Growing up, my father tried many times to interest me in learning computer programming. I've always been an enthusiastic user of computers, and I was -- and still am -- very interested in foreign languages. My dad tried hard to convince me that I would enjoy programming, since in his view it was just another language. I couldn't imagine anything I'd be less interested in. I mean, gag me with a spoon, Dad!
Then I started dating (and eventually married) a computer programmer. In graduate school, I taught myself HTML and found myself gravitating towards the courses that focused on information technology. Then I found myself learning XSLT, which is awfully close to programming. To my surprise, I discovered I really liked it. It makes me feel powerful and sort of sneaky.
Beginning next week, I will taking a class here at the university. The appeal of the the free tuition benefit for university staff members was one factor in my decision to take this job just over two years ago, but until now, I've never actually taken advantage of it. The reality of the time commitment kind of hit home once I started looking into it. I'd have to make up missed work hours, do the homework, and pass up opportunities to travel. Nevertheless, this semester I am taking the plunge, and so next Wednesday I will be a university student again for the first time in 10 years when I show up for my first class in (drumroll, please!) -- computer programming. I guess Father knew best, after all.
Posted by ldfs at January 13, 2005 10:46 AM | TrackBack