Software Engineering – Week the Second
Last week we covered basic Python and git. To say I learned a lot from the actual lectures isn’t very accurate. However, the readings struck a chord with me: Joel Spolsky’s college advice and this Harvard study about collegiate happiness were the two assigned articles this class introduced to me.
I feel like I’ve been following part of the advice (internships, trying to get involved, trying to manage time) since I started school. However, the affirmation that these were not only goals I valued, but also goals valued by people who have been in the metaphorical “trenches” of college meant a great deal. The night after reading those articles, I woke up feeling a greater motivation and sense that college could indeed be fun and successful at the same time.
First of all, I’m going to break down the points made in the Harvard study and summarize what I learned:
1. Meet the faculty: ironically, in my first semester I had a much greater connection with my teachers than I have in subsequent semesters. This is actually a disturbing trend and this bullet-point is my wake-up call.
2. Take a mix of courses: This one is very, very true. My second semester I took Computer Architecture, Statistics, Logic, and Linear Algebra and Roman History. Roman history and Computer architecture were the only courses that kept me sane. I felt like all the rest (of the math) ganged up on me (in a very calculated evil way).
3. Study in groups. I rarely learn something as well as when I teach it to someone else.
4. Write. Just do it. I like to write poetry and essays for fun. It has enriched my life.
5. Speak another language. I’m guilty of avoiding this advice. My soul is a graveyard for half-learnt languages ranging from Latin to Japanese.
6. Consider time. If I don’t plan, nothing gets done. If I do plan, I can even surprise myself with my level of productivity.
7. Get involved in stuff. This one I am guilty of partially avoiding. I’m not in any student organizations right now, but I’m using some of my free time coding a project. It’s perhaps the most solitary way to do an extra-curricular–I’ve got to get some truly kick-ass teammates.
When I read Joel Spolsky’s advice I realized I’ve been pretty much following it all along. However, this reaffirmation of my modus operandi was helpful. I, like most people, are wired to feel good when someone tells them they’re on the right track. Joel, thanks for the boost.
To summarize, I exposed some flaws and strengths this week in the way I lead my life as a student. Although I may not have a chance to implement patches for these flaws or optimize my strengths until next month, or even next semester, the good points made by these two papers will guide me in the future.
1/26/2014