Meet Ornella: A KHA Student Passionate About Network Security and Innovation
Ornella is a twelfth-grade student at Kivu Hills Academy (KHA), specializing in networking. She was awarded an ARM scholarship and comes from a family of five siblings. KHA’s combination of physical activity and hands-on training aims to prepare her to meet labor market requirements. Currently, Ornella is deeply engaged in studying the complexities of network security and advanced networking. This school year, she is particularly excited to learn about computing and how to implement robust security measures for large-scale networks, which are crucial in today’s digital age.
One of Ornella’s favorite things she has learned at KHA is network troubleshooting. She finds the problem-solving aspect of identifying and resolving network issues both challenging and rewarding. Additionally, she has acquired skills in network design, system administration, and cybersecurity. These skills are essential for maintaining the integrity and functionality of computer networks, ensuring they run smoothly and securely, which is both applicable and possible at KHA.
Ornella’s inspiration to choose networking as her field of study came from her passion for understanding how data moves across the internet and the importance of the internet and computers, which gave her the opportunity to explore the digital world. She wanted a career that would allow her to be at the forefront of technological advancements and play a key role in protecting and sharing information, starting in her homeland of Bugesera.
After KHA, Ornella hopes to work for the best tech company in Rwanda, focusing on network security, or to start her own cybersecurity consultancy in Rutsiro, where none currently exist. Her goal is to help organizations, institutions, and schools protect their data and build resilient network infrastructures.
When she found out she would be a student at KHA, Ornella was overjoyed. She had always dreamed of studying at KHA, which felt impossible because of her poor family background, and receiving her acceptance letter felt like a significant milestone. She was eager to begin her journey and take advantage of the opportunities that KHA offers.
The culture at KHA is dynamic and inclusive. Being a student here means being part of a community of passionate and driven individuals, where everyone is given the opportunity to dream big and have hope for their future. Collaboration, idea-sharing, and mutual support are strongly encouraged, fostering personal and professional development.
The teachers at KHA are exceptional. They bring industry experience and knowledge to the classroom, making learning both practical and engaging. They are approachable, always ready to offer guidance, and committed to helping students succeed.
The KHA campus is a blend of modern infrastructure and Kivu’s natural beauty. It features state-of-the-art networking labs, smart classrooms, and collaborative spaces. The campus is surrounded by greenery and gardens, providing a peaceful atmosphere for studying and reflection.
Boneza, where KHA is located, is a charming town known for its history and vibrant culture. The best thing about Boneza is its welcoming community and the stunning landscapes that surround it. From rolling hills to Lake Kivu, it’s a beautiful place to live and explore nature.
One of the funniest stories from Ornella’s time at KHA happened during a group project. Her team was setting up a network simulation and accidentally configured the settings in a way that triggered the campus-wide alarm system. They had to quickly rectify the situation, and while it was chaotic at the moment, it became a memorable and humorous experience that they all laughed about later.
Overall, Ornella’s experience at KHA has been incredible. She has learned so much, built strong connections, and is deeply thankful to Arise Rwanda and KHA for giving her the unforgettable moments of her life. She prays that the opportunity she was given will extend to other students waiting for their scholarships to be approved. She also expresses gratitude to everyone who has played a role in her growth, both mentally and physically.
