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A Week in the Life: BSDS Student Audrey Stelle
Meet Audrey Stelle, a student in the University of Virginia B.S. in Data Science (BSDS) program.
"As a cadet in the Army ROTC program at UVA, I plan to use responsible data science for the common good by focusing on interpretation and design as I work toward becoming an All-Sources Intelligence Officer in the Army," Stelle said in an article that highlights her and the other 2025-26 BSDS ambassadors.
Follow along for a glimpse into her weekly routine, which she balances with intentionality, discipline, and gratitude.
Mondays and Wednesdays: Finding My Rhythm
My week starts early on Mondays at 9 a.m. with an Intro to Political Theory class. I originally enrolled in this course to fulfill a discipline requirement, but it’s become one of my favorite ways to think beyond data science.
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After class, I make my usual stop at Corner Juice (CJ Breakfast Sandwich, add turkey — always). I’m typically at the School of Data Science by 11 a.m., which gives me time to catch up on emails or assignments before my 1 p.m. class, DS 3025 - Mathematics for Data Science lab. My table group is one of the highlights of my week. We work through problems together, talk out confusing concepts, and celebrate when everything finally clicks.
In the afternoon, I head to DS 2024 – Value I: Ethics & Policy in Data Science with Professor Martin. In this class we explore current events and data policy, and I’m reminded that technical skill and ethical responsibility go hand in hand. When class ends, my friends and I often settle into the big red couches in the School of Data Science to finish up work and catch up — some of my favorite in-between moments.
While I take the same classes on Wednesdays, my day stretches a little longer with ROTC Team Development and a Political Theory discussion in the evening.
Tuesdays and Thursdays: Discipline and Balance
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Tuesdays and Thursdays begin before sunrise with Army ROTC Physical Training at 6 a.m. There’s something powerful about finishing a workout before most of Grounds is awake! After PT, I head back to my apartment for a quick shower and short nap before holding drop-in hours at Newcomb as a School of Data Science Ambassador. I love talking with prospective students about why I chose this path and how the major has shaped me.
Afternoons are filled with my classes: DS 3025 - Mathematics for Data Science and DS 3021 – Analytics I: Machine Learning. I’ve come to appreciate the rhythm of focused lecture time followed by collaborative lab work. Learning here is rarely a solo experience.
My Tuesdays end at Poplar Ridge for a Military Science lab, where I shift from coding to hands-on leadership and tactical training. It’s refreshing to step away from my laptop and into a hands-on training environment. Balancing ROTC and data science has taught me discipline, adaptability, and how to manage my time intentionally.
Life Beyond the Classroom
One of my favorite parts of the week? No Friday classes! It gives me time to catch up on assignments, go grocery shopping, and prepare for a busy weekend.
Outside of class, I’m involved in Army ROTC and sorority life — two communities that challenge and support me in different ways — one through structure and leadership, the other through connection and shared experiences. On weekday evenings, you’ll usually find me driving to the gym with friends, grabbing dinner from the sorority house, and ending the night on the couch with my roommates.
My schedule is full, but it’s full of things that matter. At UVA and in the School of Data Science, I’ve learned that being busy isn’t the goal — being engaged is. And that’s what my week reflects.
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