Suniyah Esey - CLASS AlignED: AI Policy in Practice and in Growth

Participating in the CLASS AlignED program has been one of the most defining experiences of my undergraduate journey so far. As a sophomore, I entered the program with a strong curiosity about the intersection of technology and education, along with a growing foundation in computer science. Throughout the experience, I was able to actively contribute to our research on AI policy and classroom practice by helping analyze sources, synthesizing ideas, and supporting the technical and conceptual development of our project. This work challenged me to think more deeply about how AI can be implemented responsibly in educational spaces while also strengthening my ability to approach complex problems with both creativity and structure.

A major part of my contribution came through collaboration and consistency during our long days in the library. I took pride in showing up prepared, staying engaged, and helping move our group forward when we encountered challenges. Whether it was organizing our research findings, offering new perspectives during discussions, or helping refine our final ideas, I found myself becoming more confident in my voice and my role within a team. At the same time, those long hours allowed me to form meaningful connections with my peers. Getting to know everyone beyond academics made the experience more rewarding, and the shared dedication we all brought created a strong sense of community.

Seeing our research come together into a final presentation was one of the most exciting and fulfilling parts of the program. I was incredibly proud of the work we had all invested so much time and energy into, and it was rewarding to see our ideas take shape in a cohesive and impactful way. Watching the full process unfold from early brainstorming to a polished final product felt like a beautiful culmination of our efforts. It also gave me the chance to reflect on how much I had grown along the way, both in confidence and in skill.

Working alongside experienced and talented upperclassmen pushed me to elevate my own abilities. I learned how to communicate ideas more effectively, strengthened my computer science and research skills, and developed a better understanding of interdisciplinary collaboration. Beyond the academic growth, I also gained friendships that I know will last beyond this program. CLASS AlignED not only helped me grow as a student and researcher, but also showed me the value of persistence, teamwork, and stepping into new challenges with confidence.