Got My Associate’s Degree in Computer Science: My Post Graduation Journey in Tech

A Memorable Graduation Day

On May 18, 2017, I graduated from Hudson County Community College (HCCC) in a ceremony held at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark. It was a day filled with joy and reflection on the incredible experiences I had during my time at HCCC. I sat among my peers from the Computer Science program, including my Vice President, Julian, and other classmates.

As we prepared to walk across the stage, we were given cards with our names and majors for the announcer to read. While many of my classmates had “cum laude” or “magna cum laude” under their names due to their high GPAs, my 3.4 GPA didn’t qualify for such honors. In a moment of playful inspiration, I added “Future Apple Owner” to my card with a sharpie. To my surprise and delight, the announcer actually read it out! This led to laughter among my friends as I shook hands with the HCCC president, repeating my ambitious claim.

Charting an Unconventional Path

When the HCCC president asked about my post-graduation plans, I confidently shared my intention to take two years off for an intensive self-study in iOS development. I explained that college classes, while valuable, had been somewhat distracting from my goal of mastering coding skills that weren’t widely taught in our curriculum.

 

This decision was met with skepticism from both the president and my professors, who advised continuing my education to earn a bachelor’s degree. However, I remained determined to follow my passion for iOS development.

Self-Directed Learning and Continued Engagement

In the months following graduation, I immersed myself in iOS development resources:

  • Online platforms like Raywenderlich and Hacking with Swift

  • Video tutorials from Udemy

  • Continuous practice and project development

Recognizing the importance of a well-rounded skill set, I decided to return to HCCC for one additional class in Cybersecurity. This course provided me with fundamental knowledge in defending digital systems, complementing my development skills.

Alumni Leadership and Ongoing Community Involvement

My connection to HCCC didn’t end with graduation. I took on new roles that allowed me to give back to the community that had nurtured my growth:

  1. Alumni Association Vice President: In this role, I helped organize and run events both on and off campus, maintaining strong ties with the HCCC community.

  2. Continued Computer Science Club Leadership: I remained as the club’s president, focusing on:

    • Recruiting new members

    • Teaching coding skills to aspiring developers

    • Organizing participation in hackathons

These experiences allowed me to share my growing expertise while continuing to learn and network within the tech community.

Doubling Down on Tech Repair as the TechDoctor

In addition to my focus on iOS development, I also expanded my tech repair side hustle under a name called TechDoctor. This involved offering services for repairing phones, computers, and providing other IT solutions. By leveraging my technical skills in a practical way, I was able to generate income while continuing to hone my expertise in hardware and software troubleshooting.

This side hustle not only helped financially but also provided valuable hands-on experience like phone screen repair, battery and housing replacement that complemented my coding skills. It allowed me to interact with a wide range of devices and systems, further broadening my understanding of technology beyond just software development. This side hustle with the help of my mom helped me upgrade my 2009 Macbook to a much more modern and needed MacBook Air 2015.

Passing the Torch

By December 2017, I recognized that it was time to transition leadership of the Computer Science Club to the next generation of students. As I was no longer an enrolled student, I knew it was important to ensure the club’s continued vitality under new leadership.

This moment marked a significant transition in my journey, from student leader to alumni contributor, as I continued to pursue my passion for iOS development while maintaining strong ties to the HCCC community.

Reflection on Growth and Future Aspirations

Looking back on this period of my life, I can see how each decision, from the playful addition to my graduation card to the choice to focus on self-directed learning, shaped my path in technology and community engagement. While unconventional, this journey has equipped me with a unique blend of technical skills, leadership experience, and community connections that continue to drive my aspirations in the tech industry.

 

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