My Journey

I’m Ames Mayfield, a driven student at Lake Travis High School in Austin, Texas eager to embark on my next frontier at Rice University in Houston, where I’ll be majoring in Computer Science. Graduating in the top 1% of my class, with 16 AP courses (scoring mostly 5s and 4s), National Merit Scholar, AP Scholar with distinction, AP Capstone Diploma, LT Scholar, Gifted & Talented, 4.0 unweighted/110.77 weighted GPA, 1540 SAT, and summer pre-college enrichment programs at Harvard University, University of Texas at Austin and Phillips Exeter studying Data Science, iOS App Development, Neuropsychology, Speech and Debate, I’ve diligently prepared for success at Rice.

Outside of the classroom, I’m dedicated to community service, advocacy and playing on LT’s Ultimate Frisbee team where I’ve honed my skills and strengthened my character through leadership, volunteering, and advocacy.  

My voice has made a difference in LT’s Banned Book Club at school board meetings advocating for books that represent LGBTQIA and POC. I’ve asked tough questions to a Colorado state senator, seeking answers on ending gun violence, and I volunteer with Students Demand Action.

The common thread in the countless hours I’ve spent volunteering with Young Men’s Service League (YMSL) and tutoring (math, coding and chess) is the immense sense of purpose and joy I feel when helping others. Receiving the platinum award three consecutive years for my volunteer hours in YMSL, wasn’t motivated for the accolade, but because I relish being part of a solution—even on vacation. While scuba diving in Cozumel, I learned coral reefs are in great peril, so I took a course at Cozumel Coral Reef Restoration Program to help save the reefs and, subsequently, volunteered to clean them up.

This summer I’ll be touring Oxford and Cambridge Universities in England to explore the pursuit of a semester abroad. With a rigorous academic foundation, coupled with my heart for helping others, I’m excited for the road ahead. I invite you to follow my journey as I navigate university and my path to discovering how I can use computer science to make a positive impact on the world—stay tuned for updates!