At 23 years old, Samuel Ramirez is like many college students trying to find his place in the world—balancing academics, work, and personal challenges. A Cybersecurity Associate of Science (AS) student at Gulf Coast State College, Samuel is working towards a future that combines his passion for technology with his desire to help protect people in an increasingly digital world.
Originally from Orlando, Florida, Samuel’s journey to Panama City was a step toward new opportunities. “I always knew I wanted to work with computers. Growing up, I’d spend hours playing video games, and I realized that it wasn’t just about playing; I was always curious about how the systems worked and why things went wrong,” Samuel explains, his voice reflecting his genuine enthusiasm. This curiosity led him to pursue a degree in Cybersecurity, where he hopes to one day work as a security analyst or network administrator.
However, Samuel’s path has not been without its struggles. Like many students, he juggles his studies with a part-time job. Working as a bagger at Publix, Samuel spends his evenings helping customers while trying to stay on top of his coursework. “It’s tough sometimes. The days feel like the run into each other. I wake up, eat breakfast, go to class, do homework in my car, then go to work. It can be really draining to do the same thing day in and day out.” he says. Despite the challenges, Samuel remains determined to succeed, always looking ahead to the future and the career he is working toward.
Despite progressing in his academic life, Samuel faces personal battles that are hard to ignore. He is open about his struggles with mental health, particularly with ADHD and depression. “Some days, it’s really hard to stay focused. I’ll have a million thoughts in my head and can’t settle on one,” he admits. This struggle is not unfamiliar to many students, but for Samuel, it’s an ongoing battle that affects his day-to-day life. “I’ve been working on it. I’m on medication and I try to take time to focus on myself when I can.” he shares.
One of the most difficult challenges Samuel has faced recently was the loss of his grandfather. “He was like a father to me. Losing him has been hard, especially because he was always there for me when things got tough,” Samuel reflects, his voice wavering as he recalls the bond they shared. The grief still lingers, but Samuel is learning to cope, finding solace in small moments and memories. “I try to think about the good times we had. I know he’d be proud of me for sticking with school and working hard.”
Samuel’s love for video games remains one of the few constants in his life, offering him an escape from the stress and anxiety that can accompany both school and personal difficulties. “Gaming has always been a way to relax for me. It’s a way to clear my head after a tough day, and it reminds me that there’s always something to look forward to.” he says with a smile.
As Samuel moves forward in his studies, his journey is one of balance between his passions, work, and personal challenges. Despite his struggles, Samuel’s determination to succeed in both his academic and personal life shines through. And with each step, he is learning that much like in the world of cybersecurity, resilience and adaptability are the keys to overcoming obstacles.
Watch a clip from his interview!
Makayla Pabalan
Student Writer - Spring 2022
