Edition #10: Lessons From the Jungle

This past month tested me mentally, but staying disciplined and not giving in to doubt kept me moving forward.

🚀 Milestones & Moments: Growth & Grounding

By the time you are reading this, I will be deep in the Amazon JUNGLE!!!

I was blessed with the opportunity to be chosen to participate in Warrior Retreats’ tenth anniversary, which is also their final one. 

It’s considered a rite of passage, and it is not a typical wellness retreat. It is different. They explore leadership, purpose, and the deeper aspects of who you are and who you aspire to become. 

And to be honest, it’s hard to explain unless you experience something like this yourself, but I am thankful to be part of it.

But what makes this experience even more meaningful is that I get to share it with my dad. Getting the chance to travel overseas or anywhere in general is a blessing, and being here with him has helped both of us see things more clearly. 

There were things I did not fully understand before, and things I needed to work on within myself, especially when it comes to my relationship with him. 

This trip has given me the space to recognize that in a healthy way. Growth does not mean you were doing everything wrong. 

It just means you are willing to see yourself honestly and keep improving. I am committed to doing my part and continuing to build a stronger relationship with him.

I always cherish the sacred lands of Peru. They are holy, and every time I step on them, I get a feeling I cannot explain. You only understand it when you step foot here or in any place that carries that kind of energy.

On the career side, this month marks my one-year anniversary as a SOC analyst. It still feels unreal thinking back to the moment I landed my first cybersecurity role. 

I also joined a group called Big Stage Energy. Shout out to Jarrett Albritton and Ty Smith for building a community that is needed. The group puts you onto real opportunities by giving direct access to conferences, speaking engagements, job opportunities, and much more. It’s an investment, but well worth it.

This year came with its highs and lows, but it taught me something clear. When you keep seeking improvement, keep asking questions, and truly want to learn, you will grow.

I am grateful for everything this year brought, and I am ready for what is next.

Warrior Retreats Community Initiative

One thing I appreciate about Warrior Retreats is how much they pour back into the people of Peru. This experience has already shifted the way I think about service and what it really means to show up for others. It is not just about the inner work we do out here. It is also about giving back to the same communities that welcome us.

Every year, Warrior Retreats raises funds to support the villages in the Amazon, along with local hospitals and orphaned children across the Sacred Valley. It is impactful work that has a big impact. I have always believed in paying things forward, especially for the next generation.

If you feel called to the mission and want to support the charity initiative for this year, here is the link:

Donate to Warrior Retreats Community Initiative

Any donation, big or small, is appreciated. And even if you cannot donate, sharing the link to your network or sending support is just as impactful. 

🌍 The Youngest in Charge Playbook

I’m excited to share that The Youngest In Charge Playbook will be released later this month. I want to apologize for the delay. I had some personal things going on that pushed the timeline back a bit, but the quality and intention behind this project never changed.

This playbook is a guide to help you level up in your career, improve your health and wellness, and move toward financial freedom. It’s been in the works for months, and I’m excited to finally bring it to life.

Inside, you’ll find the same tools, strategies, and mindset that have helped me along my path.

🛡️Cybersecurity Update: UK Cyber Insurance Claims Are Skyrocketing

In cybersecurity, we must stay up to date on what is happening in the US, but as the industry grows, you also have to pay attention to what is happening around the world. 

The rise in cyber insurance claims across the UK shows how quickly threats are evolving and how much pressure companies everywhere are facing.

For more details, read the full article on Cybernews.

🔒Breach One, Teach One

This month I covered the major cyber attacks targeting the education sector, shared the tools I use to stay current in cybersecurity, and gave a real look into what specific tasks look like inside the SOC.(Security Operations Center). 

🔹J.P. Morgan Just Launched Their Biggest Anti-Fraud Campaign Ever

🔹3 Must-Have Tools to Stay on Top of Cybersecurity News & Threats

🔹Massive Data Breach at Harvard University EXPOSED

🔹How SOC Alerts Are Classified (Explained in 60 Seconds)

🔹Cyber Attack Shuts Down Entire School Network in North Carolina

If you want to keep up with my latest videos, Subscribe to My YouTube.

💪Your Health is Your Greatest Asset

One thing I have taken the time to focus on recently is hydration. Not just drinking water, but understanding what your body actually needs to stay hydrated. 

Your body needs minerals like sodium, potassium, and magnesium to hold water and use it the right way. Without them, you can still end up feeling dehydrated even if you are drinking throughout the day.

When you stay active, travel, or the weather keeps changing, your body loses these minerals faster than you realize. One simple way to get all of them at once is by using electrolytes. Just make sure you buy the ones that aren’t filled with a bunch of sugar. 

Here are healthy options that keep it clean and simple:

• Santa Cruz Paleo

• Redmond Re Lyte

❓Question of the Month

What is a lesson you learned this year that more people my age should know?

🗓️Upcoming Events

BEYA Career Day:

On December 20th at 12 PM EST, I’ll be joining other student ambassadors live on the BEYA YouTube channel for Career Day, an open conversation centered around STEM careers, student journeys, and growth in the tech space.

🔗 Watch the Live Show

Techsgiving 2025 Summit:

Techsgiving takes place December 10th-13th in Washington DC. It is a great opportunity to connect with others in tech and learn from leaders across the industry.

📚What I’m Reading This Month

I am taking time this month to organize my reading plan for the new year. I want to be intentional with the books I choose so I can take in as much solid information as possible.

If you have any book or article recommendations, reply to this email and send them my way. I’m always open to new insights!

🔹Resource Spotlight: Bitwarden

Being in tech or security means we all end up with way too many accounts to manage, whether it is for our job or even when we are applying to different roles. 

And because of that, you either have to remember the password, which does not always happen, or you rely on Google autofill, which is not the most secure option.

To make things easier, I use Bitwarden as my password manager. It keeps everything organized and secure. I also like the layout a lot. It is affordable too. They have a free option, and if you want premium, it is one dollar a month, which comes out to ten dollars annually.

Having a trusted password manager is one of the easiest ways to tighten up your security without any extra effort.

💭 A Thought to Keep in Mind

“Mother Nature is always speaking. She speaks in a language understood within the peaceful mind of the sincere observer.”

— Radhanath Swami

📩 Let’s Stay Connected

I appreciate you being part of my journey and taking the time to read this update.

If you ever no longer wish to receive my emails, please reply "remove", and I’ll take you off my list.

Thank you kindly.