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.
CHILDREN'S BOOK
Zinet Kemal
12/30/20231 min read
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.