Majoring in Computer Science was my way from my childhood because of my parents. Both of them graduated from Computer Science, and I grew up seeing them and thought I would walk the same path as my parents and major in Computer Science. My father is working as a programmer in Japan since he graduated from a graduate school. On the other hand, my mother got married right after she graduated and had never chance to work as a programmer or something related to computer science. Therefore, I thought I would graduate with Computer Science degree, yet I would not need to be a programmer. Also, I loved studying mathematics and most subjects related to science, and with my parents’ help, I was able to be surrounded by the high-tech environment such I always had my own laptop and desktop since I was 9.
After I graduated from high school in Japan, I decided to come to Hawaii to study English as well as Computer Science. The freshman year started with studying English, how to write, read and keep up being a college student in the United States. I got used to the school system in Hawaii, so I started taking ICS classes from the sophomore, which was a little late strat to be a Computer Science student. I was not expected to be that hard and struggle so much in the beginning. I questioned myself that I should be majoring in Computer Science or not. Do I really love doing this?
With my parents’ encouragement, I am still majoring in Computer Science and am a senior. I have never felt “easy”, but love learning new stuff and keep up with it. Also, I met a professor who said to a class that, if time and money are not problems, we should study not only Computer Science but also other fields which could be math, biology, physics, or something looks very far field from Computer Science. In fact, I love learning not only materials related to computer, but also sciences, literature, religions and so on. His words enocuraged me to get involved in more other stuff that I passionate about.
Although there are a lot of requirements class in Computer Science, I tried to take other classes as well if possible. I enjoyed a communication class, peace and conflict education, Hawaiian literature and history. Additionally, I am involved in Christian community and helping in many different ways such as helping PA system, powerpoint, being a member of worship team or leading some small groups.
It looks I am doing totally unrelated things from Computer Science. However, what we are learning in Computer Science could be a foundation of all those fields. I believe that Computer Science has a potential of being any kinds of foundation and make those things better in some ways (depending on a programmer). I would love to be a one, and put the perspective of Computer Science into the fields that I passionate about.