Lone Star College-CyFair’s scholarship winners in the LSC Foundation’s Annual Chancellor’s Student Essay Contest are Iryna Tanasii and Zemoh Boris Nkeumboh.
Both Tanasii, from the Ukraine, and Nkeumboh, from Cameroon, who are pursuing careers in the constantly evolving fields of finance and cybersecurity, respectively - described their time at LSC-CyFair as a transformational journey that helped solidify their career goals.
“These students exemplify the dedication and hard work our students put in toward reaching their dreams,” said LSC-CyFair President Dr. Valerie Jones. “We are excited to play a role in their story and look forward to watching them grow into business leaders and cybersecurity professionals.
Tanasii said “My LSC-CyFair experience has set a strong foundation for my academic and professional success.”
She said LSC-CyFair was a supportive community where she made connections with advisors and professors and ultimately, found clarity of pursuing a dream career in finance, a field which is “essential to every industry and offers diverse opportunities.”
Faculty guidance and encouragement helped build her confidence and resilience as well as motivated her participation in activities that enhanced networking and collaboration skills, she said. LSC-CyFair also allowed her to gain experiences that aligned with her interests and provided a broader perspective on potential career paths.
“LSC-CyFair has been more than just a school - it’s been the gateway to a different chapter of my life,” Tanasii wrote in her winning essay. “My college experience has shaped my life through academic growth, personal development and professional exploration.”
The first in his family to attend college, Nkeumboh, is proud to be graduating in May with an associate degree in Cybersecurity. He plans to continue on in LSC’s Cybersecurity Bachelor of Applied Science Degree program to become a cybersecurity analyst, “a career I’m passionate about because of its importance in protecting organizations and data.”
“My time at LSC-CyFair has been a transformative period, marked by personal growth, academic achievements and the development of a clear vision for my career,” Nkeumboh wrote. “The supportive faculty, practical experiences and diverse community have all contributed to my growth and development. I am confident the foundation I have built at LSC will serve me well.”
That foundation, he said, includes being equipped with critical thinking and problem-solving skills and the importance of inclusivity and collaboration. Through the student Cybersecurity Club, he engaged in projects that fostered a sense of teamwork and camaraderie and found a platform to apply theoretical knowledge and better understand concepts. Through college internship connections, he gained hands-on experience and a sense of confidence working alongside industry professionals as witness real-world applications.
LSC-CyFair’s essay winners were among 16 scholarship recipients total from across the system recognized at the recent Chancellor’s Donor Appreciation Luncheon, where several recipients read their essays, including Nkeumboh.
Each of the essay winners received $1,000 scholarships made possible thanks to the generosity of LSC Foundation donors and supporters. For information on LSC Foundation scholarships and events, visit LoneStarCollegeFoundation.org.