My #UCFirstGen Story: Noah Oki, CECH ’22

Noah Oki is a student in the University of Cincinnati’s College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services, studying IT Cybersecurity and criminal justice. Noah is a pioneer in his family as a first-generation college student.

Working for the U.S. Army Cyber Command or working cybersecurity for federal law or intelligence agencies. After that, I would like to own real estate or own my own business. UC has prepared me with the co-op program, providing a plethora of opportunities and resources that lead to great experiences. For example, the chance to travel to D.C to visit the CIA, FBI, NSA and DHS, and getting a voucher by UC to obtain my Security Plus Certification.

The co-op program, hands down, has given me the ability to learn and enhance myself as an individual far beyond what coursework alone could do. The co-op program is truly amazing here at UC, allowing you to get a head start and foundation you can build on after college.

The Gen-1 Program is the foundation of the person I am today. I give all credit and owe everything I have now to the Gen-1 program. The networking opportunities and resources they have offered have helped me excel more than I could have imagined.

It gives me the motivation and happiness that I can now support and lead the next generation to success, wealth, knowledge and happiness. Now I have the opportunity and means to support my family, who struggles financially, and my sister, who has autism. It means the world knowing that I can make their lives better.