When I was young, people always asked, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" My young and naïve answer was a fire truck, not an actual firefighter, but a big red shiny fire truck. 

As I matured, I realized that I wanted a career in computers. Always having a knack for computers, my family would constantly seek me to resolve their technical problems. Realizing I could help people through the world of computers, my interest grew even further during my freshman year of high school in my Computer Applications and Keyboarding class with Mrs. Fradsham. She saw something in me and I loved her class and everything about what she taught and how she taught it. My passion to learn about computers grew even further. Mrs. Fradsham then asked me to join Future Business Leaders of America as Secretary for the club. I accepted the position and this is where I met Mr. Kline. Mr. Kline further inspired me to take more programming based classes. The next three years I took every computer class my school had to offer. My tenth grade year I became president of Future Business Leaders of America and held the position until I graduated. My eleventh grade year I took certification test to become a specialist in Microsoft Word. I took dual enrollment classes and was enrolled with the community college. This is where I learned HTML, Adobe Dreamweaver and Adobe Photoshop. They inspired me to pursue a degree in Computer Science.
In 2012, I was accepted into the Dozoretz National Institute for Mathematics and Applied Sciences Program at Norfolk State University. As a Computer Science major I am currently taking classes about programming. Learning the C++ language in CSC170 confirmed my choice to pursue a career Computer Science. Dr. Aurelia Williams honors class on programming was everything I expected. It followed suit with the dual enrollment classes that I enjoyed taking as a student in high school.
By the end of my freshmen year, I was able to obtain an internship with Elizabeth City State University under the direction of Dr. Linda Hayden. While there I participated in Watershed Watch, which broadened my horizons as in what to do after I finish college. I interned under the direction of Dr. Steve Hale with Watershed Watch where I learned the scientific method of research. In a similar research experience for undergraduates, I learned more languages like Linux. I also got to work with Macintosh OS X and learned a great deal about the Macintosh operating system since I previously had mainly worked in Windows. Due to all that I had learned from my first research experience, I began to think more in depth about pursuing a graduate program.
I am ever thankful for the research experiences that I have been apart of because they have greatly impacted my plans for the future. Previously, I had only planned on completing my four undergraduate years of college and then plan on finding a career in the computer science field. My research experience changed all that. The most profound fact that I have learned has been that the field of computer science will never stop changing. I will contribute to the ever-changing field by researching and going further in my schooling. Ultimately, I would like to obtain a Master's degree in Computer Science.