Well, this is it. My undergraduate journey has come to an end. On May 15th 2021, I walked across the stage and earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a minor in Mathematics from The University of Texas at El Paso. I still can’t believe it. Sometimes I still feel like the student in CS1 (the first computer science course) trying to understand for loops.
This journey took me 5 years, 1 major change, 5 internships and many bumps along the way. It took overcoming feelings of doubt, “I don’t belong here” thoughts, several rejection emails and long study nights. These are the reasons why this accomplishment means so much more to me than landing my dream job one year before graduating or 5 internships on my resume. 5 years ago, I was sitting in my first computer science course wondering if I’d make it. This accomplishment is for her.
Earning this degree means more to me than anything else I’ve accomplished. Sounds strange doesn’t it? Well, let me let you in on a little story.
I started taking computer science courses at UTEP with the mindset “let’s see how far I’ll get.” I would think about graduating with a B.S. in CS and it sounded like a far away, impossible dream. I was just going with the flow. I didn’t think I was “smart” enough to get this degree. Computer science sounds intimidating and people believe only “smart” people study it. I’m here to tell you that if I did it, anyone can.
Every class I took, from CS1 to Computer Architecture, there was someone telling me they’re hard classes and not just anyone passes them. But, things are only as hard as you make them. If I would’ve gone in to these courses already believing that they’re difficult, that thought would’ve overpowered me and I wouldn’t have made it what it really was, new material to learn. I didn’t earn a degree in computer science because I’m “smart”. I earned it because I decided to be the judge of how difficult it really was.
You can accomplish anything you set your mind to. If someone tells you something is hard, tell yourself I’ll be the judge of that and go after it. That’s what I did. I went into computer science knowing I was in for a challenge, just like any other career. But, I went step by step. I took CS1, learned arrays and for-loops. Moved on to CS2, learned linked lists and trees. Before I knew it, I was in my last semester finishing my senior project.
Don’t get me wrong, there were difficult times. It wasn’t the smoothest journey. When I was taking CS3 (this course has the highest CS dropout rate) I failed the first exam, terribly. I went to go see the professor to ask for his advice moving forward. He told me there was no way I would pass his course and to go ahead and drop out now. Of course hearing that is discouraging. But, I didn’t scare easy. I thought, well if I’m going to fail might as well have him fail me but I’m not quitting. I stayed in the class, got my work done and asked for help when needed. Not only did I pass his class but I got my first internship in the process. I sent him an email to thank him for the motivation and attached my offer letter 🥳 In the end, he’s a great professor, we all need tough love sometimes.
Just like anything else, a support system is extremely important and I had the absolute best – an older brother who guided me through a male dominated field, a boyfriend who challenged and inspired me, a best friend who believed in me since I started this journey and two extremely supportive parents who gave me strength and taught me to persevere. I wouldn’t be who I am today without them. Their support made me believe I can accomplish anything and having that mentally is life changing.
I remember sitting in CS1 and I overheard someone say that our teaching assistant got an interview with Facebook. I remember I was beyond surprised and fascinated. “Wow, Facebook wants to interview her. That’s INCREDIBLE,” I thought. That was when I decided one day, Facebook would also interview me.
I’m not the smartest person. I simply went after something and took it step by step without backing down. I truly believe that’s the secret to every accomplishment. I didn’t believe anyone’s comments on the difficulty of subjects or material. I was the judge of that and look where it got me.
Today, I’m a first-generation Hispanic engineering graduate beating the odds. Cheers to THAT! 🎉
Although this is the end of this chapter in my life, I look forward to turning the page and continuing my journey. I’m barely getting started, friends!
XOXO,
Pao
