Reflections from Purdy student Richard Jindal
As an avid Pardee student, I’m embarrassed to admit that I never participated in a physical event during my first two years of college. Yesterday, things changed and I officially became a legal Pardee citizen. It was my first time attending a Pardee event, and I’ve already registered for the next two.
I was surprised at how much insight and value I could gain by simply sitting and listening to a skilled (and somewhat intimidating) speaker. I also left feeling grateful for this opportunity and inspired by seeing firsthand the value of a Pardee degree.
The event I attended was part of the Global Security Series. It was called “Cracking the Code: How to Strengthen America’s Infrastructure in a Connected World,” and it was basically about cybersecurity and critical infrastructure. Jeff Greene, a BU alumnus and current deputy director of cyber security at CISA, the level-headed government agency that protects us from today’s threats, breaks down the concept of cyber security and what it means to us. . What I took away from this event was some great career advice, the value of updating your devices to make them more secure, and cybersecurity knowledge that will make you look smarter at dinner next week.
After studying foreign policy at BU, Green studied law and eventually worked in the private sector, Congress, the executive branch, and think tanks. From his extensive experience and career, he shared three key points of advice that really stuck with me.
Let’s put common sense to the forefront. People tend to separate themselves from the real world (even though university is closer to the real world, the world we live in is still mostly a bubble).
Please be kind. Building relationships is very important. For Green, his job opportunities came through his kindness and relationships. People will be kind until they no longer need to be. That’s the difference between someone who is truly kind and someone who is kind just for the sake of it.
Embrace impostor syndrome. This will help you be more prepared and willing to say “I don’t know.” Always be ready to listen.
Every time I see a friend’s Instagram hacked, a part of me worries that I could be next, sending me into a spiral of addiction to technology. It’s not just me, it’s the same for everyone. Green mentioned how we rely on technology for everything we do every day, from getting around town to turning on lights to paying bills. He explained how the current cyber threat landscape is “not pretty” as critical infrastructure is susceptible to threats. Things are becoming increasingly digital. Our most critical systems rely on technology, so if a threat or something from the outside trips the line, we can be disconnected for days. Green said the fear of cyber threats arises every time Verizon, T-Mobile or any other phone service is disconnected. But the good news is that information and communication is becoming more transparent between government and the private sector as well. The more companies disclose vulnerabilities, the more opportunities they have to improve their security.
One of the real lessons learned was the importance of regularly updating devices and apps. Personally, I’m always confused about the importance of updating my phone, laptop, apps, etc. and never update until I see a warning that says “You need to update or it’s not available” It was. However, Greene explained that updating devices and apps improves security and reduces vulnerability to attacks. As someone who doesn’t like technology and is afraid of being hacked, this event made me feel safer and responsible for taking my own security into my own hands.
This event marked the first stamp on my new Pardee passport and fueled my ambition to stamp it as enthusiastically as my real passport. I began to think of these events as more than an academic obligation. I have come to see all of these as gateways to growth, learning, and meaningful engagement with the real world, while enhancing my career prospects.
I left the event feeling intellectually stimulated, my digital habits safer, and satisfied with my free cookies. I hope that by sharing this experience, you will be inspired to take advantage of this valuable opportunity. See you at the next event!
Student Reflection: A New Chapter in My Pardee Journey: Activating my Pardee Passport
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