When I began studying computer science in the 80s at Berkeley, I found the first quarter of my studies incredibly challenging.
It was lonely and uninspiring work, and I wasn t very happy.
Not only new to the school, I d only been in the country for a few years, too, and computer science itself as a field of study was so fresh and new at the time that there weren t role models to which we could turn for advice.
To keep me motivated, my father gave me a classic set of computer science books that showcased concepts beyond those covered in my introductory class.
With the basics of programming under my belt, things quickly started looking more interesting.
I ve written before of my love for and skill at chess, and, finally, I found a hook for my interest in CS that felt much like that familiar enthusiasm for chess.
