Blog Post #1: Introduction
Hey everyone! My name is Alexa (but you can call me Al), and I’m currently wrapping up my computer science degree at Oregon State University, while also working in the heart of Orange County, California. Originally, I’m from the Mojave Desert, but I’ve lived in Oregon for about four years before returning to California. My current time zone is Pacific Standard Time (PST).
When I’m not working on schoolwork or working at the water store I manage, I’m either playing beach volleyball, hiking, or enjoying some quality time outdoors. I also like to stay active have been exploring the idea of creating an Instagram page that combines my love for working out with my tech skills, as part of my senior project. I’m also passionate about trying new sports and soaking up the sun.
I got into computers after I decided to shift careers and dive into something that would challenge me and offer endless opportunities to grow. I started my journey at OSU during the COVID-19 pandemic, and since then, it’s been a wild ride through everything from software testing to microservices.
In terms of work, I manage a water store right now, but I also work part-time at a restaurant. I haven’t had much luck in securing an internship in tech yet, but I’m hopeful as I continue applying to new positions.
Some of my favorite technologies include Python, JavaScript, CSS, other Web Dev technologies and diving into data science tools as I consider what my long-term career might look like—possibly as a data scientist or software engineer. My favorite project so far has been the motivational microservice I built for my StudySync app. It was a great way to combine creativity and coding, and it definitely kept me motivated!