I got the baton today and I’m excited to share my story for the #simplycybercommunitychallenge
My journey into the world of tech began right before the pandemic hit. Prior to this, I had a background in digital marketing and had even worked in Washington, D.C. However, I moved back home to Houston after being laid off and became of teacher of 155 sixth graders.
Within my first year of teaching, I knew it wasn't the right fit for me. It was a challenging realization, but I was determined to find a path that better suited my interests and abilities.
I dedicated myself to learning and explored various areas, like tech sales and customer success, but software engineering with #100Devs was where I found my start. My mornings started at 4am to study and I taught during the day, went to bed at 9pm, and did it all over again.
However, in 2023, I realized that software engineering didn't align with my personality, and I didn't want to struggle through the learning process. In some ways, I felt like a fraud, having spent years studying a field that didn't ultimately fit me.
I decided to try my hand at tech sales and customer success, hoping to find a role that resonated with me, but I still didn't discover the right fit. The uncertainty of not knowing what came next after investing so much time and effort into my previous studies was daunting.
During this period, I even started a coding club, which was a wonderful experience. Fortunately, our club members were incredibly supportive, and the guidance of friends helped me navigate my path.
In that same year, 2023, I discovered cybersecurity, and it felt like a breath of fresh air. The moment I learned about it, I knew it was my calling. I took the plunge, told my principal I would not be returning next year, taught summer school to stack extra money, left my teaching job, and even gave up my apartment to rent a room for $600 and study my butt off. I was ready to start from the bottom and applied to IT help desk roles, and the role I'm in now. just knew I had no one else to fall back on, but myself.
Then, I came across a cybersecurity role that felt tailor-made for me. I almost didn’t apply. But, the role incorporated my journey through digital marketing, education, technology, and organizational leadership. I'm now a Security Awareness and Reporting coordinator, and I love my role. It encompasses all of my experiences and more. I'm surrounded by amazing and knowledgeable people, and I feel like I've finally found my place in the tech world.
My message is simple: don't give up! The world of #cybersecurity offers diverse opportunities. Understand your strengths, work hard, serve others, be audacious, and make bold moves. The tech world is waiting for you, and the struggle is part of the rewarding journey. Keep going, and you'll find your place.
#transitioningteachers #womenincybersecurity #womenintechnology #teachersoflinkedin #transitioningteacher #womenintech #blacksintech
Senior Generative AI Readiness Specialist at Amazon Web Services (AWS)
8moVery cool! My wife and I ran our first 5k a couple weeks ago and really enjoyed it. Now I am hooked and looking for additional 5k's around us :)