"I think the most important piece of advice I can give is to not be intimidated. A woman's first CS class in college will most likely be filled with a number of men, who have spent much of their free time playing around with different computer games, programs, and internet devices. Basically much of their free time has been consumed with exploring the inner workings of their computers. For many women like myself, we have had little experience in trying to master and build our own super-computer. So do not be scared when these men start using words or phrases that you have never heard before. Most of them have nothing to do with anything you will have to learn in your classes, at least in your intro classes. And if many of these men seem to pick-up the initial topics quicker than you and seem to understand the assignments more, do not get discouraged. In the beginning of your CS life in college, everyone seems to be at different levels in programming. Some seem so much farther ahead and know much more than you, but as the semester continues and especially as you begin to take more challenging courses, everyone's knowledge and understanding of the subject begins to level out. Everyone, both men and women, will eventually reach the same level. Most likely as you continue with these courses the men will start asking you for help and advice. Just don't give up, work hard and don't be intimidated."

Rachel Bishop, Wheaton Computer Science Major

MORE TO COME!