Grad Profile: NyIsaiah Hall

NyIsaiah Hall embarked on his college journey with a passion for computers ignited during a coding class in high school. Eager to delve deeper into the field, he enrolled as a computer science major at Northampton Community College (NCC). However, his beginnings were marked by the unprecedented challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, altering the traditional classroom experience. 

As he navigated the post-pandemic educational experience, Hall made concerted efforts to engage with his professors and actively participate in discussions, forging meaningful connections with both peers and mentors. “Establish rapport with your classmates and professors and it will make the entire college experience much better.” 

In addition to dealing with the challenges of the pandemic, the passing of Hall's father during his junior year of high school cast a shadow on his college years, impacting his mental health. Yet, he was able to find solace in his studies and the support of friends, mentors, and campus resources. He also found a sense of community by actively participating in the Black Student Union as its Treasurer, fostering connections with fellow Black students and advocating for inclusivity and representation on campus. Simultaneously, his role as the Student Senate Secretary not only honed his leadership skills but also introduced him to a driven cohort of friends who shared his ambition for success. 

Hall's unwavering determination propelled him toward his goal of becoming a machine learning engineer. He avidly pursued challenging coursework and sought guidance from his academic advisor, meticulously selecting electives that complemented his major and aligned with his career aspirations, which he advises all students to do.  

Hall will be attending East Stroudsburg University (ESU) starting this spring and is a recipient of the Clear Path Scholarship. The Clear Path program was created to support the timely completion of STEM associate and STEM bachelor’s degrees from community college partners to ESU and provide the financial support to do so. Ultimately, his career goal is to work as a machine learning engineer. 

“NCC has made me a lot more goal driven and focused since I came here. I've also broken out of my shell a little bit. There is still progress to be made, but I have improved since I got here.”