Zoe Chamberlin, BA May 2022

I give my mother full credit when it comes to computer science’s place in my life. Throughout high school, it was evident that I had a natural talent and interest in the sciences. With this knowledge, my mother slowly started to mention computer science in our daily conversations. Initially, I was completely turned off by the idea. I did not see anyone who looked like me in the discipline, coding seemed incredibly challenging and inaccessible, and I didn’t consider myself the most tech-savvy person. However, with time, her persistent urge to get me to apply for the Girls Who Code program worked. When I was granted admission to the program she was very excited, and I, unsurprisingly, was not. But, the unexpected happened during that Girls Who Code summer. I saw that computer science is what I made it to be. I was able to create websites, applications, make pictures dance, and more. I was inspired by my instructors all of whom were women of color. I saw myself. After that technology-filled summer, I gained the confidence to take the leap into computer science.

I came to Wake Forest determined to be a computer science major and did not waver in my stance despite the days and nights of frustration and confusion. I was able to find my way through mentorship, confiding in professors, and in the past year have been able to pay it forward by spearheading the CS4Success program. Though this major has been a challenge, I have found that the times of clarity and triumph have made it all worth it.

After graduation, I will be working as a software analyst for Citibank in my hometown of New York City. I am incredibly excited to begin a new chapter of my life and extremely thankful for the support, guidance, and relationships I have been able to build with members of the Computer science faculty here at Wake Forest. I am proud of the impact I have been able to make on this department and even more delighted by how receptive this department is to feedback and dedicated to creating change. I am excited to see what great things come from CS4Success as well as future initiatives to foster diversity and inclusion in this department. Once again, thank you for everything you have done for me, and most importantly, for believing in me.