Z Anderson, a computer science and sociology double major, is president of both Society of Women Engineers and Association for Computing Machinery this academic year at Seaver College. Z also spent the summer working in Cambodia as a Computer Curriculum Developer for an educational nonprofit where she developed a Social Safety course to educate students ages 13-20 and then assisted in fine-tuning a Computer Literacy program for students ages 6-13.
On spending a summer working with an NGO in Cambodia:
This summer I worked as a Computer Curriculum Developer for an educational NGO in Cambodia, called REACH Siem Reap. I developed a Social Safety course to educate students, ages 13-20, on societal and digital dangers pertinent to life in Cambodia. I also assisted in fine-tuning a Computer Literacy program for students ages 6-13, that taught students basic computer skills, as well as internet and research skills.
This work allowed me to intertwine my love for sociology and my passion toward the digital gap by immersing myself in the local community I was working to support. My long-term goal is to develop curriculums for NGOs in as many countries as I can, focusing on supporting areas with low digital readiness levels.
On being a Seaver student:
Seaver College has provided me with the educational tools and support system needed to thrive in such a demanding career. While I have learned many Computer Science skills, the most valuable skill I have developed is the ability to rise to the challenges I am faced with and use my resources to solve problems; Seaver College has taught me that there is always an opportunity to learn if you are willing to allow yourself to be vulnerable and curious.
Along with the lessons I have learned, I value the support system that has formed around me. The professors and faculty have directly contributed to my growth as a student and as a person. During my first 3 years, I was plagued with imposter syndrome and feelings of inadequacy; rather than allowing me to get lost in the struggle, my professors and faculty took the time to build me up and show me my options.
When I decided I didn’t want to pursue a “conventional” computer science path, they celebrated my passions and supported me in any way they could. It is because of them that I am confident in my career path and unafraid of the trials and tribulations that are sure to come.
