From Clueless Class Clown to Cybersecurity Hopeful: My Journey of Self-Discovery and Purpose
High School Years/Class Clown Phase/Senior Year Turnaround
To tell you about myself, I should start from my time in high school and not having the brightest idea of what I wanted to do when I graduated. I was never the smart or even close to being the smart one in the classroom, maybe because I was always trying to be the class clown due to not knowing what the teacher was teaching and not taking the initiative to ask for help after class. All four years of high school, I was never in my actual grade with my friends due to always being a few credits shy of being promoted to that grade. Even though I took classes for that year, I was always considered a year behind. I didn't start taking high school seriously until my senior year, wanting to actually graduate with my friends in 2012.
Post-High School/Graduation/Job Corps
Even after graduating, seeing all my friends excited about college, I still had no plans. So, after graduating, I went to a job corps for a nursing trade. I really enjoyed working with the elderly, but I knew it wasn't something I was satisfied with, especially seeing the people I graduated high school with progress through college. My real dream was to join the military, specifically the United States Army.
Military Aspirations/Marine Corps Experience
That dream didn’t happen due to not scoring high enough to qualify. After failing three times, my Army recruiter stopped taking my calls. One day, I walked past the Marine Corps office, and something told me to go in and talk to a recruiter. Long story short, I passed the ASVAB with a qualifying score and enlisted. In the Marine Corps, I found my grounding and purpose. It was the best thing that could have happened to me. It opened my mind to more in life, and I met extraordinary people who pushed me to think outside the box. Sadly, my dream of doing 20 years was cut short due to medical reasons. But I’m grateful for the experience and wouldn’t trade it for anything.
New Beginnings/Bigger Picture/Lesson Learned
In my late 20s, I found my next actual calling in Cyber Security. Reflecting on my journey, I've learned that life's path is rarely straight and predictable. From struggling in high school to finding purpose in the Marine Corps, each experience has shaped me into who I am today. The key lesson I've embraced is the importance of resilience and openness to new opportunities. Whether it's discovering a passion for cybersecurity later in life or overcoming academic challenges, I've found that perseverance and a willingness to adapt can lead to fulfilling and unexpected new directions. Life's setbacks are often steppingstones to greater achievements, and it's never too late to find your true calling.
Transformative Education Leader
1 个月So happy for you ??????