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FAVORITE COURSE: Multimedia Design (CS212) and Data Structures (CS 230) were my two favorite courses in Computer Science. The first one provided me with an avenue for creativity by learning how to design cool animated games. The second course, on the other hand, empowered me because it gave me enough tools to create a full application from scratch. I also enjoyed working on the final project for which I developed a Solitaire card game. But the best part of that class was when the professor brought us chocolates during the exam!

My favorite class outside my major is an Economics course on International Finance and Macroeconomic Policy (ECON 213). I enjoy many aspects of the class, such as understanding how the economy of one country can affect the global economic well-being, but I especially appreciate how the course content is shaped and enriched by current events.

YOUR PERSPECTIVES ON ACADEMICS: Wellesley has an amazing Computer Science Department. Professors expect a lot from the students, and they have a great sense of humor and frequently arrange fun activities during the semester. I love how easy it is to talk to these professors, whether it is during class or office hours or simply catching them roaming the halls. They want us to succeed academically and they put a lot of energy into making themselves available in this regard. They also want us to take advantage of extracurricular opportunities, and I have found many to be great mentors. My experience studying sciences at Wellesley has also been enriched by my classmates. Computer Science is a very cooperative discipline and impromptu study groups are quite frequent. These sessions can be very entertaining. For example, once we had a little race through the science building to take a break from the screen!

At Wellesley, there are many resources to help students study in the sciences. Of course, professors are the best resources and they are extremely accessible. Other than professors, every Computer Science class is assigned competent tutors who are available online and at particular times during the week. Finally, students are great resources for one other. The Computer Science Department also puts a lot of effort in organizing social events such as a Frisbee game, a winter cookie party, and a department open house, where students perform a very amusing musical. The department hosts many talks with inspirational guests, and students are encouraged to personally meet these scholars through Q&A lunches.

RESEARCH/INTERNSHIPS: This past summer, I participated in a Research Experience for Undergraduates at Virginia Tech in the Center for Human-Computer Interaction. The professor I worked for specializes in educational technology and, under her supervision, I created an application for a college course on collaborative narrative creation. This experience was invaluable and it inspired me to attend the Grace Hopper Conference in Orlando, FL, for women in computing. Participating in this research program has encouraged me to go to grad school and has motivated me to pursue a field where women are underrepresented.

FAVORITE THING ABOUT WELLESLEY: I once attended a Wellesley alumnae panel where a presenter said, “I came to Wellesley despite the fact that it was a women’s college, and I loved it because it was a women’s college.” This quote is very pertinent to my feelings about Wellesley because there are many advantages for being at women’s college, and particularly for working in the sciences. I have recently met many women working in technology fields, and they are most often the minority in their workplace. At Wellesley I have gained confidence for participating and expressing my opinions in class. I have also created strong friendships with other women, and this network will be a precious resource when we all graduate.

DREAM JOB: In my wildest dreams, I would be a fashion designer; I realize that’s a bit paradoxical for a computer scientist. More realistically, I would love to create a company that would increase access to computers for groups of populations with limited access to technology. After graduation, I am hoping to go to graduate school, probably to study human-computer interaction.

FUN FACT: I grew up in France and was in the French schooling system up until Wellesley. I haven’t been home in a long time and I miss French cheese so much!