Michael Gonzalez, a first generation college student at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Okla., was named Student of the Year by the National Cybersecurity Student Association in May at the 2022 3CS Conference.
“It is an honor to be named 2022 CyberWatch Student of the Year,” Gonzalez said.
He also said that receiving this recognition is a sign of his dedication and commitment that he is developing in his professional training. He stated that he is grateful for the support from his wife and family.
The Director of Academics at EC Council presented Gonzalez a scholarship to help pay for four career-level certificates after being named Student of the Year.
The certifications are:
- Network Defense Essentials (NDE)
- Ethical Hacking Essentials (EHE)
- Digital Forensics Essentials (DFE)
- Certified Cybersecurity Technician (CCT)
Gonzalez is 50-years-old and said he struggled as a student in high school.
He battled with drug and alcohol abuse that resulted in him spending part of his senior year in a rehabilitation center.
He says he doesn't recall exactly when he started showing interest in pursuing a higher education degree, but knew he wanted to provide a better future for his wife and family.
“I have a younger nephew that looks at me and says that I am an inspiration to him,” Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez earned his associates degree in Enterprise Development in 2020 from Tulsa Community College.
He continued his studies at NSU getting a Bachelors of Science in Cybersecurity with a minor in Spanish.
Gonzalez started the NSU chapter of the NCSA because he saw the need to enhance cybersecurity students' educational and professional development through networking, collaboration, and hands-on activities. He also served as the president of the National Society of Leadership and Success at NSU.
The NCSA is the nation's largest cybersecurity association of students and is committed to helping students achieve success in the cybersecurity sector.