Here, we celebrate and honor some of our best students ever in the BSc (Hons) Creative Computing program, who reflect on their journey with the Bath Spa University Academic Center RAK, their struggles, achievements, and most importantly, their advice for the students after them!
Meet Franchesca Raymundo, BSc (Hons) Creative Computing 2020-2023
How do you define yourself?
Passion for design and the arts is what defines me. At a young age, I’ve approached the world of design with a strong fascination for all that meets the eye.
As an interdisciplinary designer and an aspiring developer, I define myself as a creative problem solver who loves to combine art, design, and technology to create engaging user experiences.
My vision is to create impactful and meaningful digital solutions that are functional, user-friendly, and accessible to everyone. I aspire to continue growing my skills in a wide range of areas and contribute to the field by creating innovative solutions that improve people's lives.
What is your academic mantra?
There’s no trick to it, really. I just remind myself to learn in my own way, at my own pace, and to try to stay interested - even if it’s in the smallest detail in a really big picture.
It’s really easy to forget that there is no one size fits all for learning, but I tried to keep that in mind. So, for almost every module I had at BSU, I learned things at a very different pace in comparison to the pace set by the lecturers for us.
Sometimes I’d do the bare minimum, or sometimes I was ahead. The way I learned things was really different, but I was learning in a way that worked for me and kept me engaged.
Reflect on your journey (learning, achievements) in the Creative Computing program.
In the last three years, I've had the opportunity to learn and grow in so many ways. From exploring different areas of coding and design to completing challenging projects, it's been really fascinating to learn about how art, design, and technology can come together to create new forms of expression and interaction. But an important thing I've learned is that collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches are really important in creative computing. Successful projects often require diverse skill sets and perspectives, so it's important to acquire multiple skills as an individual, and for people from different backgrounds to work together. That’s how one of the most rewarding projects I’ve had - a rede
sign of a school website - came to fruition. It was created as a group project, and my friends from university all played very different and important roles. We’re currently working on another project that’s only halfway done, but I’m already very proud of.
My journey wasn’t all about academia - it was also about the friends and mentors I’ve made along the way. They've been such an inspiration to me and have helped me grow both academically and personally. Not just by learning with them, but learning from them as well. They made every year of the course worthwhile.
I'm excited to see where the rest of my time here takes me - especially with the bonds I made, the lessons I’ve learned, and the lessons I’ve yet to learn.
What’s next once you graduate?
Once I graduate, I plan to explore my options and learn further. I certainly see myself pursuing a career in the tech industry - specifically in the field of Web Development or Design. I’d love to create digital products that have a real and positive impact on people’s lives, and I’m keen on expanding my knowledge to enhance my craft. I am also eager to learn skills outside of the tech field. I’ve thought about taking another degree after further exposure to the industry.
Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
Honestly, I try not to think of where I’d be further than 6 months from now. I don’t even know where I’d be a week from now. Anything can happen! I have goals and aspirations, but I’ll never know where life takes me - and I’d be happy to find out at the right time. But for now, I’ll keep trying to be better than I was yesterday.
How will you remember Bath Spa University RAK?
With an unforgettable “FOR SALE: Baby shoes, never worn.”
Just kidding. That’s definitely something I’ll remember, but more than that, it was a special chapter in my life. The university was a place of growth, exploration, and community. It was a place where I was able to discover my passions and develop the foundations I needed to pursue them.
But more than that, BSU RAK will always hold a special place in my heart because of the incredible people I met there (you know who you are!). I’ll never forget the amazing memories I made with my friends, from working on group projects to exploring every cafeteria near the university. I’ll always be grateful for the professors who supported me and challenged me to think critically and push myself beyond my limits.
BSU RAK was a place where I felt supported, challenged, and inspired every step of the way.
What would be your #1 advice for your juniors in the program?
Throughout your years in Creative Computing, make sure that you build meaningful bonds with the people around you. Find your circle! They’ll make your life in university so much more exciting. And don’t forget to explore outside of the university. There are so many things to experience. Step outside of your comfort zone, and try as many new things as you can!
That was definitely more than one piece of advice, but they all fall at a tie for the #1 position.
We wish Franchesca the very best in her career and life ahead, hoping to stay in touch! God Bless.