What made you decide to choose your specific major?
Cybersecurity didn't become an interest of mine until a very recent age, but what inspired me to look into it was the implementation of iPads in my local elementary school. As a high schooler, I saw younger kids browsing through the internet with no inhibitions. It made me realize how widespread and invasive technology could be, and how people needed to be careful with it. I figured that becoming a cybersecurity major would help me prevent others from being hacked or facing other cyber attacks.
What are a couple of your favorite things about your program of study?
My favorite parts about my program of study is how hands-on the learning is. I definitely feel like I learn so much more in the labs and it helps me grasp a much better understanding of what I'm learning. I'm more of a visual learner so seeing how everything I learn in lecture ties into labs is such a helpful aspect of my learning. Furthermore, I enjoy how the projects incorporate teamwork amongst groups, allowing me to lean on classmates and peers when I feel stuck.
What has been one of your favorite class projects?
One of my favorite class projects has definitely been my Raspberry Pi project in my CNIT 17600 Information Technology and Architecture class. It really helped me familiarize myself with a brand new operation system (Linux) and taught me the importance of doing your own research when being stuck. I had to implement a security webcam using a Raspberry Pi 5, and I spent a lot of time troubleshooting it, which made it much more gratifying when I finally completed it.
What other activities are you involved in on campus?
I am actively involved in the Women in Cybersecurity organization on campus. I recently participated in their mentorship program which really helped me navigate my way through this major. I am also attending their annual conference, where students get to meet women, recruiters, mentors, and others in the same industry.
What do you know about your program of study now that you wish someone had told you when you were choosing a major?
I wish I had known how different Cybersecurity and Computer Science were at Purdue. I didn't realize when I applied that my major would be much more hands-on and application based. I thought the two majors would have a lot of overlap, but I was very wrong. Both are equally good programs at Purdue, however, I am very happy to have chosen the major I did.
What would be one piece of advice for prospective students or new Purdue students?
A big piece of advice I would give to prospective or new Purdue students is to be ready to step out of your comfort zone in every way possible. My adjustment period was difficult, but as soon as I started to try new things, make new friends, and open up more, I became less and less homesick. Don't be afraid to be yourself, and I guarantee you'll find your people at Purdue.