I love computer science. I want to help other people learn as much about computer science as they can so that they can enjoy it as much as I do. I want them to not only learn the tools and techniques we teach in class, but also develop the discipline of thinking logically and the ability to learn on their own.

In order to do that, it is not enough to know the subject well. I also need to know how to teach effectively – how to engage and excite students, how to draw out their questions and guide them to answers. I want to be able to reach each student – not as a faceless, nameless crowd I teach to, but as individuals from whom I can learn and with whom I can share what I know.

It will not be easy. Not all my lessons will proceed according to plan. Not all the examples I use will be clear and understandable. But armed with a passion for the field and a desire to help people learn effectively, I hope to do the best I can.

I believe that formal training in education – from formulating lesson plans to assessing student accomplishments – will help me become a more effective teacher. With its emphasis on Ignatian ideals such as “magis” and “cura personalis”, an Atenean education will help me learn how to help prepare other people to be men and women for others.

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