Introducing Grace, a former fashion designer who is courageously forging a new path in the realm of computer science. Motivated by the legacy of mathematician Amalie Emmy Noether and driven to conquer her math-related fears for the sake of her daughter, Grace embarked on an online learning journey. Balancing her studies with family duties, all while undergoing breast cancer treatments, was no small feat. Nevertheless, her determination paid off, and she is now pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from a prestigious university. Grace is thrilled about the endless possibilities that computer science will bring into her life. Read on to discover her inspiring story, motivations, and aspirations.
Transitioning from a creative background in art and design to a technical field like computer science was a significant challenge for Grace. As a mature student with over a decade of professional experience, she faced the daunting task of returning to academia. However, her familiarity with online learning platforms made the process smoother. Grace found the structured format and clear deadlines of her courses to be beneficial, allowing her to effectively pursue her educational goals through an online degree program.
Photo: Grace learning alongside her daughter
Being a positive role model for her children, especially her daughter, was paramount for Grace. She wanted her daughter to witness her perseverance in overcoming challenges, demonstrating that while the sciences can be tough, they are also rewarding and attainable.
Having spent over ten years as a fashion designer, Grace found the transition to the sciences particularly challenging. Mathematics had always been a source of anxiety for her, but she decided it was time to confront this fear. Gradually, she began taking math classes, dedicating herself to consistent practice and improvement. Despite the difficulties of managing family life and undergoing cancer treatment, the thrill of solving complex math problems brought her immense satisfaction and a sense of empowerment. Grace takes pride in her progress in the sciences, proving that anyone can achieve their goals with determination.
One of Grace’s greatest inspirations is mathematician Amalie Emmy Noether, known for her groundbreaking contributions to abstract algebra. Noether faced numerous obstacles in her career, including rejections from academic institutions, yet she remained steadfast in her passion for mathematics. Grace often reflects on Noether’s resilience and wonders, “If she could overcome such challenges, why can’t I?”
Noether’s story fuels Grace’s motivation as she navigates her computer science studies. Everyone needs a source of inspiration to keep pushing forward:
As she embarks on her computer science journey, Grace is eager to expand her knowledge and enhance her skills. So far, she has successfully programmed a game in JavaScript, a first for her, and found the course engaging and well-structured. Her daughter is learning Scratch, a beginner-friendly programming language, and thanks to Grace’s newfound skills, she can assist her daughter in making progress. The joy of learning together has been a rewarding experience for both of them.
Studying computer science promises to unlock new opportunities for Grace. After years of being a stay-at-home mom, she is ready to re-enter the workforce in a role that challenges her and offers a fresh perspective. She dreams of applying her programming skills in the arts or design, with a particular interest in animation.
A fun fact about Grace: She hails from a small village in Cork, Ireland, and has a background in Fashion Design and Art. After living in the United States for 27 years, she has worked in cities like Dublin, London, and New York. Grace enjoys cooking and infusing her artistic flair into her food presentations. Her hobbies include cooking, photography, and designing her own clothes!
Photo: Grace designing apparel
Photo: Grace showcasing her artistic skills in food presentation while engaging with her online lectures.
This article has been adapted from a previous piece published in 2021.