Computers are complicated. But University of Mary Washington senior Owen Chong breaks them down into 12 simple words – what you get out of them depends on what you put in.
The same could be said of his college career.
A computer science major and data science minor who hoped to play soccer and study abroad, he’d already planned on putting in plenty. A visit to the James Farmer Multicultural Center (JFMC) kicked his plan into high gear. “The minute you get into the JFMC, you’re hooked,” Chong said. “You say, ‘I’m just going to stop by and say hi,’ and the next thing you know, you’re part of three different clubs.”
Before he knew it, he was a James Farmer Fellow. He also became a RISE Peer Mentor and member of UMW’s NAACP chapter. He worked for the Office of Disability Resources, led the men’s soccer club and landed internships with NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
“I could tell he was a highly intelligent young man,” said JFMC Assistant Director Chris Williams, who met Chong on a Zoom session introducing students to campus. “It was great to sit across from him and share thoughts, from Black Lives Matter to soccer.”
Growing up in Alexandria, Chong said, his mom encouraged him to try new things – summer camps, sports, extracurriculars. So when they learned of Mary Washington at a college fair, they decided to give it a whirl. Chong got into Hopkins, Howard, William and Mary, and more, but UMW offered him the full-ride Washington Scholarship and that sealed the deal. “It seemed like a school where I could do it all,” he said.
Right away, Williams asked Chong to join a student committee for JFMC’s Social Justice and Leadership Summit. “I met other students who were committed to raising awareness about multiculturalism and bringing to light topics that don’t get coverage,” said Chong, the only first-year student ever appointed to the group. “It’s also just fun.”
So was club soccer. The group had lost steam during the pandemic, but Chong – as captain, then president – helped to revive it, mentoring teammates, lining up leadership and scheduling matches and tournaments. And the study abroad he’d been hoping for? That happened, too. Chong joined a Spring Break trip to England with his Business of Football course to watch games and tour stadiums.
A member of the Honors Program, he was inspired in class by such real-life computing pioneers as Imitation Game’s Alan Turing and Hidden Figures’ Katherine Johnson, and he credits approachable professors for helping guide him through. “Computer science is a tool that allows me to solve problems and potentially make people’s lives better,” said Chong, who hopes to land a full-time job with NOAA and perhaps pursue teaching.
In February, he appeared on an NBC4 News Black History Month segment showcasing the JFMC, where his college career took on a life of its own. Talk about giving it your all.
“I think it’s important to put your all in,” Chong said. “You’ll be surprised at how many opportunities you can create for yourself. Only by giving your all can you make a true difference and impact.”
