Shawn Watson
Newport News, Virginia; College of Engineering
Shawn Watson knew he wanted to pursue a computer science degree when he was a high school junior.
The decision came when he “was playing video games and saying I wanted to create my own video game company one day,” he said, noting that he still loves Nintendo.
Although he’s a first-year, Watson got a jump-start on his studies as a VCU Summer Scholar. The five-week program, which takes place right before regular classes start, allows students to get ahead by earning six credits that count toward degree requirements. It also eases them into the sometimes chaotic college world by offering smaller classes and more face time with their professors.
As the fall semester started, Watson was already a part of a supportive community of fellow Summer Scholars and comfortable with the VCU campus and surrounding Richmond area. This was particularly helpful to Watson, a first-generation college student.
“I chose to pursue my field here at VCU because not only do I love everything about the engineering program here, but VCU also provides a certain culture and environment that just gravitates to who I am as a person,” he said. “I love it here.”
In addition to learning more about computer science, Watson said he is looking forward to meeting new people – and supporting them. “I’m hoping to accomplish inspiring people to be whatever they want to be no matter what happens and also just make people smile every day.”