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Growing up as the child of a single mother who is deaf, Daniel Smith faced numerous challenges. However, these experiences instilled in him a determination to follow his dreams.

"Life was a challenge and money was tight," Daniel says. "But it taught me the value of hard work and perseverance."

Daniel’s fascination with technology began early. He started by tinkering with and dismantling broken items, from calculators and alarm clocks to radios and discarded computers. Without a family car, he rode his bicycle six miles to and from the public library to use the computer and internet until he received a donated computer in high school.

"Managing our home computer and eventually our Wi-Fi sparked my passion for technology," he recalls. "In high school, I took IT and business-related classes to prepare for college. I jumped at the opportunity to take Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics courses."

Â鶹ÊÓƵ's accessibility via city bus provided Daniel with the best chance to continue his education after high school.

"Unfortunately, life had other plans," he admits. "After graduation, I worked towards financial stability and acquiring a reliable car. The pandemic prompted my return to school—a crucial decision for entering my chosen career field after a decade away from formal technical education."

In December 2023, Daniel earned his Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Technology from Â鶹ÊÓƵ, completing a journey spanning nearly 15 years. Then in May 2024 he completed the Secure Infrastructure Specialist Certificate at Â鶹ÊÓƵ which covers the three most-recognized entry-level IT certificates accredited by the Computing Technology Industry Association, commonly known as CompTIA: A+, Security+, and Network+.

Daniel’s educational achievements have already started to pay off. He secured a full-time IT job with Chouteau-Mazie Public Schools in May 2024.

"I am currently pursuing an associate degree in Cybersecurity at Â鶹ÊÓƵ," he shares. "My ultimate goal is to transfer to the University of Tulsa to attain a bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, a dream I’ve had since middle school."

Daniel is particularly excited about the Â鶹ÊÓƵ Cybersecurity Lab, which opened in February in 2024. He spoke at the grand opening and said, “As a hands-on learner, the simulated production environment will provide invaluable experience in safeguarding hardware and software systems against internal and external threats. I extend my deepest gratitude for this opportunity to further our hands-on training at this amazing institution."