Securing Our Roadmap: One Patch at a Time
Some roads are built with patience and need,
A pause, a breath, the space to proceed.
Growth isn’t a race, but a journey of grace.
Even a firewall unpatched will crumble in time,
A network strained will fail to climb.
Like systems, we thrive—not by endless demand,
But by knowing when to pause, protect, and expand.
Balancing work, school, and life has been an ongoing challenge. I’m tired.
By day, I work full-time as a medical records technician in a small home health agency, feeling like a robot in a never-ending cycle. Break down efaxes. Convert them to PDFs. Rename files. Upload. Organize. Track down missing orders. Follow up. Archive. Repeat. The sheer volume of paperwork is suffocating, but I push through, knowing it has to be done.
In cybersecurity, patches are released to fix vulnerabilities and strengthen defenses. In life, we also need patches—small but necessary adjustments to fill the gaps in our time, knowledge, and well-being. I’ve realized that my journey isn’t about having everything perfectly aligned; it’s about continuously identifying weaknesses and applying the right "fixes" to keep moving forward.
And yet, amidst this routine, my passion finds a spark—when I step into my volunteer IT role.
When a new employee starts, I set up their workstation, configure their Office 365 accounts, and troubleshoot login issues. If the internet slows down, I reset the router—ping, ping, ping—until the network stabilizes. When VOIP phones fail, when a PC won’t boot, when software refuses to launch, I hear my name:"Mildred!"
That’s when I drop everything and dive into tech support and system admin tasks. I troubleshoot, I crawl under desks to sort cables, I fix what I can. And for a moment, I feel alive.
I tell myself, "I enjoy this. I wish I had done this decades ago. I wish I was in the Tech Field now. It feels like forever to get there!"But I remind myself—But I remind myself—patching takes time, and patience is part of the process..
Self-Love: A Pill to Chill and to Keep Going
Rest is not a reward, it’s part of the process.” — Unknown
I’ve learned the hard way that self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.
A few months ago, I allowed myself small escapes:
Watching Outlander and reminiscing about my La Femme Nikita spy-agent-wannabe days.
Taking quiet evenings to rest my eyes, reflect, and meditate—even if just for a moment.
Spending time tending to my succulents, reconnecting with life outside of screens and deadlines.
But mostly now , my nights belong to my school and ISC2 CC /SEC+ certification prep.
I tell myself: "Mildred, you need to pass certs to open doors!"And yet, doubt lingers. Fear of failure is real. It slows me down, feeds procrastination, and makes me question my ability to do this. But I have to fight through it. I painfully decided to cut off time and remove from my plate my other courses and self training from various platforms. I study till dawn, pushing forward. I take a little break and head to the NCL Gym to practice for my next CTF in Spring.
Progress Over Speed
There was a time when I thought I had to rush everything. I had a goal: graduate by December 2025. But as life unfolded, I realized that taking a little longer does not mean failure.
I shifted from B.S. I.T. & Networking to B.S. Cybersecurity & Networking, a new program at DeVry.I now have 19% left to graduation. The finish line is in sight, but I still have major cybersecurity courses ahead—PenTesting, Incident Response & Forensics, Applied AI for Cybersecurity, InfoSec & Data Privacy, Laws and Regulations, and my Senior Project Development.
I am still disappointed that I won’t meet my original timeline. But I remind myself: delays don’t mean defeat—they mean preparation for a stronger, better future.
Faith and the Bigger Picture
I’m working out my course schedules, talking to my Student Advisor, and figuring out how to fit more into my program. If all goes as planned, I will finish by early to mid-2026. This aligns perfectly with my U.S. citizenship process, my preparation for internships, certifications, and a future in cybersecurity.
All things work together for good.
Patching the Gaps: Advice for Career Changers and Cybersecurity Students
Breaking into cybersecurity while juggling work, school, and personal life isn't easy. I know because I'm living it. There are moments when exhaustion takes over, when doubts creep in, and when I wonder if I’m moving too slowly. But I’ve learned that growth isn’t about rushing—it’s about patching the gaps, strengthening weaknesses, and building a solid foundation.
For those on a similar journey—whether you’re shifting careers, working toward certifications, or simply trying to stay afloat—here are lessons I’ve learned that may help you along the way.
1. Resilience and Determination: Keep Moving Forward
There are days when I feel like a machine, buried in endless medical records, processing efaxes, and archiving stacks of paperwork. It’s repetitive. It’s draining. But my spark comes when I get to troubleshoot, set up workstations, configure Office 365 accounts, or crawl under desks to fix tangled wires.
That’s when I remind myself: this is where I belong.
The transition to cybersecurity is demanding, and the setbacks can be discouraging. Some days, you’ll feel like you’re not making progress fast enough. But every skill you sharpen, every ticket you resolve, every concept you grasp—these are your patches, fortifying your journey forward.
Don’t stop applying them.
2. Career Transition & Passion for Cybersecurity: It’s Never Too Late
If I could go back, I would have started this path years ago. I’ve had moments where I think, What if I had pursued IT earlier? Would I already be in my dream role?
But the truth is, every experience brings value. My background in medical records gave me an eye for detail, organizational skills, and problem-solving abilities—all essential in cybersecurity.
So if you’re coming from a different industry, know this: your past is not wasted—it’s an asset. Find how your existing skills translate into cybersecurity, and use them as leverage.
Your starting point doesn’t matter as much as your willingness to learn and adapt.
3. The Struggle for Work-Life-Study Balance: It’s About Grace, Not Perfection
I work full-time. I study at night. I prepare for ISC2 CC. I train for Capture The Flag competitions. Somewhere in between, I try to make time for self-care.
Some weeks, balance feels impossible. But I’ve learned that balance isn’t about dividing time perfectly—it’s about knowing when to slow down and when to push forward.
🔹 Schedule self-care: Even a short walk, a few minutes of meditation, or watching an episode of Outlander can reset your mind.
🔹 Know when to stop: Studying longer hours doesn’t always mean learning more. Quality over quantity.
🔹 Communicate your goals: Let your employer, family, and friends know why this journey matters to you.
Progress doesn’t mean sacrificing yourself in the process. Give yourself grace along the way.
4. Fear, Self-Doubt, and Overcoming Procrastination: Don’t Let Fear Paralyze You
The fear of failure is real. It can slow you down, distract you, and whisper, What if you’re not good enough?
I’ve been there.
There have been nights when I stared at my ISC2 CC study materials, overwhelmed by how much I still needed to learn. I’ve procrastinated because I was scared of not passing. But I remind myself: small steps forward are still progress.
What has helped me push through fear?
✔ Breaking down goals into small, manageable tasks
✔ Studying smarter, not harder
✔ Focusing on progress over perfection.
Your journey won’t be flawless. You will struggle. But showing up and trying again is what sets you apart.
5. Long-Term Vision and the Power of Patience: Build, Don’t Rush
I’ve learned to appreciate progress over speed. Though I won’t graduate by my original goal of December 2025, I see the value in pacing myself to benefit from the fruits of my labor. I shifted from B.S. I.T. & Networking to B.S. Cybersecurity & Networking which is a new Devry program available. I have 19% / 100% left to the finishline. I finished all I.T and Network systems administration tracks for A.S. and now will have more Cybersecurity Courses (PenTesting, Incident Response & Forensics, Applied AI for Cybsersecurity, InfoSec & Data Privacy, Laws and regulation, Math for IT and a few others for Senior Project Development.
It was disappointing at first. But then I realized: taking longer to build a solid foundation is better than rushing and missing key knowledge.
If you feel like you’re moving slower than others—that’s okay. Growth isn’t a race. Cybersecurity isn’t just about collecting certifications; it’s about truly understanding security, networks, and defense strategies.
Take your time. Learn deeply. You’re building something that lasts.
6. Faith and Optimism: Everything Works Together for Good
I often remind myself of this: Delays aren’t failures. They are preparation.
Every challenge—whether it’s a tough exam, a rejected job application, or a slower career transition—is shaping you for what’s ahead. Every setback is teaching resilience. Every moment of doubt is strengthening your ability to push through uncertainty.
And when I look at where I am now—
🔹 Close to finishing my degree
🔹 Preparing for cybersecurity certifications
🔹 Gaining hands-on experience in IT support
I see that everything is falling into place at the right time.
So if you’re in the middle of your own journey, wondering if you’re too late, too slow, or too far behind—you’re not.
You are exactly where you need to be.
Final Thoughts: What Are You Patching in Your Life?
Cybersecurity is all about patching vulnerabilities to make systems stronger.
Life is the same way.
We all have gaps—whether in knowledge, time, or confidence—but we have the power to identify them and apply the right patches.
So ask yourself:
🔹 What’s one thing you enjoy most and long to do again and again?
🔹 What relaxes you when everything feels overwhelming?
🔹 What gives you an energy boost to keep pushing forward?
The journey isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress, patience, and persistence.
Keep patching. Keep learning. Keep growing. You’ll get there.
Key Takeaways from My Journey:
✔ Motivation for Career Changers – It’s never too late to start cybersecurity.✔ Encouragement for Students & Professionals – Balancing everything is tough, but doable.✔ Reflection on Progress Over Speed – Growth isn’t about rushing; it’s about building a strong foundation.✔ Honest Struggles and Wins – If you’re doubting yourself, you’re not alone.
If I can do this—you can too.
A Final Thought: You Are Not Behind
If you, like me, feel overwhelmed—you are not alone. If you worry that you’re not moving fast enough—you are still moving.
Life isn’t a race; it’s a journey.
Celebrate every step, every moment of rest, and every small victory. You’re not behind—you’re building the foundation for a brighter tomorrow, one day at a time.
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