Campus News

Miller makes the most of GC, FSU opportunities

Garrett College graduate earns Washington Center internship

Garrett College graduate Jaydason Miller, who will earn his computer science degree this spring from Frostburg State University, has been accepted into The Washington Center internship program.

Jaydason Miller is leveraging two regional educational institutions into three degrees and one impressive career path.

Miller, who earned an associate's degree in computer science from Garrett College in 2023, will complete his bachelor's degree in computer science via Frostburg State University this spring. He's also on schedule to earn a master's degree from FSU in computer science next spring, as part of FSU's "4+1" bachelor's-to-master program.

"I've been fortunate to attend two great institutions," Miller, a Southern Garrett High grad, said of his postsecondary career at Garrett College and FSU. "Garrett was a great experience. There are a lot of financial savings by starting at Garrett, and it provides a wonderful environment for students to enter into adulthood.

"FSU has been great, too," added Miller. "The Computer Science Department is really competitive, and provides a lot of networking opportunities."

Miller will be taking full advantage of one of those opportunities this summer. He's been accepted into the internship program at The Washington Center, which describes itself as an "independent, non-partisan, not-for-profit" organization that is "committed to providing transformative educational experiences to bolster future American pipelines of talent."

The Washington Center, according to its website, provides "comprehensive, career-launching experience . . . built on four core components." Those components include career coaching, the actual internship, career readiness programming, and a once-a-week academic course "designed to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world application."

"It [The Washington Center] provides contractor-type internship options," said Miller, who will be working with a career coach to select the best internship opportunity based on Miller's career aspirations.

"I hope to become more knowledgeable about websites and software engineering," said Miller of his upcoming internship experience.

Professor Christa Bowser, Garrett College's chief academic officer, said GC and FSU worked collaboratively to create a seamless transfer path between Garrett and Frostburg State's computer science majors.

"Professor [Rich] Lewis worked with his FSU counterparts to make the connections between our computer science programs as seamless as possible," said Bowser, adding, "This transfer path should be a model not only for GC and FSU, but for community colleges and four-year institutions throughout the state."

Miller said his mother, Chassity Ringer, played a key role in developing his love for computer science.

"My mom was always really good with technology," said Miller, who indicated he loves how technology has made it possible to use computer science to create something that's brand new.

"You can start with no code, nothing physical, and create some world-changing programs," said Miller.

Miller indicated his computer science skills came after developing interests in varied pursuits.

"I was more right-brain oriented – I was really interested in developing my artistic side," said Miller, who recently finished developing his first movie after becoming a national, weight-class record holder for the deadlift as a power lifter.

"He's a versatile individual," Garrett College Study Abroad Coordinator Carla Zeigler said of Miller, who was part of a GC contingent that visited Wales and London in 2023. "He's also won a regional power lifting championship and acted in several movies. He is one of the most engaging and positive students I've worked with."