From Curiosity to Passion: How a Summer Workshop Changed My Life
Looking back at the photos from that summer workshop, I can pinpoint the exact moment my life took a different direction...
Before the Workshop
Before that summer, I had no clear idea what I wanted to study at university. Computer science seemed like something other people did - people who had been coding since they were kids, not someone like me.
The Workshop Experience
The workshop was my first real exposure to programming. I remember the excitement of writing my first "Hello, World!" program, the satisfaction of solving logic puzzles, and the collaborative atmosphere of working on projects with other participants.
What I Learned
- Basic programming concepts
- Problem-solving through code
- The power of collaboration in tech
- That computer science isn't just about computers - it's about solving real-world problems
The Mentors Who Made a Difference
The instructors and mentors at the workshop didn't just teach us code - they showed us possibilities. They demonstrated how computer science could be applied to everything from healthcare to environmental protection, from art to social justice.
The Turning Point
There was a specific moment during the workshop when everything clicked. We were working on a project that involved [describe a specific project or moment], and I realized that this was what I wanted to do with my life.
The Impact on My Journey
That workshop didn't just introduce me to programming - it shaped my entire academic and career trajectory:
- University Choice: I chose to study Computer Science at the University of Adelaide
- Academic Focus: I developed interests in mathematics, algorithms, and machine learning
- Career Goals: I now aspire to be a computer science researcher and software engineer
- Continuous Learning: The workshop instilled in me a love for continuous learning that drives me to explore web development, ML, and other technologies
Looking Forward
As I continue my studies and work on projects like the ones showcased in my portfolio, I often think back to that summer workshop. It reminds me that sometimes the most significant changes in our lives come from simply being open to new experiences.
The photos in my portfolio aren't just memories - they're a reminder of where my journey began and motivation for where I'm going.
If you're curious about computer science but aren't sure if it's for you, I encourage you to seek out workshops, coding bootcamps, or online courses. You never know - it might change your life too.