Solo move to Tucson To Attend Pima Leads to Cybersecurity Degree

By Dina Doolen

Dianeliz So was 18 when she left her home in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, “with nothing but dreams in a suitcase” for Tucson, where she was born.

She grew up in Nogales but moved to Tucson to pursue a college education, starting at Pima. Dianeliz graduated from Pima in May with an Associate of Applied Science-Cybersecurity Degree and is transferring to University of Arizona this fall to pursue a bachelor's degree.

“Tucson went from being a new town to home,” she says. “People in Tucson have been incredible, the solidarity I have experienced with Tucson’s citizens is invaluable.”

While a full-time student at Pima, she also worked full-time as a sales rep for a cell phone company to support herself – paying rent, medical bills and living expenses for herself and her cat, Oliver – “my only company”.

“It has been the most joyful and hard process to fully depend on myself to be able to access higher education, to be the first woman in my family to earn a degree in the U.S.,” she says. “There were nights where I felt like I couldn't do it anymore, days where I didn't know if I would make it to pay rent, feeling like I was carrying the world in my shoulders.”

Dianeliz says her determination stems from her empathy for people whose lives have been ruined by cyber crime.

She is proud to have been one of the students interviewed for a story on KGUN 9, where she talked about her passion for protecting people through cybersecurity.

“My goal will always be to continue learning cybersecurity to protect my family, which is priceless for me,” she says. “Security is justice.”

She says Pima’s excellent faculty, tutors and advisors were patient, supportive and encouraging, helping her discover her capabilities.

“It has felt like I am not alone,” says Dianeliz. “The resources Pima has provided – like free tutoring, along with the incredible and wise tutors, the informative workshops I have attended multiple times, and the career fair events, as well as the support, help and words of advice from teachers that I will never forget – it has all been part of an irreplaceable experience, an experience that has marked my life.”

Dianeliz says Pima gave her a strong community, solid foundation and, most importantly, confidence in herself.

“Being able to attend to Pima has given me the opportunity of my life,” she says. “It has contributed in my growth, and built my discipline, resilience and strength.”