How I Found My Major: Computer Science
There are pivotal moments in life that have the power to shape our destinies. For me, one such moment came unexpectedly, altering the course of my life in ways I could have never imagined. It was a mistake, a seemingly small misstep, but its consequences were profound.
The event took place during my final year of high school. The air was filled with anticipation as students hurriedly signed up for the academies that would define their educational paths for the next four years. Marketing had always intrigued me, and I felt confident that it was the right fit. My friends were also opting for this academy, reinforcing my belief in its suitability for me. Little did I know that fate had something else in store.
When the results were finally posted, my heart sank as I discovered that a mix-up had occurred. Instead of being placed in the marketing academy, I found myself enrolled in the engineering academy. Confusion and frustration consumed me, and I immediately contacted the office to rectify the mistake. However, to my dismay, I was informed that the error could not be reversed, and I would have to wait until the next quarter to request a transfer.
In that moment, I felt a whirlwind of emotions—anger, disappointment, and a sense of helplessness. The path I had envisioned for myself had been unexpectedly altered, and I was left adrift in uncharted territory. The first day of class arrived, and I stepped into the engineering academy with a mix of trepidation and resignation. Little did I know that this seemingly catastrophic event would become the catalyst for a transformative journey.
The overwhelming nature of my engineering courses initially filled me with doubt. The upper-level math classes and the daunting task of learning how to code and work with those already proficient in these technical skills felt like insurmountable challenges. However, amidst the uncertainty, I discovered a resilience and determination within myself that I hadn't known existed.
One project stands out in my memory, forever etching itself in the story of my life. We were tasked with building a bridge using only chopsticks, tape, wood glue, and a stapler. The limitations of the materials and the complexity of the project tested my problem-solving abilities and pushed me to the edge of my comfort zone. While our bridge may not have been the most durable or impressive, it served a greater purpose.
During the bridge-building project, I formed an unexpected bond with a fellow student who would become my engineering partner for the next four years. Together, we weathered the challenges, celebrated the victories, and supported each other through the rigorous curriculum. This partnership not only solidified my understanding of the importance of teamwork but also helped me realize that engineering held untapped potential within me.
However, it was a coding project during my sophomore year that truly changed the trajectory of my life. My partner and I were assigned to build a robot car capable of turning around and detecting danger using sensors. I was responsible for coding the robot while my partner focused on its physical construction. It was my first encounter with coding, and I approached it with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension.
As I immersed myself in the world of coding, something remarkable happened. The more I delved into instructional videos, tinkered with lines of code, and witnessed the tangible results, the more captivated I became. I discovered a newfound love for problem-solving through logic and algorithms. The sheer satisfaction of seeing my code come to life in the robot's actions ignited a spark within me—a spark that would guide my future decisions.
Ultimately, my journey from a mistaken placement in the engineering academy to discovering my passion for coding paved the way for me to pursue a degree in Computer Science. While the initial mix-up may have seemed like a catastrophic event at the time, it turned out to be a pivotal moment that set me on a path towards an exciting and fulfilling career in technology.
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About the author
Tahmina Tisha
Tahmina Tisha is a first-generation college student who moved to the US about 9 years ago from Bangladesh. At Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, she is majoring in Computer Science with a concentration in Business. Tahmina actively participates in ERAU Student Government Association and the AAUW (American Association of University Women). She is the Assistant Director and Public relation (PR) for the Latino Pilot Association. She enjoys being a Pearson Campus Ambassador on her campus and is involved on the Social Media committee. Her goal is to help girls from countries where access to education is nearly impossible and help them get into STEM fields.
