A letter from Feb 23, 2026

Dear FutureMe, Why are you here, Nadia? Take a moment and remember this version of yourself — the girl who stepped into the unknown with faith, courage, and a heart full of questions. You joined the ALX Africa Cybersecurity Program during your gap year in 2026, a year that did not go the way you had planned. You thought you would be walking the halls of a nursing college, wearing scrubs and preparing for a completely different future. Instead, life redirected you, and you found yourself becoming part of the ALX family. At first, it felt unexpected. Maybe even confusing. You wondered if you were in the right place. But deep down, you knew this journey was not a mistake — it was preparation. This year taught you more than cybersecurity skills. It taught you resilience when learning felt hard. It taught you discipline when motivation was low. It taught you courage when self-doubt whispered that you were not enough. You learned how to solve problems, how to think critically, and how to keep going even when things didn’t make sense at first. You discovered that growth does not always come through comfort; sometimes it comes through redirection. ALX became more than a program — it became a community. A place where you met people who dreamed big, supported each other, and reminded you that you belong in spaces you once thought were beyond you. You learned collaboration, leadership, and the power of showing up every single day. Future Nadia, if you are reading this, remember why you started: You wanted to grow.You wanted to challenge yourself.You wanted to build a future that could impact others.You wanted to prove to yourself that you are capable of more than you imagined. This journey was not just about cybersecurity; it was about discovering your strength, your adaptability, and your purpose. Even when your plans changed, God’s plan did not fail. Every late night, every challenge, every lesson shaped you into someone stronger and wiser. Never forget the courage it took to begin when you were unsure of the outcome. I hope you are still learning.I hope you are still brave enough to try new paths.I hope you are still kind, grounded, and driven by purpose. And whenever life feels uncertain again, remember 2026 — the year you trusted the process, embraced change, and grew into a new version of yourself. You are here because you did not give up. With pride and hope,Nadia (Class of 2026)