Ian is a Computer Science major who aspires to improve the community through web development and computer programming. He was awarded the Kathleen D. Crouch Memorial Scholarship, which focuses on older students who want to finish their education.
How did you find out about this scholarship?
I found out about this scholarship at the Scholarship Resource Center. I wrote the essay over winter break. I treated it as though it were a term paper, and I had my family edit it alongside the assistance available at the Scholarship Resource Center. Then I submitted my essay to several different scholarships in GSU’s system, including this one.
What motivated you to apply for scholarships?
I definitely needed extra funding for school, but I also wanted extra credentials to put on my resume. Being awarded a scholarship helps to show that I’m a good student, and to me personally is a reward for all of my hard work.
How was the writing process for you?
I tend to ramble a bit when I initially get my ideas out, but then I go back and revise everything after I have a good outline. The best ideas tend to come to me all at once, so I always rush to get everything down on paper before anything else. I may even start with just a list of ideas, and then expand them into paragraphs. From there, I try to find an overall theme that connects everything together. Knowing when to take breaks is important too.
What did you write about in your essay?
Since childhood, I have always had an interest in computers. I have also been a musician, an artist, and a writer for most of my life. Any such artistic pursuit has usually required a computer, so I realized that computers were central in my life to making these ideas possible. Eventually, I ended up creating a fully functioning website for a comic strip I made, and I did this at age 27 with no prior knowledge of web design. So in facilitating this project, I discovered that web programming and design is very much a creative process itself. Being an artist requires individuals to be both creative and logical thinkers, and web design is no different. Now that I’m studying computer science and programming, even more of my ideas are becoming possible.
How helpful was the Scholarship Resource Center?
It was very helpful. I got a lot of encouragement from Ms. Parker, the office administrator, and she was very generous in helping me with my paper several times. The student workers were genuinely concerned about the students’ success as well.
What do you plan to do after graduation?
I want to get a job as soon as possible, and I’m currently trying to find an internship that will kick-start that endeavor. In the meantime I’m working on some programming ideas that will not only look good on a resume, but will be useful to the community as well.
Any hobbies?
I am a musician at heart. I play guitar, bass, and drums, and I produce the music I write as well. I enjoy computer programming too! It is definitely important to actually enjoy what you are pursuing, and not just do it for the money.
What made you decide to major in Computer Science?
Most of my jobs have been in the restaurant industry, or in the service industry in general, so pursuing an IT profession would provide a lifestyle that is more invigorating for me personally. And as I said before, studying computer science gives me a more logical insight for the creative things I wish to do in the future. Computer programming is also something that is very satisfying and rewarding to me in itself, so I can see myself enjoying this as a career choice.
Do you have any advice for others who also wish to apply for scholarships?
It’s never too late to go back to school. I’m a bit older than the average GSU student, so receiving this scholarship has proven that there are always opportunities for me to pursue. I have friends who have gone back to school, and then I have friends who have not. People tend to feel as though it is too “too late” to go back to school after a certain age, but I feel as though I am a living example of the contrary. I was also worried that the job market gives preference to younger graduates, but that is also a myth. All that really matters is one’s motivation and inspiration to learn, and the necessary knowledge and experience to land a job will come with enough hard work.