Finding My Path Through Curiosity, Challenge, and Community

Starting My Journey

My name is James Brown, and I am currently pursuing a degree in Cybersecurity at Old Dominion University (ODU), with a focus on cybersecurity. When I started college, I was not entirely sure which direction I wanted to go in. I had considered other majors and career paths, but I always circled back to technology. A defining moment came when I took an Ethical Hacking course at ODU. We used tools like Wireshark, NMAP, and Metasploit, and it lit a spark in me. I was fascinated by how these tools could reveal vulnerabilities, and more importantly, how they could be used to protect people.

I grew up watching both of my parents work in IT. While I didn’t always understand what they were doing, I admired how passionate they were about their work. That curiosity stayed with me, and when I realized I could merge that interest with my love for helping others, cybersecurity became more than just a major; it became a mission.

Growing Through Experience at ODU

My time at ODU has been full of growth. Like most students, I have had my ups and downs, but I have come out stronger because of it. One of the things I have appreciated most about ODU is the diverse learning environment. Being around people from different backgrounds has helped expand my understanding of the world, what Nguyen (2013) called a fusion of horizons.

One class that especially influenced me was Professor Patrick’s introductory IT course. He once told a story about dining overseas, being ignored by a waiter, and assuming it was because he was American. A stranger later told him, “If you beg in silence, you will starve in silence.” That quote has stayed with me ever since. It taught me not to stay quiet when I do not know something, to ask questions, to seek out answers, and to never be ashamed of needing help. That mindset has shaped not only how I learn, but who I am.

Challenges have been a part of the journey too. There were times when juggling class, work, and life felt overwhelming. I remember struggling with time management and questioning whether I was doing enough. But each setback taught me something. I learned how to organize my priorities, how to ask for help, and how to keep going. I think that is part of what Nguyen (2013) meant when she described the ePortfolio as a living portal; every experience, every obstacle, becomes a part of our evolving identity.

Learning By Doing: My Internship at Intellidyne LLC

If ODU gave me the tools to learn, my internship at Intellidyne LLC gave me the space to apply them. I currently work there as a Tier 1 IT Help Desk Technician, and I can honestly say it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my academic career. Over the course of 100 plus hours, I have not only developed my technical skills but also gained confidence, resilience, and a deeper appreciation for the field.

Every shift at Intellidyne brings new challenges. I have managed Microsoft 365 issues, helped users with OneDrive sync errors, set up new accounts, installed software, and even updated BIOS settings on devices. VPN troubleshooting became a strength of mine, especially when supporting remote users. I learned how to follow technical documentation, how to stay calm under pressure, and how to communicate clearly and kindly… even when users were frustrated.

The best part? Talking directly to users. I used to be nervous making support calls, but now I look forward to them. There is something powerful about solving someone’s problem and hearing the relief or gratitude in their voice. That kind of connection, the human side of tech, is what I thrive on.

Of course, there were challenges. Managing multiple tickets, for example, was tough at first. I would focus so hard on solving one issue that I would forget to keep others updated. But with feedback and practice, I got better at organizing my work and staying on top of everything. I also faced situations where users were uncomfortable with technology. It took a lot of patience and empathy, but I learned how to guide them through problems without making them feel overwhelmed.

From Restaurants to Cybersecurity

Before this internship, I worked in restaurants/bars, sales, and call centers. Those roles were not related to IT, but they taught me skills I use every day, especially communication. Whether I was taking care of guests in a restaurant, helping someone find the right product, or handling customer service calls, I learned how to talk to people, how to listen, and how to solve problems under pressure.

Working in a Managed Service Provider (MSP) environment helped me understand what IT work looks like. It confirmed for me that I was on the right path. That blend of customer service and technology is where I feel at home.

Becoming an Information Security Analyst

My ultimate goal is to become an Information Security Analyst. The idea of protecting systems, data, and people from threats really excites me. It is not just about the tools or the systems; it is about keeping people safe. I want to be someone who does not just understand the technology but uses it responsibly and ethically to make a difference.

Nguyen (2013) talks about mimesis, how we use the past to understand the present and imagine the future. That concept resonates deeply with me. When I look back at my life, I see a pattern. I have always been curious. I have always liked solving problems. I have always cared about people. That is what led me to this field. It is why I am confident that cybersecurity is not just a good fit for me; my experiences have paved this path for me.

Why the ePortfolio Matters

Even though I have not started building my ePortfolio yet, I already understand its value. To me, it is more than just a website or a project. It is a story. It is a space where I get to show who I am, what I have been through, and where I am going. As Nguyen (2013) describes, it is a living portal; a representation of my identity that is constantly evolving.

Every late-night studying for exams, every support call I have handled, every ticket I have closed is all part of the narrative. And just like in the stories we tell ourselves, there are lessons, setbacks, and moments of triumph.

Looking Ahead

What I hope readers — whether they are professors, potential employers, or mentors — take away from my story is that I am driven. I am resilient. I am curious. I ask questions when I do not know something. I believe in working hard, learning from failure, and always moving forward. The world of cybersecurity is always changing, and I am excited to grow with it. One day, I hope to welcome others into IT the same way my professors and colleagues have guided me. Until then, I will keep asking questions, solving problems, and building the future I have imagined — one step at a time.

References

• Nguyen, C. F. (2013). The ePortfolio as a living portal: A medium for student learning, identity, and assessment. Stanford University.
• Smith, E. (2017, January 12). The two kinds of stories we tell about ourselves. ideas.ted.com. Read here