South Oak Cliff Collegiate Academy students participated in the 2017 Minority Student Day at the Microsoft Campus.
The event was hosted by a Microsoft committee, Blacks at Microsoft, whose primary commitment is to continually reach out the external communities to enable broad access to technology to any person from any background. The goal of the event was to provide area high school and college students as well as interns from underrepresented ethnic backgrounds with information about the exciting tools, resources, and career opportunities available to them in high technology.
Upon entry into the Microsoft campus, the staff welcomed students. Dean Jones, the Sr. Service Delivery Manager for Microsoft Corporation, greeted students and broke the silence by posting a college graduation picture.
The high standards in the picture set forth the goals and expectations of the students for participating in the day, as well as succeeding in life. Dr. Richard Gallot, Jr., president of Grambling State University, was a guest speaker whose key concepts focused on keeping the end in mind, setting goals, and having a positive outlook on a career. Students were able to ask foundational questions that gave Gallot the opportunity to offer advice and influence the young scholars to make the best decisions for their lives.
Gallot discussed how significant it was for him to go home and serve as a Councilman.
“Giving up should never be an option,” he said.
Raamel Mitchell, Citizenship and Public Affairs Director at Microsoft and a South Oak Cliff Collegiate Academy Advisory Board Member, acted as the facilitator to a panel of seven. The colorful panel offered advice on their majors, job positions, growth, and wealthy advice to the scholars that offered insight into the various careers that they may choose.
Students divided into four groups and participated in Microsoft Innovation, More Personal Computing, Kinect World Cup, and Virtual Reality. Microsoft Innovation offered a brief education on what Microsoft does the types of things the company is working on and trends in the technology industry.
More Personal Computing informed the students on Microsoft is transforming user interfaces and devices. Kinect World Cup had students learn about the Microsoft Kinect and compete in the MTC’s Kinect World Cup. Virtual Reality issued information on Windows and Microsoft is doing to advance technology.
Some rooms offered hands-on technology, while others offered a town hall meeting environment. Scholars were able to interact with the representatives through Q&A. Pupils also played games and interacted with developing technology. Students held $5,000 equipment and played with $1,500 monitors. Scholars also received insight on the foundations of computer technology and its evolution.
Microsoft culminated the day by taking a group photo and thanking the young scholars for participating in the day’s events. Microsoft truly inspired the South Oak Cliff Collegiate Academy students to reach their full potential.
