Floria Mathis

(She/her)

Retiree volunteer; former Mainframe Computer Operator (USDA), Computer Programmer/Computer Equipment Analyst (DOJ), Substitute Teacher/Technology Facilitator/MESA & STEAM Advisor (CCPS)

“Computerella” - My Journey Through CS

Once upon a time, back in the “Olden days” (1967), I began working for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. My assignment was to print and set up mailing receipts for patent applications using paper tapes created when the application documents were typed into the system. I learned to read the paper tapes when I needed to reprint the receipts. I discovered a free computer class offered in the evenings at the local high school.

I was later assigned to the Keypunch (now data entry) section. I entered the patent number on order cards. This enabled the cards to be sorted to provide a more efficient retrieval of copies purchased. I enrolled in the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) Graduate School’s Computer Operations Course in the evenings. The instructor offered me a position with the Agency as a Mainframe Computer Operator, and I transferred to USDA, where I trained others as they arrived. I also enrolled in college to take additional computer classes; I worked a bi-weekly rotating shift schedule and I was allowed to leave work to attend classes when working during the day. I was later selected for a Federal Employee Scholarship to Southeastern University, in Washington, DC and was also allowed to attend those courses during my shift without charge to leave.

One of my coworkers transferred to a supervisory position at the US Dept. of Justice Computer Center. They were upgrading their mainframe computer system and were seeking people with experience. My former coworker recommended myself and 3 other USDA employees, and I transferred. After several years the Agency initiated an onsite Computer Programmer Training Class. I was selected, received the training, and was promoted to a Computer Programmer (now coder). I wrote code to create Agency Reports.

I was later assigned as a Computer Equipment Analyst, where I was tasked with determining which manual activities in my organization would benefit by being computerized. I researched and tested computer equipment, prepared purchase orders up to $99,999, and arranged for training for employees to use the computer equipment. I maintained equipment, software licenses, and supplies for my organization, as well as a computer classroom used to instruct employees in the Agency from around the country on how to use the computer software correctly and efficiently. I also participated in system, equipment and software upgrades.

I set up a computer workstation in the Daycare in which I did my Coop Class, while working on my degree in Early Childhood Development. I also set up computer training stations for persons with special needs to use during services at my Church.

After retirement from the Federal sector, I served as a K-12 substitute teacher in Charles County Public Schools. I’ve always been nosey when it comes to computer training! I attended training and worked the summer programs in the computer labs in the Middle Schools. I applied and was selected for the Technology Facilitator Position at Eva Turner ES. I served as a MESA (Math, Engineering, Science Achievement) Advisor, sponsored by John Hopkins University. I worked with the Science Teacher and we established an afterschool STEM/STEAM

program as our Farm Team for MESA. I set up an auxiliary computer lab for teachers to use in order to provide more computer lab time for students. I assisted staff members seeking accreditation requiring computer usage. I provided a multi week Computer Training for Parents sponsored by Title I where they were provided instruction in the Microsoft Suite and Photo software.

I was too tired from CCPS in 2016 and went back to working as a K-12 sub. I also accepted assignments with MCCE to provide training to elementary staff across MD and served as a volunteer MESA Advisor and after school STEAM Advisor again.

Now, my adult children work in IT and I have to have my grandchildren set up my cell phone!