Computer Science is one of those majors that I feel like most people don't understand. They think they know what it is, but the simple fact is, they just don't. It's complicated and a pretty hard major to do well in. It definitely isn't for everyone.
There's also just a few things all computer science majors know.
1. Everyone wants you to fix their electronics
Everyone just assumes you can fix their laptop and the fact is, maybe you can't. I'd say only 10% of my classes in college revolved around troubleshooting. I might know the reason behind your blue screen but then again, I might not. Not to mention, I don't want to fix your computer, printer, or whatever else. I can't tell you how many people just shove things in my face and expect me to know the answer. Google is your friend, everyone!
2. No one understands what you do
I feel like I could explain to all my friends and family the kind of work I do, and no one would ever understand it. It makes things awkward and I feel like a condescending jerk when I basically say "you wouldn't understand". Besides, most people don't really care anyway and think I smash on my keyboard from 8 to 5.
3. Everyone assumes you're an electronics genius
Newsflash: I'm not. Sure, I know Java. I can build a database. I can probably a computer from scratch. But I still have to google basic computer issues all the time. If my monitor isn't working, I don't always know exactly why. When my phone won't load up my apps, I have to look up why that is. I feel like when I don't know an answer instantly, people are judging me. Fact is, my education didn't revolve around knowing this type of information.
4. "So can you hack stuff?"
No, I can't. Don't ask me to.
5. Speaking of hacking: It's hard to enjoy certain TV shows and movies.
When I see hacking scenes in movies, I'm instantly rolling my eyes. It's never as easy as they say it is, and it never happens as quickly. Knowing how impossible some things are, or how ridiculously exaggerated they are, makes movies and shows extremely hard to take seriously.
6. "So you must be really good at math!"
No?! Why do people assume this? I'll never understand it. Trust me, I know plenty of computer science majors who absolutely hate math and aren't good at it. That's why we build programs to do the math for us.
7. Everyone assumes your major is incredibly hard
Yeah... that's true. I won't pretend that it isn't.
Sheetal Tadiparty
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