This semester I failed in my programming class twice. There are projects throughout the semester that are worth a lot in the final grade, they are worth more than tests. It was the first time I was learning Java in detail, but I've always been confident about my skills as a programmer. The problem was that I was wrong about how easy it was supposed to be. When the first project was due, my program wasn't running fully, but I thought they were going to grade in base of what was actually working. I was wrong, they put me a zero because it didn't run fully. I thought I could fix it myself, I just needed to take more time to work on a project. Nevertheless, for the second project, I couldn't translate some images from one code to another successfully but the program ran, so I got a 75.
I identified that the problem was that I am a proud person, and I've known this for a long time. I don't like asking for help but I knew that will fall on me eventually. As a consequence, I decided to ask for help from my TA (who didn't help at all), so I continue with the department resources, the tutoring center. After that, I finally completed the project 3 fully and 100% working. After that, I've been asking every single thing.
Personally, I still hate asking for help, but at least I force myself to do it for my own benefit. I connect this behavior with the risk-taking this class is trying to teach. If we don't risk we'll never know what would've happened, hence why I risk more to do little things that I don't like to see what good outcomes come with it (of course under good decision making of what I should or shouldn't do).
Hey Juan! Thank you for sharing this. It is very interesting to learn that you code. I am literally in the process of trying to learn and would love if you could reach out to me. Although you did not earn an amazing grade in that course, you still made it through successfully! While you did consider that instance to be a failure, I admire how you reached out for help. Most students are afraid to do that and I truly believe in using resources around you. Many TA's, mentors and even professors are willing to help during office ours. Never stop reaching out for help because it's important that you learn constantly. Great job and thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHey Juan,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this failure. Coding is really difficult and foreign to me to understand, so it's still an accomplishment to have passed the class. Keep reaching out and asking for help and never stop learning because practice makes perfect. The course is just the beginning, as long as you keep it going from here then it will eventually become second nature when you need it most.