Second Roots Run Deeper — And Here Is Mine
Hey, and welcome to my little corner of Beyoncé’s internet.
This is my first post, so an introduction feels right. My name is Andreia Sweeney, and for nearly a decade, I’ve worked in tech in one form or another (longer, honestly, if you count the coding we all did on MySpace).
But here’s the truth:
Lately, I’ve been feeling… unstretched. Unchallenged. Like I’ve outgrown the version of myself that used to be content with “just doing the job.”
And if you know anything about me, you know I love a good challenge.
That’s why I’ve decided to pivot.
I’m not here to impress anyone. I’m here to evolve — technically, creatively, and intentionally. Not into the next career trend, but into a mission.
I’m taking on cybersecurity, starting with a focus on becoming a SOC Analyst, with the long-term goal of stepping fully into the world of ethical hacking.
I’m here to build a second root — one that runs deeper than anything I’ve planted before.
What’s the Point?
So, you’re probably asking yourself:
“What’s the point of this website?”
Well, the short version:
This blog is how I keep myself sharp and accountable as I move through my plan.
I’d say this is more of a personal infrastructure project than your run of the mill “blog.” I’m rebuilding my skills from the ground up with a blueprint in mind:
Certify: Study for and pass the CompTIA Security+
Train: Build hands-on skills with Hack The Box, TryHackMe, and a personal home lab
Document: Write and break down what I’m learning
Network: Connect intentionally within cybersecurity communities
Level Up: Land a SOC Analyst role as a launchpad toward ethical hacking
What You’ll Find Here
Home lab breakdowns: what I’m setting up, what’s working, and what’s not
Study reflections: Security+ notes, ah-ha moments, and whatever roadblocks I run into
Hands-on write-ups: walkthroughs from HTB, TryHackMe, and other labs
Logs: how I’m training my discipline alongside my technical skill
Please don’t expect a polished portfolio! This is a live project. A paper trail.
Second Roots Run Deeper
In cybersecurity, “root” is the highest level of access — complete control over a system.
You don’t get root permission unless you’ve earned it.
So why Second Root? Because this isn’t my first time building something from scratch. But it is the first time I’m doing it on my own terms.
This project, this blog, this pivot, and this season of my life is about gaining full access to who I’m meant to be. Not just in career, but in discipline, clarity, and purpose.
Second roots run deeper. This is mine
