The Chance That Changed My Path

by Siddartha Shakya, Last Mile Recipient

Surviving, Not Dreaming: Growing Up Without a Clear Path
I am a first-generation student raised in a low-income household, where college didn’t feel like an option—it felt like a burden we simply couldn’t afford. Every time I thought about the cost of higher education, I felt anxious. I knew my family didn’t have that kind of money, and I was already helping them stay afloat.

Because of that, I convinced myself college wasn’t meant for me. I avoided it completely. I didn’t study for the SAT, didn’t apply anywhere, and didn’t allow myself to dream too far ahead. When people asked what I wanted to do with my life, I never had an answer. I would just shrug and say, “Wherever life takes me.”

My life felt uncertain and unstructured. I was working multiple jobs, trying to save money while helping my parents pay bills. I didn’t understand finances, didn’t know how to prepare for college, and didn’t even have my own laptop to study with. The idea of taking out loans scared me; I wasn’t ready to go into debt for something I didn’t fully understand. At that point, I wasn’t just lost—I was surviving.

The Turning Point: Choosing a Future in Cybersecurity
After high school, I took two gap years. During that time, I worked nonstop, saving every dollar I could. But over time, I started to feel stuck. Every job felt the same—once I learned it, it became repetitive, and there was no growth. I felt like I was running in place, trapped in a cycle I couldn’t break.

That’s when something shifted. In the summer of 2023, I made a decision that changed everything: I was going to pursue higher education. But this time, I needed a purpose. I reflected on my life and realized something important: growing up, I was always the person my family turned to for help with technology. I protected them from scams, fake emails, and online threats.

Without realizing it, I had already been acting as a line of defense. That realization led me to cybersecurity. It felt right. It gave me purpose. I wasn’t just learning tech—I was learning how to protect people like my family. And in a field that’s always evolving, I knew I would never stop growing.

Once I knew my path, I searched for an affordable college and found Northern Virginia Community College. The moment I read about their programs, I felt hope for the first time. I enrolled in the Applied Science degree with a concentration in cybersecurity because it offered hands-on learning, labs, real-world projects, and practical skills. That’s exactly how I learn best. For the first time in my life, I wasn’t just working—I was building something.

Tested by Challenges, Defined by Persistence
The biggest challenge was financial. Even after saving money, I quickly realized I hadn’t planned for everything: student fees, gas, food, parking, and car maintenance. The costs added up quickly. So I worked every weekend while being a full-time student during the week, picking up shifts whenever I could. It wasn’t easy. I gave up my weekends and missed time with friends and family. There were days when I used my work breaks not to eat, but to study or finish assignments. I thought about working less, but I needed to afford my education and help my parents with bills—so quitting was never an option.

There were moments of exhaustion, moments when I questioned if I could keep going—but I didn’t stop. Instead, I adapted. I built discipline and improved my time management. I cut out distractions and focused on what truly mattered. Slowly, I found my rhythm. I began balancing work, school, and personal growth. That’s when things started to change.

I started working on cybersecurity projects, getting involved in campus clubs, and truly investing in my future. What once felt overwhelming became something I could handle—and even grow from.

An Opportunity I Never Saw Coming
I was introduced to Last Mile during a difficult moment. I had missed an assignment because I worked two double shifts over the weekend. When I spoke to my professor, I asked if I could submit it late with a penalty. He agreed but asked why I was working so much. So, I told him everything.

I shared my story—being a first-generation student, supporting my family, and working just to afford school. After listening, he asked a simple question: “Have you applied to Last Mile Education Fund?” I hadn’t even heard of it. Right there, we sat down and applied together. A few days later, I got the email—I had been awarded funding. I remember jumping up and celebrating. I was in disbelief. I didn’t think I deserved it, and I never expected that kind of support. But that moment changed everything.

More Than Support: A Lifeline at the Right Time
That support came at exactly the right time. My car needed urgent repairs—my front axles were failing—and without fixing them, I wouldn’t have been able to commute to school. At the same time, I needed study materials for my CompTIA Security+ certification. Last Mile Education Fund helped me do both.

It relieved a huge weight off my shoulders. I was able to fix my car, stay consistent in school, and invest in the resources I needed to succeed academically. Because of that support, I passed my Security+ exam on my first attempt. Without it, I might have failed my car inspection, missed classes, and fallen behind in my certification goals. That moment reminded me that sometimes, all someone needs is a small opportunity to keep going. I was so grateful that I later participated in the Mile Madness Fundraiser to give back and support others like me.

The Next Chapter: Growth, Service, and Opportunity
Today, I am a transfer student at George Mason University, pursuing my bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity and considering a master’s in the future. I now work two on-campus jobs aligned with my purpose: first, as a Student Assistant in the Office of Outreach, Student Success, and Engagement, where I help create a welcoming environment by providing resources like snacks, professional clothing, and study spaces; and second, as a Financial Well-Being Mentor, where I guide high school students and freshmen through financial topics like FAFSA, budgeting, credit, scholarships, and loans.

These roles mean a lot to me because I see myself in the students I help. I know what it feels like to be uncertain, overwhelmed, and financially stressed—and now I get to be someone who helps others navigate that path.

Outside of work, I spend my weekends volunteering, working on cybersecurity projects with peers, and applying for internships. I’ve already had a few interviews and am patiently waiting for the right opportunity to launch my professional journey. More than anything, I’m proud of how far I’ve come. I went from feeling lost and stuck to building a future with purpose. And this is only the beginning. I may not have much, but I will always lend a helping hand to whoever needs it.