The Hamza Sisters: Finding Their Calling in Cybersecurity at Collin College

Zahraa Hamza, Baneen Hamza, and Hawraa Hamza – three sisters who did not plan on becoming cybersecurity defenders – found their paths redirected by Collin College's Bachelor of Applied Technology (BAT) in Cybersecurity program.

Zahraa, the eldest, graduated from the program in May 2023, earning her degree in just three years, a full year ahead of the typical program. Her twin sisters, Baneen and Hawraa, are likewise excelling in their studies and are set to graduate in May 2025, also completing the program a year early.

Collin College's innovative Cybersecurity BAT program, launched in 2021, equips students with the skills to identify vulnerabilities, tackle threats, and safeguard computer networks and information systems. This prepares graduates for diverse and rewarding careers across government agencies and various industries.

Zahraa's initial plan involved a two-year stint at Collin College to earn an associate degree before transferring to a university, likely for a business degree. However, while still a senior at Plano West High School, a career counselor's presentation about the new cybersecurity program at Collin College sparked a newfound interest in Zahraa.

"I wasn't sure at first," Zahraa admits, "but when I registered for classes, I remembered the counselor's talk and the exciting possibilities in cybersecurity."

While Zahraa initially considered transferring, the program's depth and practical applications captivated her, leading her to stay. She thrived in the program, excelling in her coursework. One of her many achievements included being selected among the top 10% of undergraduate student abstracts to represent Collin College at the prestigious 87th Annual Mississippi Academy of Sciences Symposium.

Zahraa's passion and accomplishments in cybersecurity inspired her twin sisters.

"We knew we wanted to go into the technical field because of technology's rapid growth," Hawraa explains. "Through Zahraa’s studies and work, we saw the broad scope of the cybersecurity program, encompassing cloud computing, networking, programming, and more. It offered a strong foundation for various technical specializations."

The sisters agree that studying together has been incredibly beneficial. They rely on Zahraa's experience for class-specific advice while also supporting each other through challenges.

"We definitely learn more through each other," Baneen said.

Each sister gravitates toward a different cybersecurity specialty. Zahraa is drawn to cloud security, while Baneen finds network security fascinating, and Hawraa is captivated by digital forensics and cybercrime.

Hawraa appreciates the program's supportive environment, highlighting the camaraderie among classmates and professors.

"Everyone is willing to help," she said, "so even if I couldn't reach my sisters, I knew I had a network of support."

Zahraa takes pride in influencing her sisters' academic journeys.

"Initially, I was very hands-on," she admits, "but I learned to step back and let them explore, knowing they could always come to me."

The sisters also praise Collin College's affordability and practical learning approach.

"The education here is so much more hands-on and collaborative," Baneen said. "We're not sure if we would have received the same level of education and experience elsewhere. Plus, it's incredibly affordable, setting us up for success after graduation."

Through this experience, their sisterly bond has grown even stronger. They jokingly acknowledge learning to argue more effectively, recognizing the importance of problem-solving within their close relationship.

They dream of one day collaborating professionally, perhaps even co-founding a cybersecurity company – the possibilities are endless, they said.

Collin College's BAT in Cybersecurity program fosters not only technical expertise but also a supportive learning environment. The Hamza sisters' story exemplifies the program's power to inspire and empower students, forging strong bonds along the way.

       

Learn more about the program at Collin College, visit www.collin.edu/academics/programs/2024-2025/cybersecurity-BAT-Cybersecurity.html.