Student spotlight: Emma Walker
We are recognizing Emma Walker from Spokane, WA! Emma attends Spokane Falls Community College through the Running Start program, and she is pursuing a degree in Information Technology with a focus in cybersecurity. Read on to learn more about her dream job and enjoy her advice to fellow students.
What is your hometown?
Born and raised in Spokane, WA.
How did you choose SFCC?
It was one of the options I had presented to me in my junior year of high school when I did Running Start. I was there for a year and then left to go back to my high school for my senior year. I don’t regret leaving for my own sake, but I am so grateful to be back. I love a smaller campus, as I find it easier to make connections in smaller groups. It’s close to home, and it has one of the most hands-on programs I could access locally for my degree.
What is your major (or intended major)?
My degree is Information Technology with a focus in cybersecurity.
What is your dream job?
I haven’t quite figured out the exact title that I want. Something I’d hope to explore is healthcare cybersecurity. Cyberattacks on the healthcare sector have been happening more and more. It’s a field I have a lot of connection to as many of my family members have worked in healthcare.
Any clubs, activities or interests you participate in outside of class?
For the past year, I have had an amazing time running the Applied Technology club at SFCC as its VP and President. I have had the joy of getting to do multiple regional and nationwide competitions, although my favorite part has been working on projects to better help our school community along with the communities outside of our campus.
One of my main goals has been to bring more diversity into tech. On campus, I have been helping our Alliance club with their events. Off campus, one of our projects has been a cybersecurity night for one of our local Girl Scout troops. It has been lovely getting to help others as well as sharing my passion of technology with others. One of my newest adventures has been that I have been chosen as the Vice President of Academics in SFCC’s student government. I am excited for what the next year brings.
What has been the most surprising thing for you so far about college?
How much putting yourself out there can really do. I was never active in my school community in high school and never wanted to do much.
What is one piece of advice you’d like to share with fellow students?
It’s technically two things: don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, and remember that failure is not an end-all, be-all. I originally failed quite a few classes during my first year at SFCC doing Running Start. Now that I’ve come back and given it another go, things have been going much better than before.