I am a sophomore majoring in computer science and minoring in mathematics at Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU). I chose to attend MVSU because it was a small Historically Black University with a well-rounded computer science and mathematics department. I knew I would be an individual at MVSU, not a number.  MVSU was the first choice I made toward the appropriate track to becoming successful.

 Mathematics has been an interesting subject that I always favored since elementary school. Computer actually didn’t become relevant to me until my seventh grade year however freshman year is when I became interested in computer science. I took a computer class that taught me how to build a computer and install the different components. After the computer was assembled, I was taught how to install different software. I was interested from that class forward. Technology is taking over the world and it is starting with computers.
 
In the summer of 2012, I attended Research Experience for Undergraduates in Ocean, Marine, and Polar Science.  I was a part of the Center for Remote Sensing of Ice Sheets (CReSIS) Database Team. At the internship, I was introduced to Linux.  We learned how to use GPS to find hidden locations. I was also taught how to perform proper research. We collected and analyzed data to help with the research we performed. I was also introduced to PHP Preprocessor Hypertext (PHP), which is a scripting language. My team combined various files such as: JPEG files, CSV files, and KML files. Combining these files into a final KML, which will open up with Google Earth, the user will then have the option to press on a segment all of the information with correlation would be given. This program allowed me to explore various science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects while strengthening my skills. Participating in this program confirmed my belief that a career in a STEM discipline is the perfect career for me.   

In the future I would like to own a computer programming company to create software that makes computers more accessible to younger and older generations. Exploring the field of computer science assured me that I wanted to further my academic career and pursue a Master’s Degree in cyber security.