FOSSI: Tell us a bit about yourself.
Hello there! My name is Kaylin Alexander, and I am an 18-year-old with a passion for gaming, puzzles, reading, and exploring new places. In my room, I have a bookshelf that I plan to fill with all the books I've read.
I'm grateful for my parents who have been incredibly influential in shaping who I am today. Although I may come across as shy at first, I do not let that keep me from enjoying myself and meeting new people. Being the oldest sibling in my family has taught me the value of patience, especially when dealing with my hyperactive younger brothers whom I adore.
I am proud to be a member of the class of 2023, and thanks to my hard work, I graduated with honors. Since taking my first computer science class in the 7th grade, I have known that I wanted to pursue a career in the STEM field. Over time, my interests grew from coding to later on, engineering. I’m excited about the future and I plan to work hard to achieve a life I can be proud of.
FOSSI: Why are you passionate about pursuing a degree in a STEM-related field?
I developed a strong interest in computer science during my 7th-grade class, where I learned the fundamentals of coding. I was fascinated by it and spent countless hours watching videos and practicing. By 8th grade, I had built my first computer and realized that working with hardware was my true passion. While I enjoyed coding and app development, my love for creating and building was more pronounced. This realization led me to pursue a career as an engineer, where I can design and develop the technology I love, such as phones and computers. I've always wanted a job I could be passionate about, and this feels like the perfect fit. I'm committed to working hard and doing what it takes to succeed.
FOSSI: Fast forward – where do you see yourself in ten years?
In ten years, I will be 28 years old with an electrical engineering degree from Tuskegee University. I would have found a job that I love, traveled quite a bit and enjoyed the new experiences and cultures I learned about through my travels. I would still be working hard, not just to excel in my career, but to also improve myself as a person. I will always look forward to what the present offers me, but I'm also looking forward to what the future holds.
FOSSI: Share a few fun facts about yourself.
- When I was younger, I used to participate in gymnastics and managed to secure a 1st all-around win.
- Purple is my preferred color, and I am particularly fond of anything that comes in the shade.
- I am a proud owner of a pet turtle named after Michelangelo, the teenage mutant ninja turtle, due to his distinctive orange ears.
- One of my favorite pastimes is dog-sitting for family members
Hear more from Kaylin Alexander about why she's passionate about pursuing a STEM degree.
We invite companies not currently supporting FOSSI to build their pipeline of outstanding and diverse talent by supporting a FOSSI scholar. Learn more.