safiya bird
Jul 24, 2017 · 2 min read

My verve for programming was incited by a group project in the Introduction to Engineering Profession course I took which required we invent a product that would aid a specific disability group. My group was assigned the disability group with memory impairment. We divined an app that would use the phone’s camera to scan the face of a person, and provide all correlating personal information pre-programmed by a caregiver, specifically geared towards those with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Upon presenting our product during the class finals, a group of local professionals in the disability industry deemed our project the most interesting and most potential for usefulness. This experience taught me how rewarding building something that would help others would be, and how much I desired to gain the knowledge to give these ideas form.

My interest in studying at Holberton School stems from desire to further my journey with coding and computer science in an inclusive environment particularly encouraging of difference. Upon visiting Holberton, I discovered their emphasis on quality over quantity. While the School encourages all to be on task on time, they would allow space for those who may require deeper immersion, further ensuring retention of information. Recognizing the diversity of their students, Holberton also allows more time for those interested in narrowing their focus by studying a specialization. Their students are taught programing from a base level, and without the reliance on established libraries, one is undoubtedly pushed to develop an even more substantial understanding than would be had otherwise.

Being included in an immersive environment I’ve realized is optimal for my personal educational growth, as was made clear to me both during my year spent learning Spanish in Central America, and my year spent at CIIS for my Masters program. During both experiences I initially felt I was thrown into the deep end of a swimming pool, my previous life and educational experiences having fallen short of preparing me for it. In both cases, I struggled, but labored forward. I found myself having summited massive peaks yielding an awe-some ever-expanding vista of my accomplishments, clearly outlining how my failures were indeed my greatest advancements. It was at CIIS, the most recent experience of the two challenges, when I realized exceptional growth exclusively occurs within exceptional disruption. Now I am continuously seeking opportunities in which dissonance and discord can be found, forever yearning for a deeper connection with the unknown. I am certain Holberton School is the paragon of such a transformation, given if accepted, I would be surrounded by other students in a similar position, and industry professionals outlining lessons and expectations required to achieve my goal, and when the program comes to an end, providing intensive career guidance. Mentors and an advisor who genuinely care about my success in the industry, and a strong sense of community will be a priceless boon during what would invariably by one of the most difficult, and rewarding, challenges of my life. I implore you to allow me the opportunity to study at your School, and to add my particular difference to your amalgamation.