 | | Christian's Thoughts on Texas State
Why Texas State My brother graduated from Texas State, and he was very happy with what he learned. That provided the extra encouragement for me to return to school and finish my degree here.
Career Goals I would like to get into programming and software engineering, particularly in areas of databases, information management and data mining. I want to know more about computer networks and security. I can easily see myself doing something in this area. However, graduate school has become a very real interest for me. I am investigating a number of schools around the country and applying to those I think have a lot to offer.
Typical Day I'm on campus from 8:30 a.m. until around 5 p.m. attending classes and working at the Department of Computer Science. I am responsible for the Web sites of the department and the College of Science. I handle updates and changes as needed. The Computer Science Department's Web site is complicated and requires a good deal of Web programming. Being able to manage Web sites is a sought-after skill and will serve me well if that's the direction I take.
Favorite Professor Dr. Thomas McCabe is my favorite professor because he is able to quickly and efficiently teach. He's a tough guy, but you learn a lot from him.
Best Studying Advice It’s simple: Don't procrastinate.
Honors, Awards and Scholarships Dean's List
Department of Computer Science - Outstanding Service Award
Texas State Brightest Star
IBM Master the Mainframe 2006 Winner
On Being an IBM Master the Mainframe Winner The best part of being a winner in the mainframe contest was the trip to IBM in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., where they have their mainframe research center and assembly factory. Getting to talk to IBM's best in the field of mainframes and touring the facility was an awesome experience, even if it was a geeky one. The contest reinforced what I've been learning in my classes. A lot of computer science, and programming in particular, comes down to understanding the basic structure and flow of information. The contest included a variety of programming languages I had never seen before, but by knowing the basics of how a program is supposed to work, I was able to figure them out.
What I Tell Future Texas State Students There are many really good and friendly people on this campus (students, faculty and staff). That is something that isn't always seen in today's world. The ability to talk with people about schoolwork or life in general is incredibly helpful, and people here are willing to offer that help.
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