Meet a Tutor: Carolyn Mulhern

Meet a Tutor: Carolyn Mulhern

Carolyn Mulhern

Computer Science student at Penn State University

Tell us a little about yourself…

I am a student at Penn State but I grew up in Chicago. I love long distance running and hiking. I’m minoring in math and meteorology. I want to work in data mapping when I graduate.

When did you first start learning computer science?

When I was in high school, I wanted to take a computer science class, but I was scared that I wouldn’t be successful. I took the class and loved coding. I decided to major in it in college and go into coding as a career.

Do you have any favorite programs or projects that you’ve built?

My favorite project that I’ve done was one that simulated a blackjack game! I also built one program that held time cards and made payments for employees. I also worked on a program that printed Statements for bank accounts that were compliant with federal regulations. For one class, we did a lot of analysis on sorting algorithms and coded and compared six different types.

Favorite ice cream flavor?

My favorite flavor of ice cream is coffee as I am a very severe caffeine addict!

Fun facts about you?

I’m on Club Cross Country at Penn State! I love long distance running and the furthest I’ve ever run is 30 miles. I know a decent amount of Chinese and Spanish! I traveled to Asia this summer and practiced my Chinese. My favorite part was going to Japan and climbing Mount Fuji with my sister.

Words of advice for the next generation of coders?

Fully invest yourself in whatever you do! For everything in life, you get out what you put in. Do things that you are passionate about so you don’t waste your time or anyone else’s. Living with passion gives your life meaning and you will be able to do amazing things if you devote yourself to working hard rather than doing something “just for the grade” or “just for the paycheck.”