Ajiah Graham Celebrates #CSEdWeek

2015 HBCU All-Star

Celebrating #CSEdWeek

Why did you decide to major in Computer Science?

Ajiah Graham
Ajiah Graham
J.F. Drake State Community and Technical College
Sophomore, Computer Science

I decided to major in Computer Science because it is a continuous and evolving career area that has and will continue to impact our daily lives. This field ranges from programming to computer maintenance. Computing is a part of everything we do and aide in making some activities in our lives better. This field of study is known to help solve challenging problems in the world. I chose to major in computer science because of rewarding careers it has to offer. These jobs are here to stay regardless of the location. Although there are plenty of job opportunities in Computer Science, studies have shown the lack of minorities in this particular STEM field. This has inspired me to increase the number of minorities in Computer Science.

What do you plan to do with your computer science major in the future?

I enjoy Computer Science because there are opportunities to work in a team or as the individual. I plan to work as a software engineer, and eventually become an entrepreneur and open up a computer programming company to develop software that enhances the teaching and learning of STEM in the minority population. I would also like to develop various software for upcoming and newly developed companies that need new systems built to cater to their specific needs. Also, I not only want to become an entrepreneur myself, but I would like to inspire others to become entrepreneurs as well.


Ajiah Graham is a 2015 HBCU All-Star from J.F. Drake State Community and Technical College. She is a sophomore and computer science major.

Sidney Smith Celebrates #CSEdWeek

2015 HBCU All-Star

Celebrating #CSEdWeek

Why did you decide to major in Computer Science?

Sidney Smith

Sidney Smith
University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff
Senior, Computer Science

I will never forget registration day for college. I sat with my counselor and she asked what I would like to major in. I was unsure and told her “general studies.” She said that would be a bad idea and I should pick something. I came up with Information Technology (IT). She stated our school’s “IT” was for “INDUSTRIAL Technology,” and the only field of study pertaining to computers was Computer Science. I figured I would give it a try. My first semester I was enrolled in Computer Science I. The first time I coded, executed, and saw my work run perfectly was a spark that lit the fire. I am now one semester away from graduating with honors in Computer Science and Mathematics.

 

What do you plan to do with your computer science major in the future?

Oddly enough I am becoming very passionate about agriculture and growing my own food. On the surface it would seem having a background in CS is totally irrelevant. Luckily for me computers are used in every field in these technological times. I am in the process of interviewing with a prominent, world-wide technological company as a Software Engineer. This is one of the highest paid occupations to date. I have also become quite found of Data Analytics and Database Administration. These two practices will assist in the agriculture venture. I am also able to establish networks and design websites either professionally or as a lucrative side hustle.


Sidney Smith is a 2015 HBCU All-Star from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.  He is a senior and computer science major.

Angelica Willis Celebrates #CSEdWeek

2015 HBCU All-Star

Celebrating #CSEdWeek

Why did you decide to major in Computer Science?

Angelica Willis

Angelica Willis North Carolina A&T University Junior, Computer Science

When the time came for me to choose a major in college, I was stumped. I knew that I was good at math and that I loved problem solving, therefore STEM interested me; however, I felt like a kid in a candy store being told I could only choose one treat from the hundreds of available varieties. For a while, I thought I liked architecture enough to spend four years of my academic life, and hopefully the rest of my career, pursuing it. I later realized that was not the case. I embarked on similar journeys of discovery followed by eventual commitment issues with biomedical engineering, aerospace engineering, and ecology. As college application season approached, I put my research skills to good use and made a hypothesis: there has to be one common thread that links every facet of innovation–an occupation that is vital to every STEM related industry–that will allow me to dabble in everything I love.

 

 

What do you plan to do with your computer science major in the future?

Computer science proved my hypothesis, as it is crucial to innovation in all disciplines of STEM. Everything from the mapping of the human genome and 3D modeling, to space travel and driverless car technology, relies heavily on software engineering and data science. I want to become the type of computer scientist who contributes to ambitious, exploratory and ground-breaking projects that positively and dramatically affect the technological advancement of mankind. I am now a junior computer science student at North Carolina A&T State University who enjoys coding to solve global problems.