Amanda De Rosa, Computer Science Technology 2024 graduate 

For many 2024 graduates, getting through CEGEP studies may have come with some bumps in the road.  After all, this a group of students who finished high school at the start of the pandemic lockdown, then spent their first CEGEP year attending online classes. For Amanda De Rosa, it was a confusing start to her Vanier experience. On top of it, Amanda, who was in Health Science, realized very early on that she was not in the right place.  She needed to change programs. 

Hence, by the following year, she had switched to Computer Science Technology.  She loved her computer and felt confident with computers. So, even without programming or coding knowledge, she thought it might be the right fit for her. “I was lucky. One of my first teachers was very patient with us.  He went slowly to help us understand and master the basics.  He was tough but just enough to push us to do better, and I knew I was in the right program for me.” 

“The challenge in Computer Science Technology is to be logical.  To program and code properly, you need to break things down in steps. You must think like you are a computer and be very specific about what you want a computer program to do.  But when you write some code then see the end result of your work, it is really gratifying!” 

Highlights of Amanda’s path through CST

Amanda particularly appreciated her summer internships. First, she worked at the Help Desk of Canadian National where she helped employees solve issues related to computer programming or various apps.  

Next, she worked at Morgan Stanley in software development. “We would work step-by-step on creating then testing new software.  I was young, gaining experience and I felt wanted, appreciated and acknowledged.  Plus, Morgan Stanley has mentors for young employees.” 

Morgan Stanley Hackathon 

In the fall 2022, Amanda participated in a Morgan Stanley Hackathon.  Hackathons are weekend events where participants are split into teams to accomplish a particular task. The first day, organizers give everyone an introduction to the task at hand. Then competing teams have a day to build a website, create an app, build and program a robot, or accomplish some other computer-related tasks.  Throughout the process, they are assisted and guided by a Morgan Stanley mentor.  The results of their team effort are then presented and judged.  The idea is to learn, work together and have fun! 

“I found myself on a team with advanced-level Vanier and university students.  They all knew more than me, but still, I was able to contribute. It was great, I learned so much.”   

“Our team won! It was fantastic.  We designed an app to link food producers such as farmers and food distributors or retailers who have excess food or produce with organizations and volunteers that distribute food to community groups feeding families or individuals in need. This activity is called gleaning.” 

Challenge of being in male-dominated classes 

“Boys feel they belong in this program.  Girls sometimes wonder.  But I love coding and so do the other female students in my class.  We work hard and we know we belong.  You just need to have confidence.  Trust yourself.  Besides, companies like Morgan Stanley are looking for young women and have a lot of support available for them, including mentors and a summer computer camp for girls to teach them to code!” 

Amanda’s future plans 

After graduating, Amanda had another internship at Morgan Stanley then went to Concordia University to study computer programming while working part-time.  “I want to do my family proud.  I know the sacrifices my parents made for me and my brothers, and I want to succeed both for myself and for them! In the future I might like to work in software development.” 

Why choose Vanier? 

“The teachers are great. Computer Science students evolve together so you can make new friends.  There is a place for everyone.  There are also a lot of clubs.  At Vanier, you can find your community! You also make connections not just with other students but also with teachers.  And you get all the support you need.” 

Secret to success 

“Don’t be scared if you want to change where you are going.  You are young.  There is time to try things out.  Have patience and be confident.  Don’t underestimate college.  Work hard.  Take notes, keep up with your assignments and projects.  In Computer Science if you put in a lot of hard work, you will get there. Your work leads somewhere and pays off. You will learn everything you need to find a great position in the future.”