100 subs and 6,000 views!

Last year, I decided to make (somewhat) professional accounts on various social media platforms - mainly as a means of networking (especially as I began to search for an internship). Content creation was something I initially found uncomfortable. Admittedly, putting my voice and face on display was something that brought me anxiety (and, albeit, and initial wave of embarrassment). I don’t consider myself an antisocial person, far from it. But when your audience could be quite literally anybody with a screen and wifi connection, you tend to second guess things (…or at least I WISH my generation would second guess their social media presence more often).

Regardless of my doubts, I decided to try my hand at YouTube. I liked the familiarity of the platform, as I (like many others) have used it almost daily for years now. I struggled to reach a decision on what type of video I would make, eventually deciding on some general commentary regarding my experience as fully remote Cybersecurity student. I found the content available at the time (especially in regards to my school, WGU) was lacking or sub-par. While I can’t say my attempt was better than other’s, I was satisfied with the result, and posted it for all to see.

I genuinely forgot about the video for a time, and it wasn’t until several months later that I realized it had well-surpassed 1,000 views. This was a welcome surprise, and the comments were even beginning to populate with questions and supportive remarks. I hadn’t realized until then that my school and degree (a fully-accredited online university w/ an expansive cyber bachelors and masters) created traction through its own unique niche. Just as I watched others talk about their experience with the school as I was debating my own enrollment, people were now inclined to watch me. What a full circle moment!

Shortly after my discovery, I decided to post another video. This time it was about an entry-level cybersecurity certification (ISC2 CC) I’d obtained during my enrollment process. I’d referenced it in my first video, and had received several questions about it in the comments. While that video hasn’t done nearly as well by now (at least comparing it to my first video) it helped me gain confidence in the value of my own experience and opinion. I started the process thinking I had so much less to share (considering I was still only a student) than current professionals in the domain. What I found was the opposite: My very experience as a novice is just as valuable to those considering the same route. They can learn from my mistakes and challenges throughout the education process. The cybersecurity industry currently stands at the forefront of the tech scene, with people all around the world interested in getting started. It stands to reason that those considering a commitment such as a bachelors degree would find value in hearing from a current student (especially a student enrolled in a somewhat unique program like my own).

Reflecting on these realizations, I re-watched that first video about 3-months ago, and the only thought I had was “I could do better.” By then it had been nearly 6 months since I posted my initial video, and I figured it was time for an update. I was planning on making a simple reflection on my second term at WGU, but I couldn’t help but think of all the things I could have verbalized better in the first one. I decided to shoot larger, and ended up with a 20-minute extended retrospective on my 1st-year instead! I focused on addressing the improvements I had noted from the first video, and worked to design a thumbnail that would better reflect the quality and design I wanted to be associated with (the thumbnails for my first 2 videos were… pretty bad). Believe me, its nothing crazy. Even going back and watching it 3-months later, I still find immense room for growth… but hey, I’m proud of it!

All that said, my first YouTube video (posted 9-months ago) currently sits at 3.4k views, the second video (7-months ago) currently has 375 views, and my third video (3-months ago) has already surpassed 2k views! Considering the first one took a whole 9-months to break 3k, I expect the third to surpass it in about half that time! I can’t say for certain that’ll be the case, but hey, here’s hoping!

In the grand scheme of things, I know these numbers are nothing impressive. To say I’m a “Content Creator” would be a gross overstatement. I’m not that naive! BUT… it’s a strong (and pleasantly unexpected) start, and one that I’m uniquely proud of in my own way. They say the hardest milestone for those starting a YouTube channel is to get your first 100 subscribers. I’m happy to announce that as I write this, I’m currently sitting at 103! I might also add that for sake of accuracy, I’ve yet to share this channel with any friends or family (for the time being), so that number should be accurate to real viewers who subscribed purely for the content. This is a small milestone in what I hope (with significantly more dedication and consistency) might someday become a real platform for outreach and education on Cybersecurity, IT, and technology in general!

I do plan on making more videos soon, although I’m not quite sure what they’ll be yet. I’ve certainly got a few ideas, so I think the coming days will be largely a period of trial and error. If you made it this far, thanks for taking the time - it means the world! I’ll link the latest video below in case your still unfamiliar with my channel :)

Best,

-Harrison

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My latest video (as of 7/15/2025):