I'm back.
Heeeey. How'd you know it was me?
The craziest thing I ever did was.... well I don't really know actually. Haha I knew because I know the mind of competitive people.
(Also, you'll probably be the last person I talk to today. I've done a lot of chatting, and it's a little exhausting.)
Yeah I can see how it gets like that.
I don't do super crazy things.
I've only been on here one day and I'm already tired.
Unless you count eating weird foods. Yeah. It's, um, it's oddly draining Buuuuut. I have to know.
Me neither. Ah yes. Whats the weirdest food you've eaten?
Okay, this first.
You have to know what?
You know? I'm not really sure. My dad feeds us weird food sometime. 18.0 credits. Pleeeease let me know which classes you're in.
Ah yes. Advanced Human Anatomy with Lab
(Grabs popcorn.)
Physics 105 with lab Microbiology with lab Biochemistry Chronic disease prevention I think thats it. Let me check Yep thats it.
Uh. That's five classes.
And three labs Which is basically another class for each one
Wow. How many credit hours per class? And do labs count as their own credits?
Yeah the labs are like 1 credit each and the classes are like 3 So 3 x 5 = 15 plus 3 labs at one credit each Thats 18 total If I did my math right
Wow. That's. Um. You make me want to take 22.0 credits.
I don't recommend it. It's a lot of work.
Do you work part time, too?
Yeah like 5 hours a week at the copy center haha And I am in the application process for dental schools as well.
Oooof. You're a busy guy. Remind me your major?
Yep. And I still have to make time for date night with the wife and to spend time with the baby! But its fun! exercise science
That's definitely not computer science. And I'm glad you still have time for your family.
Not at all. But I like computers. Yes family is the top priority
I'm glad. It should be. I . . . heh, wow. I was just thinking about my last semester. 15.0 credits, right?
Tell me about it 18
Nothing crazy. But computer science classes are known for their big projects. No, sorry, I meant I was taking 15.0. Like, "I was taking 15.0 credits, right? And so . . ." I was taking two computer science classes, one 235 and the other 224.
uh huh
For the former, I spent anywhere between 2 - 12 hours weekly (really depended), and on the latter, I spent around 6 - 17 weekly (also depended). Both 3.0 classes.
wow. Thats intense. What project were you working on for the class?
Mostly just computer programs. Thing is, writing programs takes a lot of concentration. You have to think about a lot of things at once. It's very difficult to dip in and dip out. So you end up doing the entire project in one sitting. Or two at most.
Yeah I can see that. I had a roommate once who was always coding it seemed.
Hehehe, I can relate. Computer science classes just . . . take a long time.
But you enjoy it?
I do! It's the best thing in the world.
Good! That's important to like what you do.
I wouldn't be here if I didn't. I can't imagine spending your life doing something you hate. Though . . . I know sometimes people need to. Question.
Yes?
Do you resent me for winning the iPad for, frankly, frivolous reasons?
Absolutely. Hahah kidding! No I don't Like I said before. There are always other opportunities.
I know, I know. But . . . Doesn't it grate against you when you think that people who are in actual need of something lose to others who have a far lesser need?
What? Yes. But such is our world. For example.... I know people who are currently living in government subsidized housing to "save money" even though they could totally afford to move. So they are taking that spot for someone in greater need. It' s really an abuse of the system. People that use food stamps to "save money" but they make their income under the table and then lie on their taxes. Horrific. But it happens. But like I said before, those are systems in place to help people that some choose to abuse. This is not a well-fare system. this is just a competition. For fun and for science. So the ethics don't really apply. As long are you aren't cheating in any way then it's totally fair.
But . . . I have a different question, then. What about scholarships? I don't NEED the money, not the way some people do. The ones I have are merit-based. So, yes, I "earned" them.
Are you on a scholarship?
I am. Two, in fact. One from BYU, the other from Regents. They're both because of my academics.
Congratulations. I'm sure you worked hard for them
I . . . Yes. Yes, I did. But I don't need the money in the same way others do.
They have need based scholarships too you know.
Aren't I taking money from them? Yeah, I know . . .
No. Listen. Hear me out. We live in a world of abundance. There truly is enough for everyone. If you work hard enough and smart enough you can always find a way to accomplish your goals and meet your needs. Some are just lazy. And that's  not being rude. That is just the truth of the world. Something I want to do though... To help others. Because I have been blessed in a lot of ways too. I want to someday create my own scholarship fund for people in need. Or at least contribute to an existing one. The questions is not where you are currently and how you got here. It is where are you going, and what is your purpose? You could help a lot of people. You could make your own fund someday for people in computer science. Or you could give back to the scholarship fund that helped you. You don't need to feel bad for earning something. But you do need to feel grateful. And that gratitude should move you to give back you can give back in whatever what you can. It may not be today, but someday. Because someday there is going to be a kid just like you (or me) who needs help to pursue their dream. And they are going to work hard for it (just like you) Think of it this way... Someone out there made that scholarship that you got They were once young and in school too. They likely didn't have much money themselves. But they worked hard and made it. And they decided to give back to the younger generation. And you benefited from their efforts And their contributions. It really brings it full circle doesn't it?
Heh.
Wait till you have kids. You will understand a lot more of what sacrifices your parents made. But thats another story.
That made me smile.
Good. haha
I know that I've been blessed. I really have. When I think about what I can do now, what I'm allowed to do, which opportunities I've been given, I can't help but feel in awe sometimes. I don't have to pay for tuition. I don't even have big monetary concerns right now, either.
That is a great blessing.
Which in turn makes it easy for me to focus on school, which allows me to do well, which allows me to study harder and be rewarded. It really is.
But?
I don't have to be stuck in a job I hate because I can gain experience quicker in other fields for the future. But . . . I just . . . feel bad sometimes. Other people weren't blessed like me.
Maybe they are just blessed in different ways
Okay, yes. I sure hope so. But I've . . . always kinda struggled with how hard they work and how little compensation they get, at least in relation to me.
So what are you going to do about it?
That question stumped me for the longest time.
Have you found an answer?
Still looking. You know, I took a fast food job this summer just to feel what it was like. Just to get a taste of what others have to do by necessity. It wasn't fun. It was a lot of work for dumb pay, and you had to do it, day in, day out.
Hahah I've never heard of someone doing that. You must have a lot more empathy for those people.
I do. I leave big tips whenever I get something now. I was a waitress, too. A cashier and a waitress. I think . . . I think one day, I'd like to get a nice $200 dollars and leave that as a tip at a smaller restaurant, like Chile's or something.
Good jobs. Many people like them. I have been in similar jobs as well. I guess thats what school is for.
Yeah.
So that you can do something you like more that pays better. But you know, at the end of the day, what really matters isn't financial or material. It's who you are in your heart. Your faith. Your relationships. You will find your answer, friend. Keep being patient and looking for ways to serve. One day you will look back and it will all make sense. I have to go now. I have a lab. Goodnight. Talk to you later.
Thank you.