Hello! I’m Aracely Casillas, and I’m the eldest in my family. I have the unique ability to speak both Spanish and English fluently. At home, I’ve often found myself taking on responsibilities similar to those of a parent. My parents didn’t have the chance to finish their education, so they aren’t very familiar with the college experience and the steps needed to get there. This lack of guidance has been a challenge for me. It’s tough to stay motivated when your family doesn’t fully understand the journey you’re on. Many students in my situation end up choosing work over college because their parents are more familiar with that path. They often don’t know how to navigate the world of higher education. I saw this as an opportunity to help others gain the skills and knowledge needed to secure well-paying jobs.
Last year, I took a class called Computer Science Principles, taught by Mr. Lozano. He really understood my situation at home and became a mentor, guiding me into the world of computer science. When I first joined his class, I didn’t know what to expect, but he assured me that I would enjoy it and do well. Learning about the underrepresentation of women and Latinos in this field made me realize that this is where I belong. I feel it’s my responsibility to guide other Latinas and girls into this field, showing them that if I can do it, they can too.
It’s crucial that computer science is accessible to everyone. Thanks to the principles I learned, I was able to advance to studying Python at the college level. I’m excited to find out which college I’ll be attending next year. Everyone wants to make a difference in the world, and I believe technology is my way to do that.
By sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to pursue their passions, even when the path isn’t clear. With determination and the right support, we can all achieve our dreams and make a positive impact on the world.
Write a reflective journal entry about a time when you faced a challenge similar to Aracely’s. Describe how you overcame it and what support systems helped you. Consider how these experiences can shape your future goals.
Research the current statistics on the representation of women and Latinos in computer science. Prepare a short presentation to share your findings with the class, including potential solutions to increase diversity in the field.
Pair up with a classmate and role-play a mentorship scenario. One of you will be Aracely, and the other will be a younger student interested in computer science. Discuss the challenges and opportunities in the field and how to navigate them.
Participate in a Python coding challenge where you solve a series of problems using the skills Aracely learned. Work in teams to encourage collaboration and problem-solving, simulating a real-world tech environment.
Create a detailed plan outlining the steps needed to apply to college, including researching scholarships and financial aid options. Share your plan with the class to help others who might be in a similar situation as Aracely.
Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript:
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My name is Aracely Casillas. I’m the oldest in my family, and I can handle both Spanish and English at the same time. I’ve always taken on a parental role at home. Both my parents did not complete their education, so they don’t have much experience with college and the process of getting there. The lack of support from my parents has affected me. It can be very challenging to stay motivated when they don’t fully understand what I’m going through. Many students like me end up not pursuing college because they need jobs and their parents are familiar with that path. They often don’t know how to navigate the world of higher education. I saw this as an opportunity to help provide skills and background knowledge so they can secure well-paying jobs.
When I took Computer Science Principles last year, Mr. Lozano was my teacher. He understands my situation at home and has been a mentor, guiding me through my journey into the computer science field. When I first entered his class, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but he assured me I would enjoy it and excel. Learning about the underrepresentation of women and Latinos in this field made me realize that this is where I belong. I feel it’s my responsibility to guide other Latinas and girls into this field, showing them that if I can do it, they can too.
We need to ensure that computer science is accessible to everyone. Because I learned the principles of computer science, I was able to advance to Python at the college level, and I’m excited to see which college I will attend next year. Everyone wants to make a difference in the world, and I believe technology is my way to do that.
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This version maintains the essence of the original transcript while removing any potentially sensitive or personal information.
Computer – An electronic device that processes data and performs tasks according to a set of instructions or programs. – Example sentence: The computer executed the complex algorithm in just a few seconds, showcasing its incredible processing power.
Science – The systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment. – Example sentence: Computer science combines principles of mathematics and engineering to develop innovative software solutions.
Python – A high-level programming language known for its readability and versatility, widely used in web development, data analysis, and artificial intelligence. – Example sentence: Python’s simplicity and extensive libraries make it a popular choice for beginners and experts alike in the coding community.
Technology – The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry, including the development and use of computers and software. – Example sentence: Advances in technology have revolutionized the way we communicate, work, and access information.
Accessibility – The design of products, devices, services, or environments to be usable by people with disabilities. – Example sentence: Ensuring accessibility in software design is crucial for creating inclusive digital experiences for all users.
Coding – The process of writing instructions for a computer to perform specific tasks, often using programming languages. – Example sentence: Learning coding can open up numerous career opportunities in the tech industry.
Education – The process of receiving or giving systematic instruction, especially at a school or university, often involving the study of computers and technology. – Example sentence: Online platforms have transformed education by providing access to coding courses for students worldwide.
Skills – The ability to do something well, often gained through training or experience, such as programming or software development. – Example sentence: Developing strong coding skills is essential for anyone aspiring to work in the field of computer science.
Mentor – An experienced and trusted advisor who provides guidance and support, especially in learning coding and technology-related skills. – Example sentence: Having a mentor can greatly enhance a student’s understanding and proficiency in computer programming.
Women – Referring to female individuals, often highlighting their contributions and representation in fields like computer science and technology. – Example sentence: Initiatives to support women in technology aim to close the gender gap and promote diversity in the tech industry.
