Throwback Thursday: Jade Cock (class of 2018)

1. Which place at UM?marks DACS for you?

The Tapijnkazerne building! I loved taking a detour in the morning to see the wallabys, the birds and the geese (though I’ve learnt to fear those). Loved sitting on the coloured chairs, always in the same spot, during the lecture. Loved seeing my friends and catching up in the comfy booths. Loved the idea of studying in a place that used to be an old mass and had hidden darts targets in the walls. Most importantly, I loved that a lot of my fondest memories during DACS hours were made in such a special place, which I came to consider a little bit like home after three years.?

2. With which professor/teacher from then would you like to drink a coffee with now and why?

Very difficult question. I would love to catch up with Gerasimos Spanakis ?? , who was such an inspiring supervisor and has helped me to be where I am now, even after my thesis ended. I owe him so much, and I would love to grab (excellent!) coffee to thank him, discuss about his research and current projects! I also have fond memories of Mark Winands , who always believed in me and made me laugh countless times during the lectures, open days and barbecues. I remember him going through our names and trying to remember them at the beginning of our first year, and that image is engraved into my brain forever. I’d love to grab a beer with him next alumni reunion! :) Finally, I hope to have the occasion to jump on Frank’s desk another time soon!

In general, all lecturers have left a really strong (great) memory in my mind, and I am looking forward to chatting with them in May!?

3. Which class did you love/hate and why?

I LOVED Data structure and algorithm. I felt like this is the course that really got me into computer science. At first, I was really scared about the course’s complexity, but I found myself loving spending time understanding and training for that class. There are classes that made me wonder whether I was studying the right thing, and classes that convinced me I was. This one was definitely in the latter group.?

4. With the benefit of hindsight: what would you advice yourself if you were to start the study now?

I would advise younger me to believe more in herself, and to be more lenient. Making mistakes is how we go forward, and not a huge stamp of disapproval. And also, when your best friends tell you they’re going to do their masters abroad, don’t believe them, they’re lying. Stay home and enjoy life with them ;) Life at DACS was/is great.?

5. For which tasks/opportunities/challenges can other alumni contact you?

I am always open to talk about anything. For example, my research (AI applied to education), life in Switzerland, multi-tasking, navigating the difficulties of mental health during your PhD, balancing politics, academia and personal life, my superlative name in the yearbook, etc... ;)