DEV Community: Odejayi Esther Aduraponmile

How I Started My Tech Journey Without Knowing Where to Begin*

Odejayi Esther Aduraponmile — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 20:25:10 +0000

Introduction:

Growing up, I wanted to be everything — a doctor, then a lawyer, then a Navy. But by the time I got to secondary school, I was sure I wanted to be an engineer. That was the plan from JSS1 to SS2. I was so determined: I'm going to LAUTECH and no one is changing my mind. Until things took a turn.

The Shift:

When it came time to apply for admission, I discovered LAUTECH didn’t offer Aeronautical Engineering — my dream course. I thought, no wahala, I’ll study something close to it and go abroad for it after my first degree. I looked into Mechatronics, but they weren’t offering that either.

My dad advised me to look through all the courses and pick what felt right. I went through the entire engineering list, and nothing clicked — until I saw Cybersecurity. That caught my attention. I remembered always being curious about “hacking” and tech stuff, even though I had no idea what it really involved. I chose it... blindly.

*The Wake-Up Call:I had about 5 months before I actually rounded up secondary school, but I wasn’t doing anything tech-related. No research. No skills. Just vibes. When I finally got in, I didn’t feel anything... until January,
That month, I noticed some of my classmates already coding, building stuff, and talking about tech. I was shocked. I googled what they were doing but still didn’t take it seriously — I thought maybe they were just being extra.

Then came Cysssa Week, a week for Cybersecurity students. That was when I met Paul Edward, and his talk completely inspired me. I joined the Infinite Community not long after.

Finding My Place:

That was the turning point. In the community, I heard other people's stories — their struggles, their breakthroughs, their passion. It hit me hard. I realised I was floating without direction. That moment changed everything.

I decided It’s time to find my path. It’s time to take this seriously. And since then, I’ve been on a journey of learning, growing, and building my confidence step by step.

Conclusion:

I didn’t know where to begin. I stumbled into tech without a plan. But now, I’ve found my “why” — and I’m slowly building the “how.” This is just the beginning.>
If you're just starting out or feel lost, that’s okay. Everyone’s journey looks different. What matters is showing up, staying curious, and being open to growth. You don’t need to have it all figured out — just take the first step.

Explaining the internet to a five year old

Odejayi Esther Aduraponmile — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 08:20:55 +0000

Here's an explanation of the internet that a 5-year-old can understand:

"Hey kiddo! Imagine you have a magic bookshelf that's filled with millions and millions of books. Each book has lots of information, pictures, and even videos!

"The internet is like that magic bookshelf, but instead of books, it's filled with websites. And instead of being on a shelf, it's on computers, phones, and tablets!

"When you want to find something on the internet, like a video of your favorite cartoon, you can use a special tool called a search engine. It's like a super-smart librarian that helps you find what you're looking for!

"The internet is also like a big mail system. You can send messages, pictures, and even videos to your friends and family who live far away!

"But remember, just like how you need to be careful when you're playing outside, you need to be careful when you're on the internet too. Always ask a grown-up for help, and never talk to strangers online!"

How was that? Did I explain the internet in a way that a 5-year-old could understand?

Explaining virtual reality to a five year old

Odejayi Esther Aduraponmile — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 08:19:55 +0000

Let me explain Virtual Reality (VR) to a 5-year-old:

"Hey kiddo! Imagine you're playing your favorite video game, but instead of just looking at the screen, you can actually go inside the game! That's what Virtual Reality is.

"It's like wearing a special helmet with a screen inside, and it takes you to a new world. You can see, hear, and even move around in this new world!

"Imagine you're exploring a magical kingdom, or flying through space, or even playing with dinosaurs! VR can take you on amazing adventures.

"Grown-ups are also using VR for some really cool things, like:

Practicing surgeries to help people get better
Designing new buildings and cities
Even helping people who are scared of something, like spiders or heights, to feel more brave!

"It's like having a magic window to new worlds and experiences! Who knows, maybe one day you'll create your own VR adventures!"

How was that? Did I explain VR in a way that a 5-year-old could understand?

My view on cyber security,A career or a hobby

Odejayi Esther Aduraponmile — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 14:27:47 +0000

My View on Cybersecurity as a Career or a Hobby

Cybersecurity is an essential field in today’s digital world, ensuring the protection of systems, networks, and programs from digital threats and attacks. In this writing, I will share my views on cybersecurity, both as a career and a hobby, exploring its opportunities and challenges.

Cybersecurity as a Career

A career in cybersecurity involves the responsibility of safeguarding cyber space from cyber threats. Professionals in this field must be prepared to handle complex data, analyze security risks, and respond to cyber incidents. When a security crisis arises, it is their duty to tackle it effectively.

To succeed in this profession, individuals must be comfortable working with large amounts of data and facing new challenges without feeling overwhelmed or losing sight of the bigger picture. Unfortunately, some people do not realize that failure in cybersecurity can serve as a learning experience, opening doors to greater opportunities. Instead, they may feel discouraged and give up when facing difficulties. However, perseverance is all they need to better their career .

Cybersecurity as a Hobby

For some, cybersecurity is not just a career but a fascinating hobby. Many individuals enjoy ethical hacking, penetration testing, and cybersecurity challenges in their leisure time. This passion allows them to enhance their problem-solving skills and stay updated with the latest security threats and defense mechanisms.

Those who take cybersecurity as a hobby often develop valuable skills that can later transition into professional opportunities. They engage in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions, online security courses, and real-world problem-solving scenarios. This hands-on experience helps them grow and innovate in the field.
Whether as a career or a hobby, cybersecurity is a field full of opportunities and challenges. As a career, it requires dedication, problem-solving skills, and believing in yourself,As a hobby, it provides a stimulating and rewarding experience for those passionate about digital security. No matter the approach, cybersecurity remains a crucial aspect of the modern world, and those involved in it play a vital role in keeping cyberspace safe and secure.