My name is Skye Stubbins, and this post marks the beginning of one of the biggest transitions of my life: moving from full-time work in the Michigan Department of Corrections, where I'd served since June 2024, to becoming a full-time student again so I can finally complete my Bachelor's degree — and ultimately earn my Master's.

Where I Started

Long before I worked in corrections, I began my college journey at Baker College. I completed multiple semesters between 2013 and 2015, earning strong grades across subjects like:

  • Networking Essentials I & II — A grades
  • Linux/Unix Introduction — A
  • Database Fundamentals — A
  • Operating Systems — A
  • Psychology, Sociology, and Cultural Diversity — A's
  • World Geography, World History, Environmental Science — B/B+ range

These classes built the foundation of my interest in IT, networking, and cybersecurity — over 120 attempted credit hours with a cumulative GPA around 3.20–3.60 depending on the term.

But like many people starting out in life, I eventually had to step away from school and enter the workforce full time.

Life Happened — But So Did Growth

In 2024 I went to work full-time with MDOC. The job is intense, high-stress, and requires discipline, communication, and fast decision-making. It changed me — and in some ways hardened me — but it also reminded me what I really want long-term:

A career in cybersecurity.

Every day I worked in corrections, I knew I wanted to build something better for my future. And that means finishing what I started.

Why I'm Going Back Now

I've reached a point where I'm ready to commit 100% to completing my education. My plan:

  • Leave my full-time MDOC position
  • Return as a full-time student to finish my Bachelor's in Cyber Defense
  • Continue into a Master's program

This blog will track:

  • The transition out of corrections, and the psychological side of leaving a high-intensity job
  • Re-entering college as an adult: coursework, projects, and time management
  • GI Bill / FAFSA / benefits tracking
  • Homelab engineering — the -container lab I use to practice blue-team work
  • Career planning toward SOC and blue-team roles

I'd already completed a substantial portion of my Bachelor's coursework years ago, and seeing that transcript again reminded me:

I'm not starting over. I'm continuing.

And this time, I'm going to finish.