College Trouble (taking something you want to be or something you're good at)

Hmmm. I ran into this situation at one point in college.

I should note my situation was different. I had to go to two colleges to get my degree...first was three years for my associates (one year was basically sitting out because I had to take one final class that was not available without bumping another necessary class out during one semester, and then had to wait another semester because my major, CS, was too full), and the other for my bachelors.

Due to being in college for so long, having to wait, the huge change (especially going from no college to a huge one), and the difficulty of my major (CS) and minor (math), it took a strain on me. The first two years were just horrific. After the first semester, I wanted to stop, and the same for after the third semester (I guess the several month break during the summer helped me do I didn't feel this was after the second semester although I do remember being so happy to finally finish it). However, I stuck with it and made it through and did well. From it, I can say this:

1.) While Math IS important, know that (and this was also verified by one of my professors) that many CSer's don't know much about the math underneath. They simpily don't need to know because either 1) it's done for them, or 2) it's for research and theoritical purposes only.

2.) Logic does play an important part. However, realize that I have seen symbolic logic in other majors including Math, Philosphy and even Writing classes. You just can't get away from it. IN truth, CSer's get a fairly small portion of both in the terms of a dicrete structures class (which combine Mathematics with Symbolic Logic, along with some Statistics, simple Calculus, and a few other things).

3.) The term A.I. is super vague. DO you mean such as thinking that a person would (i.e. QRIO, or those from iRobot, etc) or something just for a game (so the 'Bots' in video games)? Keep in mind the the former is still being researched. While very interesting, it requires a <b> high degree of logic concerning many aspects of logic</b>. And you better believe that will contain symbolic logic.

4.) Here is some advice on programming. I am sure your professors have told you this. Keep your hands off the keyboard and instead get a pen and paper and write out the algorithms for your programs. While this won't help you on tests (so you do need to learn the in's and out's of the language), this WILL help you become a better and more efficient programmer. I have had this happen myself when I managed to solve what was a two or three week programming project in two days.

5.) That being said, give yourself enough time for programs. Do NOT wait until the last moment. The biggest piece of my advice is not to wait until the last minute to do homework, but (if possible) the first minute. That way, you can get it done, and out of the way. And if you have problems, you have plenty of time to ask your teachers.

6.) C is a rough language to start out with. I am surprised they aren't using an easier one like Java. Be that as it may, take a deep breathe and really get to know the language.

7.) Speaking of taking a deep breathe, combine suggestions 5 and 6. What do I mean by this? Start immediately, but if you run into problems that you just can't solve...walk away for a few hours or a day. Take a deep breathe. Think about it OCCASIONALLY (but not all day and night) and write down any thoughts on a nearby piece of paper. Then go at it again.

8.) Realize this-you may have to run into that former teacher again. There were certain teachers at my university that we sorta cringed at having due to their reps. However, at some point, you have to realize that if you want to graduate (without spending a ton of extra time and money), you just gotta buckle down, grit your teeth, and get through it.

9.) Look at what classes you can take within the next few years. It's a shame you weren't at my university-one of my professors also had a degree in music so he combined them into a special interest class (actually several of them) totally on music (digital and other). Check things out to see what classes you will be taking the future to 1) decide if you really want to continue, and 2) decide what you want to take. You might also ask if there are teachers who would be willing, once you have enough background, to teach special interest classes related to your major (usually they take the place of one of your electives if it's a high enough level but not always, so check).

With all that being said, I will say to take the major you are happy with. I have a friend who graduated in music. Spent four or five years. THen he hated his career choice and started all over again. Such a waste of time and money. Even with me having to take six years, I STILL (even despite the rough times) took something I truly enough, want to learn about, and get into the field with in some point. You could have had a rough start-it happens. I would suggest seeing how this semester goes, but also keeping an eye out, and getting information for your sister college. IF you find that oyu do better this semester and are happy, then stay there. If you aren't, then you are already ready to make the change if you feel it will work.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

There have been others inthe past who have had the same exact problems that i have seen get through it all. So it DOES happen.

You may want to try look 'down the road' at the major to 1) find out if you are interested in that type of stuff and 2) find out which direction in computer science you want to focus in if you are interested. At my college, until recently, they use to have three branches, one for networking, one for programming (I think), and then the standard, put everything together branch. That gives soem flavor and a chance for students to focus more on their interests.

Unfortunately, I don't yet have an answer to "Sit at my desk and computer all day" question/opinion.

There's nowhere I can't reach.