Destiny Mejia

Destiny Mejia was drawn to the cybersecurity field by the idea of protecting the very technology that the world relies on. As a junior at Capitol Technology University, Destiny is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity at the recommendation of her uncle, who earned his doctoral degree at Capitol Tech.

“I was always interested in science and technology, then taking a deeper dive, I realized how the world’s so dependent on technology,” Destiny said. “Why not learn how to secure the technology we use?”

For Destiny, cybersecurity is more than just a field of study; it is a way to combine problem-solving with the technical skills needed to protect our digital world.

“I think the creativity in a cybersecurity career is the most valuable aspect of the cybersecurity degree,” she stated. “Computer Networking is also something I study and learning how to network through learning is also valuable.”

As a member of Signal-9, Capitol Tech’s competitive cyber battle team, and a volunteer at the Security Operations Center (SOC), Destiny has gained hands-on experience in the field in addition to her classwork. Signal-9 is an impactful part of Capitol Tech’s cyber offerings, where students apply their skills in real-world simulations to tackle complex cybersecurity challenges.

Some of the tasks Destiny has worked on in the SOC lab include setting up and securing networks, monitoring lab databases for vulnerabilities, and assisting her fellow students with programming challenges. These are the kinds of skills that she hopes to bring into her future career in cybersecurity as well.

“What excites me about my career path is that it continues to change so I can continue to learn about cybersecurity,” Destiny said.

And since starting at Capitol Tech, one of the most rewarding aspects of her education journey has been the opportunity to give back. Destiny frequently participates in Cyber Saturdays, an initiative led by our Cyber Department, where students from local high schools and middle schools are introduced to cybersecurity through on-campus activities.

 “[I enjoy] giving advice to younger students from high and middle school to help guide what interests them in the STEM field,” Destiny said. “I think that’s very impactful on both sides, for us and them.”

Destiny is looking forward to future challenges and opportunities within cybersecurity and the overarching technology field. “Artificial intelligence is making a large change in the entire STEM world as it has the potential to think on its own.”

For prospective students considering Capitol Technology University, Destiny’s advice is clear: “Keep seeking opportunities to learn something new and make connections, make yourself known.”