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Alexandra Samuel
“The Computer Clubhouse has changed my life,” says Alexandra Samuel, 18. The 2003 East Boston High School graduate is a freshman at University of Massachusetts, Amherst, on a partial scholarship. “I enhanced my computer skills dramatically in art design, something I would never have thought possible. My people skills have grown. A lot of communication and interaction takes place at the Clubhouse. For some time, I remained closed in my own shell, but once I opened up it was a whole different experience, one I’m thankful for. Developing good communication skills is important for survival. Being involved in the Clubhouse, I had to develop them, if I was going to teach and mentor others.”
Also Samuel says, “I have a better understanding of how to get school work done and how to use the Internet for research.” At home, she’s the one her family calls on for help with the computer. “My mom didn't know how to turn on the computer. Now she knows how to log onto the Internet, send email and look for information.” The Clubhouse was where Alex began her first job. “Having that experience helped me obtain others.” But perhaps the biggest surprise was running into her cousin at the Clubhouse, someone she’d lost touch with for many years. “If I hadn’t gone to the Clubhouse, we wouldn't have reunited.”
Samuel’s experience with computers had been limited to word-processing and the Internet until 1996, when a teacher suggested she go to an all girls’ afterschool program, "Beyond Black Boxes," through a Computer Clubhouse program, then at the Patriots’ Trail Girl Scout Council. Alex, then 11, was introduced to "crickets," tiny computers with sensors and motors, which she used to conduct experiments. Using a cricket and magnetic sensor, she measured speed when rollerblading. “I had a lot of fun. I loved using computer technology. It opened my eyes. It took up time after school instead of being at home bored.” Beyond Black Boxes was so successful they had a summer session at MIT. “It was an exciting time for me.” Afterwards, she was asked to be a youth mentor at the Computer Clubhouse Girls Day at The Computer Museum.
“I enjoyed Girls Day for the simple fact that we had more of the Clubhouse to ourselves, compared to other days, when I was intimated by all the boys. But as I got to know the other members it wasn't that bad. Everyone is cool. They look out for one another. The staff are wonderful, always there to help.” She is pleased that the Computer Clubhouse is growing. “I'm seeing more and more girls. That's a very good sign.” She says that mentoring newcomers “has been wonderful. The girls liked that I could relate to them. Most of them would sit at the computer stuck in an area and not say anything because they were afraid. I went up to see how they were doing and stir conversation. They began to feel comfortable. That's how I was when I was their age. I knew how they felt and how to help them.”
Samuel is the first in her family to go to college. “Since my parents have no experience in this area, I’m left making big decisions. Sometimes it’s hard because I'm new to this. But with the help of others, I’m managing.” Her parents, who are from the Caribbean island of Grenada, are her heroes. “I love them so much. They have provided me with all that I have.”
Her dream is to earn a master's in criminal justice and become an FBI detective. She wants to marry, have kids “and enjoy life to the fullest. I know it’s not always an easy road but I’m willing to endure the bumps. I need to stay focused, reach for my goals and give my best in all that I do,” she says. She wants to “make my parents proud and set a path for my brothers and sister.”