Google Lime Scholar Spotlight: Logan Thorneloe
Logan Thorneloe is a Lime Network member and 2019 Google Lime Scholar. He's currently a senior majoring in Computer Engineering at Brigham Young University. Read about his experience as a Google Lime Scholarship recipient.
Why did you decide to apply for the Google Lime Scholarship?
I have always been a fan of both Lime Connect and Google and their efforts to help individuals reach their true potential. It has always been a goal of mine to better advocate for the disability community. I was excited about the opportunity to join the Google Scholar community and to learn how I can do so. I was also very excited at the idea of the Google Scholar Retreat and knew it would be an incredibly unique experience.
How has the scholarship helped to support your education, career and/or goals?
As a father of two who is still pursuing my education, the support of groups like Google and Lime Connect is what allows me to receive an education while being able to support my family. On top of that, receiving the Google Lime Scholarship opened my eyes to the need for different perspectives in the world of technology and research if we want to help everyone. This pivoted my career goals from not only writing code to improve lives, but to also getting involved with helping those with disabilities to write code.
What was your experience like at the Google Scholars Retreat?
The Google Scholars Retreat was truly a life-changing experience. Although the retreat taught us about the importance of inclusivity in the workplace, it also helped us learn a lot about ourselves. One activity, in particular, required the scholars to reflect on who they were and how they became that way. After hearing everyone’s story and sharing my own, I realized that two people can seem different on the surface but the challenges they have overcome can be very similar. This realization allowed me to become close with my cohort of Google Scholars, helped me to frame my challenges differently, and inspired me to use my unique experiences to aid others.
I met another scholar at the retreat who struggles with almost the exact same health problems I have been dealing with my whole life, even down to being prescribed the same medications for treatment. As our illness isn’t curable, only treatable, we were able to share our respective courses of treatment and let each other know what helped treat our symptoms. Not only has this experience helped me with getting a hold on my symptoms, we still keep in touch and continue to help each other out.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I have accepted a full-time offer with Microsoft as a software engineer in Redmond, WA. I look forward to making software that will improve lives, and being involved in empowering those with disabilities throughout my career.
Do you have any advice for prospective applicants?
Although disabilities can make life more difficult, they are not weaknesses. In fact, they provide opportunities to understand life differently. This difference in understanding is necessary to solve problems and is what makes you great! Also, if you aren't awarded the scholarship one year, keep applying as long as you're eligible. This is an incredible opportunity that you won’t want to miss out on!