Programming problems that became a pleasure by Colisha

Programming problems that became a pleasure by Colisha - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

When I first started my journey at Monroe Community College as an Information Technology major, I was filled with excitement and a bit of nervousness. I knew I was stepping into a field that was constantly evolving, and I was eager to learn as much as I could. However, I did not anticipate the challenging academic experience that would test my determination and resilience: my first programming class.

The class was Introduction to Programming, and it was my first real encounter with coding. I had always been interested in technology and how things worked behind the scenes, but this was my first time diving into the intricate world of programming languages. The first few weeks were a whirlwind. Concepts like variables, loops, and functions were thrown at us at a pace that felt overwhelming. I remember staring at my computer screen, trying to make sense of lines of code that seemed to blur together, and feeling a knot of anxiety in my stomach.

The turning point came during our midterm project. We were tasked with creating a simple program that could perform basic calculations. It sounded straightforward enough, but as I sat down to start coding, I realized I was in over my head. My code was riddled with errors, and I could not figure out how to fix them. I spent hours trying to debug, growing more frustrated by the minute. It felt like I was banging my head against a wall, and I started to doubt whether I was cut out for this field.

In that moment of doubt, I realized I had two choices: I could give up, or I could push through and find a way to overcome this challenge. I chose the latter. I knew I needed help, so I reached out to my professor and classmates. This was not easy for me, as I have always been the type of person who tries to solve problems on my own. However, I learned that asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a step towards growth.

My professor was incredibly supportive. She took the time to walk me through my code, explaining where I went wrong and how I could fix it. She also encouraged me to visit the campus tutoring center, where I found more resources and support. I began to attend study groups with my classmates, and we would work through problems together, sharing tips and strategies. It was comforting to know that I was not alone in my struggles and that others were facing similar challenges.

With time and practice, the concepts that once seemed impossible began to click. I started to understand the logic behind the code, and slowly but surely, I gained confidence in my abilities. The feeling of finally getting my program to run without errors was exhilarating, and it reminded me why I chose to study IT in the first place. It was not just about learning to code; it was about solving problems and creating something from nothing.

This experience taught me several valuable lessons. First, perseverance is key. There will always be challenges, but if you keep pushing forward and do not give up, you can overcome them. Second, seeking help is crucial. No one can do everything alone, and there is no shame in asking for assistance when you need it. Lastly, collaboration can be incredibly beneficial. Working with others not only helped me understand the material better but also made the learning process more enjoyable.

As a Black woman in a field where diversity is still growing, I am proud of the progress I have made. I know that there will be more challenges ahead, but I am confident in my ability to face them head-on. My experience in that programming class has strengthened my resolve to succeed in the IT field and to contribute to a more inclusive and diverse tech community.

In conclusion, overcoming the challenges of my first programming class was a pivotal moment in my academic journey. It taught me resilience, the importance of seeking help, and the power of collaboration. These lessons will stay with me as I continue my studies and pursue a career in technology. I am grateful for the support I received and for the opportunity to grow from this experience. It has made me a stronger student and a more determined individual, ready to tackle whatever comes next.