For Maya Lawrence, a Bowie State University senior computer science student, joining RITA became more than just a research opportunity. What began as a chance to explore new experiences quickly turned into a journey of growth, self-discovery, and confidence building. Through hands-on learning, mentorship, and stepping outside of her comfort zone, Maya discovered new technical skills and learned something equally important: she is capable of far more than she originally believed. As she looks toward a future in software development or web design, Maya reflects on how research helped shape both her career aspirations and her confidence in herself.
Q: How did you first hear about RITA?
Maya Lawrence: I first heard about it through my university. They send students career opportunities to help us branch out, especially in computer science. That’s where I learned about the summer program and research opportunities. I’m really glad I decided to take advantage of it.
Q: What inspired you to join RITA?
Originally, it was my interest in research. The opportunity was presented to me, and I really wanted to expand my horizons and broaden my knowledge in the field I want to work in. I believed RITA was a great opportunity to do that.
Q: What has been one of the most interesting things you’ve experienced at RITA?
I learned about my ability to teach myself things I wasn’t familiar with. When I first joined, I had no experience with Python, and it showed me that if I really put my mind to something, I can learn it. That was pretty empowering.
Q: What does a typical research day look like?
It’s actually much different than what I expected. It’s very hands-on and allows you to work at your own pace. You teach yourself topics, apply what you’ve learned, and experiment on your own. At the same time, your mentor is always there if you need guidance or recommendations. It creates a really open environment where learning feels very efficient, and I really like that.
Q: What skills have you gained that you didn’t expect?
One unexpected skill was learning not to procrastinate. I learned it’s best to tackle things when they’re given to you instead of letting them sit. That was always something I struggled with, but it’s something you can overcome and turn into a skill by becoming more responsible. I think that’s something I’ll apply throughout my professional career. Beyond that, I’ve also learned different open-source programming libraries and gained knowledge in areas I wasn’t even aiming to learn. Sometimes opportunities expose you to things you never expected.
Q: How has your time at RITA shaped your future career goals?
It showed me that my goals are much more achievable than I originally thought. I always felt like the professional world was something unattainable and that I didn’t quite measure up. But I’ve learned that if you’re confident in yourself and take time to learn, it’s very possible. It’s not as difficult or intimidating as people sometimes make it seem. It’s something you can adapt to.
Q: Who has been a mentor or role model for you during your time at RITA?
Definitely Dr. Yang. He has a calmness that makes you feel comfortable being honest about where you are and asking for guidance. There’s such an open dialogue, and that’s refreshing. When you’re looking for mentorship, you don’t want to feel judged. With him, there’s no judgment. He understands that some things are learning curves, and I really respect that.
Q: What is the best advice you’ve received?
I would say the best advice is to be yourself, while also having professionalism and decorum. Being authentic allows you to achieve more happiness instead of always feeling like you’re performing. Be honest about your shortcomings, take accountability, and keep moving forward.
Q: Where do you see yourself in five years?
Hopefully, I see myself working as a software developer or web designer. I’m currently taking classes and enjoy both areas, so I’m still figuring out which direction I want to go. But either path would make me happy, and I’m hopeful I’ll be fortunate enough to achieve that.
Q: What impact do you hope to make?
I want people to know that you can be comfortable in your own skin. You shouldn’t feel like you don’t belong somewhere because of how you look. Things might feel difficult in the beginning, but you can adapt and find power within yourself no matter what.
