Texas Border Business
Juggling the responsibilities of raising three young children, managing a household and pursuing an associate degree in Cybersecurity at South Texas College, Kuburat Bawa is proving that determination leads to success.
Emigrating from Nigeria eight years ago, Bawa made the Rio Grande Valley her home in 2016, where she now raises her two toddlers and 18-month-old. Embracing the community, she is building a new future for her family, with STC helping her move forward on her educational journey.
“As a married woman and mother of three, I never thought I’d be pursuing a career in cybersecurity,” said the 29-year-old. “However, life has a way of surprising us, and my curiosity about the digital world led me to discover a passion that I’m determined to turn into a successful career.”
Bawa earned a degree in Public Administration in Nigeria, but after graduating, she chose to move to the United States to be with her husband and start a family, before having the chance to pursue a career in her field.
It was only last year that she decided to restart her career, this time in a field she had always been interested in.
“One of the main reasons I chose to pursue cybersecurity was the need for a job that allowed me to work from home,” she explained. “Growing up, I was always fascinated by technology and its impact on our lives. As I got older, I began to recognize the importance of online safety and security. With the rise of cybercrimes, I saw how vulnerable individuals and organizations were to attacks.”
Committed to her family, she spends her days caring for her children and her nights immersed in her studies, knowing that the sacrifices will lead to a brighter future for them all.
“I must say that it’s been a challenging yet rewarding journey. The coursework is rigorous, but it’s helping me develop a solid foundation. I’m determined to succeed, and I’m willing to put in the hard work,” she said. “My family has been incredibly supportive, my husband and children encourage me to keep pushing forward, even when it gets tough. They believe in me, and that gives me the confidence to believe in myself.”
With only two visits to campus this year, Bawa has embraced the flexibility of online learning and discovered the convenience and support it offers. At STC, she has also found a strong, supportive community that helps keep her focused on her goals.
“Anytime I have questions, there’s always someone there to help, like the financial aid team, who were extremely supportive throughout the process. Every person I’ve spoken with has been great,” she added. “As I continue on this journey, I’m excited to learn more about the latest threats and technologies in the field. I’m looking forward to gaining practical experience through internships and hands-on projects.”
Bawa aspires to specialize in network administration and security, is interested in learning more about programming and hopes to secure a fulfilling job in the field.
“As a mother of three, I want to ensure that my children grow up in a digital world that is safe and secure. I believe that by pursuing a career in cybersecurity, I can also make a positive impact on my community,” she said. “I’m proud to be a woman in tech, and I hope to inspire others. To anyone who may be considering a career in cybersecurity, I say go for it. It’s a challenging field, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.
