Reviewed by: Elizabeth Hobbs
Why these 2 local students love this university’s Honors College + brand new building
Reading time: 5 minutes
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We all know that college is what you make of it, and Joseph and Audrey are leveraging their university experiences to the max.
Read on to learn about their impressive career goals and experience using UNA’s new state-of-the-art Computing & Mathematics Building.
Get a quick tour of the beautiful new Computing & Mathematics Building
Meet Jospeh + Audrey
- Hometown: Florence, AL
- Hobbies: Working out, reading, writing + computer programming
- Major: Computer Science
- Year at UNA: Senior
- Why UNA: Due to the cost of college, Joseph didn’t originally plan to attend a four-year university. However, his high school teacher told him about a computing scholarship at UNA through the Honors College, and he decided to apply. He ended up getting it, and thanks to the financial help, he will soon graduate with his college degree.
- Hometown: Birmingham, AL
- Hobbies: Baking, hiking + going to coffee shops in downtown Florence
- Major: Double major in Computer Science + Spanish, minor in Math
- Year at UNA: Junior
- Why UNA: Audrey’s stepmom was born in Florence and knew about UNA’s great reputation, so she encouraged her to check it out. Before touring UNA, she had a her mind set on another school. But after stepping on campus, she knew it was the college for her. She loved the tight-knit community on campus and the local businesses in downtown Florence within walking distance of UNA.
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Q: Why do you love being in the Honors College?
Both Joseph and Audrey have enjoyed the fun events that the Honors College offers—like monthly free breakfasts or lunches—but the meaningful interactions they’ve had go even deeper than that.
For Joseph, he’s valued the resources of the Honors College and the opportunity to collaborate with professors on research projects.
“I’ve talked to a lot of my friends who go to bigger schools, and they’re shocked by the resources and opportunities I’ve had through the Honors College at UNA.
The Honors College professors do a great job of teaching you to apply the knowledge you learn rather than just memorizing it. I’ve also gotten to do a couple of hands-on projects with Dr. Puckett, like setting up servers and transformer monitors, which look great on my resume.”
Joseph Grijalva
Joseph has also appreciated the resources the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems has offered—like devices with high computing power on campus that he can use for more intensive projects.
For Audrey, the sense of community she’s found through the Honors College has been impactful.
“The Honors College originally came on my radar when I was looking for scholarship opportunities. I’ve always loved excelling in school, and I was excited to find a community on campus.
Through the Honors College, I was also able to connect with one of my professors in the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems to help start a club called Girls Who Code to create a space for women in the major.”
Audrey Richards
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Q: How has the new Computing & Mathematics Building been a game changer?
In case you haven’t heard, UNA has a new Computing & Mathematics building. I can attest firsthand that it’s a beautiful, state-of-the-art facility.
For students like Jospeh and Audrey, it’s been a game changer.
“For one, having a brand-new facility is a mood booster. Personally, I enjoy using the cyber security lab, study rooms and the common area to collaborate with other students and knock out some homework.”
Joseph Grijalva
“The floor plan of the new building helps me meet with my professors more easily. Their offices are located right by where we attend classes, so I can stop by to ask them a question or meet with them during office hours.
I’ve also enjoyed using it as a venue for my club, Girls Who Code. During our events, we do fun activities like cookie decorating paired with an educational presentation from professors or industry professionals.”
Audrey Richards
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Q: What are your career goals + how is UNA helping you get there?
Joseph and Audrey both have big career goals and feel confident that their education at UNA will help get them there.
“Along with the projects I’ve done with Dr. Puckett, I’ve been working on an API for Spotify to help people upload podcasts. These experiences have definitely given me a leg up.
My friends at larger schools were surprised to learn that UNA professors help you network and find good full-time opportunities.
Upon graduating, I plan to land a job in Huntsville in the computer science field.”
Joseph Grijalva
“I hope to be able to use Spanish in my career. I would be interested in working in computer science for an aerospace company like NASA, addressing any language barriers and traveling to Spanish-speaking countries if needed.”
Audrey Richards
Learn more about how The Delores and Weldon Cole Honors College at UNA is setting up students for success.
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