FOSSI | Meet Brooke Higgins: 2021 FOSSI Scholar Attending Winston Salem State University

Meet Brooke Higgins: 2021 FOSSI Scholar Attending Winston Salem State University

April 28, 2022

FOSSI: Tell us a bit about yourself.

After high school, I will attend a 4-year university majoring in computer science. During my pursuit of a bachelor’s degree, I will seek internships with tech companies. When possible, I will obtain my master’s degree at Georgia Tech. My end goal is to become an animator. I’ve chosen these goals for myself because my parents have inspired me by being in the technology industry themselves.

Tennis is my biggest passion. I found my love for tennis when I was younger, attending free lessons offered by my summer camp. Soon, I decided that out of the 3 sports that I played (tennis, softball, track), tennis was the top sport I wanted to pursue. After I transferred to a new school, the tennis team welcomed me and gave me a chance to play and prove myself. By the end of the year, I was named 2019 Player of the Year in tennis.  

During high school, I took honors and AP classes and was selected to be in the National Honors Society and the Technical National Honor Society.  I tutored kids at the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club as part of my community service. Academically, I’ve been a straight-A student since the 6th grade.

Last year, I took AP Computer Science (CSA) and AP Computer Science Principles (CSP), and despite them being my first AP classes, I achieved a 100 average in both. Furthermore, I received a 5 on the CSA exam and a 3 on the CSP exam, which is the highest grade achievable. I was considered a Proficient User in those areas.  Currently, my next challenge is figuring out how to pay for college.

FOSSI: Why are you passionate about pursuing a degree in a STEM-related field?

Pursuing a degree in computer science will give me a solid foundation that will be vital for using computer graphics in animation.

As a STEM major, I hope to contribute to the world by creating technological advancements that make life easier and are accessible to all.

Specifically, I would like to start with programming apps and software that provide entertainment, monitor health, manage money, and prevent viruses. I would like to work in the entertainment industry as it would help me reach my goal of making the world a better place. I would use my platform to expose discrimination, promote diversity, and spread joy.

FOSSI: Share a few fun facts about yourself.

  • I'm a three-sport varsity athlete in softball, track, and tennis.
  • I play two instruments (the clarinet and alto saxophone).
  • I've danced competitively for 10+ years.