Kaleigh Beachler: ServiceNow Scholar

UC San Diego undergraduate computer science student Kaleigh Beachler is one of the inaugural recipients of the ServiceNow Scholarship. In this Q&A, she shares what excites her about computer science, and what she hopes to do in the future. Learn more about the inaugural cohort of ServiceNow Scholars here. 

1) Why did you decide to study computer science?

One of the greatest benefits of studying computer science is the ability to use it for solving problems in nearly any field or subject. The applications of CS are endless, and I am excited to get involved with research that allows me to explore the use of programming with artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer vision.  

2) Have you been involved in any groups/orgs on campus that have been particularly meaningful or beneficial to you?

Yes, I am involved directly with the computer science department as a tutor for introductory programming courses at UC San Diego. I am also involved with the Society of Women Engineers, where I participate in project teams and outreach. Both of these activities have helped me meet students in either computer science or other engineering fields. I enjoy teaching Java and encouraging students to pursue a career in computer science.

3) Any idea what you'd like to do with your CS degree in the future?

I am still exploring different options with computer science, so I am not exactly sure what I’d like to do in the future yet. However, I am leaning towards a career in industry, particularly a startup pertaining to artificial intelligence and biotechnology.

4) Any advice to students interested in studying CS?

My advice is to get started now! There are endless resources for you to start learning programming languages. More importantly, try working on a project that pertains to something you enjoy. It is a great way to learn and sharpen your skills.

5) How does it feel to be named a ServiceNow Scholar?

I am very grateful to have been selected as a ServiceNow Scholar. I look forward to using the resources and mentorship from this program to seek out and secure opportunities that will shape my future. I am also glad to be part of a supportive and collaborative community of engineering students. 

Justin Yang: ServiceNow Scholar

 UC San Diego undergraduate computer science student Justin Yang is one of the inaugural recipients of the ServiceNow Scholarship. In this Q&A, he shares what excites him about computer science, and what he hopes to do in the future. Learn more about the inaugural cohort of ServiceNow Scholars here. 

1)What excites you about CS, or why did you decide to study CS?

I caught my interest in programming through APCS, a programming course I took in high school. Since I was young, I have always liked to play puzzle games and things that involve problem-solving. When I took this course, I realized that this is hugely what CS is about. I get to use my creativity to solve problems that are not limited to one solution.

2) Have you been involved in any groups/orgs on campus that have been particularly meaningful or beneficial to you?

Groups and organizations that have been particularly meaningful and beneficial to me are the IDEA Scholars Program and Triton Robotics. The IDEA Scholars Program gave me opportunities to connect with other IDEA Scholars and panelists that have valuable experiences that I can learn from. It is also a great channel for me to receive resources about internships, research, and many other important topics that would help me graduate with choices. In Triton Robotics, I get to meet people with similar interests and further my knowledge beyond school academics. Furthermore, responsibility, communication, and teamwork are all skills that I get to practice in a project team like Triton Robotics.

3) Any idea what you'd like to do with your CS degree in the future?

With my CS degree, I would like to work in a software company and develop tools and platforms that would better people’s lives. I plan on diving deeper into the field of machine learning and artificial intelligence later on in my college education. My goal in later future is to create my own business, work on innovative and creative technologies, and create an easier and more fun way of living for people. 

4) Any advice to students interested in studying CS?

Some advice to students interested in studying CS includes attending lectures, managing time with an organized schedule, and developing good relationships with professors and peers. It is also important to stay on track with the learning as it can be something that accumulates up fast and is hard to catch up.

5) How does it feel to be named a ServiceNow Scholar?

To be named a ServiceNow Scholar, I feel affirmed and accomplished. The title motivates me to keep on working hard and deepen my knowledge in CS. Hopefully, in the future, I would be able to work in a leading software company like ServiceNow.

Nicole Wong: ServiceNow Scholar

UC San Diego undergraduate computer science student Nicole Wong is one of the inaugural recipients of the ServiceNow Scholarship. In this Q&A, she shares what excites her about computer science, and what she hopes to do in the future. Learn more about the inaugural cohort of ServiceNow Scholars here. 

1)Why did you decide to study computer science?

I think what attracted me the most to computer science was the creative potential of programming. When I first became involved with— well, basically anything to do with code, it was because of video games. I wanted to figure out how everything worked, how you could translate words on a screen into graphics and action and a compelling story. It was really that storytelling aspect that drew me in, being part of this massive project that had the potential to evoke really powerful emotions, or maybe just bringing players satisfaction from well-designed and implemented game mechanics. That player/user-centric design is also kind of what's fueling my career aspirations right now. If not game development, I'd love to work in software development or operating system development and help create a piece of software that's able to improve user experiences and give them useful options for functionality.

2) Have you been involved in any groups on campus that have been particularly meaningful or beneficial to you?

This is going to come a little out of the blue but one group that's meant a bunch to me in my time on campus is UCSD Wushu. I remember being super relieved when I found out that there was a wushu club at UCSD, since kung fu has been such a major part of my life for so many years. Every group that I've been in has had such a strong sense of community because of the discipline and teamwork inherent to practicing a martial art (everyone endures the same physical struggles and takes opportunities to learn from each other, whether it be forms or things outside of wushu). The people in this organization haven't been any different; they're super friendly and welcome beginners with open arms, and it really helps you feel connected to both the instructors and the other students.

3) Any idea what you'd like to do with your CS degree in the future?

I mentioned this a little earlier but I'd love to pursue either game development or software/operating system development because of my passion for the creative potential and user experience aspects of CS. With game development, my goal isn't necessarily to work in a AAA studio, but just to be able to work on something that can create some sort of community for people to interact in, and maybe share their own creations as well. As for software/OS development, my interest in it is fairly new so I'm not sure what specific path I want to take, but I do know that digging into how applications and computers work is fascinating. Hopefully, getting that degree will help me learn more about these topics!

4) Any advice to students interested in studying CS?

My main piece of advice, not just for CS majors but anyone who's interested in CS even moderately, would be to just find resources and start programming. To learn code, you don't need cutting-edge tech or 1000 IQ points; find an online tutorial (there are plenty of free ones on Youtube and paid bootcamps/online courses that routinely go for sale) or pick up a "How To Program in (Language) For Dummies" book at your local library and teach yourself. Search up what the easiest languages are and start from there, and don't be afraid to use the internet. Forums and online documentation are your best friends because they teach you what the square peg is and what hole it goes into. They're also easy access to experts who might not be available to you without formal education; just make sure to take whatever advice you get on the Internet with a grain of salt. If it's available though, I still recommend taking some CS classes. Having professors and TAs available is still an invaluable resource, and while online communities are good for getting advice, nothing is better than advice from someone you know you can trust who also has experience in education. Plus, courses and structured curricula teach you what online how-tos may not teach, like how to think, or certain theories and topics that are hard to find online unless you know exactly what you're looking for.

5) How does it feel to be named a ServiceNow Scholar?

It still blows my mind sometimes. When I was applying for the program that led to this scholarship, I didn't think I was going to qualify for anything. I guess the moral of the story is that you never know if you don't try, so keep on trying!

 

Steven Shi: ServiceNow Scholar

 UC San Diego undergraduate computer science student Steven Shi is one of the inaugural recipients of the ServiceNow Scholarship. In this Q&A, he shares what excites him about computer science, and what he hopes to do in the future. Learn more about the inaugural cohort of ServiceNow Scholars here. 

1) What excites you about computer science?

I like the versatility of CS, since it allows me to work with various fields all while using the same set of skills.

2) Have you been involved in any groups/orgs on campus that have been particularly meaningful or beneficial to you?

So far, the organization that I've joined that has been the most impactful is Triton Software Engineering.

3) Any idea what you'd like to do with your CS degree in the future?

 I'd like to use my CS degree to get a job as a software engineer.

4) Any advice to students interested in studying CS? 

Understand the basics, don't use memorization.

5) How does it feel to be named a ServiceNow Scholar?

It feels nice!

Kyle Trinh: ServiceNow Scholar

UC San Diego undergraduate computer science student Kyle Trinh is one of the inaugural recipients of the ServiceNow Scholarship. In this Q&A, he shares what excites him about computer science, and what he hopes to do in the future. Learn more about the inaugural cohort of ServiceNow Scholars here. 

1) Why did you decide to study computer science?

 I love the idea that computer science is extremely broad and has many different specializations, fields, niches, and designs that fit almost any other discipline. The fact that it is interdisciplinary means that I can use the skills I learn here at UC San Diego and apply them elsewhere, whether it be in other engineering fields, medicine, or even social impact. Computer Science allows me to adapt and utilize technology to create a brighter and more equitable future for ourselves and the next generation.

2) Have you been involved in any groups/orgs on campus that have been particularly meaningful or beneficial to you?

One organization I found to be extremely helpful was IEEE @ UCSD. They connect a vast number of like-minded students that have given me better and more meaningful connections. Their Quarterly Projects program is something I participate in, as someone who came to UCSD with little to no coding experience. And yet, this program provided the resources for me to learn and apply my skills along with my peers to create and solve a pressing issue. IEEE provides mentorship from upperclassmen, industry opportunities, and wide access to the entire global IEEE organization.

3) Any idea what you'd like to do with your CS degree in the future?

 I would be lying if I said I knew exactly what I want to do with my degree in the future. However, I do know that I want to have a more mathematical focus in my Computer Science by first participating in research in Machine Learning or Computer Vision. Regardless, I hope to be able to apply what I learn at UCSD to promote a more technologically savant society. 

4) Any advice to students interested in studying CS?

Anyone can be a Computer Science student, even if you're not STEM related!

5) How does it feel to be named a ServiceNow Scholar?

 One word: Exciting!

Kristy Ly: ServiceNow Scholar

 UC San Diego undergraduate computer science student Kristy Ly is one of the inaugural recipients of the ServiceNow Scholarship. In this Q&A, she shares what excites her about computer science, and what he hopes to do in the future. Learn more about the inaugural cohort of ServiceNow Scholars here. 

1) Why did you decide to study computer science? 

I decided to study CS because it gives me the tool to solve problems in which I’m interested in. At its core, CS has an incredible ability to intersect with several, if not all, fields of study, and as someone who is interested in both the social sciences and computing, I am so excited to learn more!

 2) Have you been involved in any groups on campus that have been particularly meaningful or beneficial to you?

 One program that has been highly meaningful to me is the Chancellor’s Associates Scholars Program (CASP). Coming from a low-income and first-generation background, I had trouble adjusting to the rigor of UCSD courses. Being in CASP, however, helped me navigate this transition while also letting me build connections with other students and mentors!

 3) Any idea what you'd like to do with your CS degree in the future?

 Honestly I haven’t quite figured out what exactly I want to do in the future. Though, I do know that I am interested in design, software development, and computational social science. One of my goals is to explore these different fields to one day narrow down my future career plan.

 4) Any advice to students interested in studying CS?

 Imposter syndrome is very much real in this field, but I want you to know that passion and interest goes a long way! Try your best and keep learning new things.

 5) How does it feel to be named a ServiceNow Scholar?

 I feel so honored and grateful! I never expected to be named a ServiceNow Scholar, especially since I had never taken a formal programming class before coming to UC San Diego. I’ll make sure to work hard with this amazing opportunity I was given!

Charlotte Kim: ServiceNow Scholar

 UC San Diego undergraduate computer science student Charlotte Kim is one of the inaugural recipients of the ServiceNow Scholarship. In this Q&A, she shares what excites her about computer science, and what she hopes to do in the future. Learn more about the inaugural cohort of ServiceNow Scholars here. 

1) Why did you decide to study computer science?

My first experience with computer science was when I did Lego Robotics as an elementary school student. I was only one of three girls in the class. It was fascinating how I could type code to make my hand-built Logo robots do what I wanted them to do. It was empowering. However, it was also the first time I witnessed the lack of females in this field. I remember feeling extremely out of place because everywhere I looked, all I could see were teachers and students who were, in a way, different from me. I often found myself questioning whether I belonged. When I was accepted as one of the 5 girls from my junior high into Tech Trek (a STEM camp for girls), my uncertainty instantly dissolved. Being a part of a community filled with successful female professionals passionate about STEM-based work and making a positive impact in the world through computer science gave me hope. 

At Tech Trek, one of the speakers said that only 30% of the STEM field is made up of females. At that time, I knew I had to be the change I desired to see. Many of the instructors that I had grown to look up to transparently told us about their experiences as women in such a male-dominated industry, but they told us that they were there to cheer us on as the next generation of women in this realm. 

Soon after, I took steps to make a difference in my immediate community by founding ICSTEM (my high school STEM club), with the sole purpose of encouraging girls to pursue the STEM field by exposing them to different careers. Every week, I spent hours after school reaching out to and inviting female professionals from different STEM fields to speak to the members about their career journeys. ICSTEM was a place where girls could discover their interest in STEM without judgment or the feeling of being out of place. Every time I hear that a female peer is pursuing the STEM field in college after joining my club, I became their biggest cheerleader and made sure to make ICSTEM a safe space for them. I also served as the very first female team member of the Coding Olympiad Team at my high school then served as an officer for the rest of my high school career, being the president of the club my senior year. By the time I served as the president, more than a quarter of my team was made up of female students. I loved helping the novice group and just loved exploring different coding problems with my team while we were preparing for coding competition. With Computer Science I can do just that. I also loved serving as a coding volunteer instructor at a local elementary school through Code for Kids. Seeing the kids’ eyes light up when they master a coding concept filled my heart with joy and made me want to continue to encourage others to learn computer science without the barrier or the stereotype that it’s only for a certain group. It also motivated me to continue to close this chasm beyond high school. I now dream of a future where little girls don’t have to question any of their interests.

Coding gets me excited. We all want to do what we love to do and hope that we can help others while we are doing so. With coding I get to do that!

2) Have you been involved in any groups/orgs on campus that have been particularly meaningful or beneficial to you?

I’m an IDEA Scholar. The IDEA Scholar program comes with an amazing opportunity to start 2 Computer Science and Engineering courses over the summer, seminars connecting us with resources on research, internship, academic resources, and simply connecting the Jacobs School of Engineering students. It also gives me the tools to prepare for when I have to apply for internships, job positions, and graduate school, such as which part of the resume is the most focused on and the expectations for graduate school applications. As a freshman Computer Science major at UCSD, the Summer Engineering Institute really helped me start the school year on the right foot. The Idea scholar meetings have been continuing through this quarter. I love the IDEA Scholar mixers, seminars on research and internship.

 3) Any idea what you'd like to do with your CS degree in the future?

I loved the glimpse of cybersecurity through my district’s Cyber Security program for 2 years and a summer camp in Washington DC. However, there’s so much to learn at UCSD’s Computer Science and Engineering, and I am looking forward to learning more about Computer Science for the next 4 years. As I mentioned earlier, I hope to utilize my coding skills to better others lives, and UCSD’s Jacobs School of Engineering has so many varieties of CSE classes and I look forward to learning from those classes and through internships. For now, I’m a freshman ready to explore the world of Computer Science.

 4) Any advice to students interested in studying CS?

 Computer Science is simply rewarding. It’s like a conditional friendship. The more time you invest in this field, the more you get to know and love the world of Computer Science. The potential of integration of Computer Science is truly unlimited. If you like to solve problems, and have broad interests and a good work ethic, this is the field for you. 

 5) How does it feel to be named a ServiceNow Scholar?

It is a huge honor and means so much to me. It’s the outreach and heart of leaders in this field that make the difference in the future of computer science. I hope to pay this forward myself to nurture and support the next generation as generous companies such as ServiceNow have.