By Katherine Smith

For the Reporter

Angela Rocchi’s summer was about more than relaxing, hanging out with friends and getting ready for her senior year at Tahoma High.

Rocchi was busy preparing for her future by learning about computer science as an intern with the TouchDevelop team at Microsoft.

Rocchi’s interest in computer science began last year when she took Advanced Placement Computer Science, taught by Crystal Hess, at THS.

This school year Rocchi will be taking the College Computer Programming class — the first girl in the history of the program at THS to take the college-level course, Hess said.

Students in the classes at Tahoma learn how to program, which means more then creating video games. In Hess’ classes students learn to program a calculator, create custom databases and create apps for phones and other devices. Hess’ goal is to debunk misconceptions about the field and equip students with skills that can lead to jobs that are in high demand.

“Computer Science is about thinking logically, reasoning and solving problems,” Hess said.

Rocchi said she is grateful for the opportunities that the computer science class and internship offer.

“Ms. Hess is one of those teachers who knows everything about her subject, you can ask her any question,” Rocchi said. “She (Hess) suggested the internship to me.”

TouchDevelop is an app for Windows phones that launched last year.

The app brings programming capabilities to Windows phones, allowing the user to create scripts and apps directly on the phone. Traditionally content had to be created on a computer and then transferred to other devices, TouchDevelop aims to eliminate that extra step and make creating content easier. The content creator can then share their content via the TouchDevelop script bazaar or Windows Phone Marketplace.

After the initial application, Rocchi did a phone interview followed by two in person interviews.

“The first interview was concept questions, they asked you really outlandish things,” Rocchi said. “For the second one I had to do coding… I got all the coding done in 10 minutes and then we talked about Harry Potter.”

A month and a half later, Rocchi got the call that she had been selected as one of two interns with the TouchDevelop team.

After learning about the way TouchDevelop works and the type of coding the program uses, Rocchi used the app to develop her own game, which she called “Lost Marbles.”

“I was so excited about this game,” Rocchi said. “I was working on it all the time!’

The other main project that Rocchi worked on was creating and narrating tutorial videos on how to use TouchDevelop, especially for beginning programmers..

The videos Rocchi created are available via the TouchDevelop web site (www.touchdevelop.com) and help potential programmers get started.

Rocchi was also able to participate in a myriad of events at the Microsoft campus, including product fairs and previewing upcoming projects.

“It’s an awesome place to work,” Rocchi said.

Besides adding to her computer science knowledge, Rochhi said she understands more about what it takes to be successful in a career, learning that “the passion you put in is what you take out.”

Internships, like Rocchi’s, are an example of opportunities for students tosupplement their learning and gain valuable experience in the workplace.

Tahoma High School staff are working to find more ways to connect students with that kind of experience.

“Our goal is that students are future ready, not just college ready or grad ready, but that kids are ready for their futures,” said Tahoma High Principal Terry Duty. “We want them to become aware of what they are good at, what their interests are and identify career possibilities.”

Katherine Smith worked as an intern for the Tahoma School District.