The roots of a cyber journey
Every expertise has a beginning. Discover the foundational moments and genuine curiosity that sparked a lifelong passion for technology and problem-solving, leading to a dedicated career path in cybersecurity.
Curiosity ignited: the projection TV
At just 10 or 11, when our family's old projection TV broke, it sparked more than frustration—it ignited a deep curiosity. Instead of discarding it, I delved into how it worked, experimenting with bulbs and optics. Placing a white sheet over the screen, I managed to restore the display, making it usable again. This early, hands-on repair, though unconventional, was my first taste of understanding technology and finding creative solutions.
Hands-on growth: device mastery
Middle school transformed me into the go-to tech person. Activating phones, swapping SIM cards, and backing up data—tasks that weren't simple then—became my domain. By 12 or 13, adults trusted my ability to troubleshoot and explain complex setups, building my confidence and laying the groundwork for a future in IT support. This experience solidified my enjoyment in making technology work for people.
From personal fixes to professional insights
In 2020, frequent damage to my iPhone 8+ while working a physically demanding job led me to self-repair. Researching, acquiring tools, watching tutorials, and troubleshooting issues like overheating gave me invaluable hands-on technical experience. This success directly fed into my professional growth at Alta Resources supporting Stellantis in 2022. Managing 80 warranty cases monthly, I honed mental problem-solving and professionalism. Crucially, handling sensitive customer data daily, recognizing phishing, and understanding confidentiality awakened my strong interest in information security, driving me to learn about secure email, VMs, and MFA.
"My journey didn’t start in a classroom; it began with genuine curiosity, hands-on problem-solving, and a relentless drive to learn by doing. From fixing devices to diving into complex systems, I've consistently pushed myself to understand how things work and how to make them better. I'm not just collecting skills—I'm someone who shows up, learns fast, and keeps improving because I truly enjoy the work, bringing a unique blend of curiosity, discipline, and real-world troubleshooting experience to the field."
- Akira S.