What program or major did you pursue at NCTC, and what inspired that choice?

I pursued an A.S. in Computer Science because I wanted to transfer those credits for a Bachelor's in Computer Science at UT Dallas and become the Software Developer I am today!

What drew you to NCTC originally?

NCTC Flower Mound was really close to my neighborhood. I loved that it was walking distance from home, really nice area -- there's a plaza with restaurants and cafe that I can hang around and a park with a trail leading back home. It is more affordable and efficient for me to get my general education and pre-requisites for my field.

Can you describe a class, project, or professor at NCTC that had a lasting impact on you?

I still remember Mrs. Melissa Blankenship and of course, Ms. Jill Swarner for recommending me for this Alumni spotlight! I worked closely with them for my Phi Theta Kappa outreach on small businesses and definitely enjoyed Prof. Blankenship's lectures on Macroeconomics and how relevant it is to our lives as well.

Where has your career path taken you since graduating from NCTC?

Where I dreamed it to be - I have a full-time position as a Software Developer and surrounded with like-minded individuals!

How did your time at NCTC prepare you for your current role or next steps in education?

Definitely helped me finish college debt-free with the scholarships from PTK and other sponsorships for attending NCTC. It acted as a steppingstone to be more independent and taking charge of my future compared to when I was in high school while living at home with my parents.

What’s one professional accomplishment you're especially proud of?

Definitely getting out of my comfort zone and participating in PTK and research sponsored by NCTC.

Were you involved in any student organizations, clubs, or activities while at NCTC? How did that shape your experience?

I was an officer in Phi Theta Kappa and it was fun. Me and other PTK leaders worked on an outreach project to interview local shop owners when COVID was peak, then we presented to our club. I had the opportunity to research on the macroeconomic side of things with Prof. Blankenship and under Ms. Swarner's guidance. Also had an amazing interview with a fellow alum who worked at Microsoft and the prospect of Computer Science in the tech industry back during COVID-era.

What advice would you give to current or incoming NCTC students?

I'm glad that NCTC's campuses were in convenient places to commute in and had all the courses I need with lower tuition rates compared to universities. I would take advantage of NCTC's programs especially if there is a campus in your area! Smaller class sizes were also one I wished universities would follow from since you can converse with the professor more readily and even start a project like what I did with Prof. Blankenship!

What does being an NCTC alum mean to you?

It means making the most out of the opportunities around you and giving back.