Raja Krishnaswamy is a thirteen year old who graduated in 2020 with a 4.0 GPA from the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC)—Boyce Campus, earning an Associate’s Degree in Software Development and an Associates Degree in Mathematics and Sciences. Raja also took a calculus-based physics class at CCAC North and graduated with 95 credits. He is a coin collector, enjoys playing video games, and loves to read. Raja likes to learn and be challenged. He was dual-enrolled in high school and college, and ended up completing both Associate degrees before earning his high school diploma.

How did you choose your major? What motivated you to choose that field/profession? 
My dad is a software developer and he taught me to code. I found my love of computer science through my dad's lessons. Later, during the time I was in CCAC, I took a few programming classes because that is where I thought I wanted to be. It turned out that I was right. I also enjoyed math and science, and really any subject before college. However, I wanted to study Math and Science the most. I decided to double major in Software Development and Mathmatics and Sciences for that reason.

What did you enjoy about attending CCAC? Any memorable moment to share? 
I enjoy the close-knit atmosphere of CCAC. It made the interaction between the students and teachers more one-on-one, and less like a lecture and a recitation. It also allowed me to make loads of friends. One time, my friends and I traveled to Maryland for a PTK Regional Convention. We enjoyed it very much. I also enjoyed participating in the various games made up by Dave DeVensio, our Director of Fun at Boyce.

How involved were you at CCAC? Did you study abroad? Did you have internships or Co-Ops? Clinicals and/or practicums? Were you a part of any clubs, sports, or extracurriculars? 
At CCAC, I was very involved. I was a member of many clubs and even an officer in others. I was the Vice President of Scholarship in Phi Theta Kappa, a two-year college honors society. In PTK, I took on a major role in making our chapter a 5-star chapter. I also was the President of the Young Entrepreneurs Club and the President of the Computer Club. Here I organized events, set up field trips, and even tutored. I was a member of the Student Ambassadors, where I gave tours of CCAC to new and prospective students and helped with different projects. At North Campus, I was a member of Mu Alpha Theta, a national math honors society, and the Geek Culture Club. A couple of years ago, I was also a member of the ASL club at Boyce. 

Did any of these experiences lead you into realizing your passions for work and career? 
None of these experiences led me into realizing my passions for work and career. I am too young to think about working.

What skills did you gain that you could take into a workplace? 
Because I was asked by the CCAC Administration to share my experiences with non-students and students alike, I gained speaking skills by speaking in front of large crowds of people. I also gained speaking skills by taking a public speaking class. I also gained valuable tutoring skills that I can use to train incoming coworkers. 

What are you hoping to do next? What would you like to do professionally? 
I am going to go to a four-year university, most likely the University of Pittsburgh, to study Computer Science. I would like to run my own Software firm someday.

How do you manage stress (most especially during these uncertain times)? 
I manage stress by watching TV or doing passive activities.

What do you want prospective college students to know—what advice do you have for them? 
New college students, I want you guys to know that you are not alone. Everyone here wants you to succeed. You will learn many things here, but the most important lesson of all is perseverance. Some days, you will find yourselves stressed out by a paper or a test. In due time, you will learn to persevere through any challenge.

Who inspires you and why? Do you have any mentors or people of influence in your life? 
Science has inspired me to keep learning. Some of the scientists, including Bill Nye, have made learning fun. They have helped me continue down the scientific road, also known as the road to knowledge. My mom has influenced me to persevere through any challenge and learn as much as I can. I was always challenged by my parents because I was extremely curious. They fed my insatiable curiosity.

Read more stories, and why community college is so important, on #CommunityCollegeBecause:

Stasia Lopez is the Global Education Editor for Wandering Educators and is also a Director of Career Services at the Community College of Allegheny County. She graduated with her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership in Higher Education and Student Affairs from Western Michigan University in 2013 and earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Robert Morris University. Stasia is passionate about international education, travel, college to career topics and loves working on a college campus. She’s lived in four different U.S. states (Florida, Michigan, South Carolina, and Pennsylvania) and also studied and lived abroad in Rome, Italy. Stasia lives in the Pittsburgh area with her husband, Fernando, precious daughter, Maya, and playful kitty-cat Zorro.

All photos courtesy and copyright Raja Krishnaswamy