Online Student Learning Programming and Statistical Skills at ENMU

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PORTALES, NM (12/12/2018) Jacob Gill, who goes by "Jake," is an online student at Eastern New Mexico University studying industrial mathematics and statistics.

He is employed at Plateau Wireless, located in Clovis, New Mexico. "I am really enjoying my time here at Plateau. I would like to see what opportunities arise for me with my education in statistics, mathematics and computer science within Plateau" said Jake, who works full-time as an install and repair technician.

He finds that fiber optic technology is "really fascinating. I think I will always want to be outside doing work, but I'd also like to work on some projects that involve some of the programming and statistical skills I am learning here at ENMU as well.

"I chose to attend ENMU because I had just moved to Clovis with my wife, who is an ENMU alumna, plus its added advantage of affordability and proximity," explains Jake, who also loves the smallness and intimacy of Eastern's classrooms. "I've been at large universities where the professors see me as just another student instead of an opportunity. I feel like my professors want me to succeed and that'll keep me going when the going gets tough.

"They have been extremely helpful in assisting me whether it's a phone call on a Sunday or extensions when my life and job temporarily take my time away from school work," says Jake, who splices fiber and installs internet and TV services for his job at Plateau.

The senior shares that Dr. Tom Brown, professor of computer science, and Dr. Regina Aragon, professor of mathematics, have been "extremely helpful in assisting me whether it's a phone call on a Sunday or extensions when my life and job temporarily take my time away from school work.

"Don't be afraid to contact your professors and ask for help," he advises students. "I have done so many times and I am yet to be disappointed."

The Greyhound is "really enjoying statistics and computer science classes" at ENMU and found his favorite class, "Data Science," to be "super interesting and super challenging. It's really awesome to see a bunch of raw data come together to tell a story."

Jake was born and raised in Sumrall in South Mississippi, and is the youngest of four kids. His father is a fireman, and the mother is an oncology nurse.

The ENMU student loves playing guitar, often leading and playing music during worship at the First Baptist Church in Clovis. His other hobbies include throwing boomerangs, playing disc golf and taking camping trips around New Mexico and Colorado with his wife. He also likes reading theological and fantasy fiction books.

Original Article: https://www.enmu.edu/about/news-and-events/enmu-news/success-spotlight/2727-online-student-learning-programming-and-statistical-skills-at-enmu