My academic journey as an immigrant mom

2024 will be the only year since 2013 where I won’t be in a formal school.

That’s 10 years!

I was in school since few months after I arrived in the US from Ethiopia in 2013. New immigrant knowing almost no one in a new country - actually 7 months pregnant with a 3 year old.

Starting at a local community college ventured into a field I absolutely have no background. No math or computing concepts. I came from the legal field.

Still remember the day I took college placement test with a newborn, i had to take bathroom breaks but only to to nurse the baby)

Fast forward to now ... I earned

• AS in computer programming 2016

• BS in computer science 2018

• Masters in cybersecurity 2023, First Generation!

While raising 4 kids, publishing 3 children’s books, Preparing for a TEDx talk, creating a LinkedIn learning course etc

Main Priority goal for the new year, 2024

• Getting more no guilt naps -> long overdue with all the 4 kids.

• Getting my low ferritin (iron) levels up - poor me getting fatigued & blaming me for being lazy.

• Reading some fun books (ok my kids graphics novels- you know those series).
  

Yes it’s is a goal to prioritize to listen to your body, mind & soul.

Normalize

• Saying no to things that don’t serve your purpose

• Taking more breaks

• Give grace to self

• Protecting your peace at any cost

• Do more of what makes you happy & filling your cup

• Enjoying the process & embracing the journey to a goal

• The patience to not always seek for shortcuts

Ok that’s all

Thank you for reading!

Check out my children's books on cybersecurity careers and online safety. As well as my first TEDx talk on Hack-Proofing Childhood: Ensuring our children's online safety.

Learn more about me & my career and connect with me on Linkedin.