Student Spotlight: Jesus Moll Medina
Doctoral Class of 2027
Degree:
Hometown:
Carolina, Puerto Rico
Tell us a bit about your background.
I am originally from Carolina, Puerto Rico, where I did my undergraduate studies in criminal justice. Later, I joined the U.S. Army as an IT specialist, which was a career change but I enjoyed that more. Now I’m in the Army Reserves and do IT work at an ECS company that contracts with the military. I am contracting with the Marines at Quantico as an information system security engineer. In 2023, I completed my master’s in Cybersecurity at Marymount and achieved a Security+ certification. I am also pursuing my Doctor of Science in Cybersecurity at Marymount.
What drew you to Marymount and what has your overall experience been like here?
I was drawn to Marymount mainly because of its strong Cybersecurity program and proximity to Washington, D.C., which offers ample opportunities in the IT field. I also like that it has a small, close-knit community, similar to our educational environment in Puerto Rico. Going to a smaller university has allowed me to excel in my studies as I can receive personalized attention from professors and get to know them one-on-one. My overall experience has been incredibly positive and has opened many doors throughout my professional career. The University’s emphasis on real-world applications and its diverse student body made my learning journey engaging and enriching.
What campus resources have you found most helpful?
English is not my first language, so when I arrived at the University I struggled with my courses. As a Cybersecurity graduate student, I could enroll in the English for Academic Purposes program, which provided extra support during my studies. I went to their office every week and they helped me improve my grammar, speaking and writing skills to perform better in my classes. Although learning another language can be difficult, I am grateful I had such patient and understanding instructors to help me. Now, I can do incredible things on my own and have vastly improved my communication skills.
What does it mean to you to go to a school that is a Hispanic-Serving Institution and one of the most diverse campuses in the nation?
Having a strong Hispanic community to lean on has meant a lot to me. I’ve made many friends here, both graduate and undergraduate, because we have a shared background and language. So many great organizations on campus help build that community and give Hispanic students a place to gather. Also, English is not my first language, so having people I can reach out to for help when I don’t understand or am struggling with something has helped me immensely.
How has Marymount helped you grow as a person?
Marymount has challenged me academically and encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone. Since I moved here from Puerto Rico, I do not have any family members in the area, forcing me to make new friends and connections to build community. This has helped me grow in many parts of my life, for which I am grateful. The University’s emphasis on critical thinking, problem solving and effective communication has enhanced my technical skills and contributed to my personal development. The supportive environment has boosted my confidence and prepared me for the challenges ahead.
