About Me
Hi! I'm Faisal, a Mathematics and Computer Science student at the University of Illinois Chicago, specializing in Algorithms and Theory. I'm passionate about technology, education, and building meaningful connections within my community.
My Journey
My path into technology began during high school, where I earned my AP Scholar distinction and developed a deep appreciation for both mathematics and computer science. Currently pursuing my degree at UIC with a 4.0 GPA, I'm fascinated by algorithms and theoretical computer science.
What truly drives me is the intersection of technology and education. As an instructor at Code Ninjas, I've had the privilege of teaching programming languages like Java, Python, JavaScript, C#, and C++ to students of all ages. Managing classrooms of 25+ students has taught me patience, adaptability, and the joy of watching someone's face light up when they finally understand a complex concept.
Beyond the classroom, I've taken on leadership roles including staff instructor and front manager, where I've helped create training curricula and onboard new employees. These experiences have shaped my understanding of how technology can be made accessible to everyone.
Leadership & Community
Leadership has always been central to who I am. As President of the Muslim Student Association at Naperville Central High School, I organized 40+ weekly meetings and events, spearheaded community fundraisers that raised over $5,000, and helped establish a statewide MSA union connecting 20+ organizations.
My journey with Boy Scouts of America, spanning eight years from 2016 to 2024, culminated in achieving Eagle Scout rank with 60+ merit badges. As Senior Patrol Leader, I mentored over 50 scouts, teaching essential life skills and fostering personal growth in young people.
These experiences have instilled in me a deep commitment to service, mentorship, and bringing people together around shared goals and values.
What Drives Me
I believe technology should be a bridge, not a barrier. Whether I'm debugging code with a frustrated student, organizing community events, or working on personal projects, I'm always thinking about how we can use technology to solve real problems and bring people together.
My multicultural background—being fluent in Hindi, Urdu, and English, with elementary knowledge of Arabic, Spanish, and Odia—has given me a unique perspective on communication and the importance of making technology accessible across different communities and cultures.
When I'm Not Coding
You'll often find me immersed in philosophy books, exploring different perspectives on life and ethics. I'm fascinated by how philosophical thinking can inform better software design and leadership practices.
I love spending time outdoors, whether it's hiking through local trails or capturing moments through photography—both film and digital. There's something about being in nature that helps me think more clearly about complex problems.
I'm always working on side projects, experimenting with new technologies, and finding creative ways to apply what I'm learning in school to real-world challenges.
Looking Forward
As I continue my studies in algorithms and theory, I'm excited about the potential applications in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and educational technology. I want to work on projects that make learning more accessible and engaging for everyone.
My goal is to bridge the gap between complex theoretical concepts and practical applications that can benefit communities. Whether that's through developing educational software, contributing to open-source projects, or teaching the next generation of programmers.
I'm always open to new opportunities, collaborations, and conversations about technology, education, and community building. Feel free to reach out—I'd love to connect!
"The best way to predict the future is to create it. Through education, technology, and community leadership, I believe we can build a more connected and inclusive world."
— Faisal S Hashmi