It Runs in the Family: Aaliyah’s Story

Aaliyah is studying Computer Science at Eastern Washington University, something she was inspired to pursue thanks to encouragement and modeling from her father, a programmer. While she loves to solve technical problems, Aaliyah also has an artistic side, enjoying painting and tie-dyeing.

College: Eastern Washington University, studying Computer Science

• What inspired you to pursue a career in STEM or a trade, and what excites you most about this path?

  I was inspired to pursue a career in STEM partly because I have had a lot of exposure to the field since my dad is a programmer, and because I love solving technical problems. I am most excited about deeply learning about how AI works and being able to develop AI solutions that will be able to greatly benefit people.

• How do you see this scholarship helping you achieve your career goals, and what difference do you hope to make in your field?

  This scholarship will help me achieve my career goals by opening up a lot of my time to study and focus on my career instead of having to work long hours while I am at college. It has also helped free up a lot of my stress from being able to pay for my education, which has already helped me put more focus on my career. I also hope to make a difference in the field of Computer Science and the quickly evolving field of AI development by really focusing on making tailored solutions to problems like the U.S. dropping education rates and declining health as a country.

• Who has been your biggest supporter or role model throughout your education?

  My dad has been my biggest supporter through my education by giving me countless hours of tutoring in math and programming. He has also been a great role model by showing me how to have a great work ethic and how to think critically.

• What are you most excited about as you begin your college or trade school journey?

  I am most excited about being able to meet a lot of new people and have a lot of opportunities to make great friends.

• What’s one fun fact about you that people might not expect from someone pursuing a career in your field?

  A fun fact that people might not expect from someone pursuing a highly technical career is that I really love making art, like painting or tie-dyeing.

• If you could instantly learn any skill before starting college or trade school, what would it be?

  I would want to instantly learn how to communicate confidently and effectively.

• If you had an entire day to do whatever you wanted—no school or work—how would you spend it?

  I would spend the day reading one of the fantasy books on my reading list!