Making resolutions for the New Year isn’t quite an unusual thing. As I write this blog, I am positive most of us are in midst of deciding our New Year’s resolutions as we embark on a new journey in 2020. I was on a similar path a year ago while welcoming 2019.

2019 was indeed a remarkable year for me. Amidst all the ups and downs, the struggles, and the victories, it also brought along plenty of learning that has not only lead to success career-wise but has enormously contributed towards my personal growth.I write this blog to my life-changing journey through 2019 and hope you love reading it too :))

The year started off with a great bang. I adhered with my endeavor of  accomplishing and acquiring  one certification every year, and in January of 2019, I started preparations for OSCE Exams. The exam is known for its grueling assessment. However, I took it on as a challenge. And by the 16^th of that same month I went ahead and registered for the exam and after 48 grueling hours, I cleared OSCE. The perfect start to the year! All my hard-work and determination had indeed paid off. I was elated but I wouldn’t settle at that. I knew that was just a start:P

Dalai lama once said –“Share your knowledge its a way to achieve immortality”. Through-out 2019, I emphasized on learning new techniques and concepts in the field of Cyber Security. I joined Null Mumbai– a Community of IT professionals encouraging shared learning, insights and knowledge in the areas of Cyber Security. This was the very first platform where I got an opportunity to deliver a Humla Workshop session on the topic of basics of custom shellcoding. Not only was I able to get a the chance to provide and conduct a great learning experience, it was super fun connecting with like-minded professionals.

Black Hat not only contributed to my learning, but it also had given me the perspective to grow above and beyond, and chase something far greater than what I was doing. I decided to shift to Singapore and immediately started looking for a Cyber-Security position. The initial process was daunting, but I was pretty certain to grab every single opportunity that came along. I started making connections on LinkedIn and within a month’s time I got the very first call for an interview. This was also during a time wherein I felt like the whole world was against me.  But, as they say- “When the going gets tough, the tough get going”– I was all committed to a singular purpose and wouldn’t budge until I achieved what I have set out to.

My hard work had paid-off when after just a couple of months of looking, I had landed quite a generous offer by an MNC and started my preparations to move to Singapore. However, before I moved, I wanted to initiate something new. Super thanks to @Vandana Verma for giving me the opportunity to conduct a workshop on buffer overflow for Infosecgirls Mumbai.

And lo and behold, before I knew it, it was already the day I was to move to Singapore. To embark on a new journey in terms of my career. I was happy, excited, and all set to learn new things and add achievements to my list. I thank my parents profoundly for believing in me and my dreams. Change is never easy, and it proved to be challenging at first instance after moving to Singapore. Besides settling into a new job, I also had to hunt for accommodation, make new friends and get used to a new life in a country I have never lived in before. After this particular move to another country, I started looking for active Cybersecurity groups that lead me to Div0.It was definitely a great learning experience. I also coordinated with Emil Tan for conducting a 4-Part workshop that helped me connect with a lot of budding professionals in the Cybersecurity domain.

When I am not hacking, I enjoy doing running and yoga and have been an active member of Pinkathon (a women fitness group). I would like to thank Sweta Samota for encouraging me to get out there and push my limits and stay pro-active when it comes to health.