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Terry Bbuku is in her second year in WMU’s cybersecurity program but that wasn’t her original college plan. “My plan was to transfer somewhere bigger and further away from home after a year at WMU, but I loved my first semester and my program so much I decided to stay,” says Bbuku. “I didn’t expect to enjoy the feeling of smaller classrooms and the more intimate structure of Western, but I’ve really fell in love with it.”

In part, it is because of her professors. “My professors have been the ones that have made me push to do my best,” says Bbuku, who was motivated to succeed during her best academic experience yet—in the foundations in cybersecurity course, taught by Dr. Wassnaa Al-Mawee, instructor of computer science.

“When I was struggling, Dr. Al-Mawee would clearly explain concepts to me and make sure that everything was understood well,” says Bbuku. “She has definitely impacted me, and I hope to become as knowledgeable as she is.”

Now that she has a full year of college completed, Bbuku is ready to take on more advanced challenges of her chosen field.

“I am most excited to learn more methods for securing systems. I can’t lie I am not the best coder, but I am a good problem solver. Being given a computer issue or security issue and figuring out how to solve it is one of my biggest strengths,” she says. “I love penetration testing and giving advice, so I am excited to continue in my career field.” 

Bbuku discovered her passions for cybersecurity as a high school student in Minnesota, where she participated in Cyberpatriot, a national cybersecurity competition created by the United States Air Force. Bbuku and her team made it to the semi-finals round and “although we didn’t get to the final round, it was truly an awakening experience that pushed me to want to learn more about computer systems and protecting them,” she says.

Bbuku says that one of the challenges of cybersecurity is its growth, which means more problems and new challenges. 

“I am not afraid of those problems, but I can see I have to continue to learn more about how to combat those issues even after I get my degree.”

In addition to her keen focus on coursework and her goals, Bbuku seeks out other experiences at WMU, including the Bronco African Student Association (BASA). 

“As someone with Zambian heritage, it’s an amazing feeling to be around people of similar culture and background to me. I have become very close with a lot of members of BASA, and it has only made me embrace my culture even more than before.”

Looking ahead, Bbuku plans to complete at least two internships and participate in a semester study abroad program while working on her bachelor’s degree. 

As for career plans, Bbuku is “doing my research and keeping my eyes open.”