Green River Student Battles Adversity, LEAPs to Success
Melissa Curry’s journey at Green River College isn’t just a run-of-the-mill story about academic success; it’s an inspiring tale of existential stick–to–itiveness that ends with acceptance to LEAP, a Microsoft-sponsored paid diversity program for budding software developers.
It all started four years ago when Melissa lost her job as a casino dealer. In need of better prospects and a new direction in life, she enrolled in a two-year degree program at Green River focusing on IT networking and security. Finding money to pay for the degree posed a significant challenge, but Melissa, in a characteristic display of determination and initiative, applied for assistance from an innovative funding program for recently laid off workers called Worker Retraining. This program offered her tuition, fee, and book assistance in multiple quarters, propelling her towards successful completion of her associate’s degree.
Melissa, however, was just getting started. With a passion for programming, she remained at Green River to earn her bachelor’s degree in Software Development. Along the way, she applied for Federal Financial Aid, and for two years in a row qualified for a comprehensive National Science Foundation scholarship through Green River’s Technology Scholars Program.
This isn’t to say the waters were always smooth. From caring for homeless family members to becoming a single mother, Melissa encountered significant obstacles while a student. But she stuck to it, asked for help, and seized opportunities whenever and wherever they arose.
Bachelor’s degree in tow, Melissa’s next move involves joining LEAP in Redmond. In our Q and A below, she reflects on her journey and offers motivational tips for up-and-coming IT students.
Let’s start from the beginning. What led you to Green River’s Software Development program?
Melissa: After losing my job as a casino dealer, I decided to go back to school. I chose to go to Green River since I had attended once before, so it was familiar. I was pursuing my associate’s in IT Networking and Security, and really enjoyed the courses where I was able to script or program. It wasn’t too long after that I heard about Green River’s bachelor’s in Software Development, and immediately jumped at the opportunity.
You were recently accepted into Microsoft’s LEAP program — congrats! Can you tell us a little bit about this particular program and what your role within it will be?
The LEAP program was designed to help Microsoft cast a wider net to attract a more capable and diverse pool of candidates that might not otherwise get the opportunity to join Microsoft. They aren’t necessarily looking for the techiest of techies, but more for individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences who can think big and problem-solve. The first two months of the program are spent in the classroom learning various technologies and completing hands-on projects. The last two months are spent working on projects with Microsoft product teams. At the end of the 16 weeks, the sponsoring teams decide if they’d like to offer any of the candidates full-time positions.
I’m excited for the opportunity to learn whatever they have to teach me, as well as the chance to potentially be offered full-time employment with Microsoft. The fact that the entire 16 weeks is paid makes it that much better. To be able to truly focus on learning and to be able to soak up all the knowledge they have to offer without having to worry about expenses is amazing. I’m not exactly sure what team I will be working with, but my first interview was with a member of the Bing team, so I have a feeling that may be who I partner with.
What key skills did you develop at Green River that best prepared you to enter the job market?
While pursuing my bachelor’s in Software Development at Green River, I also obtained my ScrumMaster certification, which not only proves I am able to develop using agile methods, but that I can lead as well. Unlike other coding bootcamps or online tutorials, my classmates and I worked hard to gain efficiency in Lean Startup Principles, defect analysis and resolution, mobile development frameworks, secure development practices, and product initiation, design, & deployment. Understanding the product life cycle ensures we can not only code, but communicate and work effectively with others as well as understand the business value in what we are producing. We also have some of the best IT professors (including our program manager) at Green River that held resume and LinkedIn workshops, and even mock interview events, which I believe gives us a competitive edge.
What are some of the obstacles you overcame along the way in the process of completing your bachelor’s degree?
Like many others, I have had several hardships and faced difficult life circumstances while pursuing my degree. My mother and 12 year old baby sister were homeless for some time, so they ended up staying with me, which was difficult for so many reasons. My son’s father also ended up relapsing after more than 12 years of being sober, and after a split with my boyfriend of nearly 7 years, I truly became a single mother. Even through all the hardships, I have been blessed with an amazing and patient son, as well as friends and family members who have all helped me in one way or another to ensure I was able to focus on school and graduate on time.
Put on your motivational speaking hat: what words of encouragement do you have for students facing obstacles of their own?
These last few years have been full of obstacles that have made continuing my education seem almost impossible at times. I had to realize that life is full of challenges, and nobody is immune to them. We can only face them as they arise, and do our best to put ourselves in a better position to handle the next challenge. Continue to take baby steps. Try hard to not get overwhelmed by thinking about the big picture. Avoid getting bogged down or stressed out about issues that are beyond your control. From my experience, those around you will notice your hard work and strength, and it’s amazing how much help and support people are willing to give when they see you doing your best to help yourself. The hard part is not being too prideful to accept help. Remember: you’ll be in a position to pay it forward someday.
As a two-time National Science Foundation scholarship recipient, you exemplify hustle. Can you talk about the importance of hustle (i.e. seizing opportunities, working hard, going the extra mile) in addition to having strong technical skills?
There are so many opportunities out there, too many to pass up — take advantage! I chose to apply for as many scholarship, conference, and internship opportunities as possible. This is how I earned two National Science Foundation scholarships, which meant I was able to quit working and focus on school. I was able to attend the Women in Cybersecurity Conference in Dallas, Texas, and the Students of Color Conference in Yakima, Washington, all because I submitted applications for scholarships to attend, and in the process of attending gained valuable insight into my field. There was a lot of rejection in the process (which never feels good), but that rejection often carried along with it new learning opportunities.
I also took advantage of campus resources. I applied for Worker Retraining, SAFE funds, and Financial Aid. I also volunteering as an IT Bachelor’s Student Ambassador, which gave me opportunities to give talks to high school students and overcome my fear of public speaking. These are just a few examples. Like I said, there are too many resources and opportunities to pass up. Take advantage!
Be like Melissa with a bachelor’s degree in software development from Green River College. Learn more at www.greenriver.edu/software.
Learn more about the LEAP Program and Microsoft’s commitment to creating more diversity in tech by visiting www.industryexplorers.com.
