In this "Testimonials" we interview Martim Vicente, winner of a Ward Analytics scholarship.

• Tell us a bit about yourself and your journey at IST.

My name is Martim, I'm from Covilhã, and I'm in the first year of the Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and Engineering. I've always enjoyed mathematics, which naturally led me to choose a field related to engineering, and during high school, I became interested in programming. It was the combination of these interests that led me to choose to study Computer Science and Engineering at Instituto Superior Técnico.

• What did winning this award mean to you personally?

It means a lot to me to see the effort I put into my studies recognized in this way. It's a great motivation to keep giving my best and a valuable financial aid that helps ease the costs associated with studying in Lisbon.

• Why are awards like this important?

Awards like this are extremely important because, beyond validating the effort and hard work we dedicate to our studies, which so often goes unnoticed, they serve as a strong motivation to keep pushing our limits and believing in ourselves. The financial support they provide is equally important, not only because it helps with the expenses associated with studying, but also because it opens the door to new opportunities for growth, both professionally and personally.

• In your opinion (besides awards ;)), what can and should be done to attract more students to Computer Science and Engineering at Técnico?

In my opinion, one of the biggest obstacles is the late exposure to Computer Science and Engineering, especially since it’s an area that is barely present in the school curriculum. That’s why it’s essential to create more opportunities for students to get to know and engage with the field, through workshops, competitions, open days or information sessions. These initiatives help spark interest, and I believe they can truly make a difference.

• Do you have any advice for future Computer Science and Engineering students at Técnico?

I'm still at the beginning of my academic journey and don't consider myself in a position to give much advice, but I think the most important thing is to have a strong willingness to learn and take initiative in seeking out new opportunities for growth, without being afraid to fail, because even in failure, there's always something to learn.

(image: Martim Vicente)