Oelfke 1

Cory Oelfke

Professor Frederic Giacobazzi

English Composition I

11/2/2021

Scholar Application Essay

My name is Cory Oelfke and I am pursuing a degree in Cyber Security. I am a freshman

at Kirtland Community College on top of my existing job. I’m hoping to use what I learn from

this course to pursue a career in information technology and network systems.

The classes I’m taking now are preparing me for the type of career I want to pursue in

the future. My goal is to earn certifications for the computer courses I’m taking. After

graduating, I hope to be fully certified. Eventually I want to partake in some type of internship

where I can gain industry experience. This would be a big step for me as it would mean

expanding my horizons past my current job in retail and pursuing a career involving networking

and technical support. After the internship, I would like to work at a company as an IT support

technician to help people with their technology issues. I believe the skills I’m learning with this

degree will greatly benefit my ability live a fulfilling life by doing something I love and help

people while I do it.

Ever since I was little, I always have been interested in the subject of computers and

technology. I have always been shy, but it was very rough growing up. I had become more and

more socially withdrawn as I got older, but computers have continued to be an outlet to me.
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With technology, I was able to be comfortable and find joy while I was alone. As I entered my

late teens and early twenties, I slowly began to come out of my shell and become more

comfortable with myself. Pursuing a degree in a technology field such as Cyber Security seemed

only natural based the way I’ve viewed technology and how it’s helped me over the years.

Other than school I spend most of my time at my job at Kohls in Gaylord, or if I have free

time at home, I’m either working on projects or attempting to relax. Working at Kohls has

played a big part in my life. I first started there three years ago as a seasonal associate where I

was probably the quietest person in the store. It was a very big leap for me as it’s my first job

and especially in retail where it’s such fast paced and can sometimes be very demanding

physically and mentally. Even though it’s difficult sometimes, I’m still beholden how the

opportunity to work there has helped me grow as a person. My time there has taught me more

about social interaction. It has also helped me become less dependent on the technology I used

to hide behind. Rather, I see it as a tool to help me progress even further in life and face its

obstacles.

As a working student, it can be difficult to find the right balance between work and

school. One of the issues is funding life expenses in addition to schooling. This scholarship

would help pay for what other aid doesn’t cover. This scholarship would aid in my goal of

graduating with this degree in Cyber Security.