‘Follow your strengths’

Despite a change in career plans, Lorna Montemayor says success in college has always been about striving to become better.

Lorna is currently pursuing an Associate of Applied Science Cybersecurity Specialist. Initially entering STC as a dual-enrollment student while attending Valley View High School, Lorna began at STC after graduation in 2019.

Harboring a lifelong fascination with art, Lorna said she began college with the hopes of one day entering a career as a graphic designer. As she took her classes at STC and began to research the job market however she became drawn to careers in IT, she said.

“STC was the ideal place to start. Not only was it financial beneficial, but the college also had professors and deans who truly wanted me to succeed,” Lorna said. “I started in high school and was happy to find teachers who were compassionate and caring when I first started a few of my basic classes.

“In addition, STC helped me grow as a person by helping me start reaching out and seeing the different career plans I could be taking due to the advice of thoughtful professors,” Lorna said. “In addition, becoming a Cybersecurity Specialist seemed ideal for my personality due to always wanting to solve problems and help those around me if I can, so I began the process of enrolling from there.”

The Cybersecurity Specialist Associate of Applied Science and Certificate degrees are designed for students interested in entering the field of cybersecurity technologies.

The degree prepares students to learn practices that are designed to protect networks, computers, programs and data from attack, damage, or unauthorized access. Cybersecurity Specialists at STC are trained in computer security, installing security software, network monitoring for security breaches, and responding to cyber-attacks.

“Success in college – that’s what everyone wants but most see it as hard to achieve, and it can be but they shouldn’t get downhearted from grades and exams. We all have our faults but we also have our strengths, follow your strengths and try to adapt to your faults,” Lorna said.

“My message to my peers is to do their research on their respective careers and find people within the industry who can help you with information about the career plan ahead,” she said. “In addition, before enrolling in a class, look into the professors to see how your semester will look like. Lastly, start looking into interning near the area. The job market is a competition, and if you don’t have any experience in the field, then another competitor could get the respective job just from interning in a minimal tech field.

“Learning doesn’t end with college, but it’s up to you to continue learning after your degree is in your grasp,” she said.