Hamssatou Almahamoudou Maiga ’24
Meet the Majors
Other clubs, sports, and activities:
SGA (junior class VP; senior class president), Al-Iman (Muslim Students Association), Rewriting the Code, Black Girls Hack.
Is Computer Science hard?
Yes, it is. But if you know the “WHY” of choosing this path, you will definitely enjoy it.
What would you do with your major if you knew you could not fail?
Build robots that can help humans become more ethical and compassionate (ironic, right?)
What’s one piece of advice you’d like to share about your time at Smith?
Beauty lies in the unnoticed moments. Never fail to listen to that almost invisible voice in the room, because no voice is ever too quiet. Pay attention to the unnoticed moments and the unexpected connections. These might change your perspective.
Never fail to listen to that almost invisible voice in the room, because no voice is ever too quiet.
What advice would you give international students about choosing this major?
Start building experiences early; talk to your professors; join research labs; join programs and seek mentorships. The field is becoming more and more competitive, and as international students, we are less likely to be noticed especially with less experience and connections.
What was most interesting or unique about your house and what will you miss about it?
What is unique about Chase is the amazing house community. People are caring, and each time you walk into the house it feels like you are receiving a warm hug. I will miss running into people in the bathroom at weird hours in the night and having conversations in there.
What’s your all-time favorite Smith memory?
Biking around Northampton on Mountain Day.
What was the most challenging moment from your time at Smith so far?
I had to work with a group of fellow students who had no interest in the assigned project. (It was a painful experience).
If you could tell an alum something about your own personal experience at Smith, what would it be?
My experience was beautiful and scary. I learned a lot about myself and grew tremendously. It was filled with laughter, tears, successes, and failures, but most importantly it was memorable.
What concert, production, or other event would you go to if you had the chance to pick two tickets for anything?
A fan meeting with my favorite Korean actor, Song Joong-ki.
