How Vincentian Values Turned My Master’s Journey into a Masterclass in Human (Computer) Interaction
As I finish up at DePaul University, the only thing that comes to mind when looking back is a journey full of learning, laughter, and loads of life lessons learned inadvertently. As a master’s student in Human-Computer Interaction at DePaul University, I played many roles: student, mentor, tech enthusiast, and sometimes, even a bad cook on the side (let’s just say not all experiments in the kitchen were as successful as those in the HCI lab). It’s been a mix of service, innovation, and empathy — Vincentian values that shaped my curriculum and defined my entire grad life.
Starting off as a Peer Career Coach, I didn’t just offer career advice. I delved into the dreams and aspirations of my peers, helping them navigate the turbulent waters of professional decisions. Imagine a career cupid, but I used resumes and heart-to-heart conversations instead of arrows. I particularly remember helping one student pivot her career path from an ambitious goal of a high-rise corporate job to a fulfilling role in non-profit management. She was passionate about social justice but felt stifled in her junior corporate role. Together, we work through aspirations and map out a route for a career where she can make a difference — turning her passion into a profession — where she goes on to join an NGO and take on multiple hats to figure out what to do next!
As a CDM Graduate Ambassador, I became the face and voice for DePaul’s tech programs. I served as a bridge, connecting prospective students to their tech dreams. Whether it was through open houses, one-on-one chats, or just spreading the good tech vibes, I made sure my role went beyond formal presentations; I connected with prospective students over virtual cups of coffee, shared my own tales of tech triumphs and mishaps, and watched their apprehension turn into ambition, ensuring every interaction left them a bit more inspired and a lot more informed.
In a parallel track, as an ISSE Peer Mentor, I eased the transition for international students, who, like me, found themselves in a brand new cultural and academic setting. It was more than just academic advice; it was about sharing the best spots for comfort food and insider tips on surviving chilly Chicago winters.
But it wasn’t all about navigating cultural and career challenges. I also reimagined Zoom, DePaul’s platform for virtual learning, to align it more closely with the university’s core value of excellence in teaching. My project, along with my peers, was more than a technical tweak; it was a deep dive into enhancing how students and faculty interact in a digital classroom. I conducted qualitative interviews with instructors and students, and together, we came up with innovative ideas about creating a space where learning could thrive, uninhibited by technical snags.
And the cultural events like Bon Appetit and Vinny Fest — how could I forget? These weren’t just opportunities to devour some free food (a delightful perk); they were vibrant, multicultural gatherings that taught me the true essence of community and diversity at DePaul. I looked forward to all the events!
As I gear up to toss my cap into the air, I’m not just marking the end of my academic journey (cause who knows PhD calling?). I’m setting the stage for a future where I continue to blend technology with empathy and innovation with service. With a heart full of memories and a head full of skills, I’m ready to step into the world and sprinkle a little bit of that DePaul and Vincentian magic everywhere I go.
What’s next? As I walk out the gates of this university, I invite all of you along with me on this journey to make our world a better place — one laugh, one line of code and design, one helping hand at a time. Anyway, is not life itself the biggest project any of us shall ever have?
