Polk State high school senior overcomes brain surgery, receives National Cyber Award ahead of graduating with college degree

Taylor Alvarez is not defined by the brain tumor discovered her junior year of high school that resulted in brain surgery just a week later, so let’s get that part of her story out of the way.

More awe-inspiring are the countless accomplishments Alvarez has achieved as a student at Polk State Lakeland Collegiate High School. She will graduate with her Associate in Arts degree with Polk State College’s 130th class on May 2, before she even has her high school diploma in hand.

“Last year I had a brain tumor. Nothing could have prepared me for that, but I had no idea I would be doing all of this today. It pushed me to do more of what I love,” Alvarez explained. “My medical issue happened, but I am so much more than that. I am appreciative of people being receptive to that.”

Alvarez is a researcher, an ethical hacker, a tutor, a student leader, a school mascot, and a soon-to-be proud Polk State College alum.

A former online student, Alvarez says she was motivated to enroll at Polk State Lakeland Collegiate High School to “create connections that matter.”

“As someone who wants to go into competitive cybersecurity and ethical hacking, I didn’t think I necessarily needed a college degree because I can get my information and training online,” she explained, “but here at Polk State, I don’t think I’ve ever learned so much.”

“As someone who wants to go into competitive cybersecurity and ethical hacking, I didn’t think I necessarily needed a college degree because I can get my information and training online, but here at Polk State, I don’t think I’ve ever learned so much.”

Polk State’s collegiate high schools allow students to complete their high school requirements and college credits simultaneously and at no cost to them. Most collegiate students graduate with their college degrees.

Alvarez shared that in addition to a free college degree and quality higher education, Polk State has helped her develop self-advocacy, communication skills, and networking opportunities she may not have had access to otherwise.

She expressed gratitude to Network Systems Engineering Technology Program Director John Stewart, Student Activities and Leadership Office (SALO) Director Melvin Thompson, as well as the Office of Disability Services who provided support and resources when she needed them.

Alvarez also highlighted the research opportunities available through Polk State’s chapter of the Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Program.

“There is a really strong sense of community here at Polk State through SALO and the different student clubs, LSAMP and STEM research opportunities, and all the events and resources available to students,” she said.

Alvarez started the College’s cybersecurity club, Polk State Cyber Eagles, which participates in cybersecurity competitions. She has also crossed off one of her “bucket list” items, serving as Polk State’s mascot Charlie.

“Getting involved is what has really set my experience at Polk State apart from just going to school online,” she reflected. “I highly encourage students to take advantage of these opportunities – you will learn and grow more than you can imagine.”

Her research and involvement with LSAMP have taken Alvarez to conferences at Valencia College, Houston, and Washington, D.C.

“It was an honor to be accepted into a national conference for undergraduates and graduate students,” the high schooler exclaimed. “I met a lot of people including the (U.S.) Assistant Secretary of Defense and shared about my research which is unique in that it is aimed at increasing security for satellite hacking which is not being widely researched or talked about.”

Alvarez has also served as a volunteer for Hack Space Con at the Kennedy Space Center and was recently awarded the National Cyber Scholarship from the National Cyber Scholarship Foundation, which aims to “develop a new generation of cyber stars to help close the critical skills gap in the cybersecurity industry.”

Alvarez plans to continue her education at the University of Central Florida, where she will double major in computer and electrical engineering. She also aspires to join the award-winning UCF Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition Team, which competes nationally. Separate from her research, she has presented to students at UCF on “Intro to Radio Frequency Hacking.”

“My experience here has been invaluable. There is nothing worth more than what I have gained and learned at Polk State.”

“I just want to compete, do my research, and hopefully join the Department of Defense or National Security Space Institute one day,” Alvarez said. “I hope to get my master’s degree and Ph.D., and work with satellites or in neuroscience.”

It is easy to see how Alvarez is much more than her former brain tumor.

She credits Polk State with giving her the support she needed, not only during her medical situation but also as she grew as a student and researcher.

“Coming from a family that has not had much college, I didn’t know where to go or how to get the resources I needed,” she explained. “It wasn’t until one of my professors learned about my situation and contacted the Office of Disability Services on my behalf that I realized just how much support I truly had. Just when I thought no one understood what I was going through, people at Polk State stepped in and stepped up to get me the help I needed.”

And she has flourished.

“My experience here has been invaluable,” Alvarez exclaimed. “There is nothing worth more than what I have gained and learned at Polk State.”