Humans of Chaffey: Anthony Velasquez
By Wayne Davis
Anthony Velasquez is a Cyber Security Major at Chaffey College. He is 19 years of age and on pace to graduate with an associate degree in the fall of 2024. His future is bright, and he is full of potential to do wonderful things in the field of Cyber Security.
The passion for working with computers started at an incredibly early age for Velasquez. “I’ve always enjoyed working with computers, even as a kid.” Playing video games, changing settings, and surfing the internet was a spark of interest in computers.
A real fascination with wanting to know how computers work gave him the motivation to learn more about computers. When asked why he chose Chaffey College, “I chose Chaffey because I know it has good programs and resources for Cyber Security.”
There was another contributing factor in Anthony’s choice. “I also chose this college because my brother also went to Chaffey a couple of years ago and ended up getting a job with his degree he earned at Chaffey College.”
Anthony has really enjoyed his time at Chaffey College. “I have been enjoying taking Cyber Security classes so far. I really enjoy what they teach, and I have been really enjoying my Cyber Security 4 class this semester. Since it's a hands-on course, I really enjoy in-person classes.”
“So far, the most enjoyable moment while attending Chaffey College is meeting new people. They all come from diverse backgrounds, and it is inspiring to hear what drives them to get their degrees."
Just the same way students may face challenges, Velasquez has faced his fair share of challenges too. “One of the challenges I have faced while attending Chaffey College was getting comfortable with being by myself. This is a challenge and a feeling many students have in common with one another".
“I was attending my freshman year of college, it was such a new experience and at the time, I did not really know anyone, I was overwhelmed.” Velasquez shared what changed his feelings alone on campus. “After meeting new people during my courses, even in the lunch area, or library, I felt better. I realized we are all trying to reach our goals here and obtain an associate degree, or a certificate.”
After earning his associate degree in the fall, he plans to transfer to Cal State San Bernardino. “I really want to get into Digital forensics in the future. I want to get a starter job in IT before going into Digital Forensics. The role I see in the future is to help people out. I want to keep people safe when working in Cybersecurity because it can turn peoples' worlds around if some sort of sensitive information gets stolen by hackers and malicious people. I want to be there to prevent that and keep people’s privacy safe."
Anthony Velasquez has a bright future ahead of him. Coupled with the education he is receiving here at Chaffey College and his motivation to serve his community as a Cybersecurity specialist, he is on his way to becoming the next future role model, for others to follow.