CS 461 Blog Post #1
Hello, everyone! I’m Brynn, a Computer Science major at OSU, specializing in Cybersecurity. Welcome to my first blog post, marking the exciting kickoff of my senior capstone project!
What Inspired My Passion for Computers
Computers have consistently been a central theme in my life. I participated in various STEM camps and clubs, eagerly enrolled in any engineering courses available at my school, and had the privilege of serving as the captain of my high school robotics team.
However, I credit video games to be the true spark of my passion for computers. The summer following sixth grade, I became completely immersed in Minecraft, driven by an obsession to host a server so I could play with my friends. After plenty of hours of troubleshooting, I successfully launched the server, and the sense of accomplishment I felt was groundbreaking. That experience firmly established my desire to pursue a career in technology. As I grew, I discovered that problem-solving emerged as one of the most rewarding aspects of my life. I became the go-to person for fixing various issues around the house and the on-call tech support for my elders. What better subject to pursue than computers, a field that presents endless challenges to tackle!
My Journey at OSU
I began my enrollment at OSU in the fall of 2018, majoring in Electrical and Computer Engineering. My freshman year was a whirlwind of new experiences, where I met incredible people and embraced campus life. However, a year later, I was struck with peculiar, debilitating health issues that compelled me to return to my home state of Minnesota. This would turn out to be the most formidable problem I have ever had to solve.
My education took a back seat as my health deteriorated to a level that frankly, convinced me I wouldn’t wake up the next morning. Soon after, the pandemic struck, further complicating matters. During this tumultuous time, I transitioned to OSU’s eCampus for Computer Science, taking a class here and there, while navigating a revolving door of dismissive doctors convinced I was merely a “sensitive, anxious young woman”.
When I first fell ill, it didn’t take me long to develop a theory behind my mysterious disposition (which, as it turned out, was correct). After spending a couple of years consulting dozens of various specialists, all ending in “-ologist,” I finally found a doctor who possessed both the expertise and the willingness to investigate my complaints further, leading to my diagnosis of three autoimmune diseases.
Since then, I have been undergoing rigorous treatment and have experienced a dramatic reversal of my symptoms. I am confident that, in the coming years, these diseases will be in remission. And now, I am thrilled to finally be entering my senior year at OSU!
Looking to the Future While Reflecting on My Past
I wish I could come on here and share a less perturbing story, but as cliche as it may sound, my journey has profoundly shaped who I am today. I feel compelled to share the lesson I learned in the hopes that it may benefit someone else. Without the tenacity I developed while working with tech, I can’t say I’d be standing here, able-bodied, and nearing the completion of my degree. My health crisis has made me profoundly grateful for my cultivated resilience and has convinced me I am unequivocally on the right career path.
I hope my future involves fewer crises, but should challenges arise, I firmly believe that determination and critical thinking can lead to solutions, no matter how daunting the problem may seem. With that in mind, I look forward to tackling the obstacles that will inevitably arise in both my educational and professional journeys, and I hope anyone reading this feels equally inspired!
