Stephanie De La Fuente
Undergraduate in computer science
Why did you choose UT Dallas?
UTD ranks first in the U.S. in the number of bachelor’s and master’s degrees awarded to women in computer science. My computer science teacher in high school got her graduate degree here, and she encouraged me. Also, it’s in the middle of the telecom corridor, so there are internships everywhere.
What do you like about studying here?
Both the size and diversity. I love that every culture, every language, every religion can be found at UTD. Originally coming from Laredo, Texas, where 94 percent of the population is Spanish-speaking, it’s very different and I love that.
What do you hope to do after graduation?
A year ago I would have said I was going directly to graduate school for software engineering, but that was a year ago. After a great summer internship program with Ericsson in Plano, I would like to be hired full-time by them. I would still pursue my graduate degree; I might do both at the same time. There are so many different areas to choose from there, but a job in network security has always been a dream. I might even be able to do that abroad with them, perhaps in Spain or Italy.
What’s been hardest so far?
Giving 110 percent to every student organization I'm involved in and school. I am currently president of Alpha Phi Omega and vice president of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, and I still have to work to keep my scholarships. I'd have a 4.0 if I wasn't so involved in things, but I'd lack the leadership skills I've acquired, and I'd be missing out on the community-service opportunities.
What’s been the most fun?
Joining Alpha Phi Omega, the coed national service fraternity — I’ve made some of my best friends there. It’s nice to know you’ve done something good for others without expecting anything in return. And with over 120 organizations on campus, students are bound to find something that’s right for them. I hate hearing people say all they do is their homework, that they’re bored and there’s nothing to do. Not true!
