I'm thrilled to share that I've recently graduated from New Mexico State University with a B.S. in Computer Science! My academic journey has been quite the adventure - I started back in 2018 through the Aggie Pathway program, taking my initial courses at Doña Ana Community College before transferring to NMSU. Initially, I pursued Physics and was thriving in the Honors College with several scholarships under my belt.

Then came the pandemic around my junior year, and like many others, I found myself struggling with the transition to online learning. After some challenging experiences with advanced math courses and deep reflection about my future path, I realized that while Physics had been fascinating, my heart was pulling me in a different direction. Computer Science had always been on my radar - after all, I'd grown up around computers, and it was one of my top choices even before college.

In Spring 2022, I made the switch to Computer Science, and it felt right. While my journey took longer than the traditional four-year path, every step proved valuable. Those high-level Physics and Math courses, and even my later CS classes where I worked alongside graduate students, all contributed to a rich, interdisciplinary perspective that I wouldn't trade for anything.

As I became more comfortable with my CS coursework, I was able to reconnect with my passion for art. While I was developing my skills in traditional mediums like charcoal drawing and photography, my HCI coursework opened my eyes to something fascinating: the principles of creating beauty could extend into software development. It was one of those wonderful 'aha' moments when you realize that creativity transcends mediums - whether it's charcoal on paper or code on a screen, the fundamental appreciation for aesthetics and user experience remains the same. This parallel journey in traditional art flourished, leading to my work being displayed at Milagro Coffee Y Espresso and culminating in my first solo exhibition at Cruces Creatives in November 2024 - a milestone I never would have imagined when I started college!

This graduation represents more than just an academic achievement - it's a testament to finding your own path, even when it's not the most direct route. It's about discovering how different passions - technology, physics, and art - can weave together to create something unique. I'm excited to bring this multifaceted perspective to my future projects!

"The minute we left, we started going home, and we are still going home. I am still on my journey home."

— Jonas Mekas, Reminiscences of a Journey to Lithuania (1972)