Jul/09©Chris Farley
Computer Science
I’ve always considered myself suited for intellectual pursuits. I am most certainly not one of those people who can be satisfied by kicking around pieces of rubber while making absolutely no contribution to society whatsoever, nor am I much suited to theoretical physics or medicine. Economics, law, or business were my choice professions. Computer science never even seemed worth of consideration.
Fortunately, rapidly shifting interests seem to be an occupational hazard of being young so I have found a new, exciting, and promising field that I might wish to go into. As I return from my blogging hiatus, I figured it wouldn’t be a bad idea to share.
This all starts, of course, with school. I learned Java with an amazing teacher, and I’m pleased to say that, as all good courses should, this revealed new doors of educational possibility. Computer science is as much about concepts as it is about a way to think. The step-by-step problem solving that is required for programming is not unique to programming; it’s helpful for solving any problem.
I’m planning to expand my knowledge far beyond Java. It’s a gateway language in the narcotically addictive world of computing. My current topic of study is Objective-C so I can program for iPhone and iPod touch. AP Computer Science is in my future as well so I can expand my knowledge of actual concepts rather than just languages.
Long-term, I have no clue where all this puts me. I am no longer wedded to economics or law; I could see myself studying computer science. Whether it becomes my primary focus in college or not, I’m sure it will be a valuable addition to my repertoire. It has, as you will hopefully read on Friday or Saturday, also added a dimension to my not-serious, but ongoing, unofficial, personal search for a college at which I could be happy.