Tom Hamming

Anticipated graduation year: 2010

Majors: Computer Science; Spanish

Hometown: Lynden, Wash.

Whitworth activities/clubs: Association for Computing Machinery, Concert Band, ballroom dancing

Favorite food: Hard to pin down No. 1, but I have to say spaghetti with my mom's meat sauce.

Favorite movie: Remember the Titans

Favorite quote:
My life is but a weaving
between my God and me.
I may but choose the colors;
He worketh steadily.

Full oft he weaveth sorrow,
and I, in foolish pride,
forget He sees the upper
and I the underside.

Favorite thing about Whitworth: The quality and supportiveness of the environment. University is where many of us spend a very important four years deciding where we are going with our lives. At Whitworth I have met some amazing people, both friends and professors, who have guided me in my growth during the last three years, and I am very grateful for them

Favorite off-campus study program experience: My study-abroad trip to Chile for spring (March-July) 2009. It boosted my Spanish considerably and gave me an idea of what my country looks like from the outside.

Favorite residence hall: Duvall, because I was among the founders.

Advice for incoming students: Don't be afraid of change. To those who think they know for sure what they are going to study: I did, too. I knew the stats about how everyone changes, but I was sure I was going to study and work in computer science. Then I added a Spanish major, which really has nothing to do with C.S. Since then, my direction has widened considerably. It's great to have plans, but be flexible.

What I plan to do after graduation: Lots of possibilities. Spanish and C.S. is not a common combination. I am considering teaching (after the master in teaching program at Whitworth), software development, and maybe even IT support. We'll see what God puts in front of me.