Jada Tannehill’s experience in a community college STEM Scholars Program introduced her to Samford University and prepared her for the next step in her education. Now a computer science major at Samford, Tannehill is continuing to build on that experience as she works toward a career in technology.
Tannehill first became familiar with Samford through the STEM Scholars Program at Lawson State Community College, which provides students with opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields while connecting with universities and industry professionals.
When it came time to continue her education, Samford’s mission played an important role in Tannehill’s decision to transfer.
“I chose Samford because it’s a Christian-driven school, and my faith isn’t just a religion, it’s a lifestyle,” Tannehill said. “Having a place of study that is also God-oriented made the decision easy.”
In her introductory programming course, she gained hands-on experience with coding and developing greater confidence in her choice of major.
“I’m actually doing technical things, seeing the code and going through the difficulties of it,” she said. “But once you get it, it’s a huge relief and sense of accomplishment. Doing these codes continues to reassure my choice of major.”
Tannehill’s time at Lawson State helped prepare her for the transition to Samford by teaching her to advocate for herself and take advantage of the opportunities available to her.
“Lawson taught me that a closed mouth won’t get fed,” Tannehill said. “Growing up shy, this was hard for me to accomplish.”
Through STEM Scholars, she saw other students step outside their comfort zones, pursue internships and educational opportunities, and prepare for careers in STEM. Those experiences encouraged Tannehill to become more willing to ask questions and seek help when she needs it.
“I learned not to be afraid to ask questions, get extra help when needed and to truly go for what you want,” she said.
Betsy Dobbins, director of Samford’s STEM Scholars Program and professor of biological and environmental sciences, said transfer students often arrive at Samford with experiences that contribute to the education of their classmates as well.
“Transfer students bring a wealth of unique experiences and perspectives to Samford,” Dobbins said. “Many go to school while managing a complex balance between work, academics and life, which has forced them to think more broadly about what education means.”
Those experiences add valuable perspectives to classroom discussions. Students who have worked as pharmacy technicians or nursing assistants, for example, can draw on firsthand experiences when discussing topics ranging from aging, neuroscience and Alzheimer’s disease to healthcare, personal independence, biochemistry and economics.
“These unique experiences broaden and enrich classroom discussion with novel perspectives that aid all students in grappling with life questions,” Dobbins said.
For Tannehill, the STEM Scholars Program also provided opportunities to meet professionals working in STEM fields and learn more about potential career paths.
“Seeing my peers going to their dream schools, doing internships and getting once-in-a-lifetime opportunities was breathtaking,” she said.
Access to professionals through STEM Scholars was particularly valuable as she began thinking about her own future.
“You get to speak with guest speakers who are willing to answer any questions you ask and are actually hoping to see you at their place of work someday,” she said.
At Samford, Tannehill hopes to continue developing both the technical skills and confidence she will need for a career in computer science.
“I’m hoping Samford gives me the stability I need to continue in my computer science major,” she said. “I want to be able to have full confidence not only in my major but also in who I am as a person.”
Tannehill is looking ahead to gaining professional experience. By her junior year, she hopes to pursue a technology internship with Regions Bank, where she can apply what she has learned in the classroom and gain a better understanding of a career in the technology industry.
For Tannehill, transferring to Samford represents another step in a journey that began at Lawson State and was strengthened through STEM Scholars. As she continues her computer science education, she hopes to use the confidence, connections and experiences she has gained through the program to prepare for the opportunities ahead.
The Samford STEM Scholars Program is supported by the National Science Foundation’s Division of Undergraduate Education through S-STEM Grant No. 2030836.
Samford University also offers a transfer pathway for Lawson State Community College students through a memorandum of understanding designed to support a seamless transition between the two institutions. To learn more about transfer opportunities and admission requirements, visit Samford’s Lawson State transfer pathway page.
