February 10th, 2025 Meet Ishrat and Tahamina: Two Computer Science students at the University of Calgary who are here to share their unforgettable experiences as part of the UCalgary community. Read on to learn about their personal journeys, challenges, and triumphs! Choosing Computer Science Ishrat: I began my degree in 2020, right at the start of the pandemic. It was an unconventional first two years, but looking back, I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. The University of Calgary has so much to offer – from clubs to unique courses, to an incredible community of people. There’s no place like it, and I’m thankful to be part of it. Tahamina: For me, coming to UCalgary was a huge leap – I left behind my home, my family, and everything I knew to pursue my education in a new country. The transition wasn’t just about academics; it was about learning to live independently, embracing a new culture, and finding my place in a community that would eventually feel like home. As a Computer Science student, my first days were a mix of excitement and intimidation. Surrounded by so many brilliant people, I felt a bit overwhelmed. But the more I got involved, the more I discovered that UCalgary’s Computer Science department has tons of resources and support to help students like me succeed. My experience truly transformed when I got involved with the Computer Science Undergraduate Society (CSUS).  Tahamina: As an international student, entering a room full of strangers, each absorbed in their own conversations, felt like a daunting challenge. I hesitated to step into the CSUS club room at first, unsure if I’d belong. But overcoming that fear changed everything. I found a warm, welcoming community that would shape my entire university experience. The club quickly became much more than just a social space – it was a place of mentorship where I was offered academic resources, guidance, and, most importantly, lasting friendships. As my confidence grew, my role in CSUS evolved. From a nervous first-year student to a junior executive, then an executive member, and finally, president in my third year, I took on more leadership responsibilities. One of the highlights was organizing CalgaryHacks, one of Alberta’s largest hackathons. That experience taught me so much about leadership and collaboration, and it gave me a chance to give back to the community that welcomed me with open arms. CSUS also helped me network and build connections with mentors who later referred me to several companies for internship opportunities, including Arcurve, ATB, and IBM. It’s amazing how much a strong community can offer! Beyond that, CSUS introduced me to various niche fields within Computer Science like Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and Gaming. I even got to work on an exciting project where we designed a special cane for blind people called Stixth Sense for one of my HCI classes. The universities research facilities, like the iLab for HCI, allowed me to explore my passions alongside brilliant professors, helping me grow both personally and professionally. Ultimately, the Computer Science department became my second home. I learned that success in this field isn’t just about mastering technical skills – it’s about community, collaboration, and continual learning. Ishrat: When I first started, I had no idea how broad Computer Science could be. I was a pretty clueless first-year student. Although I had been programming since high school and enjoyed it, I wasn’t entirely sure if this major was the right fit for me. I remember thinking, “Maybe I’m more of an arts major!” especially when struggling with my first logic course. But as I progressed and took more courses in object-oriented programming, networks, and operating systems, everything clicked. I realized that I was in the right place. I loved how the concepts tied into real-world industries. Computer Science isn’t just one thing – it’s a world of possibilities! I also discovered that tech knowledge is valued everywhere, making this degree so versatile. Eventually, I found my own community within CSUS. I became the Vice President of Events, which was a fantastic opportunity for me to get involved and give back to the community. Reflecting on my journey, I can honestly say that I wouldn’t change a thing. Through my studies and five co-op terms, I gained practical experience that I couldn’t have achieved without the courses and resources at UCalgary. Tahamina: Looking back, I’m amazed at how far I’ve come. From an unsure, nervous first-year student to becoming president of a student society, the opportunities and experiences I’ve had at UCalgary have shaped me in ways I never imagined. It’s a place where I found my passion, built lifelong connections, and grew both personally and professionally. Ishrat: I can’t agree more. UCalgary isn’t just a place to earn a degree – it’s a place where you can explore, find your community, and set the foundation for your career. Whether it’s through clubs like CSUS, co-op terms, or the amazing resources available, there’s so much to gain from being part of this community. If I could go back to my first year, I wouldn’t change a thing either.
Want to hear more about Ishrat’s UCalgary experience? Check out our Choose UCalgary podcast, where she shares even more insights into life as a Computer Science student at the University of Calgary!
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