My experience here at ODU has been full of valuable lessons being learned and significant personal growth as a young adult. Over my time here, I have developed essential skills such as public speaking, organization, time management, leadership, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving. These came through my involvement in courses like Public Speaking, English Composition, Cybersecurity Ethics, Cyber War, and Cryptography for Cybersecurity, each of which left a lasting impact on my academic and personal development.
The most valuable learning experiences during my time at ODU came through group projects and hands-on activities. Collaborative tasks challenged me to think critically, communicate effectively, and apply theoretical concepts in practical contexts. However, my journey here did have several obstacles, as I often struggled with time management and procrastination. To overcome these challenges, I created a structured schedule for myself, which was helpful in managing my workload more effectively. Each course built upon the lessons of the previous ones, allowing me to learn from mistakes and change my approach to academic and personal growth.
In IDS 493, we get prepared for our professional careers outside of college by creating an online portfolio highlighting our strengths and our experiences in our respected career paths. One of the most valuable takeaways from this course was the chance to reflect on my strengths and weaknesses throughout my collegiate career, making me develop a deeper understanding of my personal and professional growth. I am proud of the layout of my portfolio, and if I had to direct someone to just one aspect, it would be the “Courses & Experiences” tab, which holds my academic journey and accomplishments. Despite initial challenges with time constraints and design decisions. I am confident that, with more time, I can improve the visual appeal and include more detailed information and artifacts. Previous courses provided me with not only the skills I highlighted in my portfolio but also the artifacts that substantiate those competencies, demonstrating the interconnectedness of my academic endeavors.
Reflecting on my experience as a whole, I recognize the importance of interdisciplinary methods and theories in shaping my understanding of my coursework. These approaches allowed me to draw meaningful connections between various courses, enhancing my ability to see the broader implications of concepts and their applications. Being an interdisciplinary thinker is vital in the field of cybersecurity, because it encourages a holistic perspective that integrates technical knowledge with ethical considerations and societal impacts. While my post-college plans are still taking shape, I feel confident that the skills, experiences, and interdisciplinary mindset I developed at ODU will serve as a strong foundation for my future endeavors.