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Student Stories

Erik NordinErik Nordin

Computer and Information Systems graduate
Software Engineer, Mozilla Corporation

One course and he was hooked. For Erik Nordin, taking a programming class opened up a new view of computers and a deeper appreciation for a subject he'd always dismissed: mathematics.

"Once I enrolled in my first computer-programming course at COCC, I discovered that I had a passion for both math and computers that I had never known before."

"I have been a computer user nearly all my life, but never in a technical capacity prior to attending COCC," he shares. "And interestingly, throughout my K-12 schooling, I didn't particularly enjoy mathematics. Once I enrolled in my first computer-programming course at COCC, I discovered that I had a passion for both math and computers that I had never known before."

The problem-solving aspects of the class proved inspiring — and encouraged further study. "When I realized that I was genuinely interested in my course material, enough to pursue concepts beyond what was required of the courses themselves, I knew that I had found the path I wanted to be on."

Now working as an engineer for the internet company Mozilla, Nordin, who went on to Portland State University after COCC, is currently collaborating with Google and other groups to build and expand tools that allow web content to be localized around the globe. "I currently have the privilege of working on internationalization tooling," he says. "Every day I wake up with the satisfaction of knowing that my contributions will help make the internet more friendly and accessible to people all over the world."

Looking back at his time at COCC, Nordin recalls the supportive atmosphere and the people who contributed to his learning journey. "I attended countless office hours that were met with nothing but enthusiasm and a genuine desire to help resolve the questions I asked," he shares. "Above all, a willingness to help and encourage students stands out to me."

Jessica ThaxtonJessica Thaxton

Computer and Information Systems graduate
NASA Artemis Program intern; Network technician for IT firm

Jessica Thaxton didn't expect her studies at COCC to take her to the moon. Well, maybe not literally to the moon, but the internship she secured with NASA's Artemis program will train her focus on supporting the lunar project with graphic design and technical illustration projects for websites and other digital communications.

"The CIS program helped to open my eyes to the world of software, hardware, and the relation between those specialties."

"The Artemis team was particularly interested in my CIS education from COCC, as they value the communication between the technical side and the artistic side," she says. "I have found myself in a unique position to bridge the gap between design and development, and I feel that balance in skills was a large part in their decision to bring me on to the team."

Thaxton is currently attending Oregon State University's eCampus, working toward a Bachelor of Science in Digital Communication Arts with a focus on UI/UX design and development, illustration, and virtual reality. "I hope to eventually work on the design and development of interactive virtual experiences," she says. Most recently, Thaxton worked for an IT firm in Bend, troubleshooting computers and networks, updating software and drivers, and repairing and replacing hardware components, a job she obtained while completing networking coursework at COCC.

At COCC, Thaxton earned the Computer and Information Systems' Associate of Applied Science degree: Web Development & Database Administration, taking most of her classes online.