My interest in computers and IT began with a 286 computer that was a gift from my uncle. I enjoyed just playing with that computer - learning commands and what would break it. So, I decided, “Why not study business informatics?” I was told that as a woman in computer science, I wouldn't survive the next semester. My choice: Would I give up or should I dive into it? I decided to dive in. At the time, I interned for retail company, working on their system for remote employees. When my task was finished, they allowed me to build my own lab with their old equipment. Back then, not every company had a firewall and everything was unencrypted, so I was able to hijack sessions and figure out passwords. It fascinated me, and I learned the countermeasures. That’s what made me want to go into IT security. I started out learning everything from books and the Internet.

I'm like a sponge when it comes to learning new things. In the past five years, I earned four Cisco certifications. I had test anxiety, but I chose to not give up because I knew that getting certified would help me establish credibility. I decided to take the CCNA Security exam before I started the job I have now - but I had to confess that I failed that exam because I couldn’t remember anything. Still, I chose to keep diving in. Four weeks later, I passed CCNA Security. Next, I passed CyberOps Associate. Later, I wanted to become a member of the DevNet Associate class of 2020. Over eight weeks, we learned together and on the last day I passed that exam. I also did some exams for Check Point firewalls, while studying for the CCNP Security Core exam. Last year, I passed the exam for Agile Learning Coach. Now, I’m supporting my colleagues who are also nervous before exams. I hope that my certification journey inspires my colleagues to do the same.