March Alumni Spotlight: Thahur Ahmed (Silver Spring Community Program)

This month’s spotlight features Thahur Ahmed, Alumnus from our Silver Spring Community Program.

Thahur graduated from Montgomery College in 2018 with an associate degree in Cybersecurity and is currently studying at the University of Maryland Global Campus, pursuing his bachelor’s degree in Computer Networks Cybersecurity. Thahur works for the National Governors Association, covering different areas such as the organization’s network, cybersecurity, and technical matters.

We spoke to Thahur and here is what he had to say: 

“I was 11 or 12 when I moved to the U.S from Bangladesh and didn’t speak English at all. I did know a couple of words, like “chair” and “apple,” but the transition of learning a new language and culture while trying to fit in was hard. And then, on top of that, being bullied about the way I dressed or spoke added to those challenges. Things got easier as I continued with school and made new friends. I found my own support system! I think one of my biggest supporters was Austin Morris (LP Program Officer at the Silver Spring Community Program). Without her support, I would not have ended up going the direction that I did, and will always be grateful to her and for the existence of Liberty’s Promise. 

One area that LP helped me on was to become outspoken. I remember being afraid of speaking in front of a large audience and at LP I had many opportunities to speak in front of others. I also learned that it was okay to admit you are struggling and ask for help. Recently, I did a cyber presentation in front of 25 governors with more than 1,000 people in the audience and would have never thought I would be able to do that. Looking back, I attribute this confidence to the experiences I gained at LP. 

Some personal highlights are that I am a proud single parent of daughters and recently purchased a home. Professionally, I am proud of working at the National Governors Association, working alongside awesome people. I really love and enjoy what I do for work and I see this as my greatest achievement. 

Although I do not have a 4-year degree, I want to encourage younger alumni who are interested in the Cybersecurity field to use an Associate's degree and earn certifications. For example, an Associate's degree and the “Security Plus” certification opened many opportunities. I also want to encourage them to seek internship opportunities because it will get your foot in the door and you will gain experiences that you do not learn in a classroom. Plus, a degree alone does not guarantee a job after graduation.

My advice to younger youth and alumni is to believe in yourself and never give up. When you are struggling, think about the resources you already have access to that can help you. Then, you shall find yourself standing tall and accomplished."