When I chose Computer Science as my major field of study, I had no idea just what exactly that entailed.  I found computers to be especially interesting while in high school, but never experienced anything deeper than at the user level.  I had no idea how computers worked and my only experience programming was in BASIC on an old VTech toy laptop.  Of course, I did not realize at the time that I was, in fact, programming.

It was in my first CS class that I realized this was indeed the major for me.  I was amazed every time I was able to speak this foreign language (C++) and make the computer do what I wanted.  As I progressed through the program, the classes and projects became more difficult.  At this point, I began to see just how much I loved what I was doing.  No matter how agonizing some of the projects were (I’m looking at you, Compiler Construction), I never waivered from my decision that this was the life for me.

My first encounter with professional development was as a software engineering intern at Cerner Corporation, a medical software company.  At Cerner, I was first introduced to source control and various forms of testing.  The experience was a wonderful learning opportunity.  Upon returning to Tuscaloosa, I was quickly able to apply what I had learned as I started a new job as the sole (student) programmer on a project at the Alabama Productivity Center.  The job gave me the opportunity to work directly with a client, and I was able to see the impact that my software had on day-to-day operations.  

Looking back over my career so far, I have discovered that I am just as eager to learn now as I was as a mere freshman in college. The field is getting more and more exciting, and I am looking forward to keeping up with new advances.