I began programming in 2004, when I took an AP Java class. I absolutely hated it. I eventually found out that I had skipped Intro to Java and went directly into the advanced course. A couple months later, I had met some really great people, and started to appreciate the art of computer science. I entered college the following year with a double major in Physics and Religious Studies. I was required to take a few comp sci classes, and everything just clicked. The following semester I had dropped physics and added Computer Science as my major.
The aspect of creating a logical, functioning application appealed to me, and lead me to do programming outside of the classroom. I started asking everyone around me if they needed a program, from my mother, to the people at her job, and eventually started making simple programs for myself. I was sure that I could make anything using a couple For statements and a pretty user interface. I quickly discovered how untrue that idea was. I made finance programs (calculators with a little extra oomph), games to keep myself occupied while I was in Calc class, and other programs to store what I ate, how much I exercised, how many hours slept, etc. I learned a lot in college, but I think the most important thing I got out of it was appreciation for science. I’m not a very good classroom learner, but it did inspire me to go out and learn on my own.
In high school, I was involved in the Dell-Winston Solar Car Challenge (now, Hunt-Winston). As students, we built and raced solar cars either on the Texas Motor Speedway, or cross country. Actual cars that held students, that were powered by the sun. I returned to intern for them for another two years, and it was the most difficult work I’ve ever done, yet the most rewarding.
I’m currently working at a small company in Harrisburg, PA, that calibrates and services scientific equipment (think fumehoods, freezers, thermometers, autoclaves, etc). I work as their programmer (I create in-house software for them), and IT guru (upgrade software, run updates, fix problems with Microsoft software…not that that ever happens, of course). Currently, I’m using VB.net and SQL to create a single database for employees to access customer and equipment information. The next step will be creating a portal login for customers, and then hopefully going completely paperless.
I’m also designing websites and writing in my spare time.
My original second major (it got pushed back to a minor so that I could study abroad) was Religious Studies. If someone told me I had to go to school and only take courses in one subject I don’t know what I would do. I needed my science, and I needed my ethics/philosophy. Science and philosophy don’t need to be on opposite sides of the spectrum, and proving there is some sort of connection between them is definitely one of my goals in life.
I want to be part of something big, to help and inspire people. I need to keep learning and growing.
