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Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Kashish Tandon will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with Specializations in Cybersecurity and Management during spring commencement exercises. The international student is originally from Punjab, India and plans to apply her SIUE experience toward “Building Tomorrow’s Digital Defenders.”

At SIUE, I found not just my career path, but my confidence. I’m ready to build a safer, more connected world. Graduating from SIUE feels like a full-circle moment — a journey that began with excitement, uncertainty, and ambition, and now culminates in a deep sense of accomplishment, gratitude, and readiness for the next chapter.

When I first walked onto campus, everything was new: new environment, new culture, new dreams. Today, I walk forward more confident, more capable, and with an expanded vision of who I can become.

I began my college career at SIUE. It has been nothing short of transformative. SIUE gave me the space to grow both professionally and personally. The most powerful life lesson I learned here is that stepping out of your comfort zone is not just encouraged — it’s necessary for true growth. Whether it was taking the lead in student organizations, presenting undergraduate research at showcases, or navigating challenging coursework, SIUE empowered me to believe in the value of resilience, relationships, and resourcefulness.

My support system was one of my greatest blessings. My professors, mentors, advisors, friends, and especially my family played key roles. They cheered my victories, helped me rebound from setbacks, and constantly reminded me why I started this journey. Their belief in me fueled my belief in myself.

Some memories that stand out? Me tripping next to the Cougar Statue on my first day at SIUE, LOL. Organizing campus-wide panels with industry professionals through my leadership in the Association for Information Systems (AIS), representing our University at cybersecurity competitions and building lifelong friendships through countless late-night study sessions, campus events, and volunteer work. Every memory, both planned and unexpected, added a new thread to the rich tapestry of my SIUE experience.

I was deeply involved in student organizations, serving as president of the Association for Information Systems (AIS), the International Student Council (ISC), Indian Student Association (ISA), and several other leadership opportunities. These experiences taught me how to manage teams, advocate for student needs, and create meaningful community impact — lessons that I will carry with me into the professional world.

One challenge I’m proud of overcoming is navigating being an international student during a global pandemic. Adapting to remote learning, staying connected, and balancing responsibilities across continents was incredibly difficult — but it taught me adaptability at a level no textbook could.

If I could offer advice to my younger self, I would say: "Trust the timing of your life. Your hard work will pay off, but you must be patient with yourself."

To the next generation of Cougars: "Get involved. Build your network. And remember, leadership isn’t about titles — it’s about taking initiative, being kind, and making a difference where you are," and "Say yes to opportunities even when you're scared. Leadership and growth happen outside of your comfort zone."

Post-Commencement, I will be starting graduate school at Illinois Institute of Technology to pursue a master's degree in Cybersecurity Engineering. I am excited to continue building my skills to drive innovation and security in the digital world. Industry certifications are also on the horizon as I work to become a future leader in cybersecurity. Furthermore, I will be pursuing opportunities in cybersecurity with aspirations to continue developing solutions that bridge technology and business innovation.

In closing, I am incredibly proud to be part of the SIUE legacy. This community has shaped me into a stronger, more courageous version of myself — a leader, a dreamer, and a doer — and I will carry the Cougar spirit with me always.

PHOTO:  Kashish Tandon (’25), Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with Specializations in Cybersecurity and Management