Hometown
Lilburn, GA

High School
Brookwood High School

Degree
B.S. Computer Science
Cognitive Science Minor

Expected Graduation
May 2027

What is your favorite thing about being a student at UGA?

My favorite thing about being a student here is the number of things going on this campus. There is always an event happening, and it has introduced me to opportunities I didn’t even know existed here!

Why did you choose computer science?

I was originally a nursing student before transferring here, but I quickly realized that was not the path I wanted to take. I changed my major to Computer Science because I want to work in Computer Graphics or Animation at some point. I’ve always loved animated films as a kid, and I was obsessed with watching the behind-the-scenes of how they were made. When I got here, I realized I want to be the one who makes the movies I love so much.

Why is it important for the university to have a diverse community?

As a person of color myself, I love seeing people who not only look like me, but people from all different cultures and backgrounds on this campus. It gives me a sense of comfort and makes me feel less alone.

What has been the greatest challenge you have faced while at UGA, and how did you overcome it?

I have definitely struggled with the feeling of being behind and not being smart enough. Many of my friends have graduated and now have full-time jobs, and the people in my classes always seem to grasp information faster than I can. I have to remind myself that my journey is my own, and it will all work out in the end.

What have you learned that has made a difference for you?

You have to ask for help. I am one to suffer in silence and try to figure it out on my own. I had to push past feeling silly about asking someone to explain something to me. There are so many resources on this campus to help me succeed, and I am grateful that I have opened myself up to the idea of asking for help.

Who has helped you become a successful student at UGA?

My lovely parents, whom I am so grateful for. They are always there for me. Whenever anything goes wrong or I get stressed, they are my go-to. If it wasn’t for them, I don’t know where I’d be right now. They give me encouragement and motivation in ways that I can’t give myself.

What is your favorite spot on campus and why?

I would have to say the Turtle Pond by the Ecology building! I love turtles, so any chance I get, I am over there to do homework, destress, or simply just watch the turtles sunbathe.

What has been your favorite class at UGA?

I haven’t taken it yet (CSCI 4810 – Computer Graphics), so for now I’d have to say MATH 1113 – Precalculus. I know this is not a well-liked class at UGA, but I loved the professor I had for it. I absolutely dread math, which is funny because it is needed for my major, and he made me feel like I could do math with great confidence. I am even taking him again for Calculus next semester.

What has been your best memory at UGA?

The engagement fair that happened the semester I transferred here! I found a lot of organizations that I am now a part of, and that is the night I met some of my closest friends!

What advice do you have for younger students who wish to pursue engineering?

For comp sci, practice, practice, practice writing code! It can be a learning curve for some (it sure was for me), but do not let it deter you. It’s an amazing feeling to figure out how to get your code to compile and run.

How do you hope to impact society with your degree?

With my degree (and some creativity), I hope to be able to work on animated films that give people the same joy I felt as a little girl watching those animated films with my mom. I hope to put a smile on their face when they see what I helped create.