Factors That Influenced My Choice Of Major

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From the time I was a little child, I have always been around computers. The fact that my brothers pursued related careers in this field may have perhaps influenced this fact. However, my great strength is the seemingly natural knack I have towards learning hardware and software issues as discussed from my experiences detailed below.

All aspects of computing that I know today are self-taught, and have devoted many hours doing so. I assembled my very own PC at the age of fourteen. Of course, I did not succeed in my first attempt; but learned from experience. I recall my brother telling me once that disassembling a notebook and assembling it back to perfection is impossible in the absence of specialized tools. It was almost a challenge to me – a challenge I was eager to meet when he passed on his obsolete notebook computer to me. This notebook was not in working condition, and my obsession was to repair it by myself.

It took me hours to figure out how to open the outer casing of this note book without damaging the intricate set of panels. It took me even longer to find out what was wrong. After spending days trying different things, I narrowed down the problem to a faulty power connection in the motherboard – the nerve center of the computer. With the help of a regular soldiering iron and my expertise with circuits, I managed to bypass the primary source and create an alternative power source. That was my first hurdle, and it was triumph that I was celebrating. However, even though the notebook was powering itself was not ready for use since it had other issues which needed further investigations.

Continuing my work the next day, I managed to rule out a few possibilities. The Basic Input Output System, known as BIOS was ruled out. Although I suspected the operating system, Windows, I realized that the hard-disk was also faulty when I tried to install the operating system. Consequently, I installed a new hard-disk and successfully installed the operating system using an external mouse and keyboard. I then proceeded to thoroughly clean the keyboard and purchase a used touch-pad that I managed to delicately attach back to the machine.

The impossible was finally achieved. With my limited experience and primitive tools I had accomplished what my brother had earlier said was not possible. Although it may not have been the most difficult of tasks, it was one that required a lot of patience, delicate handling and problem solving. It was not a top of the line, slick notebook. Yet, it was the notebook that I brought back to life, and it brought me much pleasure to see it work. Everyone that I knew was impressed, and I still carry this notebook around me to remind myself what I am capable of.

My knack with computers does not stop at hardware. I have ventured out to learn some high-profile applications and technologies by myself, using my own intuition as well as tools such as the Internet. Apart from being an expert user of the Windows operating system with regard to system administration, I am also quite comfortable using industry-standard tools such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator for desktop publishing and Macromedia Dreamweaver and Fireworks for web development. My most recent project is developing my own website, where I have taken on developing the entire site myself.

While in school, I have been well ahead of my peers when it comes to information technology. I am known as the “go-to” person when it comes to technology related issues whether it be hardware or software. I am a firm believer in following my passion, and I believe that with my natural abilities combined with a strong formal education in the subject that I love would help me have a greater impact on later on in my career. It is for that reason that I have, with a strong conviction, chosen to pursue computer science as my major in undergraduate studies.