Posted on December 5, 2024 by School of Data Science
Commencement Profile - Master's in Information Technology, Alvarez College of Business - SDS student worker showcases passion and resilience, journeying across the globe to earn her advanced degree
Class of 2024: Fnu Ruchika ventures across the globe to pursue her passion and achieve an advanced degree
Fnu Ruchika’s journey to earning her master’s degree in information technology is one defined by resilience and growth. Her passion led her across the globe to pursue advanced education and opportunities at UTSA.
Growing up in India, Ruchika earned her bachelor’s degree in computer applications from Guru Nanak Dev University. Motivated by a desire to explore opportunities beyond her home country, she set her sights on higher education in the United States.
“The U.S. has this incredible reputation for innovation and diversity in education,” Ruchika said. “It felt like the perfect place to grow both personally and professionally.”
After researching several universities, Ruchika chose UTSA for its strong emphasis on cybersecurity and technology.
“UTSA’s focus on research and innovation, combined with its welcoming community, made it the perfect place for me to thrive,” she said. “The programs offered exactly what I was looking for—hands-on learning and courses tailored to my interests.”
Ruchika will graduate this fall with a Master’s in Information Technology from the Alvarez College of Business. For her, the field of technology represents endless possibilities, from software development to data analysis. “I’ve always been fascinated by how technology can solve real-world problems,” she said. “This field offers endless possibilities, and I wanted to be part of that world.”
Her journey at UTSA was enriched by her experience as a student worker and graduate teaching assistant.
“In my first semester, I worked as a student worker with the School of Data Science team,” she said. “Getting that on-campus job right after arriving in the U.S. was such a relief, especially since managing expenses as an international student is tough.”
In her second semester, Ruchika became a graduate teaching assistant for a Java course, a role she held for a year.
“It was an amazing experience helping students understand programming and guiding them through assignments,” she said. “This role taught me so much about time management, teamwork, and leadership.”
She returned to the School of Data Science as a student worker during her final semester.
“The SDS team felt like a home away from home,” Ruchika said. “They were always there to listen, guide me, and motivate me to put in my best effort.” 
Adjusting to life in a new country brought its challenges, but Ruchika credits the UTSA community for helping her navigate the transition.
“Moving to a new country was exciting, but learning to balance classes, work, and adjusting to a completely new culture wasn’t easy,” she said. “Over time, I figured out how to prioritize and leaned on the support systems available at UTSA, which helped me find my rhythm.”
As she prepares for graduation, Ruchika reflects on how her degree has equipped her for the future.
“My program gave me a mix of technical knowledge and real-world skills,” she said. “Working on projects and collaborating with my peers gave me the confidence to tackle complex problems and prepared me for the challenges I’ll face in my career.”
Looking ahead, Ruchika is eager to begin her professional journey and contribute to the field of technology.
“I’m really excited to start my career, work on meaningful projects, and hopefully make a positive impact through my work,” she said.
For other students considering UTSA, Ruchika offers this advice: “Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Use the resources UTSA offers, talk to professors, connect with your peers, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. It’s all about taking that first step and being open to the experience.”
— School of Data Science
