PCC

Honestly, it has been a short three-months. School has raced by and it just seems like yesterday when the professors were all introducing themselves and providing the curriculum for the term. Seriously. Just like yesterday. Weird.

The class works has been good. I took two coding classes, one computer science class, and a business class. Each one was challenging in their own way. The two coding classes both required a complete website for a term project. Did both, turned out pretty solid. I’ll link to them when I get a chance. The computer science class required a lengthy term paper and just as lengthy presentation. Done and done. The final class is tomorrow, the final test in business. I’m actually just wrapping up studying the material now. I think I have most of it down. All in all, looks like I may push a 4.0 gpa this first term so I’m pretty happy with the result.

I learned a ton in my coding classes and in computer science classes, but probably learned the most in business class. The professor really pushed work on us constantly and keeping up was tough at times. But looking back, it was good. Met some really great people like Mario, Gynner, Lydia, Tiaja, Verian, Rushi, Rick, Jorge, Andrew and others. All really interesting folk with their own stories.

I’ve already signed up for Fall term. Taking another coding class, some technical writing, a little math, and also some more computer science. I expect it to be a pretty heavy term but after the summer break, I’m looking forward to the challenge. Should be fun.

Woah. Look, let me start by saying I’m really enjoying this full-time student thing. I mean I’ve done it before but this time, later in life, the whole school experience is much more rewarding. I want to be there is a lot different than I have to be there. But, damn, it sure is busy.

There is a ton of work to be done since I’m carrying 15 credit hours, but even though the pace is pretty hectic, I’m enjoying the journey. Besides the basic interest in the whole school environment, one of the biggest steps forward I’ve taken is in regards to web design.

Being a self-taught designer, I had missed some important fundamental elements of the process. I didn’t know what a DOCTYPE declaration was, nor did I care. But I should have. I didn’t know some of the basic rules of block level elements vs. inline elements. But I should have. You see I’d built this somewhat precarious pyramid of design skills but some of the building blocks were missing. A stiff breeze would be enough to bring down my house built on sand. But no longer. After being in class for a little over half the term, my design and coding skills have gone through the roof. I no longer work in the WYSIWYG interface. Now it all takes place in the code window. And I like it that way. In fact, in the last couple of weeks, I’ve designed some websites which are really, really tasty all because I’ve brought my new skills to bear.

School is demanding and hectic, but there is no doubt I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else right now. Not a chance.