Commencement Spotlight: Autumn Howard, Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science  Future Plans: Information Foundation Program, Caterpillar  

Autumn Howard, a Chicago, Illinois native by way of Tampa, Florida, will graduate on May 6 with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a mathematics concentration. She is a member of the Student Government Association the National Council of Negro Women, and served as president of the Association for Computer Machinery. While enrolled, she volunteered with the Boys and Girls Club of Albany and interned in software engineering with Cox Automotive. 

Howard has accepted a position at Caterpillar as an Information Foundation Program Participant. This is a three-year rotational program where participants work within different departments and job functions every six months. After three years, participants choose what department they will work in.  

 

What motivated you to learn more about your field?  
I know that I am in a male-dominated field where I rarely see others that look like myself. Representation is so important. Without it, it can be so discouraging because you sometimes sit and wonder if you are even good enough to get where you want to be. So, why not be the representation that you wish to see?  

 

Why did you choose ASU?  
Honestly, I didn’t choose ASU, it chose me. It was the first school to accept me, and while I had several other acceptances something told me to try it out, and I did.  
 

What do you love most about your chosen profession?  
I love that I can do anything I want, literally. There’s so much out there to learn. Being in the technology field, it is so vast. The world is your oyster, and you never stop learning. 
 

Who has made the biggest impact on you and who do you consider to be a role model at ASU?  
There are two people, Ms. Mildred Polite and Professor Lekeon Little.  

Ms. Polite is the reason I am here today. Throughout my time at ASU, financial aid has always been against me, and she has fought tooth and nail for me in every aspect. Ms. Polite is a miracle worker and a blessing.  

Professor Lekeon Little taught me at least once every semester since my freshman year. That man has such a helpful spirit about him. He has spent COUNTLESS evenings helping me and my peers with homework, even when he had a family at home. He has given me life advice and even ensured I didn’t drop out when things got hard.  

Both of these amazing people have ensured my graduation from this institution, and without them, I wouldn’t be me.  Each of them has helped me grow into the woman I am today by giving me the tools, and not being afraid to tell me when I am wrong. 

 

What are you passionate about outside of your education?  
I love to travel. As of now, I’ve been to 18 countries. I love to experience new things and try new foods. The best part is learning how other people in different parts of the world live and function. It's breathtaking and so amazing.  
 

What advice would you give to other ASU students?  
Please advocate for yourself. No matter what. Even if they say no, find somebody who will say yes. Please don’t be afraid to ask for help or tell your story, there is ALWAYS somebody who can help you, relate to you, or find somebody to help you.  
 

What would you tell a high school student about choosing ASU to further their education?  
Be ready for a ride. It is not a cakewalk. You will have an experience like no other, but just be ready. Don’t forget to stop and enjoy life because life is hard, and you don’t want to look up one day and not have enjoyed any of it.  

Lastly, if it's not for you, you will know. Please don’t wait too late to see the signs.