Below is a transcript of an interview conducted with Dr. Gina Sprint, an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Gonzaga University
1. What are you passionate about?
In the classroom, I’m passionate about breaking down the barriers that are associated with learning STEM disciplines (specifically Computer Science). Outside of the classroom, I love spending time with my family and going on adventures with my dog.
2. What led you to Gonzaga?
I am originally from the Spokane area, and I wanted to come back to be with family. Gonzaga, in particular, is a great school to teach at because the small class sizes let me work with students on an individual level and help them succeed.
3. What advice would you give to New Students on how to succeed in college?
Start assignments early! College is all about time management and it’s crucial that you don’t make procrastination a habit. Some students might’ve gotten away with it in high school but it’s much more difficult to do in college. I would also add that they should utilize the resources offered to them on campus, such as their professors and the Center for Cura Personalis. Everyone at Gonzaga is here to help.
4. The Gonzaga University Mission states that “Gonzaga University cultivates in its students the capacities and dispositions for reflective and critical thought, lifelong learning, spiritual growth, ethical discernment, creativity, and innovation” keeping that in mind, what advice would you give to students who aren’t sure of what they want to major in?
I’d first like to recognize that many students seem to feel pressured to declare a major right away. Some high school seniors feel like they need to come to college knowing what they want to do. In light of that, I would advise students to avoid building their schedule around convenience and instead encourage them to try several different classes/clubs/events to explore their interests and find what they’re passionate about.
Bringing it back to the mission, it’s important for students use reflection and critical thought to discern how your classes will better you as a person rather than just focusing on the grades you received.
Remember that YOU are the ultimate guide to YOUR life. Think about your long-term career: you’re going to be working for at least ~40 years, deciding what to do with your life in 4 years is tough. Find something that motivates you and challenges your brain; there have been studies about how the more you use your brain, the healthier and longer you’ll live. One of the most highly correlated factors to a long life is high education.
5. Anything else you want first year students to know?
What is your vision for yourself five years from now? Ten years from now? College helps you shape the rest of your life and I think it is important for you to start thinking about the answers to these questions now. Your time at Gonzaga can help you recognize your values and achieve your short term and long term goals. Lastly, I’d like to recommend that every first year student reads this book: The Growth Mindset by Carol Dweck. This is a great book that expands on some of the ideas I brought up.