Alumni Katie James Q&A: Finding Your Passion

How does a Game Programming student become a Computer Science & Innovation graduate heading off to a master’s program in theology? Just ask alumni Katie James ’24. The recent Champlain grad is proof that following your interests can lead you to new and exciting places. During her time at Champlain, James was able to not only pursue and gather skills in computer science, but explore a variety of fields—from working as a research assistant at the Leahy Center to helping her peers hone their math skills as a SMART Space tutor, and interning at the Catholic Center at the University of Vermont. This June, she’ll be heading off to the University of Notre Dame to continue her studies.

We talked to James about her time at Champlain, tracing her steps to finding her true passion, and learning more about where she’s taking them post-graduation.

What drew you to your major? Have you always been interested in it or were you inspired by an “ah-ha moment”?

I began my first year as a Game Programming major but switched to Computer Science & Innovation before the beginning of the spring semester.?I am extremely fortunate for the course of events. With the friends I have made and the personal growth I’ve experienced, I couldn’t see myself having gone elsewhere.

What classes, projects, or experiences have been most meaningful to you?

I took a Core class the second semester of my freshmen year about outdoor education. It was an extremely fun class which focused on learning in unconventional ways and different environments. It helped me to better understand the different ways that people learn, including how I learn individually. The class was so much fun and it has helped me better my perspective in regards to education.

What is something you’ve grown to be proud of while here? What has challenged you in that time?

Having very little programming knowledge prior to coming to college was a humbling experience. I had to learn how to ask for help from my professors and peers, which was a difficult hurdle to get over initially. Through that growth, I have learned how to seek answers from different sources and have come to understand that it’s okay to not know everything so long as you’re open to learning.

What did you want to be ready for upon graduation? How has Champlain pushed you toward getting there?

As my graduation date rapidly approached, I prepared to be ready to continue my academic studies in graduate school. I will be pursuing my Masters in Theology at the University of Notre Dame, which will certainly be a different kind of learning compared to what I’ve studied in undergrad. But my time at Champlain has taught me to learn more about what interests me most and I believe that this next step will form me for the future.