Destiny Acevedo BS’24 may have taken some extra time to find Willamette, but it was worth the wait. A transfer student, Destiny originally planned to pursue medicine and took some time off from college. She eventually found herself studying data science at the School of Computing & Information Sciences — sparking a transformation within herself, both personally and academically.
“My time at Willamette has completely changed me as a person,” Destiny says. “I initially had mixed feelings about being inadequate in data science and could not fathom any future goals in the field. Being welcomed by the data science community here and being inspired by the faculty and staff changed that.”
Destiny points to her experience as a tutor at the Quantitative Understanding, Analysis, and Design (QUAD) Center as a formative opportunity to develop her coding proficiency while inspiring others.
“I was able to problem solve and confidently aid others with their coding questions,” Destiny says. “More importantly, through this experience I was also able to inspire and motivate others to also reach for their academic goals through the data science field. Willamette has allowed me to connect with like-minded individuals who have become my personal mentors. They have challenged me and inspired me throughout my journey and inspired me to dream bigger than my own dreams had imagined.”
After graduation, Destiny will take her passion overseas. She plans to travel to London, Paris, Amsterdam, Central Germany, Venice, Barcelona, and beyond. But her heart will never be too far away from her Willamette community.
“The motto really stands as a testament to the community that has welcomed me with open arms. Whenever I have felt unsure in my decisions or insecure of my actions, the Data Science community has embraced me with motivation and confidence to keep going.”
“Whenever I have felt unsure in my decisions or insecure of my actions, the data science community has embraced me with motivation and confidence to keep going,” Destiny says. “I have never felt alone since joining this community and I do not think I ever will.”
Read more featured graduate stories
Destiny is one of Willamette University’s 2024 featured graduates. To read more inspiring stories about our graduating students, click here. From student athletes and scientists to aspiring artists and attorneys, these students represent just a few of the incredible members of our Willamette community.
Please join us in congratulating the entire Willamette University class of 2024 for their accomplishments! Learn more about Willamette's 2024 commencement ceremonies.
Photo Credit: Mario Gallucci MFA'14
