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My name is Felica Turner, and I am an alumnus of Elizabeth City State
University, class of 1997. Currently, I am pursuing a Master of Computer
Science (MCS) degree at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC.
My advisor, who is also the Director of the Computer Science Department
for Graduate Studies, is Dr. E. Davis. The MCS is a non-thesis,
terminating degree.
My motivation to attend graduate school stemmed mainly from my mentors at ECSU, namely Dr. Hayden, Dr. Houston, Dr. Sengupta, and Dr. Choudhury, just to name a few. These were key people who played a positive role in my final decision to go forward despite my circumstances at that time. They encouraged my final decision to go forward despite my circumstance at that time. They encouraged me continually to produce my potential and to excel even beyond that. Upon obtaining my Master's degree, I hope to work in the corporate arena to utilize my skills and to become an innovator in my profession. I also hope to somehow educate and instill in my people the importance of having knowledge and understanding of technology and its impact on our lives. If I had to give any advice to those who are currently ONR/NASA graduates, it would be to stay focused on your purpose of being in college and this scholarship program, to stay connected with your mentors because they will be the ones to help guide you to reach your full potential, and to stay involved with your ever-changing field. Do not think of getting your undergraduate degree as the end, but as a stepping stone to get to your next level, your graduate degree. Participate in as many interships as you possibly can because those experiences will help you gain insight on what is going on and how companies incorporate technology in their businesses. It will also help you become a greater asset to your profession. Learning in the classroom is good, but application in real life situations is much better. My best experience in graduate school would have to be all the support I have received from my family, my mentors at ECSU, my professors at NCSU, and my co-workers. Behind every good person, there are a host of others that has helped him/her get to where he/she is. My worst experience in graduate school would have to be when I received my first "C" ever during both my undergraduate and graduate studies which is detrimental in graduate school. To remain in good standing with the graduate school at the university, you must maintain a 3.0 or "B" average at all times or you will be placed on probation or possibly terminated from the degree program. |
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