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comment by user-inactivated
user-inactivated  ·  2821 days ago  ·  link  ·    ·  parent  ·  post: Frustrations with School

I'm currently studying Digital Media with a minor in CompSci and one in History. Digital Media seemed like a solid step down from software engineering upon transferring schools, when I finally learned that degrees are just words on papers. The whole problem-solving mentality was thrown completely out the window in this department, which has left me in a fuzz now that aesthetics are the emphasis rather than functionality/practicality. Re: extra-curriculars, I was just elected to Treasurer for a mental health advocacy club alongside frequent volunteering for a local workshop. I figured with the club, I'm just as easily replaced if going through the hoops to take time off from schooling.





illu45  ·  2821 days ago  ·  link  ·  

    Digital Media seemed like a solid step down from software engineering upon transferring schools, when I finally learned that degrees are just words on papers.

The second part is somewhat true and somewhat not. Technically, cash is only "words on papers", but there's a pretty solid, agreed-upon value on those words. There isn't quite the same level of consensus when it comes to diplomas, but there is still some insofar as a particular kind of diploma will make it easier to find particular kinds of work. I digress, though...

    The whole problem-solving mentality was thrown completely out the window in this department, which has left me in a fuzz now that aesthetics are the emphasis rather than functionality/practicality.

Okay, so, coupled with the previous bit, it sounds like maybe you miss the emphasis on functionality/practicality of Software Engineering? If so, maybe try to take courses that are more geared towards functional problem-solving. Maybe the Digital Media program has some UX courses that you'd find interesting? In any case, it might make sense to go through the course listings and see if there's anything that would actually be exciting for you to take. Also, does your program allow for any sort of individual research project for seniors? If so, it might be worth thinking about pursuing that, since that will likely let you focus on something that's actually interesting to you.

Mental health advocacy is awesome! I asked about extra-curriculars because they're a good way of finding rewarding things to do at school. Do you find your role at the club rewarding? If not, is there anything that you (or others) could do to make it more so?

user-inactivated  ·  2818 days ago  ·  link  ·  

    Okay, so, coupled with the previous bit, it sounds like maybe you miss the emphasis on functionality/practicality of Software Engineering?

That's an accurate jab at it. I went through an engineering magnet program in HS which has geared me to think more in that mindset.

    If so, maybe try to take courses that are more geared towards functional problem-solving. Maybe the Digital Media program has some UX courses that you'd find interesting? In any case, it might make sense to go through the course listings and see if there's anything that would actually be exciting for you to take.

Unfortunately, the program I'm in was fashioned only a couple years ago as a feeder to the #1/2 Game Design masters in the nation. So far, it's relatively strict with the courses to fulfill the major. As such, I decided to go with a CompSci minor in order to supplement just as you suggested. I'm looking forward to some logic courses for sure. Funny enough, when I was taking basic electrical engineering at Miami, I had a lot of fun applying what I learned to redstone in Minecraft. :D

    Do you find your role at the club rewarding? If not, is there anything that you (or others) could do to make it more so?

I have yet to see, albeit it's exposed me to major coordinators in the area for providers and problems in the area. For that alone, I'm grateful. Volunteering at the luncheon with Glenn Close came as a referral from a friend in the club: potential job hook-up!