Advocate for Expanding Computer Science Opportunities
School Representative for Loudoun County School Board (Mar 2024)
Chosen to represent my school, I advocated for the expansion of post-AP computer science courses to the Loudoun County School Board, emphasizing the need for advanced learning opportunities in this rapidly growing field. Through these efforts, I played a significant role in creating a more inclusive and comprehensive computer science education for students aspiring to major in computer science like myself to demonstrate how this course is an invaluable stepping stone, equipping students with the practical skills necessary for success in college-level computer science courses and beyond.
Rock Ridge “Learn to Code” Event (May 2023)
As the Communications Officer of the Rock Ridge Computer Science Honor Society, at the Rock Ridge “Learn to Code” workshop, I taught elementary school students how to code their own “Snake” game using Scratch software, introducing them to fundamental programming concepts in a fun and engaging way by using a game they are familiar with. In fact, I am still in contact with Aaliya, one of the elementary school students I worked with, who continues to update me on her technological/coding adventures!
Academies of Loudoun “Hour of Code” Event (Dec 2023)
As a member of the Academies of Loudoun Computer Science Honor Society, I volunteered at the Academies of Loudoun “Hour of Code” event, where I guided elementary and middle school students in programming robots to navigate obstacle courses.
Academies of Loudoun Hackathon (May 2024)
At the Academies of Loudoun Hackathon, I was in charge of spearheading the “Introduction to Python” and “Introduction to Competitive Programming” workshops for middle and high school students. The goal of these workshops was to spark their interest in different areas of computer science they had not previously explored.
LEADERSHIP IN SCHOOL CLUBS
Vice President of Rock Ridge Robotics Club (Sep 2023-Present)
As vice president of the Rock Ride robotics club, I designed and delivered presentations to equip new members with the essentials of robotics. I focused on key concepts such as the engineering design process, CAD prototyping for modules, chassis engineering, and programming robots using C++. In addition, I organized and led hands-on robotics workshops for elementary and middle school students, inspiring the next generation of engineers by teaching them these fundamentals in a fun and engaging way.
Vice President of Rock Ridge Competitive Programming Club (Sep 2022-Present)
As vice president of the Rock Ridge competitive programming club, I actively recruited and trained new members by organizing practice coding competitions on OpenKattis, to enhance their programming skills. This way, members would have mastered the fundamentals, enabling them to excel in the programming competitions when the time came! Additionally, I collaborated with my computer science teacher to manage logistics for away competitions such as ensuring smooth travel arrangments and securing necessary permission forms. My leadership not only empowered my fellow peers to excel in programming but also strengthened our team's cohesion and success in competitions.
Mentor in Rock Ridge WINGS Program (Aug 2023-Present)
As a mentor in the Rock Ridge WINGS program, I served as a liaison for transitioning 60 freshman students into high school. Paired with a group of freshmen, other WINGS mentors and I developed lesson plans on topics such as mental health, stress management, and peer pressure during our free time for advisory sessions. Answering their questions about high school, providing course selection guidance, and trying to make their high school experience as “normal” and“relaxing” as possible was a nice break during such a taxing junior year, when I was struggling to find balance between school work and time for myself. By serving as a mentor to kids who may have had a rocky start to high school over a certainly difficult year, I was endowed with an unique opportunity of giving back to my school community by taking greater responsibility and playing a more active role during a trying time for everyone. I am excited to continue my tenure as a WINGS mentor for the upcoming school year!
Lincoln-Douglas Debate Team Captain & Varsity Debater
As captain of the Rock Ridge Lincoln-Douglas (LD) debate team, I led weekly skill workshops on LD basics like value clash, speaker drills, and voter issues, and mentored novice debaters by reviewing cases and research briefs. Since joining the team in my freshman year, the skills I’ve gained from innumerable debate practices and competitions have been indispensable. Reviewing articles and literature for credible sources of information and articulating information into concise, impactful speeches during rounds have honed my critical thinking and research skills along with my ability to process wide breadths of information more effectively. The need to comprehensively understand and question an argument or topic from different points of view has challenged my analytical thinking and ability to respond to counterarguments spontaneously with robust responses. Whether its debating in mock rounds or altering my mindset as I brainstormed supporting arguments in favor of or against the resolution, debate has ultimately made me a well-informed citizen as I’ve been trained to address a whole range of diverse social issues and viewpoints, thus broadening my social, political, and global views. After qualifying for the WACFL metrofinals tournament my freshman year and advancing to varsity level debate from novice debate by the end of my first year debating, I hope to continue advancing my speaking and critical thinking skills during my last year of high school as a varsity debater. I am confident my experiences in effect will also better prepare me for the real world by making me a more dynamic conversationalist and debater outside the field of competitive debate itself.