.
Influential Person or Persons in Your Life
My mom has been a very influential person in my life. She is the Manager for the MIS unit at the Department of Human Services and inspired me to pursue a degree in MIS. She has been a source of strength, motivation and encouragement over the years and has helped me to become an exemplary student. Although I was content in high school with being an average student, by the time I entered my freshman year of college, I began to realize that I was not living up to my full potential. I started pushing myself harder and immediately saw the benefits of my extra effort reflected in my GPA.
My mother encouraged me to play baseball at an early age and was my biggest fan. She is the main reason I do everything that I love. When I feel like quitting, she always encourages me to never give up. She has taught me to work hard and do my best but also reminds me to always have fun. She has taught me to be positive in difficult circumstances. When she is faced with challenges, my mom chooses to focus on the positive things and not get weighed down by the negative. That has been my approach to dealing with challenges and difficult situations. She always says, “It’s not whether you get knocked down. It’s whether you get up.” No matter how much stress and misfortunes may come her way, she always finds a way to spring back on two feet and run. Love you Mom!!
Motto to Live By
I live by the Bible verse, Isaiah 54:17, ‘No Weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.’ With God by my side, I believe that I am in control of my destiny and that the decisions I make today will shape my tomorrow. Of course, there will be obstructions and obstacles, but nothing in life is going to come without some blood, sweat and tears. Growing up my dad has always told me, “Hard work never killed a man yet.” I have begun to realize the benefits of my hard work and I am very excited about the opportunities that are in store for me as I continue on my academic journey.