Rebecca Abraham
Major: Software Engineering
Hometown: Mumbai, India
On choosing her major: I have always aimed for a career in a STEM field. My parents and uncles all work in STEM. In my senior year of high school, I did a computer science project and developed an interest in programming.
The best of both worlds: The individual work and teamwork involved in a software programming career appealed to my personality. Sometimes I enjoy thinking and working alone, and sometimes the energy and ‘joie de vivre’ of a team brings out the best in me. Hence software engineering, which offers the opportunity for both, was for me.
Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: There is no one single event. My whole journey at Behrend has been an uplifting experience for me. From being offered the Multi-Campus Research Experience for Undergraduates, a summer research program at University Park for students across the commonwealth campuses, to serving as president of South Asian Student Organization (SASO), life has been a series of happy accomplishments.
Campus involvement: I helped re-activate the SASO Club in 2021–2022 and was recently awarded the “Most Outstanding President of SASO” by the Multi-Cultural Council.
What people would be surprised to know about her: I look very serious, but I am fun loving.
What makes a good life: A good education, a strong support system made up of family and friends, my Catholic spirituality, and mindfulness.
What she is passionate about: Learning, connecting, and software engineering.
Advice for first-year students: The primary focus should be to attain one’s undergraduate degree, but also remember to experience college life through friends and events on campus. Finally, do not feel pressured to belong to a group or ideology detrimental to healthy lifestyle choices.
Rebecca plans to attend graduate school for a master’s degree in software engineering.