Dhondup Namgyal
MOUSE Corps Member, International High School
"MOUSE brought me where I stand today and gave me real life work experience. MOUSE taught me about leadership and teamwork, and that there is no such thing as a bad idea."
Dhondup Namgyal came to the United States at the age of 12 from Nepal. With a passion for technology, he was excited to join the MOUSE program at International High School in the Spring 2010. “Most of the tech skills were learned as I grew up,” reflected Dhondup. “Leadership, taking initiative, teamwork and blending in the environment comes from MOUSE.”
In tenth grade, Dhondup was one of ten students in the first MOUSE Squad at International High School. As a MOUSE Squad member, he helped teachers use technology in their classrooms, including setting up printers and accessing the Internet. He also learned about MOUSE Corps, one of the programs that MOUSE offers to high school students to design and develop technology projects as well as to experience opportunities in the professional world.
Dhondup and a few students from his school were invited to the MOUSE office in Manhattan to learn about developing a project using technology and multimedia to address a local or global need. Working with a group of students from his high school, Dhondup brainstormed ideas for a project that would be meaningful. As all the students in their group had immigrated to the United States from other countries, they decided to create a technology project designed for newcomers to the city.
“We wanted to include everything that we knew would be helpful, including information about the subways, taxis, housing and jobs,” Dhondup recalls. As a first step, they used cardboard and colored paper to design a 3-D model of the city that their computer game would feature, including office buildings and hospitals to show what the project would look like. “After we created the prototype, we wanted to make it available in an Apple store one day.”
Dhondup and his peers named their project “Immigrantville” and were honored to present their project to more than 100 of their peers at Emoti-Con, a youth digital media and technology festival in New York City. From this experience, Dhondup stated, “I learned that you can create anything if you put your heart into it. I enjoyed learning about other students’ projects at Emoti-Con and sharing our projects with other students who attended.”
While Dhondup was developing “Immigrantville,” MOUSE offered him a unique opportunity to shadow an IT professional at Sullivan & Cromwell, an international law firm. “I was excited to have a Shadowship at Sullivan & Cromwell. I have never been in that environment before.”
Dhondup traveled downtown afterschool to meet with managers at Sullivan & Cromwell and to learn about their professional roles. Among all the people with whom he had the chance to speak, Dhondup was truly inspired by a Computer Forensic Specialist, who previously worked for the US government extracting information from PC hard drives. “After my Shadowship, I knew what I wanted to study in college,” Dhondup stated. “His job was very interesting and he told me that if I was interested in doing what he does, that I should study computer science.”
During Summer 2010, Dhondup was offered his next opportunity in the professional world: his introduction to the world of tech startups through an internship at Aviary.com located across from Madison Square Garden. “I checked out their website right away and was very excited,” Dhondup recalled. “They are a software company with many applications, including audio, image and video editing software.”
At Aviary.com, Dhondup created images for their website, worked on an outreach program for schools and researched pricing of competitive offerings. “After working at Aviary.com, it made me want to start my own startup company in the future.”
Aviary.com was Dhondup’s first paid job. “I opened my first bank account to save the money I earned over the course of the month and will continue depositing my paychecks for the future,” he stated. “Besides my friends in MOUSE, my other friends may have had jobs in stores, but not like what we did in terms of the knowledge we were gaining.”
During eleventh grade, Dhondup approached MOUSE to see if he could also have an internship for the summer of 2011. He was thrilled to learn that he would have an interview at Citi and spent much of his interview speaking about his previous experiences at Sullivan & Cromwell and Aviary.com.
As a result of his successful interview Dhondup was offered a paid six-week internship at Citi. He did extensive research and learned that they are one of the Big Four banks in the country with the largest financial network in the world.
Dhondup joined the Desktop Support team and was responsible for performing a range of technology tasks from deploying software to moving printers around the office.
Dhondup recalled, “It was very exciting to be working for the first time on Wall Street. I was pretty sure no other person in my school was interning in one of the biggest banks in the United States.”
Dhondup wrote in a blog post, “Over the past four days, my experience has been wonderful. I have gained tons of knowledge, just on my first week of internship.” Dhondup assisted with cleaning up their computer lab. “Even though they regularly organized and clean the computer, lab, many empty boxes started taking over the lab space. “I was brought to the rescue,” Dhondup proudly stated, “In a matter of minutes, the task was completed. The lab was clean, with plenty more space, large enough for me to jog in.”
Being a mentor was one of the best aspects of Dhondup’s summer experience at Citi. After a few weeks into his internship, three new interns arrived and Dhondup was asked to teach them everything he had learned in his first four weeks at Citi. “It feels great to be a manager with the power and joy of seeing the interns learn what you taught them. And it’s wonderful to have someone look up to you as their source of information.”
As part of his summer internship, Dhondup also learned about all the resources available for Citi employees. He took several courses, including system administration, secure coding, accounting, and received a certificate for each course completed. He also had the chance to tour the Information Technology department at JP Morgan Chase.
Close to the end of his internship, Dhondup wrote, “Fifth week of the internship, and I have pretty much mastered the responsibilities of a Desktop Support Specialist. I feel proud of myself for what I have become today, and where I have come since I began High School. I never thought I would have interned at two companies by the time I was seventeen.”
The list of what I have learned from the MOUSE Squad program can go on forever. The training has helped me to be confident about what I do and has taught me... read more ›
– Jessica Alberto, MOUSE Squad Member, Thomas A. Edison Career & Technology High School
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TechCrew allows me to start my day working with a group of students that have true passion and dedication…TechCrew teaches our students how to work as part of a group and leaves them... read more ›
– Marcos Alcozer, Northside College Prep High School, Chicago
MOUSE Squad has provided invaluable assistance to our school and made technology easy for our entire staff. Those on MOUSE Squad are surrounded by students who are successful inside and outside the classroom. read more ›
– Anthony Barbetta, Principal, Thomas A. Edison Career & Technology High School
I recognize MOUSE for its dedication to providing our city’s schools with the technological tools and support to keep our children competitive in the information age. read more ›
– Michael R. Bloomberg, Mayor, New York City
The experiences that MOUSE provides its participants help ensure that high school graduates are prepared for good jobs during the summer and in their future careers. MOUSE’s unique emphasis on technology training... read more ›
– Gale Brewer, New York City Council Member, Technology Committee Chair
I love finishing school and coming to MOUSE. I love the teamwork and the time to learn new things about computers. read more ›
– Aram Buenaventura, MOUSE Squad Member, High School for Arts & Technology
MOUSE and SAP apply the same core values – quality, integrity, commitment, and passion – to our organizations. We see MOUSE Corps students as our next generation of employees and customers. MOUSE empowers... read more ›
– Ron Carolan, Chief Financial Officer, SAP Global Marketing
We must leverage technology to provide engaging, powerful learning experiences for all students, giving them authentic tools to solve real-world problems and opportunities to become better prepared for our globally competitive workforce. read more ›
– Karen Cator, Director of the Office of Educational Technology, U.S. Department of Education
When I started the internship, my manager brought me to the trading floor. It was the best thing in the world to see all the traders and to know they were my clients,... read more ›
– Duckens Durosier, MOUSE Squad Alum, George Wingate High School
Being on MOUSE Squad adds to my experience in school by making me confident about myself. read more ›
– Daniela Fernandez, MOUSE Squad Member, Sylvandale Middle School, California
Our MOUSE Squad students stand a little taller. They recognize that they have special skills and are respected for it.
– Dr. Katherine Flori, MOUSE Squad Coordinator, W.C Byrant High School, New York
To me, programs like this don't exactly go to every school around. I enjoy the program and what they teach. My interest in technology has enhanced greatly because of MOUSE Squad. read more ›
– Ally Garcia, MOUSE Squad Member, High School for Arts & Technology
Participating in the MOUSE Squad gave me a true sense of purpose. I never could have imagined in just 8 years, I would be CEO of my own technology consulting firm and... read more ›
– Juan Garzon, MOUSE Squad Alum, Robert F. Wagner Secondary School for Arts & Technology,
The people at MOUSE are a living, breathing testament to the notion that when an organization is centered around a thoughtful and attainable goal—staffed by competent, bright and passionate individuals—there is very little... read more ›
– Mehran Ghaffarsamar , MOUSE Intern, Baruch College
Our MOUSE Squad students are demonstrating leadership skills, learning about responsibilities and how to communicate with adults. This program is inspiring our students and giving them a glimpse of future career opportunities. read more ›
– Carla Haakma, Principal, Los Arboles Elementary School, California
MOUSE Squad students learn many skills frequently cited by employers as keys to success in the workplace, including leadership, communication, teamwork problem solving and time management. read more ›
– Jan Half, Executive Director, MOUSE Squad of California
We recognize that student attendance and graduation are increasingly important issues facing public schools. We are looking to target specific schools as we have seen the TechCrew program have a positive impact in... read more ›
– Victor Herrera, Director of Technology, Theodore Roosevelt High School, Chicago
For our school, MOUSE Squad plays an integral role in supporting our technology, saving us both time and money. But more importantly, students participate in positive experiences that give them a strong... read more ›
– Seth Hubbert, Faculty Coordinator, High School for Arts & Technology
The MOUSE program should be in every school in New York City. read more ›
– Robert Jackson, Member, New York City Council
What excites me most about MOUSE Squad is going to fix computers and hanging out with friends. I really think MOUSE Squad pushes you to try and learn new things. read more ›
– Danielle Jacobs, MOUSE Squad Member, Cooper High School, Abilene Texas
I feel like I'm a part of an important team that keeps the school running more efficiently...Being on TechCrew helps improve the leadership qualities that we, as students, are developing for the future. read more ›
– Edwin Le, Northside College Preparatory High School, Chicago
MOUSE has been able to light my path of maturity. Being shown everything I can do, and looking back at everything I’ve been a part of, I now realize what I want... read more ›
– Ryan Mason, MOUSE Squad Alum, School of the Future
MOUSE Squad has taught me the skills I need for the future. read more ›
– Ismelda Monegro, Bea Fuller Rodgers School, New York
MOUSE brought me where I stand today and gave me real life work experience. MOUSE taught me about leadership and teamwork, and that there is no such thing as a bad idea. read more ›
– Dhondup Namgyal, MOUSE Corps Member, International High School
The MOUSE Squad students are very curious and want to learn. Everyone knows about the MOUSE Squad in this school. read more ›
– Emmanuel Ourum, CUNY Intern, PS 43 MOUSE Squad
My internship with Sullivan & Cromwell would not have been possible without the help of MOUSE, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to help students integrate technology into their everyday lives and ultimately... read more ›
– Ivan Pereda, MOUSE Squad Member, Baccalaureate School for Global Education
Leadership, pride, self confidence and a sense of responsibility -- this is the impact of the MOUSE Squad program on our students. read more ›
– Norma Perez, Principal, Bea Fuller Rodgers School, New York
MOUSE Squad has proven time and again that students who graduate after participating are more equipped for the next stage in their lives, especially in today’s vast information technology world. This program... read more ›
– Christine C. Quinn, Speaker, New York City Council
Thanks to Abilene Independent School District (AISD) for incorporating such a program and major kudos to Nathan Monroe, MOUSE Squad Coordinator, ATEMS. He actively leads a group that daily makes the teacher’s lives... read more ›
– Rebecca Rampy, Instruction Technology Specialist, Academy of Technology, Engineering, Math and Science (ATEMS) in Abilene, Texas
Juniper's community engagement vision is to use the power of the new network to take on the toughest challenges facing our communities and to connect and empower people everywhere. MOUSE exemplifies this vision... read more ›
– Darryl Ramsey, Public Sector - Americas, Business Development and Technical Strategy, Juniper Networks
MOUSE empowers students to lead and support the use of technology in their schools, while also helping them to discover their creative, technological, and learning potential. read more ›
– Linda G. Roberts, National Consultant on Technology and Education
I thank MOUSE for starting my career. Without MOUSE, I would not be as successful as I am today. read more ›
– Mendy Rodriguez, MOUSE Squad Alum; Junior Analyst, IT Service Desk, Time Inc.
Thanks to efforts of MOUSE, young people throughout New York City will have the opportunity to better their lives and become productive members of our society.
– Charles E. Schumer, United States Senator for New York
I commend MOUSE for improving the educational opportunities for young people, motivating them to attend college and preparing them for high quality jobs in the future. read more ›
– José E. Serrano, Congressman, 16th District of New York
Watching MOUSE Squad grow from a pilot to an established entity has been a thrilling experience. I’ve seen my students grow from tentative kids, virtually afraid of touching machines, to savvy technicians,... read more ›
– Kiri Soares, Principal, Urban Assembly Institute of Math and Science for Young Women
MOUSE has provided life changing experiences for me that have added tremendously to my passion for technology… regardless of the company or industry, you will always need technology and the skills we learn... read more ›
– Leroy Tindi, MOUSE Squad Alum, Riverdale Kingsbridge Academy
We try to focus on career readiness, laying the foundation and opening their eyes to careers they might consider in the future. I tell my students that if they want to be... read more ›
– Matthew Valia, MOUSE Squad Coordinator, Berta A. Drefus School
MOUSE is an excellent example of rethinking how to put students at the center of their own learning and reorganizing schools around their motivations and strengths. read more ›
– Arthur VanderVeen, Chief of Innovation Strategy and Policy, NYC Department of Education
Through the CPS TechCrew program, I have learned how to explore computers, how to fix problems that are usually deferred to someone else, and what it's like to work on a team that... read more ›
– Simon Vecchioni, CPS TechCrew Member, Northside College Prep High School, Chicago
I believe strongly in public education and the opportunity it can and should provide to all. MOUSE provides a valuable service, closing the gap between heavily resourced schools and those in underserved areas. read more ›
– Peter Vincent, Head of Human Resources, Time Inc.
What excites me most about being part of this program is that I get to interact with other students who share the same goals and who hope to learn more on how to... read more ›
– Monique Williams, Chicago TechCrew Member, Tarkington School of Excellence
MOUSE taught me perspective, a way of working with people and how to think, speak and write in a professional way. read more ›
– Syed Zaidi, MOUSE Squad Alum, Baccalaureate School for Global Education
