May 22, 2025

Education Empowers: Blandine Benjamin

Blandine Benjamin grew up in Haiti, where she built a successful life and enjoyed a long-standing career in banking. However, as violence escalated in her community, ensuring her safety became increasingly difficult. Seeking a brighter and more secure future, Blandine made the courageous decision to immigrate to the United States and pursue further education.

Returning to school wasn’t easy. After developing a physical disability that led to a ten-year gap in her career, Blandine faced significant challenges. Despite enrolling in school several times, she hesitated to begin classes. It was a heartfelt reminder from her daughter—of a promise she had made to return to school—that finally gave her the motivation to follow through.

Initially, Blandine enrolled in accounting courses, drawing on her extensive experience in the banking sector. However, after a teacher recognized her potential and encouraged her to explore cybersecurity, she shifted her focus. Blandine went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Information Systems Technology and is now excited to embark on her new career path in the tech industry.

 

Redefining the Path Forward

Blandine shared that immigrating to the United States was a pivotal decision that profoundly shaped the course of her life. Shortly after arriving, she began taking classes to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. However, during on-the-job training, she suddenly lost mobility in her right leg. The pain was debilitating, and her doctor advised her to rest and avoid prolonged periods on her feet. As a result, Blandine experienced a ten-year gap in her career before returning to school to pursue a path that better accommodated her disability. Throughout these setbacks, it was her daughter’s unwavering encouragement that motivated her to keep going and continue striving toward her goals.

Overcoming Barriers with Online Education

Due to her physical challenges, Blandine found attending in-person classes difficult. Fortunately, she was able to enroll in online courses, which allowed her to stay on track with her education. At first, the idea of completing her degree online felt intimidating—she worried she might miss out on essential hands-on training. However, with the help of Cengage’s online labs, she was able to confidently develop her skills from the comfort of her home. Blandine credits the flexibility of online learning with enabling her to successfully complete her degree.

From Intern to Industry Ready

Since completing her degree in Information Systems Technology, Blandine has held two internships where she gained valuable experience in the field. These opportunities have only deepened her passion for cybersecurity, and she has since earned several professional certifications. Blandine shares that education has given her greater freedom and flexibility, allowing her to spend more quality time with her daughter. She is deeply grateful for the opportunities that education has provided and is eager to continue growing and learning in the ever-evolving field of cybersecurity.

 

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