During my time at the University of Advancing Technology, I have built a solid foundation in cybersecurity and taken on the responsibility to use my skills for the greater good. I see myself not just as a cybersecurity student but now as an active participant in a community that values innovation, education, and social impact. My goal is to continue developing into a cybersecurity professional and an artist who uses creativity to raise digital awareness and uphold a culture of responsibility in my community.

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The primary community, of course, is the cybersecurity and technology community. Through my involvement with the Cloud Security Alliance Arizona chapter, the Information Systems Security Association, and the UAT network, these groups have allowed me to find a passion for protecting systems, educating others, and promoting the ethical use of our technology. I built a creative community through my student innovation project, Cybersecurity and Canvas, which merges my interest in cybersecurity with engaging the public about digital safety through visual storytelling. I create original paintings that depict concepts such as social engineering, data privacy, network defense, firewalls, and phishing, along with related topics, to help bridge the gap in understanding these complex techniques and foster public understanding.

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Engaging with these types of communities helped me understand the importance of accessibility in technology education. Many people are unaware of the threats they face online, especially because they lack the information and understanding to recognize them. Cybersecurity is often presented in overly technical language, but through my art and outreach, I want to change that cyber culture. Cyber Culture on Canvas is just an educational, artistic platform that empowers people to learn through creativity and visuals, because not everyone learns best from traditional presentations. Some prefer visuals, and seeing them helps them better understand. The goal is to expand this project into public spaces, educational workshops, and community events so that individuals of all ages can become aware of cybersecurity in a new and more meaningful way.

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Beyond just my artistic and academic achievements, I am also aware of my role as a digital citizen. I practice responsible online behavior by respecting intellectual property and promoting safe technology use in both my academic and personal decisions. There are courses specifically for general digital citizenship, and my experiences with network security have helped me consider the ethical conduct involved in how I am perceived and the professional accountability required online. I aim to model the standards I was taught, not only in my coursework but also in collaborations and future endeavors within the community or in my personal life. I want my actions to reflect my integrity and respect for these responsibilities as a digital citizen.

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My undergraduate experience has transformed how I see myself as a community member. My professors emphasized ethical hacking, secure design, and social responsibility because these are technical aspects of cybersecurity that warrant attention for their human impact. The research I've conducted on IoT vulnerabilities, phishing analysis, network defense, security essentials, and incident response has taught me that technology is very powerful; it just needs to be used ethically and creatively so that it serves others rather than harms them. These research projects reinforce my belief that education is one of the most powerful tools for empowerment, enabling you to use it in your everyday life.

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As I look ahead, I want to continue using my skills and creativity to inspire even more positive change. This could involve mentoring students, hosting an awareness event, or developing a more innovative way to teach others about cybersecurity. I want to be part of a safer, more informed digital world, so I plan to be active in organizations such as CSA and ISSA. The collaboration with professionals and industry experts in these groups aligns with my vision of a more secure technological future.

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Ultimately, my goal is to blend my technical expertise with more creative expression so that it truly makes a significant impact. I don't see cybersecurity just as a career; it has become a calling for me because it allows me to protect, educate, and connect with people. I hope that, through my work, people not only understand how important it is but also feel inspired to help make the digital world safer and more inclusive.