Paul Chiou became fascinated with software as a child and dreamed of one day studying computer science, but a car accident dramatically altered his life. Paralyzed from the neck down, Paul needed a year of rehabilitation before he could resume his high school studies on a limited basis. With unwavering persistence and the help of a devoted team, he never gave up on his education.

Paul earned his bachelor’s degree in computer science from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona in winter 2017 and has been accepted into the master’s program with a goal of completing his studies in spring 2018. Navigating life as a quadriplegic has been Paul’s full-time occupation, but he draws inspiration from the late Professor Bruce Hillam, a quadriplegic and one of the founding members of Cal Poly Pomona’s computer science department.

Professor Hillam’s story helped Paul envision a future beyond his wheelchair. Paul hopes to one day motivate students as a college professor.