I am in the newspaper!

I was recently interviewed by the Ferndale Record for the programs I participated in over the summer. My hope is that this publicity for the STEM programs in the area will allow for students in grades younger than my own, to know that there exists a multitude of amazing opportunities if they are actively searched for. My message to the current and future Whatcom County students:

No matter whether you want to have your own business, be a fashion designer, or an astrophysicist, there is a place for you to be that person; you just have to put in some hard work (or a lot) and do a little research before you take your first step in the right direction. I have found that a good indication that I am heading in the right direction is if I find myself actually enjoying the ever-eventful journey of life, rather than dreading the effort it takes to attain  "the perfect job" or "perfect life". I think most people would agree with the idea that the ideal situation would be to live a life where work doesn't really feel like work. Why shouldn't the desire to pursue what you enjoy be a completely valid philosophy? Don't be afraid to take the necessary risks that bridge your current situation to a more enjoyable life, but make sure to do plenty of research to avoid taking uneducated risks.


Article:

Paris Mielke, a 17-year-old bubbly and outgoing Running Start student, may not be someone's typical picture of a computer science enthusiast.

"People often have this stigma that computer science is for a bunch of nerdy guys in a basement with pizza boxes everywhere and only used for coding, but it can be applied to anything you do," Mielke said. "Fashion, astronomy or business, I think it's important that young people understand that." 

Just this summer, she decided to pursue mathematics professionally.

Mielke was awarded the Washington Aerospace Scholars William E. Boeing Jr. Community Collaboration Award and was chosen to participate in the Washington Aerospace Scholars Summer Residency Program in July. She also attended a Summer Institute of Mathematics. While once she has plans to become an astrophysicist, now her love is computer science. 

At the University of Washington she had as a mentor William Hoza, who taught her the many applicable uses of theoretical computer science. "I like the idea of using computer science to solve huge problems, and specific world problems," Mielke said.

Mielke, who was raised in Ferndale and lived there until just recently, has always has a deep love for math and all things math-related.

She enjoys math so much that she has been taking four to five classes a quarter at Whatcom Community College just to ensure she covers every math course offered. This year she'll take linear algebra, differential equations, calculus IV, engineering physics and, of course, computer science.

Her ultimate goal is to become a teacher and bring the love of math to students of all ages.


"There's such a need for computer science, especially from females," Mielke said. "It's true. There's not an equal amount of girls. There's still a gap there that I hope closes, and I hope to do that by reaching out to younger students."

On Youtube you can find videos of her on stage, with a ukulele in hand, performing original songs about math.




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