Ervin Pangilinan graduated from Mercer University’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences with a Bachelor of Science in computer science.
What are your plans after graduation?
I will be starting graduate school in the fall at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. I’ll be pursuing my master’s in computer science while also being a graduate teaching assistant.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
Dr. Andy Digh, professor of computer science, was definitely my favorite professor. From the moment he starts class, you can tell he is passionate about the classes he teaches and cares for his students deeply. I took many of my computer science classes with him, and he’s very enthusiastic about what he teaches, and he makes sure that everyone in class understands the material.
What was your favorite class and why?
My favorite class would be INT 101 with Dr. Jared Champion. The class itself discussed standup comedy as a form of social discourse, so every week we would watch a new comedian and analyze that comedian’s bits to see how it tied back to modern social issues. It was completely unique, and the class wasn’t like any other class I’ve taken before. That class gave me more appreciation for not just standup comedy but all forms of media in general.
What advice do you have for incoming students?
My advice would be to put yourself out there. Don’t be afraid to try something new and get out of your comfort zone. College is a unique time for us to really get to know ourselves, so we should take advantage of that time to explore.
What makes Mercer special to you?
To me, it’s been the people around me that made these past four years worth it. Everyone I meet on campus, whether student or faculty, wants to see us succeed. It’s super encouraging to know that there is a community that has my back whenever times are tough.
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