In Danger of Not Graduating

Hello, 

My name is Nyasha Smith and I am a junior Computer Science major at Spelman College in Atlanta, GA. I was fortunate enough to be selected to spend my junior year at Stanford University in Palo Alto, CA as a Domestic Exchange student. I am currently enrolled in the winter quarter at Stanford University taking 14 units and working part-time online. In order for me to finish my junior year of college I need $21,531. The total amount of money I needed for this year was $42,031 and I found a way to pay for $20,500 with federal loans, a private loan, a scholarship, and out of pocket. 

After applying to many scholarship programs, I was not fortunate enough to win enough to pay for this year. I have a remainder of $21,531 that I have to pay by June 2016 to complete my junior year. I would be so grateful if you could please help me by sharing this gofundme on your social media or by contributing to my campaign.

Here is a little more about me:  

I chose to study computer science because I am extremely passionate about problem solving, innovation, and entreprenship. I love that computer science has applications in every field of study and that these applications spur rapid technological growth. I have used my passion and determination to make achievements throughout my freshmen and sophomore years of college.

My love for computer science led me to accept an offer from Boeing as an Exterprise Achitect. During my internship at Boeing I learned about fluent systems for employee communication, software evaluations, and testing. Thanks to Boeing for further developing my technological skills and broadening my knowledge of computer science I became even more passionate about pursuing computer science. In addition to interning at Boeing  during my freshmen year, I also made it onto Spelman College’s Dean’s List. I was one of only 35 women in the United States to receive The Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship for women in computer science.

Futhermore, my sophomore year I was offered an opportunity to conduct undergraduate research under Dr. Yolanda Rankin. I pursued this research opportunity, within human computer interaction, to explore language learning video games. As a result of my academic performance and reseach interest, I received the Clare Boothe Luce Research Fellowship.  Through my research I found that I enjoy using technology to create new solutions to existing problems. I plan to use my Bachelor’s of Science degree in Computer Science to become a skilled software developer with a focus in human computer interaction.

I am currently working to master object oriented programming and algorithmic thinking. I also aspire to pursue my entrepreneurial interests by creating a business that positively impacts society with mobile applications.

Computer science will always be my passion and with your help I can finish my journey.  Any amount you can give will be very appreciated! If you are unable to give,  please, please share my story on your social media. 

Thank you so much for reading this and considering my situation! 

Below are photos and projects I've worked on: 

10 Lines is a collaborative drawing application, where up to five people can draw together on separate mobile devices. My team and I developed this mobile application in the swift programming langauge. During the CS147 (Introduction to Human Computer Interaction & Design) project fair at Stanford university we allowed guests to draw togther on separate mobile phones. 
My team, 10 Lines, at the Mobile Application Project Fair - CS147(Introduction to Human Computer Interaction & Design) Stanford University Fall 2015 


10 lines - Concept Video  


Pitch Slide 

Best  Overall Projects at the CS147 Project Fair, we won first runner up in a class of over 200 students and 62 teams!


Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholars Retreat Summer 2014
 My Hackathon Team 

Coding during a 24 hackathon at Google in Mountian View, CA 

Hackathon Presentation at the Anita Borg Scholar's Retreat