This is a guest post written by Maeve from Virginia. She became a Scholar in the National Cyber Scholarship Competition by playing CyberStart America, CyberPatriot, and picoCTF.

“I know that the skills I have learned thus far in cybersecurity, and the ones I will learn in the future, are skills that I will use forever.”

We caught up with Maeve to find out how CyberStart America helped her become a National Cyber Scholarship (NCS) Scholar, and her plans for the future.

How would you describe your experience of the National Cyber Scholarship Competition?

The National Cyber Scholarship Competition was incredible. The challenges were definitely tough, but that is what I love about cybersecurity. I learned so much through the hard challenges and had the best time solving them. I can’t wait for next year’s program to start!

How did you feel about becoming a Finalist in the Competition?

I am extremely grateful and so happy to become a Finalist in the competition. The NCS Competition has provided not only amazing learning opportunities but also offers so many incredible prizes. I feel so honored to be selected as one of the top competitors. I am so thankful for everyone that has helped and encouraged me along the way. The National Cyber Scholarship Competition was one of the most difficult, yet rewarding, things I have ever done. Thank you so much for creating this program!

“The NCS competition has provided not only amazing learning opportunities, but offers so many incredible prizes.”

How did you prepare for the National Cyber Scholarship Competition?

CyberStart America was ultimately the program that helped me prepare the most. I participated in CyberPatriot and picoCTF; however, I felt like CyberStart America was more fun and educational than the other programs. CyberStart America also encouraged me to research on my own, where I learned many skills as well.

Before participating in the National Cyber Scholarship Competition, were you considering a career in cybersecurity?

I never even considered cybersecurity as a career or a field of study prior to the National Cyber Scholarship Competition/CyberStart America. CyberStart drew me into the field, and I realized I had a passion and a strength for problem-solving and cyber. This program has been tremendous for me, and now that I am involved in it, I can’t imagine not participating.

“CyberStart is what drew me into the field and I realized I had a passion and a strength for problem solving and cyber.”

Since participating in the National Cyber Scholarship Competition, are you now considering a career in cybersecurity?

Since participating in the National Cyber Scholarship Competition, I am now more interested in pursuing cybersecurity in college. However, my career goals focus on going to medical school and becoming a doctor. Even though becoming a doctor is my ultimate goal, I know that the skills I have learned thus far in cybersecurity and the ones I will learn in the future, are skills that I will use forever.

Do you have plans to continue your cybersecurity studies?

I definitely want to continue my cybersecurity studies in college. I am not sure what that means for me yet, but I know that I will incorporate cybersecurity into my future academics. I am not sure where I would like to go to college, but some of the schools I am considering include the University of Dayton, the University of Notre Dame, Villanova University, Vanderbilt University, and Duke University.

“Becoming a Finalist is so special to me because I entered this competition with zero knowledge on cybersecurity.“

Are you ready to take on the National Cyber Scholarship Competition challenges like Maeve? You can sign up for free training via CyberStart America here.