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There have been a few moments in my life when I have wanted to share my best experiences. It is with excitement and a nostalgic feeling that I write this piece. First, I want to pay tribute to my father who passed away only a few weeks ago. He was a caring dad who always had been a strong pillar of support of my dreams and aspirations. Also, I am grateful to my mother who shaped my life and encouraged me to be focused and purpose-driven.

I am an international student from Nigeria who, in January, was awarded a masterÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ™s degree in cybersecurity and networks from the University of New Haven. Growing up in a patriarchal society, it was unusual for girls to enter certain career paths that were thought to be reserved for men. I dared to be different, and so I began my journey to the United States of America, intending to garner more experience and widen my knowledge horizon.

Coming to the United States to study in 2019 was a big deal for my family and me as I was a first-generation student aspiring to earn a masterÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ™s degree. I have always been passionate about education and learning in general, and I had high hopes this was going to be a stepping-stone on the pathway to achieving greatness.

Suffice it to say, my experience at the University of New Haven was an exciting journey. The friendly faculty, students, and the University community created a welcoming atmosphere and sense of community, which made my stay worth it. The weekly labs, assignments, and projects were structured to evoke innovative ideas as they allowed me to apply the lessons I learned in the classroom to solve real-life problems.

ÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ˜I am extremely confidentÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ™

Most of my classes were practical, and what I learned helped me during my job search, since when I was asked questions about a variety of topics, they were concepts I was familiar with. My experience working as a learning assistant in the UniversityÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ™s Accessibility Resources Center, an orientation leader, and participating in various volunteering positions helped improve my social and administrative skills.

The University of New Haven has equipped me with the required readiness to progress with the next phase of my life and career. Participating in various Capture the Flag (CTF) events via the UniversityÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ™s hacking club and Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) chapter enabled me to sharpen my skills in cybersecurity and networking.

I have accepted a job offer from the at as a user support and system analyst (USSA). I am overwhelmingly joyous about this offer as I begin the next phase in my career. I am extremely confident, and I cannot wait to use the many skills I have gained during my education at the University of New Haven.

I want to especially thank all my professors, particularly Dr. Ibrahim (Abe) Baggili for his attention to detail and dexterity in mentorship; Dr. Amir Esmailpour for his continuous support and encouragement; Dr. David Eggert for pushing me to do more in his classes; and Linda Copney-Okeke from whom I learned resourcefulness and administrative skills.

I am looking forward to continuing to make everybody proud.

Ebere Onwubuariri ÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ™21 M.S. is a recent graduate of the University of New HavenÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ™s graduate program in cybersecurity and networks. She accepted her degree during the UniversityÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ™s Virtual Winter Commencement in January.