Jasmeen Villalobos
"The knowledge I gained and the personal growth I experienced throughout the program will stay with me. Even in an online setting, I formed genuine friendships that made the experience feel encouraging and connected."
Q: "Tell us about yourself: your family, friends, interests, and hobbies."
A: "I am a cybersecurity student with a concentration in information warfare and security management. I am also a mother, which has been one of my biggest motivations throughout my education journey. Outside of school, I enjoy creative projects, storytelling, illustration, and building my brand called Maison Juliet. I value faith, family, creativity, and growth, and I hope to build a career that allows me to make a meaningful impact while also creating a meaningful future for my family."
Q: "Describe your professional background prior to enrolling, what motivated you to pursue this degree, and your long-term career goals."
A: "I was attending nursing school before enrolling at Norwich while also balancing motherhood. I realized I was drawn to technology and wanted to better understand the systems that shape our world. Working in dispatch strengthened that interest and gave me an appreciation for how technology can support people in meaningful ways, which led me to pursue cybersecurity with a concentration in information warfare and security management. I was motivated both by the long-term opportunities the field offers and by the analytical thinking it requires. As a mother, continuing my education was also about setting an example of perseverance for my family. My long-term goal is to build a career in cybersecurity while continuing to grow my creative brand, Maison Juliet."
Q: "How have you applied what you learned in your role, and how has this degree impacted your career growth or direction?"
A: "Throughout the program, I became much more aware of how cybersecurity affects everyday people and how important awareness is in the field. One practical application has been helping friends and family better understand online safety, such as recognizing phishing scams and managing passwords. The degree has also expanded my sense of what cybersecurity can do: it is not only technical, but deeply tied to communication, problem-solving, and helping people navigate a growing digital world. The supportive community I found throughout the program made the experience even more meaningful."
Q: "What will stay with you most from your Norwich experience, and what advice would you give to prospective students?"
A: "The knowledge I gained and the personal growth I experienced throughout the program will stay with me. Even in an online setting, I formed genuine friendships that made the experience feel encouraging and connected. My advice to prospective students: be curious, and when something interests you, dig deeper on your own time. The relationships you build with peers who support one another make a real difference."
Q: "Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your experiences at Norwich or the impact of Norwich on your life?"
A: "Norwich played a meaningful role in my life during an important season, I was finishing my degree while balancing motherhood and building my creative brand, Maison Juliet, which led to events like hosting children's book readings at Barnes and Noble. The experience taught me that I do not have to choose one path. I am grateful for everything I learned and experienced during my time at Norwich."
Q: "Why did you choose Norwich University Online? What influenced your decision to pursue an online program, and which aspects of the online learning experience proved most beneficial to you?"
A: "I chose Norwich University Online because it was both academically challenging and flexible enough to fit my life as a mother and student. Norwich's reputation, particularly in cybersecurity, gave me confidence in the program. The online format allowed me to continue my education while managing other responsibilities, and one of the most valuable aspects was learning to manage my time independently while still feeling supported by my instructors and advisor."
Q: "What were your expectations before starting the program? How did your experience compare, and what aspects stood out most to you?"
A: "I expected online learning to require a great deal of independence, but I was surprised by how engaging and supportive the experience was. It still required strong time management and adaptability, especially while balancing motherhood, but it exceeded my expectations in terms of connection and challenge. The experience boosted my confidence and helped me grow as a critical thinker while keeping me motivated through difficult periods."
