What is your name?

Kathy Reyes Hernandez

What are some of your favorite classes and what made them your favorite?

My favorite classes include Computer Ethics, Intro to Computer Science as well as Programming II, and Intro to Human-Computer Interaction. Computer Ethics was a compelling class because we had an opportunity to study philosophy with an emphasis on the importance of being ethical as future technologists. Intro to Computer Science was also fun because we approached problem-solving by solving riddles and I met students that I still keep in touch with. I also enjoyed Programming II because the concepts I learned in Programming I started to click. And finally, I enjoyed Intro to Human-Computer Interaction because I am interested in the interconnections of Computer Science and Psychology (as a psychology minor!) and in this class, we were presented with examples of how humans interact with technology and the way that researchers in the field observe the ways humans interact with computers to make more viable products.

What has been the most satisfying experience or a moment you've had as a peer leader?

The most satisfying experience has been to assist students to get unstuck when they are encountering a problem in their code because I have been in their shoes before. Being able to exchange ideas during the workshops with the students has also been a rewarding experience because we all have different approaches to solving problems, and it has been satisfying to be see the various solutions to the same problem.

What kind of advice would you give to students who aspire to be a peer leader?

Connect with your professors during their office hours and ask a lot of questions! Also be open to working with your professors outside of the classroom (i.e join a school club, do research with professors, etc). Also, when you are given homework problems or workshop problems practice by coming up with different solutions to these problems. I also read the problems out loud and explain the solutions out loud to myself, a technique known as the “rubber duck” technique for debugging code.

Did you have any doubts about being a peer leader and if so what are they?

Impostor syndrome has hit sometimes because I am new to programming. Sometimes we can put a lot of pressure on ourselves to know everything, but even as a peer leader you will make mistakes, and it’s important to acknowledge that you are still learning and you will need to learn from your mistakes.

How has the peer leader experience shaped you as a person outside of school?

I’ve been able to develop professionally as well as personally. I have been able to work on my communication skills as well as my programming skills.