The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic encouraged me to learn something new, innovative and in-demand. I do not want to regret missing a golden opportunity to learn something new when I had the time and resources to do so. While working at a non-profit organization dedicated to aiding the victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault, and human trafficking, I witnessed firsthand the devastating situations that can arise when someone lacks knowledge and understanding of digital safety. Some of the victims I worked with experienced public humiliation from their abusers embarrassing them on social media or manipulating them with revenge porn by revealing their personal photos via anonymous platforms. Others were stalked through Bluetooth trackers surreptitiously placed in their vehicles. Still others had their health and safety threatened by abusers altering their doctor appointments or shutting off their utilities. Perhaps the most triggering realization was how vulnerable children are within the dark depths of apps such as TikTok, Instagram, or Snapchat, to name a few of the most popular. The majority of human sex trafficking starts with an online presence. Traffickers are continuously searching online for someone to groom, typically a child who has issues at home. It always starts with a simple conversation. The predator soon begins talking to their victim with increasing regularity. It’s a gradual process, but the overall goal is to establish trust, friendship, and eventually become their “significant partner.” Traffickers will send their victims gifts or allowances and make them feel appreciated in ways they haven’t felt before. The manipulation starts when the offenders succeed in pulling the victim away from home, either by asking for sexual favors to cover expenses or intoxicating them to keep them compliant. Working with these victims made me realize the desperate need for education that highlights the importance of Cybersecurity and digital safety. At the nonprofit I developed an educational course about online safety and electronic device security in order to educate others about these dangers. I enrolled in Hinds to learn more about Information Technology to better assist the people who do not know how to navigate the digital realm.