Photo by Chris Preovolos

Computer Scientist Makes Her Way

Adapted with permission from Perspectives, the statewide MESA newsletter, spring 2003.

Jeanell Patton credits her success at Hewlett-Packard to the support she received from the MESA Engineering Program (MEP) at California State University, Chico. "Without MESA, I would not have completed my degree or continued in computer science," says Patton (B.S., Computer Science, '99). Patton is a technical analyst at HP in Palo Alto, California. MEP is a Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) program to help educationally disadvantaged students earn degrees in computer science and engineering.

Even though no one in her family had gone on to higher education, Patton's mother encouraged her to apply to college. Patton decided on CSU, Chico because the school offers a major in interior design — her original career choice.

But, once at the university, a secure economic future became her priority. "At the time, computer scientists were in demand," explains Patton. "I was going to college to get a job." With the idea of writing software programs for interior designers in the back of her mind, Patton decided to major in computer science.

Because of her emphasis on art in high school, Patton was not well prepared for college-level math and science classes. "I scored so low on the math placement test, I had to take Math I," she says. Patton found the computer science classes much more difficult. From the beginning, she was supported by MEP.

As a freshman, Patton lived in the MEP dorm. The small dorm made it easier for Patton to find a quiet spot to study. In her last two years at CSU, Chico, MEP helped Patton land summer internships at HP. "I did so well that HP wanted me to continue working during the school year so I telecommuted from Chico," says Patton. Rather than impact her school work negatively, Patton says that the job's higher pay allowed her to make more money and work shorter hours. "My grades were the best they had ever been because I was able to concentrate on school," she says.

Tutoring, internships, and the chance to sharpen her leadership skills were part of the support Patton got from MEP. But it was the encouragement she received that made all the difference. "I would say, 'I am the only one in that class who doesn't have a clue. I don't think I can make it.' And the MEP staff would hook me up with a senior, and that person would say, 'No, I thought the same thing.' They always encouraged me to continue," she says.

Paul Villegas, director of CSU, Chico MESA, remembers Patton as an ideal student, always focused and working hard. "She persevered with her great determination," he says.

After graduating in 1999, Patton made a smooth transition to HP. "It is great to be in the position I am in now and to look back, knowing that I accomplished my goals," she says. "I know I could not have done it without the help I got from MESA."