Cracking the Code: A Challenge That Changed How I Think by Danielle

Cracking the Code: A Challenge That Changed How I Think by Danielle - July 2026 Scholarship Essay

One academic topic that challenged me at first but ultimately strengthened my critical thinking skills was cybersecurity. As a Criminal Justice major with a growing interest in technology, I decided to pursue a minor in cybersecurity. At the beginning, I underestimated how complex the subject would be. I assumed it would mostly involve basic computer knowledge, but I quickly realized it required a completely different way of thinking—one that involved logic, strategy, and constant problem-solving.

The first time I encountered topics like encryption, network vulnerabilities, and ethical hacking, I felt overwhelmed. The terminology alone felt like learning a new language. I struggled to understand how systems could be both protected and attacked, and how small weaknesses could lead to major security breaches. Unlike other subjects where memorization could carry me far, cybersecurity forced me to actually understand the “why” behind everything.

What made it even more difficult was that there was rarely just one correct answer. In cybersecurity, multiple solutions can exist for the same problem, and each comes with its own risks and benefits. This challenged me to think deeper, analyze situations from different perspectives, and make decisions based on reasoning rather than guessing. I had to slow down and break problems into smaller parts, asking myself questions like: What is the goal? Where is the vulnerability? How would an attacker think? How can I prevent that?

Instead of giving up, I started changing my approach. I spent more time reviewing concepts, watching tutorials, and practicing hands-on exercises. I also began to embrace mistakes as part of the learning process. Each time I got something wrong, I used it as an opportunity to understand the concept more clearly. Over time, things that once confused me started to make sense.

This experience didn’t just help me improve in cybersecurity—it strengthened my overall critical thinking skills. I became more patient when facing difficult problems and more confident in my ability to work through challenges. I learned how to analyze information carefully, think logically under pressure, and consider multiple solutions before making a decision. These skills have carried over into my other classes and even into real-life situations.

Looking back, cybersecurity was one of the most challenging subjects I have faced, but it was also one of the most rewarding. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and forced me to grow mentally. More importantly, it showed me that struggling with something does not mean failure—it often means you are learning at a deeper level. That lesson is something I will carry with me throughout my academic journey and future career.