Coding His Way to a Future in Cybersecurity

For Anyaris, back-to-school season means getting closer to a career he's dreamed about since he was a kid. In middle school, when most kids his age were just playing video games, Anyaris was making his own. He spent his free time writing code, making beats and trying out new projects to see what he could build. As he got older, that curiosity turned into a focus on cybersecurity, the work of protecting people and organizations from hackers.

In his junior year of high school, Anyaris took college dual-enrollment courses. When a computer broke down, he worked with his teacher to repair it, and he knew he'd found his path. "It's just the things that they do," he says of the field. "You don't see that every day."

Last September, Anyaris became homeless. He moved from place to place and still tried to keep up with school and his plans. His school saw what he was carrying and connected him with Covenant House Georgia (CHGA). A few months later, he moved into CHGA's Rights of Passage program, where young people have longer-term housing and support while they work toward independence.

A safe place to live gave Anyaris back his focus. "I am grateful that I can come back and actually be somewhere that's not on the streets," he says.

Now, instead of wondering where he'll sleep, he can spend his time on schoolwork and his career plans.

His case manager, Ms. Jackie, has been by his side through it all, offering encouragement and accountability and connecting him to resources for his next steps. At CHGA, Anyaris has also found a community of young people with goals like his own, and he's making the most of it. "It's so much opportunity at Covenant House Georgia," he says. "You just got to — got to take it."

Now 18, Anyaris is continuing his education with his eyes on a career in security operations. He also has advice for other young people facing what he faced.

“Do not try to do anything by yourself. You can ask for help."

When he describes what Covenant House means to him, he calls it "a spot of security, a spot where you can grow and build."

Growing and building is exactly what Anyaris plans to keep doing.

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Anyaris' journey is one example of what is possible with the right support. Explore Covenant House's transitional housing program to learn more.