Dylan Gire recently earned his bachelor’s degree in computer science from Florida State University’s Department of Computer Science, part of the College of Arts and Sciences. Gire served as a midshipman in the Naval Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program for Florida State University, Florida A&M University and Tallahassee Community College students. After graduation, Gire will commission as an officer in the U.S. Navy where he hopes to work in cybersecurity.

What year are you in school, and when do you expect to graduate?

I just graduated two weeks ago!

Tell us a little about your background, where you’re from, and what brought you to FSU.

I was born in Dunedin, Fla. My family and I lived in Florida until I was 8 years old, then we moved to Okinawa, Japan, because my father is in the U.S. Navy. After living in Okinawa for six years, we moved to Rhode Island for a year. Next, we moved to Naples, Italy, where I graduated high school. I applied to all the colleges in Florida and chose to attend Florida State University.

What inspired you to pursue a degree in computer science?

When I was younger, my parents always told me to get off my computer, so I developed a bad habit of using computers as much as possible. In high school, this translated into a desire to learn more about computers and build them for my family members. When I came to college, I didn’t really know what computer science as a major entailed, but I soon came to love it.

What aspect of your area of study do you find most interesting?

The most interesting parts of computer science are the original discoveries that created computers and how computers have evolved. I am especially interested in the rapidly changing field of computer science and the applications these changes have within everyday life.

Tell us about your experience as a Navy ROTC midshipman at FSU/FAMU.

Serving as a Navy ROTC midshipman has been one of my most rewarding experiences at FSU. Navy ROTC has taught me work ethic and lifestyle guidelines that allow me to achieve my full potential. While waking up at 4 a.m. five days a week is something I would have scoffed at five years ago, I believe it has helped me get to where I am today. The friends I have made through this program have continuously supported me and will always be important in my life.

What are some other extracurricular activities you are involved with on campus?

When I am not engaging in my Navy ROTC duties, I regularly go to the Co-Cathedral of St. Thomas-Moore for Catholic mass. If I could do anything different in my college career, I would have joined more clubs and tried to meet more people that way.

What on-campus resources have helped you achieve success?

The on-campus libraries have been great for me to focus on my studies and keep myself on track with classes. I often fall asleep studying in my apartment or dorm, so I’m thankful to have quiet places to study on campus where I can maintain my concentration.

Are there any faculty or staff who have helped or inspired you? Why/how so?

I will always remember my first coding class freshman year led by teaching faculty member Melina Myers in the Department of Computer Science. Her enthusiasm and great instruction made me love my major and continue to pursue it for four years. She is an outstanding teacher who helped me learn the basics of what I want to do for the rest of my life, and I am incredibly grateful to have been her student.

What do you like to do when you’re not doing schoolwork or research?

I love watching football. There is nothing I enjoy more than tailgating and watching the Seminoles on a cold fall day. I also enjoy watching the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sundays with my friends and family.

What advice do you have for fellow students and soon-to-be graduates?

It’s important to have perspective when you feel frustrated, lost or disappointed in yourself. The fact that you made it to where you are is a testament to your hard work and character. No matter how stressful something may seem in the moment, everything will be okay eventually. Sometimes it might feel like the world is crashing down on you, but I can guarantee it is not always as bad as it seems.