HSCC Testimonial: Elise Jefferson (2006)

Elise Jefferson was on the 2006 silver-medal winning team from Rochester, MN. She shared her thoughts on the process:

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"I decided to participate in the Youth Computer Training Program because my older siblings had participated. I knew it would be an educational experience based on their stories, and I was interested in trying to learn a new "language".

Training for the HSCC was certainly strenuous. Luckily, my teammates and I got along very well, and worked well together. We were able to play off our strengths, which proved to be the best method for achieving the success that we did. There were some long nights, but I could tell that each of us liked what we were doing, so we were still able to enjoy ourselves in the process.

The week of the competition was extremely exciting. We were prepared, and we knew that there was no better way to test our skills than to compare it to other teams'.

I would tell other students to sign up for BDPA as soon as they are eligible. I would advise them to work very hard and to attend the class every single Saturday. They should listen to the instructors and take their advice, because they know what they are talking about when it comes to this training. However, most of all...have fun! Meet new people who are interested in the same things you are; it is a wonderful experience."

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Elise is now attending the University of Minnesota with assistance from the Bemley Scholarship she won in 2006. Do you have any comments for young people like Elise that you want to share?