Calvin Student Essay on "Ultimate Geek Chick" Wins Scholarship

September 13, 2006 == MEDIA ADVISORY

A Calvin sophomore who is majoring in computer science and art has won a Microsoft Scholarship from the Society of Women Engineers. Allison Thompson, 19, was one of two winners nationwide (out of 700 applicants) who earned a $2,500 scholarship.

"It specifically goes to women interested in computer science," she says. "When I heard, I was in shock for most of the day because I thought I would never win."

Thompson submitted an essay that traced her evolution into the "ultimate geek chick," an avid computer gamer and programmer.

"Lots of essay topics feel clichéd to me," Thompson says. "This essay gave me a chance to write about what it's like to be a female computer science student. There aren't a lot of us."

Calvin professor of computer science Joel Adams agrees.

"When it comes to problem-solving and thinking outside of the box, women are as good as men, and the creativity, flexible hours and high pay all combine to make computing a superb career path for women," he says. "Unfortunately, fewer than 20 percent of computer science students in the U.S. are women, compared to more than 50 percent in some other countries. We are squandering half of our country's brain trust, even as globalization brings increased competition from abroad."

Thompson, who loves both drawing and coding, hopes to raise the percentage of women employed in the computer field, and her dream job is to work at a company like Pixar.

For the full story, including a pic, see http://www.calvin.edu/news/releases/2006-07/thompson.htm
Contact Thompson at ajt5@calvin.edu

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Received on Wed Sep 13 09:56:35 2006