Blog Post #4

    This semester I learned a lot of valuable information about mental health, and I also learned more about my future Applied Computing classes. It felt really good talking to people in my major specifically about how difficult and stressful it is. I found out that many of them have the same struggles as me with coding, and I've realized this semester that if I'm struggling to solve a coding problem, chances are, many of my classmates are struggling on the same problem. 

    This semester I have begun forcing myself to stop doing homework at a certain time every night, and start doing something enjoyable. I've struggled with balancing school and free time in the past, and tend to dedicate significantly more time than I need to doing school work. 

    My career goals have evolved slightly since starting college. I got into the Computer Science (cybersecurity) program at Glendale Community College, and my major is still very similar. Despite being accepted into the engineering program at ASU, I chose to go the Applied Computing (cybersecurity) route because I wanted to be at ASU West campus, and I also wanted to continue receiving the TRAIN scholarship. I try to tell myself that it doesn't matter if I graduate as an engineering major or an applied computing major, but I can't help but feel a little disappointed that I am not in the engineering college since I found out that it is difficult to get into. However, I do not regret the decision. My friends I made from TRAIN are all at West campus, and I love the campus as a whole. It's small, beautiful, and close to my house... which is SUPER nice with these gas prices!

    I have not changed my career plans based on the mental health information I learned this semester. In fact, I think the discussions raised my confidence in my field. Like I said, it made me feel a lot better knowing that I am not struggling alone, and has helped significantly to alleviate my imposter syndrome.

  My advise to future STEM students is to try to make friends with people in your major! It has helped me so much making friends this semester who confide in me for help (a HUGE boost in confidence if you feel like you do not belong in your field!!), and it's great that we all understand each other's struggles. Also, ASK FOR HELP! This is something I am still trying to work on, but there is no shame in seeking help if you are stuck!

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