“The opportunity to get a master’s degree with only one additional summer of school is a unique opportunity that I am very grateful for.”
When thinking about what to do with this powerful degree, Jacob turned to his advisor, Assistant Professor of Computer Science Calvin Deutschbein, for guidance.
“They have been invaluable in helping me figure out what I want to do with my Computer Science degree and have always helped me pursue anything that interests me, even if we don’t have a class for it,” Jacob says.
“I think my time at Willamette has transformed me into a leader I never dreamed of being.”
Becoming a leader
Outside of the classroom, Jacob has grown his confidence as a leader. He even took on the demanding role of Opening Days Coordinator, spending months planning and leading Willamette’s orientation program.
“I think my time at Willamette has transformed me into a leader I never dreamed of being. I was much more of a follower in high school, but now I have served as the club president and ran the opening days program — things I never would have tried before,” Jacob says.
This summer, Jacob will be finishing up his master’s coursework. Then, he looks forward to beginning his career in computer science in the Pacific Northwest — empowered by his two degrees and the support of the community he’s found at Willamette.
“It’s really been emphasized in my time at Willamette that we pick each other up as a community,” Jacob says.
What were some of the highlights of your time at Willamette?
- Serving as the Asian Coalition for Equality (ACE) President
- Being an Opening Days Coordinator
- Working as a Hatfield Library circulation desk manager
- Receiving a Senior Key
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