Pop Quiz with Tyler Dluginski ‘20

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Pop Quiz with Tyler Dluginski ‘20

"The programs are great, the people are friendly, and the commute is a lot easier with a good podcast."

Name: Tyler Dluginski

Class Year: 2020

Hometown: Rocky Point, NY

Major: Cybersecurity

Plans after graduation: I already scored a job at Backbone Consultants, an IT risk advisory firm in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Favorite class: Arabic. I previously thought learning another language was mundane back in grade school. However, once I reached college level, I recognized the significance in learning not only another language but more about another culture.

Favorite Professor: This is a difficult question to answer because all professors within the cybersecurity and criminal justice programs are top-class professionals and people. My experience in each class was unique, and if I had to pick a favorite, I’d nominate Professor Suzanne Lynch. Professor Lynch advised me throughout my internship interview process and was an excellent mentor and teacher during my courses with her.

Favorite Part of UC: Students at UC get to have a more personal learning experience than students at large universities. My typical class had around 20 students, which was smaller than my high school classes. I got to know each professor personally and learned much more in such an environment. When tackling complicated course material, having a professor who’s able to spend one-on-one time with a student is a real benefit to smaller schools like UC.

Most valuable lesson: It’s cold outside. You can always shed layers if you’re too hot but can’t add layers when your jacket’s in your dorm room.

Favorite thing to do in Utica: Hiking. Take advantage of the great spots to hike when living in Upstate New York.

Advice for a high-school senior considering UC: The programs are great, the people are friendly, and the commute is a lot easier with a good podcast.