This is a guest post written by Shayna from Walpole High, Massachusetts. She became an NCS Scholar through CyberStart America 2022/2023 and The National Cyber Scholarship Foundation.

“While I had a feeling cybersecurity would interest me, it wasn't until I participated in this year's CyberStart program that I truly grasped my passion for cybersecurity.”

Shayna shares her thoughts on becoming a Scholar and how CyberStart America gave her the confidence to pursue cybersecurity.

How would you describe your experience of this year’s CyberStart program?

My experience of this year's CyberStart program was phenomenal. The training program helped me learn practically about different cybersecurity offensive and defensive skills and provided an incentive to research these concepts on my own. I have tried various times to delve into cybersecurity, but this was the first time I enjoyed the experience fully.

How do you feel about becoming a Scholar?

I'm very excited about becoming a Scholar. Ever since I registered for this program last October, I dreamed of becoming a Scholar and am very grateful to be named one. It's exciting to know that even after the end of the program I will stay connected to the cybersecurity field due to my Scholar status.

What have you enjoyed about CyberStart America?

I enjoyed the variety present in challenges, and interactive aspect which prevented the program from being dull or monotonous, but instead informative and intriguing.

Before participating in this year's NCSF/CyberStart program, were you considering a career in cybersecurity?

Sort of. While I had a feeling cybersecurity would interest me, it wasn't until I participated in this year's CyberStart program that I truly grasped my passion for cybersecurity. The challenges were so interactive and fun, that I genuinely am thankful that I got a chance to explore my passion.

Since participating in this year's NCSF/CyberStart program, are you now considering a career in cybersecurity?

Yes, my dream job is to be a penetration tester or be involved in cyber operations in the FBI.

How did participating in CyberStart America help you develop your cybersecurity skills?

Participating in CyberStart America gave me practical cybersecurity skills with scenarios that would help elaborate on a real-world use case for the skill. For example, I learned Linux and Bash Shell Scripting prior, but it never really stuck or made sense until I finally found the practical application for it in CyberStart.

Would you recommend CyberStart America to a friend?

Yes. It was practically a wonderful experience that allowed the user to genuinely learn fundamental cybersecurity concepts and retain the knowledge. At the same time, it challenged the user to think outside the box and explore/research many options.

Any other comments?

I would genuinely like to thank CyberStart for this wonderful opportunity, it has taught me so much in the span of just a few months. I have tried to study cybersecurity concepts in the past but never quite understood what I was reading. Meanwhile, CyberStart managed to effortlessly teach concepts from SQL Injection to DoS to many things I haven’t even thought of, and allowed these terms to retain and stick in my brain.

I learned skills through this program that I thought were too complicated for me before. I am so grateful to the National Cyber Scholarship Foundation for helping people like me develop a passion for cybersecurity and I'm stoked to continue my cybersecurity journey!

Want to land a scholarship and find your confidence to pursue a cybersecurity career like Shayna? Then check out the free CyberStart America program.