Itohan Ero
November 3, 2020
Itohan Ero
Computer Science Undergrad
How has CEED helped you adjust and excel in college?
CEED has been a huge help throughout my college journey. In the summer before my freshman year, I participated in Summer Bridge and CISE which was a chance for me to prepare for my math and computer science courses. This three-week intensive program pioneered my transition from high school to college. It taught me what to expect and it kept my mind at ease knowing I was prepared for the rigor of my first UCLA courses. In addition to the academic prep, I got to meet all the peers in my freshmen CEED class and other CEED students. I was able to make friends before school started and I felt more acquainted with UCLA.
CEED has also helped throughout the school year with tutoring and counseling. Sherry has helped with course planning and facilitating study groups. I also attended Structured Study Nights where I studied with my peers and tutors to prepare for midterms and finals. I was also nominated by CEED to receive the Clay Scholarship my freshmen year and the scholarship has definitely helped with college tuition and housing and I am very grateful for it all.
These resources are now more than ever beneficial during online schooling. CEED is making sure I have the support and tools I need to succeed during this challenging year. Earlier this year I participated in BREES and took preparation courses in Logic Design Systems and Linear Algebra. I also continue to attend Structured Study Nights which are now twice a week, to get tutoring and help in some of my courses such as Logic Design and Physics. These programs have made it easier for me to stay on track and have helped solidify the material that I’m learning in my classes.
Was CEED a major factor in your decision to attend UCLA?
CEED played a big role in my decision to attend UCLA. I remember receiving a nomination letter when I was accepted into UCLA that described all the resources and academic/professional help CEED would offer and more. I was excited to be a part of this program and it made me confident and set on my decision to attend UCLA. I knew that I would have a strong support system and a community of engineers.
What are some of your favorite CEED traditions?
I don’t know if this would qualify as a tradition, but I would say the CEED center! Having a space like the CEED center to study with CEED students, access the free printer, and honestly hang out with my peers is something I love. I also love Sherry’s donuts that she buys for CEED students every Friday 🙂
In what ways have you involved yourself with CEED beyond the classroom?
I’ve been able to stay involved with CEED through the Tri-Org meetings that I attend. I’m also a member of the National Society of Black Engineers at UCLA and I now serve as the NSBE Finance Chair. I had the opportunity to host welcoming events for the incoming freshmen in CEED with the other Tri-Org clubs, planning socials for CEED students and even attended some of these events as a freshman.
I also enjoy volunteering at the events that CEED offers. One of my favorite events that I volunteered at was a Black Girls Code Los Angeles Build a Webpage in a Day event held at UCLA. As a black female computer science student, I want other black girls to know that they are capable of coding and make amazing computer scientists! I loved getting to work with the girls to develop their webpages and it was truly an awesome experience.
How has CEED helped you explore future career paths?
My freshman year, I attended the CEED Corporate Gamesmanship fair where I learned about the careers and jobs available in engineering. I also attended Corporate Roundtable where I networked with industry representatives and presented my resume and elevator pitch to industry members. I received feedback and advice on pursuing a career in engineering.
My freshman year I took E-87, a CEED freshmen preparatory course, and for the research component of this class I took part in an autonomous rover project. I worked with a group of 3 other students to build and program the rover to navigate through an obstacle course and pick up objects along the way. I was exposed to different parts of engineering through this research and learned that computer science can be applied to many fields.
Are there any other fun facts about yourself that you would like to share?
Favorite artists: Maverick City Music, Chloe x Halle
Favorite food/dish: Fried Rice (I honestly enjoy any type of rice)
I like to choreograph African dance and Praise dance pieces.
I can memorize the lyrics to most songs after hearing it two times, [depending] on the song.