When Lili deJesus West graduated high school, she wasn’t sure she would be able to get into college, but then she found ASU-Newport and realized there are many options and ways for her to succeed.

“My ACT scores were really low,” Lili said. “No matter how hard I tried, I’d get like a 12, 13, or 14.”

She said she felt very defeated, but then she met with someone in ASU-Newport’s enrollment services department.

“When she told me about the Accuplacer test, it opened a whole new opportunity for me,” Lili said.

The Accuplacer is a computerized test that ASU-Newport uses to determine students’ knowledge levels in a variety of subjects. When Lili took this exam, she said she felt more confident.

“That’s why I chose ASU-Newport because they had more options that I could choose from,” Lili said.

She is now in her first semester of the Computer Networking Technology program at ASUN-Marked Tree.

“Technology is constantly changing,” Lili said. “That’s what drove me to learn about technology more. Especially with computers, because I want to get to know the insides and outs of it.”

From troubleshooting networks to learning how to install software, Lili said she loves the hands-on learning opportunities in computer networking.

“When there would be lessons or classes where you had to read from a book, or what not, it’s just not for me,” Lili said. “For some reason, it just doesn’t stay, but if I’m doing a hands-on project at all times, the information would just stick with me more.”

This semester, Lili is the only female in computer networking, and that’s not something she takes lightly.

“A lot of people think women can’t do this or that, but I’ve always been in love with computers and technology since I was like 13,” Lili said. “I chose what I wanted to do and do what I love.”

She said she wants to encourage more women to follow their dreams and find something they love to do, no matter the stigma.

Lili said transitioning to college life has been difficult, but she knows she will succeed and eventually get a great job doing what she enjoys.

To learn more about ASU-Newport's Computer Networking Technology program click here.