Trusting Yourself is What Truly Matters: Linda’s Journey Toward Self-Awareness and Cybersecurity

Transitioning to a new country is never easy. For many in the diaspora, it comes with both excitement and challenges. Linda, a Kenyan in America, shares her journey with Mukurima Muriuki, detailing how she overcame obstacles to become a cybersecurity consultant and make her dream a reality.

Linda initially had plans to attend law school.

“Those who know me understand the hurdles I’ve faced in this country. I envisioned a career in civil rights or corporate law, but everything changed when I had my daughter,” she said.

While she could have balanced law school and parenting, she couldn’t afford to be unemployed and take on more debt. After carefully considering her options, she pivoted to cybersecurity compliance and policy—an unexpected, yet aligned path. In January 2022, she began researching graduate programs and was accepted to George Washington University’s School of Applied Science and Engineering. By October, she transitioned from accounting/finance to cybersecurity consulting and is now in her second semester.

Personal growth, Linda believes, requires trusting yourself.

“When I first arrived, I wanted to study law and technology. Many discouraged me, saying my accent would be a problem. They pushed me toward pharmacy. I gave it a try, but I hated it. Eventually, I found my way back to technology, and two and a half years ago, I transitioned to fintech. I’m reminded now, as I build my career in cybersecurity, how crucial it is to listen to and trust your instincts.”

Linda encourages her fellow diasporans to follow their own path, even if it means changing course. Her biggest regret is not trusting herself sooner.

Another area of growth for Linda has been learning how to handle conflict.

“I usually address conflicts directly and try to understand the other person’s perspective. Not all conflict is bad—it can strengthen relationships. Sometimes, though, I just walk away,” she explained.

Though candid with her friends, Linda admits conflict resolution is an area she’s still working on. She also describes herself as introverted, thriving in small, intimate settings rather than large crowds.

Life hasn’t been without hardship. Linda’s maternal grandmother, who raised her, passed away when Linda was just 16. The loss devastated her, as she had hoped her grandmother would recover from a coma. But alongside sorrow came joy—the birth of her daughter, whom Linda credits with changing her life in countless positive ways.

While America is often called the “land of opportunity,” Linda struggles with certain aspects of its culture, especially individualism.

“There’s an ingrained belief that everything starts and ends with you. But nothing we do is purely the result of individual efforts. Community matters. A strong community means healthier, more functional individuals. Individualism, as progressive as it seems, isn’t sustainable.”

She’s also critical of America’s “hustle culture,” which glorifies constant busyness.

“Yes, we need to work to survive, but the endless pursuit of more—more money, bigger titles—can be destructive. It’s costing us our family bonds and leading to burnout. We need to redefine success and learn to be content without sacrificing ourselves.”

Linda has faced betrayal but learned valuable lessons along the way.

“Trust is complicated. Keep trusting yourself, and others, but wisely. Sometimes you’re the victim of betrayal, but not entirely innocent. Always assess the situation objectively.”

Despite living in the U.S., Linda remains connected to Kenyan news, literature, and politics. She’s part of organizations that focus on Kenyan affairs and enjoys keeping up with the socio-political landscape back home.

Currently based in Dallas, Texas, Linda appreciates the city’s strong economy, culture, and robust Kenyan community. She enjoys the local food, art scene, and the state's friendly homeschool laws. The absence of state income tax is another plus, and she’s fortunate to have her family nearby.

However, as a parent, Linda worries about her daughter’s upbringing in a different cultural environment.

“We live in a world hyper-aware of trauma. I don’t believe it’s possible to raise a child completely free of it, but I worry about decisions I’ve made that might negatively impact her. I want to equip her with the tools to face life’s adversities and be open-minded so we can work through challenges together.”

She also worries about the lack of community-centered life in the West, where individualism dominates.

“Times are different here. I believe in the importance of a strong, safe village, but it’s harder to cultivate that in this part of the world. I worry about the loss of multi-generational communication and community support.”

Linda’s journey in the diaspora is a testament to resilience, growth, and self-awareness. Her dedication to her career and family makes her a role model not just for her daughter but for many young women from her homeland