Shawn Tabai
DeVry campus: Fremont
Degree program: Computer Information Systems
Graduation: 2006
Why DeVry?
I had been out of high school for almost three years when I decided to attend DeVry. I didn’t have very good grades in high school and I couldn’t seem to stay on track when I attended junior college. When I heard about DeVry—how I could come here and stay in a residence hall and dedicate myself to studying at a nice school that would really motivate me to learn—it was the best option I had by far.
Computer science courses were the only classes I could manage to finish at the junior college; I never actually got to my math and English classes. I started using the computer when I was three and always loved it; solving problems and understanding how technical, scientific things work really holds my interest.
Small classes and individual attention.
The best thing about DeVry is the class size. All my classes are less than 20 people. I ask questions all the time and my teachers encourage that; they take questions seriously. Classes are also small enough that I get to know all my teachers well and network through them.
The opportunity to grow.
Personal development is something that I have always stressed. The key point about school, in my opinion, is continual growth. I was really happy that my teachers encouraged that too; I had teachers here who are real mentors for me. They stress critical thinking but also learning and growing as a person.
My first semester at DeVry I took the Meyers-Brigg personality test which is scored from 1 (extreme introvert) to 14 (extreme extrovert) and I placed at 2 on that scale. Now I’m a 7—right in the middle, balanced between introvert and extrovert. My critical thinking teacher told me that placing in the middle is very common among people who have grown into stability.
Being here really helped me develop the skill of being personable and making friends. I think that the demands that DeVry places on us really help us grow. I’m a much happier and well-rounded person than when I started, and it shows. I had almost no friends in high school and now I know probably 80% of the people who live in the residence hall.
My own space—and a sense of belonging.
At first, DeVry shared dorm space with another college. That was OK, but it was a lot better when we built our own residence hall, Taylor Hall. I have my own room here and a private bath, just as though I were living in an apartment. The common areas include a computer lab, TV room, cafeteria, a volleyball court, fitness center, game room, and study rooms. We encourage people to get out of their rooms and mix by putting on volleyball and pool tournaments, having barbeques, that sort of thing.
The chance to share what I know with others.
For the last five semesters I have tutored other students in computer science—and even math and English. I was one of the people who encouraged the administration to make tutoring available in the residence hall, so now students have access to it both days and evenings. Being able to help other people learn is incredibly satisfying to me.
The ability to dig in—without distractions.
DeVry allows you to dig in and learn what you want without the distractions common at other colleges.
Incredible support to help me pay for college.
The Financial Aid and Career Services advisors at DeVry are incredibly helpful. My Financial Aid advisor helped me sign up for all the grants I could get and set up loans to cover all my tuition and housing. All I had to do was sign… I didn’t have to spend time researching financial aid. A few weeks ago, Career Services hosted a Careers Fair for employers and recruiters. Now, a week after graduation, I have 16 resumes out and I am busy interviewing.
Now I can hit the ground running!
Before I came here, I had already worked in computer information systems as a programmer for a small company. Now with my DeVry degree, I expect to get a good job with a substantial income. But five years after graduation, I hope to be working on a master’s degree in computer science and moving towards becoming a professor. Maybe even a DeVry professor.
The best part: The ability to make a difference.
Computer programming is very lucrative and there are not a lot of people who want to teach instead of program. Sure I want to make money and live comfortably, but I also want to do something that has a positive impact on the world. Teaching is one of the highest ways to embody that aim. DeVry has had a very positive impact on me. I came here as someone who could program well; I will leave as someone who can also interact well with other people.
