Emmanuel Taveras ’24: With Time, Things Reveal Themselves

Emmanuel Taveras ’24 of Bronx, N.Y., is a cybersecurity major. Emmanuel is also one the many Le Moyne students who are among the first members of their families to attend college. We are proud to share some of their stories.

Why did you choose Le Moyne?

“I chose Le Moyne because its Higher Education Opportunity Program allowed me to take my education to the next level. HEOP gives students from underrepresented and underserved communities the opportunity to excel in college without dealing with the financial burden it imposes on millions of students.”

How do you hope to grow and change over your time at Le Moyne?

“During my time at Le Moyne, I want to continue learning and strengthening my soft skills to be better equipped for the real world. Also, understand that I have limits and know when to fall back and recharge.”

What are your plans for the future, and how do you define success, both personally and professionally? 

“My plan for the future is to be a cybersecurity consultant at one of the big four consulting firms and achieve financial freedom. Professionally, I want to have a vast network, love what I do at my job, be satisfied with my salary, and have a good reputation. Personally, I want to be happy, achieve financial freedom, travel when I can, stay curious, and be surrounded by people I love.”

What do you hope your impact on the world to be?

“I want to pave the way for others. It’s hard chasing a career no one close to you has pursued. I want people to see my journey, use it as a guide, and improve upon it. Eventually, those on the same path can remove some of the challenges I faced making it easier for others along the way.”

What has been the biggest surprise of your college experience so far?

“The biggest surprise of my college experience so far has been that the world will keep spinning, time will keep ticking, and if you decide to stay down after a fall, you will be left behind.”

What is your favorite place on campus?

“My favorite place on campus is the seating area outside the McNeil Science Complex. From there, you can see the City of Syracuse. Every time I sit out there, it reminds me why I am here and what I want to accomplish.”

How have you been involved at Le Moyne outside of coursework (i.e., clubs or organizations, internships, research)? 

“Outside of coursework, I’ve interned at Ernst and Young as a technology rotation intern and at JMA Wireless as an information technology intern. I started a club called Kicks and Caps. I’ve worked with the Information Technology Department on campus. I’ve promoted diversity, equity and inclusion as diversity ambassador. I have worked closely with the HEOP office as a mentor and a summer tutor counselor. I am a member of the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program. Finally, I’m a member of the Cybersecurity Club, Women in Cyber Security and El Progreso.”

What piece of advice do you have for future Le Moyne students?

“It’s OK not to have everything figured out once you arrive at Le Moyne. With time, things will start to reveal themselves.”