Honor Society® member
Nicole Smith
Correctional Officer at George W. Hill Correctional Facility (Geo Group, LLC)
- Cybersecurity
- Class of 2026
- Philadelphia, PA
Member since March 2025
About
At 44, I am embarking on an empowering journey back to academia, pursuing undergraduate degrees in IT and Cybersecurity, followed by a Master’s in Entertainment Business. This decision stems from a deep commitment to serve my country by contributing to federal government roles that restore integrity and address critical needs in security and justice. My life has been shaped by adversity and resilience. Having grown up in foster care after losing my mother to cirrhosis of the liver at age six, I navigated multiple homes, including two long-term foster placements, before reuniting with my father at 18. These experiences, though challenging, instilled in me a profound strength and determination to overcome obstacles.
As a survivor of domestic violence, spanning financial, physical, emotional, and mental abuse, I have rebuilt my life with purpose. I am a parent to three adult children, and while our relationships remain complex, they fuel my drive to create a legacy of impact. My international marriage to a police officer in Trinidad and Tobago brought its own trials, including navigating his mental health struggles and infidelity, which triggered my own psychotic episodes. Living with Crohn’s disease, I actively collaborate with medical professionals on trials, research, and support groups to explore treatments and advocate for breakthroughs. These personal battles have deepened my resolve to champion mental health awareness for all, professionals, trillionaires, and everyday individuals alike, recognizing that everyone needs support, regardless of status.
My professional and academic pursuits are uniquely intertwined with my passion for innovation and storytelling. I aim to blend IT, Cybersecurity, and Entertainment Business to craft groundbreaking solutions, using media to destigmatize mental health labels, promote acceptance of diagnoses and medications, and educate engagingly. Inspired by my brief tenure as a correctional officer, I aspire to leadership roles like Director of Prisons, where I can drive security reforms and integrity in the justice system. Being part of this honor society protégé group is a testament to the power of perseverance and a reminder that it’s never too late to pursue education, whether you’re 44, 60, or 80, health and determination are the only prerequisites. I am grateful for this opportunity and eager to contribute my voice to this esteemed community.
Education
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Full Sail University
Cybersecurity
2025 – Present
Honors and awards
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Honor Society
Received Invitation - March 6, 2025
Goals and interests
- Career goal
As an ambitious student pursuing an accelerated undergraduate degree in Information Technology and Cybersecurity, I am laying a strong foundation for a career dedicated to enhancing security systems and shaping impactful policies. I am set to graduate from my IT degree program in March 2026, after which I will immediately transition into my next degree to further deepen my expertise. My academic journey is driven by a passion for leveraging technology to address complex security challenges, particularly within the federal government.
My career aspirations center on a role in national security, with a specific focus on prison reform and correctional system management. Having worked briefly as a correctional officer, a role I found both challenging and rewarding, I am eager to build on this experience. My ultimate goal is to rise to a leadership position, such as the Director of Prisons at the national level, where I can influence policies that prioritize robust security measures, effective rehabilitation, and stringent consequences for criminal behavior. By combining my technical skills in cybersecurity with hands-on experience in corrections, I aim to contribute to a safer, more equitable justice system through innovative policy development and system-wide reform.- Graduate school interests
Driven by a passion for security and corrections, I am an IT and Cybersecurity student with experience as a correctional officer. I aspire to become Director of Prisons and lead reform. My pursuit of a Master's in Entertainment Business will allow me to merge technology and storytelling to create innovative solutions for security challenges.
- Outside the classroom
I am a dynamic individual with a passion for diverse experiences that stimulate both mind and body. I enjoy immersing myself in movies and documentaries that blend sci-fi, mystery, thriller, suspense, horror, romance, and comedy, as well as writing short stories and scripts to one day share my creative vision with the world. An avid water enthusiast, I thrive in swimming, beach outings, and all water sports. My adventurous side shines through motorcycle rides and travel, while my intellectual curiosity finds satisfaction in reading philosophical, esoteric, and spiritual monographs and engaging in spirited political debates. I relish amusement parks, museums, zoos, aquariums, and capturing life through photography, modeling, and cosplay. Connecting with others is a joy, whether meeting new friends, attending festivals, or discussing ideas. I also prioritize self-care, indulging in spas, beauty retreats, and personal grooming, balancing my vibrant hobbies with moments of relaxation.
Experience
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Correctional Officer
George W. Hill Correctional Facility (Geo Group, LLC)
Mar 2021 – Dec 2021
Languages
- English (US) Advanced
Additional information
Organizations
