Hera in Switzerland during her study abroad in London. She also joined the swim team at King's College in London.
Hera in Switzerland during her study abroad in London. She also joined the swim team at King's College in London.

Short Feature with Women's Swimming and Diving Rising Senior Hera Miao

Rising senior Hera Miao, an information systems major from Glen Ellyn, Illinois, answers a few questions about student life at Carnegie Mellon, why she chose her major, what classes she's enjoyed, and a memorable moment he's had as a member of the swimming and diving team.

1. What do you enjoy about campus life?

I enjoy the fact that campus life is a very welcoming community. I love how especially on the warmer days, there are always students outside whether it be studying or just hanging out. 

2. What do you get involved in outside of your sport?

Outside of my sport, I love doing volunteer work or I love traveling around the world. I recently came back from a semester abroad in London and it was definitely one of the highlights of my time at CMU so far!

3. Tell us about your internship experience.

My internship position was an application developer at the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago. I got put on a specific development team where I got to practice my coding abilities as well as learn a lot about myself and the work experience in the real world.

4. What are you summer plans?

My plans for this summer are to continue to learn a lot about my internship. My plans for next summer after graduation is to relax and travel. 

5. What are you excited about next semester?

Next semester, I am excited to start my last swim season and to start my senior year of college. 

6. Why did you select your course of study – what class have you enjoyed the most?

I selected my course of study because technology is very prevalent in society today and there are a broad range of topics/opportunities that I can potentially pursue in IS. My favorite class so far has been 67-272 application design and development or 67-373 IS consulting project.

7. What class would you recommend as a MUST take class at CMU?

For someone interested in technology/coding, I would recommend taking application design and development or IS consulting project (although I'm not sure if only IS people can take them). For me, these two courses were the most challenging but the most valuable courses I have taken here.

8. What have you enjoyed about living in Pittsburgh?

In terms of living in Pittsburgh, I have enjoyed how there is so much to do and so much to see. You'll always have something to do over the weekend, whether it be going to a sports game or trying a new restaurant. 

9. What has been a memorable moment so far during your time on the team?

A memorable moment during my time on the team is just the lifelong friends that I have made and the experiences that I have shared with them both in the pool and out of the pool.