Why should you pursue a degree in Computer Science? Here I'm going to tell you what a computer science student is, what I learn about, and why you should consider a degree in computer science. Disclaimer first, this is just my personal experience as a CS student, and most of it is very subjective. So I hope you can learn from my experience, and hopefully, this could be your motivation if you are pursuing one or planning to go into it.

First thing first, to be honest, computer science was not the first major that I choose. At first, I choose chemical engineering. Yup, a little bit random, right? When I was in high school, chemistry was my cup of tea, and I thought that chemical engineering is incredible, so why don't I give it a try. And It turns out I don't get one. Honestly, right now, I am grateful that I was not accepted. Because later, I find out that chemical engineering is all about physics and did not have many chemistry courses. So why do I choose computer science then? I did not remember how do I came with this major. But the thing I'd consider back then is the good prospects, and I thought that I would learn about technologies which for me is very interesting.

Alright, long story short, I got into computer science at Universitas Gadjah Mada. I'm really excited about the first-class but shocked at the same time when I got in. I was surprised because most of the students are male! Haha, no, just kidding. I've known that before. What really surprised me was because computer science is far from my expectation. In terms of the subjects, I thought that we would learn something about the making of technologies, but here, the lecturer told me that computer science is all about math. Even though math is also my favorite subject back then, I feel like the math in computer science is not as fun as in high school. I prefer to make some new technologies like websites, machine learning, or any cool stuff. In addition to that, we have already got a course about algorithms and data structure in the first term, which talks mostly about programming. It was quite hard to catch up; I don't have any programming background or experience. It was very new to me, and that's actually my first time learning about code. And also, I feel like all of my friends are looking very familiar and experts on programming.

Back then, it was very stressful. I don't know how to code in the first place. Also, I feel like the teacher in college is very different from than teacher in high school. In high school, teachers are very helpful if students are in difficulties digesting the material, and they are very kind. However, in college, the lecturer doesn’t care whether you understand the course or not; it’s the student's responsibility. I can know if they can clearly explain the material, but the reality, it isn't. I don’t understand what the lecturer explains in the class. Fortunately, my class friends were very constructive, and they helped me understand the material outside the class. However, my score on the report turns out to be pretty decent; considering my skills back then, I got a B, and I think it is already enough for me.

A few weeks later. Things have been more stable. I can comfortably follow most of the computer science courses despite I still have not yet mastered them. So far, my favorite subject back then was programming laboratory. I learned how to code, familiarize myself with syntax, debugging, and many more. Sometimes I found myself having a difficult time with an error, struggling with how to make this code work, and at times, even though it doesn’t have an error, I still have no idea how this code works. But overall, I really enjoyed them. Until now, I always feel glad and pleased when I can solve any task that requires programming. In addition to that, I have an interest in UI design which makes me even more enjoyable coding when it has the look or appearance on it.

Lastly, and most importantly, computer science major was not for everyone, and I agree with that. You should ask yourself first whether this is the right major or not. Next up, don't even think only the good side of any program. Think also the downside, what will be the worst scenario could happen when I got there. Don't forget to do research, everyone all starts from ignorance but with a piece of knowledge, it can be a lot easier for you to make a decision.

Good luck!