• Hometown: Hamilton, OH
• High School: Hamilton High School
• Class: 2028
• Major: Cybersecurity and Networking

Why Miami University?

I had plenty of options on where to go for college — I had a solid GPA and ACT score that could allow me to go to any of my preferred colleges. I picked Miami specifically because of the people. Sure, the program was a big factor, but I chose this college because I recognized that if I went here, I could find a place where I belong. On my first visit, I could tell the faculty and students were earnest and welcoming. That mattered to me more than anything. College isn't just about reading textbooks and passing exams (albeit it may feel like it); it's about meeting new people. It's about growing your character and really figuring out what your "why" in life is. What are you chasing? What will keep you pushing for the rest of your life? I knew I could find those answers at Miami. It's a wonderful college and I don't regret a thing.

How did you choose your major?

I'm all about justice. I was taught to "protect the ones you love," and I've made sure to keep true to that mindset. We all get old, there's no denying that, and with age comes a mental decline, which means people, especially the elderly, are more susceptible to scams. I started watching a YouTuber named "KitBoga" who spends his days messing around with scammers and wasting their time so those scammers can't scam actual real victims. Watching his videos made me think: "What if one day someone I love ends up being scammed?" It was a scary thought, one that gave me a wake-up call. It made me realize that I wanted to dedicate my life to defending others against digital scams in a world where scammers are becoming more and more powerful. Cybersecurity isn't simply about putting up firewalls and calling it a night. It's about working towards a better future, one where people won't have to fear losing their entire savings just because they trusted the wrong person or clicked on a phishing link.

Advice to Prospective Students

​​Life moves fast. One moment, you're at the playground arguing with your friends which Fortnite skin is the best, and in the blink of an eye, you're walking onto a stage accepting your high school diploma and preparing for college. And as your final summer of high school almost ends, your thoughts start racing.

"What am I going to do in the future?"
"Is this major really what I want?"
"Will I make friends?"

Uncertainty is your biggest enemy. It made me anxious and stressed beyond belief. Don't worry. It happens to everyone, and I mean everyone, no human is perfect and has everything under control, even if they look like it. My advice for other students is to breathe. Understand that every answer doesn't have to be solved right away. You are okay. Live in the moment and don't be afraid to make mistakes, and if you do make a mistake, don't let it break you. Talking to others, I myself found out by talking to family and friends that you aren't alone in a lot of the things you worry about. Life is scary, but that doesn't mean you have to handle it alone and let your negative thoughts eat away at you. Trust the process and believe in yourself. You've got this.