Why did you initially decide to become a Peacock?
I began my college journey by going to school out-of-state. It was a rocky start that presented me with several challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic began midway through my freshman year, which further added to the difficulties I was facing. I came back home and studied virtually for the entirety of my sophomore year. While home, I began to feel a need to stay. I felt that I needed a new place to do so much more than to just go to class. I wanted a fresh start, an environment that would allow me to make an impact and a place that would hone my abilities. After one visit to the campus, I knew that Saint Peter’s was that place. I decided to transfer at the start of my junior year, which worked to my advantage, since it was the first year the University was back in person after the pandemic.
How was the transition from undergraduate to graduate student?
Transitioning from undergraduate to graduate was quite challenging. First, I’d never taken a class in the evening, especially with a full-time job. Although it took some adjusting, it was not as hefty because the environment was the same. I did enjoy the flexibility that came with it and the fact that the classes were more singularly focused.
What graduate program did you select at SPU and what inspired that choice?
I decided to pursue a master’s degree in cybersecurity for two reasons. First, I had been a victim of a hacking incident on my social media. I had no clue how someone was able to access my social media account as it was private. This sparked an interest in finding out how it was done. Second, and most importantly, I was inspired after taking a class/internship during my undergraduate degree with Dr. Suman Kalia called Cyber Crimes. This class gave me more insight and in-depth information about what specifically cyber crimes are and how they are carried out. After that class, my passion grew and I knew that this is what I wanted to pursue.
Was there a moment for you that truly cemented that this is the place you were meant to be?
Aside from the campus visit prior to transferring, I would say the moment that I felt I was meant to be here was during the March Madness run in 2022. The unity among not only the students, but literally the entire city of Jersey City was nothing like I’d ever seen. Being a part of the school as a Jersey City native, especially after experiencing some months away out-of-state, there was no better feeling than to see the whole country recognize my school and city. The atmosphere was beyond description. Neighbors, friends and families flooded the campus and the streets in jubilation. Witnessing our team beat the big teams when all odds were against us was truly special. I felt right at home and as though I belonged. That’s a memory that will never fade.
As a 2026 graduate, what are your plans for after you receive your Master’s and how did Saint Peter’s prepare you for that? Is it the path you expected? If it wasn’t, how did the skills you gained at Saint Peter’s help you figure out your new direction?
Upon graduating, I will be working at Brown Brothers Harriman as a Security Admin Analyst. Saint Peter’s equipped me with the tools to ensure that I am ready to take on a role such as the one I’ll be stepping into, providing me with the resources to grow my skillset and to create opportunities for myself to do so. My first job out of college was as the Global Learning Coordinator at Saint Peter’s and that too contributed to my readiness for this position.
I would say that this was never the path I expected, but the destination I’d been preparing for. I do think that God takes you through seasons of refinement in order to be ready for the big thing ahead. Even with a goal set, you can never predict the path to get there. But the path will prepare you for it. My professors and former colleagues all provided me with opportunities to grow into who I’ve become.
What advice do you have for any incoming freshman or new students at Saint Peter’s?
My advice to incoming freshmen or new students would be to seek mentorship, build relationships and network early. Do not wait until you are a senior to think about what you want to do afterwards. Have a plan between now and graduation. If you don’t know what you want to do, build relationships especially with people who are where you may desire to be one day, talk to them and ask several questions so that you have an idea about whether or not you would want to follow that path. They can point you to the right person if their path isn’t for you. You are not going to college just to take classes and graduate. College should be a place to leverage the resources provided so that you can get ahead. This includes professors, peers, fairs, etc. There are several opportunities for you to meet people who can potentially help you when you least expect it. Go to the fairs and show up for events. That is where you meet people. My successes have come from the relationships I’ve built so invest in relationships and do so early.