- Mouse Alum, James Madison High School, 2014
Mouse Design Portfolio: The Fashionator, Art Squared, Gap-Assist
Apprenticeships: Sullivan & Cromwell, ROKO Labs
BS, Computer Science, College of Staten Island (December 2017)
- Intern, Mouse
How did you become interested in Mouse?
Peizhu joined Mouse during high school and soon after applied to be a member of our Design League. She was especially interested in learning more about design and having opportunities in the professional world. “Mouse provided great ways to network with others and helped me to see that there are many different opportunities with technology.”
What inspired your interest in design?
Peizhu had her first experiences with design through Mouse. As a member of Design League, she was able to apply the technology skills she was learning at school to design projects for others.
“Going through the design process with Mouse has helped me to learn that designing is not just about drawing on paper -- it’s about creating an idea and following through with it.”
Peizhu especially appreciates designing for social good. “Design for impact helps students identify possible future paths. The thought that I can design something that helps others makes me really proud.”
How did your involvement with Mouse impact your college experiences?
Peizhu is currently studying Computer Science at the College of Staten Island. She credits Mouse with helping her to develop her skills interacting with others. “Through Mouse, I became more confident speaking with others, developed my leadership skills, and learned how to work in a team.”
What makes Mouse different?
Peizhu feels that Mouse gave her opportunities to interact with others who share her passions and interests. “Mouse encourages minorities and girls to become more knowledgeable about technology -- and shy students to network and speak up. Schools can feel very big. Mouse gives young people a starting point to connect and become friends with others who share similar interests.
“Mouse was a big part of my high school experience. Being involved in Design League helped me to understand the real world -- what society needs and what we can do to help.”
What’s next?
Peizhu plans to pursue opportunities in User Interface/User Experience (UI/UX) design when she graduates from college. “Through Mouse, I learned it’s important to understand the human experience. You are not just solving for an answer. You are designing a possible solution that may help others. Being able to relate to others and figuring out what they need -- that will stay with me forever.”
