CSpotlight: Growing Through Community Outreach
Why did you choose to pursue a degree in computer science specifically at the University of Minnesota?
I chose to pursue a degree in computer science at the University of Minnesota because I grew up here, and the University has always been ranked highly on my list. The U of M has a strong computer science program and many opportunities outside of the classroom, such as research and student groups related to programming. I also value the chance to stay near my family, who have supported me through my transition to college and continue to provide guidance.
How did you become interested in computer science? What are your specific interests within the field?
My interest in technology sparked with my dad, who works in IT. When I was younger, I used to shadow him as he fixed computer problems for our family and friends. When I got to middle school, I took my first programming class. I made my first few games in Scratch, which is a block-based programming language. As I continued to experiment with computer programming, I began to develop a passion for it. It allowed me to be creative and solve problems, which then motivated me to pursue a degree in computer science. In the future, I am interested in pursuing a career in software engineering, artificial intelligence, or cybersecurity.
Congratulations on earning the Optum Computer Science & Engineering Scholarship! How will this scholarship impact your academic and extracurricular work?
This scholarship helps pay for my tuition and book expenses, and supplements money saved up from my summer job. It also helps conserve my time for studying and participating in student groups. Additionally, I was able to avoid loans with accumulating interest and reduce my out-of-pocket costs.
Are you involved in any student groups? What inspired you to get involved?
I recently joined the National Society of Black Engineers and participate in the University’s Karate Club, where I am working towards my brown belt. Additionally, I enjoy youth outreach in STEM for historically underrepresented students. Last semester, I served as a volunteer programming instructor for Code The Gap, where I taught middle school students how to program in Python weekly. This past summer, I served as a CSE Outreach Assistant working with faculty to facilitate STEM lessons for students and presented a lesson on the principles of coding. I am also a mentor for Rooted in STEM, where I mentor 10th-12th graders. I was inspired to get involved on campus by the opportunity to build connections with students of diverse backgrounds and gain leadership skills.
What do you hope to contribute to the computer science community at the University?
As a woman of color, I hope to contribute as a role model to the computer science community with a unique perspective on the world of computing. As a teaching assistant, I hope to create an inclusive environment, explain concepts in a way that is easy for students to grasp, and help students build a strong foundation so they perform well in current and future computer science courses.
What advice do you have for incoming computer science students?
My advice for incoming computer science students is to utilize your resources. There are so many resources available to help you succeed. Attend office hours to ask questions, because professors are more than willing to help. If you need extra practice with introductory courses, I would recommend attending the night companion classes - CSCI 1135 and CSCI 1935. I am currently a TA for CSCI 1935 and have already seen the benefits of students taking it. Also, get to know your classmates and form study groups. It's easier to get through your degree with people you know and will be able to hold you accountable.
What are your plans after graduation?
I am currently undecided if I want to pursue a master's degree to further my knowledge in a specific area of computing or enter the industry to gain real-world experience.