I found the conference experience to be both educational and motivational. It gave me the opportunity to present the research I am working on to people who were interested in similar fields, and I also was able to learn about what other students, like myself, were doing, as well as other researchers and faculty members. I spoke to people from other institutions and learned about their projects, which has helped me think about where I may choose to attend graduate school. Other graduate students provided valuable information as well; they were able to tell me not only about the research they were doing but also about the graduate school application process. I now feel more prepared for life after undergraduate school.

Attending the conference has motivated me to continue pursuing research work. Attending talks and listening to keynote speakers who were excited about the things they were doing made me feel excited as well, knowing that I too can be a part of the ongoing studies of computer science. Hearing about pertinent topics in the field first-hand brought them to life; whereas I have read numerous articles and abstracts about research topics, they do not convey the same passion that the researchers themselves do in person. I would love to become engrossed in a project that fascinates me and make my own contributions to the field, and to share these contributions at future conferences .