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Hello, everyone! My name is Akshat Dharmesh Patel, an Indian guy who’s recently adopted the nickname “AK” after realizing how tricky my full name can be for my American friends to pronounce. Currently, I’m pursuing my master’s in cybersecurity at the University of Maryland, College Park, and what a journey it’s been! Full of surprises, challenges, and growth, I’m here to share some of my experiences with you.

Lost in Translation: My First Steps in the U.S.

When I first landed in the U.S., everything felt overwhelming — the culture, the people, and even the day-to-day conversations. Being an introvert, I’ve always found it challenging to strike up random conversations. Interviews, for instance, are a nightmare for me. The idea of sitting on a Zoom call, with someone scrutinizing every word I say, terrifies me. But that’s life, isn’t it? It’s about confronting discomfort and finding a way through.

Adding to this, online meetings have always been tricky for me. I rely a lot on gestures to communicate effectively, which is difficult in virtual settings. Despite these challenges, I’m learning to adapt and improve, little by little.

Homecoming: A Time to Recharge

After a year and a half away, I’m finally home in India with my parents. These moments are priceless. While I enjoy my time in the U.S., it can get lonely. Here, surrounded by family and childhood friends, I feel a deep sense of belonging.

This trip is brief — just 26 days — and as I write this, my return flight is only a few days away. Before flying home, I jotted down a plan on an A4-sized sheet of paper, outlining all the tasks I needed to complete during this visit. While I didn’t get to everything, I accomplished enough to feel content.

Family, Dreams, and Reality Checks

During this visit, my primary goal was simple: make my parents happy, stay humble, and help people in any way I could. Seeing my parents aging gracefully yet still working hard inspires me. My dream has always been to provide my father with an early, peaceful retirement. Unfortunately, I couldn’t fulfill that dream, as he’ll retire next year upon reaching the age limit. Nevertheless, I’m determined to keep working toward my other dream: helping as many people as possible — whether through money, food, or material support. There’s no greater joy than knowing you’ve made someone’s day better.

Turning Setbacks Into Comebacks

Back in the U.S., my first semester was rough. I’d never lived so far from home, and the absence of an on-campus job added financial stress. But with persistence, I turned things around, securing a 4.0 GPA in both my second and third semesters (let’s not talk about the first one!).

This spring, I’ve been promoted to lead TA, working directly with Dean Dr. Keith Marzullo — a fantastic opportunity I owe to hard work, my parents’ unwavering support, and God’s blessings. Still, the loneliness persists. While I’ve tried to make friends in the U.S., I’ve found that relationships often feel transactional. Over time, I’ve learned to embrace solitude and focus on self-improvement.

Building a Roadmap

Looking ahead, I’ve outlined a plan to enhance my skills and prepare for interviews. I’m targeting roles like SOC Analyst I, Junior Information Security Analyst, Junior Penetration Tester, and Cybersecurity Analyst. With my graduation scheduled for May 2025, I’m diving deep into certifications and tools like SIEM, EDR, and AI in cybersecurity. Winning a premium subscription to TryHackMe has been a bonus, and I’m using it to tackle practical challenges and sharpen my expertise.

Nostalgia

Before I wrap up, let me share a heartwarming story. I recently reconnected with a school friend I’ve known for nearly eight years. Though we don’t talk regularly, when we met, it felt like no time had passed. We even reminisced about sharing a single Amul Pro chocolate milk because that’s all we could afford back then. Moments like these remind me how far I’ve come and how precious life’s simple joys are.

A Commitment to Growth

As I prepare to leave home again, I’m making a promise to myself: eat simple, stay active, and study hard. I’ll channel my frustrations into productive energy and strive to become the best version of myself. Life is beautiful, and I’m incredibly thankful for all the experiences, good and bad, that have shaped me.

A Final Note

To anyone reading this, thank you for your time. I know it’s a bit vulnerable, but I hope my journey resonates with you in some way. If you have opportunities where I can contribute and grow, please reach out — especially if you’re a small firm. I’m willing to work without compensation and promise my full dedication to delivering results.

Here’s to a brighter future for all of us. Stay kind, stay curious, and never stop growing.

My portfolio Website: https://akshatpatel64.github.io/
My LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akshat-patel64

Yours,
Akshat D Patel (AK)🌻