The Purpose Behind the Journey

Have you ever felt like you’ve learned everything you can in a job, but something’s still missing? That was me in custom cabinet design. I loved solving problems with CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and even wrote code to automate parts of the process, but the challenge had faded, and so had my passion.

At the same time, my cousin started a cybersecurity degree program, and our conversations sparked something in me. Cybersecurity gave me what I was missing: endless learning, curiosity, and the thrill of solving puzzles with real-world stakes—all while building a future for my family.

Once I started exploring, I was hooked—it was the challenge I didn’t know I needed. That spark has grown into a career and a passion that drives me every day.

Solving Problems That Truly Matter

Cybersecurity offered exactly what I was missing: creativity, constant learning, and the thrill of solving problems that matter. It’s challenging, but that’s what makes it so rewarding.

The stakes couldn’t be higher. From protecting my family against phishing scams to helping others secure their passwords (seriously, sticky notes are not a vault!), this work matters. It’s more than a career—it’s a way to build a future for myself while inspiring the next generation, starting with my own kids.

Turning Ideas into Action

I never saw myself as a writer. When I started brittwhite.io, I didn’t know what it would become—I just knew I needed a place to grow. The idea came to me during the TCM Security Soft Skills course when Zach Hill gave me the nudge I didn't realize I needed.

So, I bought the domain, set up the site, and… promptly abandoned it like an untouched side project. I knew if I didn't act in that moment, the idea would stay just that—an idea. For six months, brittwhite.io existed as a shell, housing just one hidden blog post I wrote in May—a personal easter egg for anyone curious enough to find it.

Now, it's my creative playground. It’s where I improve my written communication skills, share what I’ve learned, and connect with others. My goal? To help people, even if it’s just one. If one reader feels inspired to take their next step, that’s a win in my book.

The Ripple Effect of Giving Back

Community is at the heart of everything I do—personally and professionally. When I see a need, I jump in to help—it’s both a blessing and a curse. I volunteer locally, mentor others working hard to break in, and contribute to the cybersecurity field wherever I can.

Keeping an open mind has been key to my journey. I never set out to work in GRC—my dream was penetration testing. But through the friendships I built, I discovered a career path I hadn’t even considered, and it’s turned out to be exactly where I belong. That’s why helping others matters—it shows the power of community to open doors you never knew existed.

Helping others keeps me grounded and reminds me why I started this journey. It’s not just about building a career; it’s about giving back and creating a ripple effect of growth and support. If we want to see change in the world, we've got to kick-start it ourselves—because last I checked, superheroes aren't on call.

Pushing Past Comfort

Let's get real. Blogging? Outside my comfort zone. Public speaking? Even more so. But growth doesn’t happen in the shadows. It happens when you step out into the light and push beyond what feels safe.

That’s why I’ve set a goal to challenge myself with giving talks—online and in person. It's a skill I know will push me to grow and connect with others on a deeper level. Is the idea scary? Absolutely. But I know that every step I take outside my comfort zone builds confidence and resilience. That’s what brittwhite.io is all about—stepping out, showing up, and learning every step of the way.

Winning with Progress

For me, success with my blog isn’t about likes or followers. It’s about consistency. Showing up, week after week, even when life gets busy. It’s about hearing from readers who say, “Your blog inspired me.”

My biggest motivator? My teenager. He reads every blog and always asks, "When's the next one?" Knowing he’s watching keeps me accountable, inspired, and reminded of why I’m doing this.

To stay ahead of writer’s block, I keep a running list of blog ideas. Anytime inspiration strikes, I start a draft. When it’s time to write, I just pick one and go. No blank-page panic—just steady progress.

Progress equals progress. No matter how small, every step forward is a victory because it’s one step ahead of where you were yesterday. It’s a simple truth, but it’s one that helps me keep one foot in front of the other.

The Power of Your Why

Every journey starts with a “why.” Mine is simple: to grow, to give back, and to inspire others to do the same.

Your “why” might look different, and that’s okay. What matters is understanding it and letting it guide you. Because when you hit those inevitable roadblocks—the failed exams, the rejection emails, the days when everything feels harder than it should—you need something to remind you why you started and why it's always worth fighting through the setbacks along the way.

Your Why Matters

I wouldn’t be where I am today without my community: my family, mentors, and friendships I’ve built along the way. Every step I’ve taken has been shaped by the people I’ve met and the lessons they’ve shared. At the core of it all is my “why.” It’s what drives me to keep going when things get tough and reminds me why this work matters.

What’s your why? If you know it, hold onto it. Let it guide you through the challenges. If you’re still searching, start by asking: what inspires you, and what kind of impact do you want to make?

This blog isn’t just for me—it’s for you, too. My hope is that my story inspires you to reflect on your own journey and take that next step toward the life you’re working to build. Your why is waiting—go find it.