Elginia Georgia Walz is a college freshman studying animation at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). Walz is a 2014 recipient of the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) Award in Aspirations and Computing: Wisconsin Affiliate Award Runner-Up. She participated in the 2013-14 pilot program of PLTW’s Computer Science and Software Engineering course at Catholic Memorial High School in Waukesha, Wisconsin.
PLTW: How did you first become interested in computer science?
Walz: I learned Alice, Scratch, Python, Web Developer, Linux, and App Inventor in my two high school Computer Science (CS) courses. I loved working with Alice and Scratch and I love movies, so I did my Extended Essay Paper on the effects and changes of computer animation in Disney and learned even more about animation and decided that computer animation would be a great career.
PLTW: What makes you passionate about CS?
Walz: I love the ability to work in animation and make my final product work after several trials and errors.
PLTW: In what sort of CS extracurricular activities or competitions have you participated? What were your takeaways from these experiences?
Walz: I produced an animated short film for a SCAD scholarship, but didn't win. After many trials and errors producing it, the final product was still worth viewing.
PLTW: Who are your CS mentors, heroes, and/or role models?
Walz: Mrs. Rose Hoffmann – PLTW/CS teacher at Catholic Memorial High School in Waukesha, Wisconsin.
PLTW: What are some of your career and/or academic goals and aspirations?
Walz: I plan to complete my degree in animation at SCAD and would like to work for Disney, Pixar, or DreamWorks.
PLTW: How are you celebrating Computer Science Education Week?
Walz: I am currently teaching myself how to use the animation software called Maya during my Christmas Break.
