What made you decide to choose your specific major?
Ever since I was younger, I thought spies were the coolest people out there. After finding out that cyber security, like hacking, was actually a major, it was as simple as that.
What are a couple of your favorite things about your program of study?
A few of my favorite things about my program of study are the hands-on labs and the instructors. In the labs, you get to apply what you’re learning in class in ways that you wouldn’t normally think to. Getting to learn about interesting topics, apply that, and learn it from professors who are extremely knowledgeable and fun to learn from makes Purdue Polytechnic a great place.
What has been one of your favorite class projects?
One of my favorite class projects was for CNIT 255 (Introduction to Object Oriented Programming). Our final project was a group assignment to code something utilizing all of the skills we had learned in class. Myself and my partner decided to create a role-playing game with a story, a map, a nice GUI and more. I enjoyed the creativity the class allowed for and I learned great Java programming basics!
What other activities are you involved in on campus?
I am currently the secretary of Pet-A-Puppy club which is a volunteering and fundraising club that partners with Natalie’s Second Chance, a no-kill dog shelter. I also participate in Jiu Jitsu and Tae Kwon Do, I really enjoy martial arts as a form of exercise.
What do you know about your program of study now that you wish someone had told you when you were choosing a major?
Before selecting cyber security, I wish someone had told me that it’s okay to not know exactly what you want to do. Through the classes and career events I’ve experienced, it makes you realize there is so much you can do with cyber security and more than one way to get where you want to be.
What would be one piece of advice for prospective students or new Purdue students?
My advice for new students would be that there are so many ways to get to know people and make friends on campus. I made most of my friends though Boiler Gold Rush and almost none of us have the same major. College can be intimidating but making friends who are going through the same thing you are really helps you through it.