Bradley University is prideful on its diversity in the variety of options to major in and pathways offered on the hilltop. The STEM field, however, has been for the most part inhabited by a certain population. The Asian and the white community, tend to take triumph over any other race.
Being a minority in the STEM field is common in our world today, it is important for audiences to recognize that the population that makes up this field varies. Bradley University offers students a chance to be involved in a diverse community, especially in the computer science program.
“I had a STEM background, my dad is an engineer and my mom is a nurse. Growing up in Ethiopia, I always saw how hard they worked in this field, so I was never intimidated to enter this world.” Nina Fetene, sophomore computer science major said. “They influenced this field on me and regardless of me being a black woman, I grew up watching my parents succeed and I knew I could follow in their footsteps.”
Bradley University is a magnet, attracting students from all over due to their promising higher education in their tech program on campus. “The reason why I chose Bradley, is because the computer science program is great, I wanted to go to a school that had a good program. The diversity is definitely there, but it obviously can be more diverse, representation is very important to the student body and the teachers here.”
Coming from Ethiopia, Nina has had the ability to be shown a different side of the tech world, and is continuously building upon her prior knowledge. “The STEM field is similar from Ethiopia to the States, but when it comes to computer science there is a huge difference. Computer Science is dominant in the states, it dominates the economy and everything.”
The future of this field remains unclear, Nina is hopeful there is a side to this issue that can be resolved. “I would like to see the STEM field be more inclusive in terms of gender, race, it would be more ideal. I believe we will get there in the future. I plan on joining the brilliant woman in tech who are trying to narrow the gap between men and women, specifically black women in tech, to be a part of this is truly a great pleasure!”
As for words of encouragement to future members of the STEM field, Nina has a message for you. “If anyone seeing this message is interested in the tech world, particularly women, please don’t be intimidated to enter this field. There is nothing to be afraid of. We don’t see many women in our classes, but we are here to change that. So please, join us!”