Passing the Finish Line

I am thrilled to announce that I have graduated from Drexel University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Cyber Security! This journey has been filled with hard work, dedication, and incredible learning experiences.

My academic path began early with my first computer as a kid. Something about taking it apart, putting it back together, exploring the Internet and programming, and downloading the occasion virus by accident, was just so interesting to me. After high school, I attended Sierra College where I earned an AS degree in Computer Science, where I developed a solid foundation and discovered my passion for cyber security. The transition to Drexel University marked the next significant step, where I was challenged and inspired by both the curriculum and the community.

Throughout my time at Drexel University, I've had the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects, collaborate with brilliant minds, and deepen my understanding of the cybersecurity landscape. This has not only equipped me with the technical skills needed but also instilled in me a sense of responsibility to protect and innovate within our digital world. In concurrence, working these past two years at both California Contractors Insurance Services and California ISO has really solidified my love and interest in this industry with the incredible people I worked with and learned from.

As we find ourselves in an era where technology's limits are constantly being pushed and redefined, I am more excited than ever to be part of this dynamic industry. The future holds immense possibilities, and I am eager to contribute to the advancements and security of our increasingly digital lives.

Thank you to my family, friends, professors, and mentors for your unwavering support. Here's to the next chapter and the exciting opportunities ahead in the ever-evolving field of cyber security! 🚀🔒

#Graduation #CyberSecurity #DrexelUniversity #TechInnovation #FutureReady

Introductions

I believe formal informal introductions are necessary: Greetings, my name is Christian Di Fede, and welcome to my own website! This website is intended to be a personal project more so to track my personal and professional developments. Currently, I have my main page being an expanded version of my resume stating my education, current and previous work, some projects I've done, and technical skills. 

At the time of writing this, I am less than a month from turning 24 years old and have lived around the greater Sacramento area mostly my whole life. I first started my path of higher education in 2017 at a local junior college named Sierra College studying Computer Science. There I learned many different programming languages, advanced mathematics, and my general education. In late 2020, feeling stuck, I decided to switch gears to study Cyber Security so I finished my AS in Computer Science in Spring 2021 and started a different path. Fall of 2021 I started my journey in the BS program of Computing Security Technology at Drexel University. Based in Philadelphia, a very well-known East Coast University was rated one of the best Cyber Security programs in the U.S. As I approach the start of my Winter quarter at the beginning of 2023, I am in the final stretch of my college journey. However, there will always be new things to learn and educate myself on for the rest of my life.

As far as work goes, I have worked in a plethora of different types of fields. Of course, we have all worked odd-ball jobs while in high school and jobs but I will give a quick run-through of my history. I started working for my Family's business at the beginning of 2015, teaching myself AutoCAD Architecture, I would help with CAD Drawings as well as set up and maintain the technology used for the business. In the summers of my high years, I would work at a glass and metal shop in West Sacramento known as IGM also applying my skills as a Draftsman. During my earlier years in college, I work in a handful of different industries such as retail and lifeguarding/swim instructing. 

It wasn't until I graduated from my junior college, with my AS in Computer Science in hand, I started to delve into jobs that were more technology-based. I started out in a few temp agencies that placed me at a few other large companies where I could gain more experience and items I can add to my resume. It wasn't till I got a year contract working for a local school district that I really got to learn the IT infrastructure under minimal supervision. I am now currently working for an insurance company while finishing up my degree and studying for some certifications!

I have many future plans for my own site and ways I can expand my reach. My current foundation I'm building is this. The blog part of my site is something I had in mind before I bought my domain and now that I finally have my first post up, I would like to continue as time goes on. I am not anything close to a journalist, nor do I think of myself as a great writer, but I was given some incredible person that starting a blog is a great to document my journey even if it's just for myself. Additionally, documenting is a huge part of the industry I'm going into so it's good to show I can handle some form of it. Outside of the blog, I'd like to create a page to show off my photography outside of social media, display some other projects I have done, and generally talk about any other topic that interests me.

This leads me to talk about my plans and goals for myself. As I approach the final months of my college career, it's easy to get caught up getting tunnel vision and moving too fast. In the next 6 months, I will achieve my Bachelor's degree and start working in the cyber security world. I have also started working on my CompTIA A+ and OSCP certifications which will hopefully put me ahead. I really want to move and work in Southern California this year and trying my hardest to make it happen. 

Here is to reaching goals and setting new ones to conquer!