HON-H 200
HON-H 200 is a 1 credit hour course designed to introduce Honors students to the IU Indianapolis Honors College community. This course will help students develop their identity as Honors College students; provide opportunities to form connections with honors peers, faculty, and staff; think intentionally about planning their experience as an Honors College student to meet academic and personal goals; and introduce them to their required senior honors portfolio.
Honors in my field interview
In this field interview, I interviewed a professional in Computer Science and AI to learn more about computer science careers. From her, I learned about the work environment in a typical "tech" role, following my passion, and how to develop myself as a college student.
Medha Kulkarni
-
An AI Software/ Research Engineer at Motorola Mobility, a Lenovo company.
-
Distinguished (2023) Alumni of the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering.
-
Named as one of IUPUI’s Top 100 Students (2023)
-
The sole recipient of the IUPUI Outstanding Woman in Computer Science Award (2023)
Key Takeaways
-
Get involved in something outside of my CS major
-
Build relationships with professors
-
Start practicing coding interview questions early(as early as I can)
-
Use time management techniques like the Eisenhower matrix to schedule out my priorities.
Question 1
Can you share your journey on how you completed both a Computer Science and Math major?
"I only had a 13 credit difference between my Computer Science major and Applied Mathematics major, so I pushed a lot of my tougher coursework towards my freshman and sophomore years so that in my junior and senior years, I could focus on getting internships and preparing for interviews."
Question 2
What extracurricular activities were you involved in?
"I was involved in the social justice program within the Multicultural center, I was an RA in the women in science house, I just did a lot of things that would calm me down because I needed an outlet away from CS because CS is stressful so I balanced my extracurriculars using time management techniques.
Question 3
What advice can you give to freshman Computer Science student like me?
"The best advice I can give you is to build relationships with your professors because the professors have industry connections and can help you out when looking for internships or jobs."
Personal Statement
I am Ifeoluwa Lois Windapo, an honors student at IU Indianapolis with a deep passion for both academic excellence and meaningful community service. My journey from Nigeria to the United States has profoundly shaped my worldview, instilling in me a strong appreciation for equity, inclusiveness, and the transformative power of education. Having lived in Nigeria for ten years before moving to the U.S., I experienced firsthand the disparities in access to technology and educational resources. These experiences fueled my desire to bridge these gaps, particularly by leveraging data science to address social issues and create opportunities for underserved communities.
I actively embrace engaged learning, applying my knowledge beyond the classroom to tackle real-world problems. As a participant in the IU Indianapolis First-Year Research Program, I have had the opportunity to analyze and interpret historical data in collaboration with faculty, strengthening my ability to draw meaningful insights from data. Through my involvement in the international Girls Who Code program, I have refined my technical skills while working alongside like-minded peers to develop solutions that promote inclusivity and innovation. These experiences have reinforced my belief that technology, when used thoughtfully, can drive social change and empower marginalized communities.
Beyond my technical pursuits, my experiences in and outside the classroom have taught me the value of curiosity, perseverance, and collaboration. I approach every challenge with an open mind, eager to learn from different perspectives and contribute to meaningful discussions. I firmly believe that diversity of thought is essential for innovation, and I strive to foster an atmosphere of respect and inclusion in every space I occupy. Whether working on a research project, leading a discussion, or mentoring peers, I am committed to uplifting others and creating an environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
To me, being an honors student is about more than just academic success—it is about using knowledge, resources, and opportunities to make a lasting impact. The IU Indianapolis Honors College provides an environment where I can continue to challenge myself intellectually, collaborate with driven peers, and further develop my ability to create meaningful change. I am eager to continue aligning my goals with the core values of the Honors College, using my passion for data science and social impact to contribute to my community and beyond. As I progress in my academic journey, I look forward to expanding my skills, broadening my perspective, and leaving a lasting legacy of service and innovation.
Journey Map
This experience has also taught me how I would like to lead the next 4 years and beyond, using the experiences in my journey map, and the new experiences that I will continue to have over the next 4 years of my college career, to push me to greater heights in my personal life and in my academic and professional career.
Reflection
This was an assignment given in my first-year seminar class, and the aim of the assignment was to learn about and share current identity and reflect on life experiences that have influenced me as a person. This journey map is a visual representation of the process that I have gone through over my whole life, which includes main elements like Living in Nigeria, moving to America, surviving in America, graduating High school, and getting admitted and enrolling in college.
After reflecting on this assignment, I have come to realize that the main purpose of this assignment is not only to share my experiences with other people but also for me to reflect on how I have been influenced by specific events, people, and organizations.
Engaged Learning and Leadership Goals
As an Honors scholar, I seek to engage in meaningful experiences that align with my passion for data science, leadership, and social impact. My top three engagement and leadership priorities reflect my commitment to using technology and research to drive positive change while strengthening my leadership and professional skills.
First, I plan to expand my research in data science for social impact, building on my current work in the 1st Year Research Program (1RIP). Research allows me to explore data-driven solutions to societal challenges, preparing me for graduate school and a career in data science. This experience will enhance my problem-solving and innovation skills, and I plan to continue participating in research opportunities through fall and spring.
Second, I am committed to leadership in student organizations, particularly in Jagathon and Women in Technology (WIT). Through these roles, I will develop teamwork, communication, and mentorship skills, while contributing to causes that matter to me. These leadership experiences will prepare me for future scholarship applications, internships, and career opportunities, and I plan to remain actively involved throughout 2025.
Finally, securing an internship or student employment in data science is a key priority. Practical experience will bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications, positioning me for future career success. By working on data-driven projects, I will develop as an innovator and problem solver, and I aim to secure an internship for Summer 2025.
Each of these experiences strengthens my identity as an Honors student, equipping me with the skills, knowledge, and leadership abilities to make a meaningful impact in my field and community.