Pierre Bazile (Richmond 2 Cohort Hidden Genius Alum) began his journey with The Hidden Genius Project in 2018, where he first cultivated his love for technology and community leadership. As he progressed through our Intensive Immersion Program and later as an alum, Pierre deepened his passion for Computer Science, eventually earning a degree in the field from Loyola Marymount University. Throughout college, Pierre remained closely connected to our organization as a Youth Educator, Alumni Venture Seed Fund founder, and attendee of our annual Genius 4 Life Summit. Now, after completing his senior thesis on Causal Reinforcement Learning while balancing leadership roles on campus and within our Los Angeles site, we are proud to celebrate Pierre as a college graduate and the first hire at our brand-new Miami site as a full-time Innovation Educator.
How does it feel to graduate from college?
It feels surreal and somewhat bittersweet. Completing my four years was no easy feat, and I’ve spent my whole life as a student. Still, I met some great friends and mentors whom I wasn’t quite ready to leave behind. That said, I feel very ready for the next chapter of life, embracing all the gifts and responsibilities that come with it.
How did The Hidden Genius Project prepare or support you throughout your college journey?
The Hidden Genius Project helped prepare me in so many ways before I even applied to school. For starters, it gave me the foundational knowledge and confidence necessary to pursue a degree in Computer Science. I was also able to leverage my work experience as a Youth Educator to land a job with Loyola Marymount University’s Student Worker Program, which helped me cover a substantial amount of my tuition. During my sophomore year, I completed The Hidden Genius Project’s Alumni Venture Seed Fund, honing my entrepreneurial skills and receiving a $25,000 investment for which I could not be more grateful.
In what ways did you remain connected to The Hidden Genius Project (staff, fellow RICH2 Genius Alum, new cohorts) over the years?
In addition to completing the Alumni Venture Seed Fund, I taught in Richmond as a Youth Educator in the summer of 2022. I also attended the first Genius 4 Life Summit at Universal Studios in June of 2024. That was my first time seeing so many Geniuses in one place; it really captured the impact of the organization.
What was it like completing your senior year at Loyola Marymount University?
In high school, I ran the 400-meter dash; the four years of college break down in the exact same way as the phases of that race. First year started with a bang, meeting new people, joining clubs, easy-ish classes. Sophomore year was like that first straight, it felt like a limbo period as the pace continued to pick up and the weight of the future started to settle in. Then I hit the curve, by junior year, I was tired, but the end was so close. By my senior year, I had finished most of my major requirements and was taking electives like Printmaking and African Psychology. It still proved to be my hardest year as I had to write a thesis on Causal Reinforcement Learning while working as the Co-President of the Student Worker Program and a part-time Innovation Educator at the Los Angeles site. I had to dig deep to cross that finish line, but it was well worth it in the end.
Now that you are a college graduate, what’s next for you?
I am the first hire for the new site in Miami, and I am very excited to welcome the inaugural Miami 1 Cohort (MIA1) to The Hidden Genius Project family. Before that, I have a trip to Ghana with my African Psychology class, and a couple of stops at our Atlanta and Detroit programming sites.
Do you have any words of wisdom for Geniuses who will be starting college this fall?
College is an experience that should be intentional. There are so many opportunities and resources at every college and university, but they are easy to overlook. Classes are important, but the people you meet are what college is really about. Your peers and professors have so much more to offer than study guides and answers to the quiz. Most importantly of all, advocate for yourself.
Since 2012, more than 11,400 students have revealed their genius through our Immersion, Catalyst, and Community Partner Programs, and so many more are waiting to shine.
HELP NEW GENIUSES STEP INTO THE SPOTLIGHT.
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