Hello, hello! Are you a real person?
Hey!
Oh, hey! You are definitely a real person. And real people are my favorite kind of people.
Yep. I definitely am.
Hehe. What class did you just have?
I agree. There just isn't anybody else like real people.
Or I suppose grammatically correct would be "which" class, but whatever.
My religion class.
+1 for real people. Ooh! Which one? Book of Mormon?
Book of Mormon Yea!
Makes sense. That's the class most people take their first year here. I still don't understand how you're under 15.0 credits. With the classes you have, you must be stressed and not seeing a lot to show for it.
Yea, I really like the class, and it's not too demanding. I just don't like having to write essays for the class.
Oof, essays. But, wait, you're an English major. Aren't essays kinda your thing?
Hahaha yea, but for the religion class, it just seems a bit annoying to write essays for it.
Yeah, I can see that. But that's mostly because I don't like when any classes assign me essays. That's part of the fun of computer science, I guess: no essays. Granted, we do have nightmarish projects that can take literal days straight to finish, but you do what you gotta do.
Hahaha yea just difficult coding which probably isn't a problem for you.
Weeeeell, you'd be surprised. You spend about 10% of your time coding and the other 90% trying to fix all the bugs in your code. And the worst is when you've been staring at your screen for an hour straight and haven't made any progress. You're just like, "What is WRONG with my program?"
There can be bugs in your coding?
Yes. Definitely. Absolutely.
How do they get there? Is it some error someone makes in the coding?
Ehhhh, it depends. There are lots of things, but it's usually something you failed to consider. Lemme see if I can define a bug.
I usually thought of bugs as a glitch in the system.
It came from when we used to have physical code on punchcards and circuits and whatnot. We didn't have online code.
Which would mean that the system isn't functioning properly.
There was a moth in one of the connectors or something, and it physically changed the code. Which, yeah, makes the system not function properly.
Physical code? How does that work?
Well, back in the olden days, code wasn't typed out; you had to physically create it.
Do you do stuff on circuit boards?
Not me personally, but I think they used to. That's how they'd program things.
Do you make the circuit boards do a specific task?
Yes, actually! Physical circuit boards are for things like the motherboard and CPU and whatnot.
Ohh ok. I didn't even know there used to be a physical code.
It's actual tangible, real stuff. Yeah. We certainly don't use things by punch cards now, but we used to.
I just always thought of code as the online code and not something that could be tangible.
Code is just . . . commands, I guess. And while we certainly do type them online nowadays, we used to send those signals physically.
Do you think that was harder? To use punch codes than online code?
Oh, my goodness, yes. A thousand times yes. Each command would have a certain pattern of holes you needed to punch. If you misplaced it, you had to get a new card. You had to line up the cards correctly, and it was just a fat mess.
Have you done physical coding?
Heavens no. And hallelujah for that. I don't think we've had to physically code things for a few decades now, which I'm grateful for. But we still run into a lot of problems.
Well good thing for you. You spared yourself from that pain and stress and probably some gray hairs.
Ugh, no kidding. Nowadays, we have three main bug types.
Does physical coding still exist?
I think so? I believe that's what hardware is.
Oh well that makes sense.
So the laptop or computer or whatever it is you're using? That's "physical code" in a sense. I could be wrong, though.
What are the three main bug types?
The first is called a compilation error. So, you know how computer languages are a real language by themselves?
Yea?
Well, our computer languages are sort of our way of communicating with the computer; it's the only way it understands what we're saying. But the thing is, computers can't read our English. They only know binary. The most they see is 1's and 0's. On its most basic level, that's all code is. 1's and 0's.
Someone needs to create a computer that understands English. How did someone make a computer understand binary? How was that invented?
Oh! I can actually answer that. Inside the computer are a bunch of electrical pulses. If the energy is low, it's a 0. If the energy is high, it's a 1.
Wow, I did not know that. That's very interesting.
Now, I have no idea how they came up with this system, but the engineers designed the computer to do certain things based on certain pulses. They're geniuses. So our "human" code gets converted to "computer" code. Everything we write in English gets translated.
So I imagine that it would be very difficult to make a computer understand English?
Haha, yes, I think so. Computers think so differently than we do. What's simple to us is impossible to them. And what's simple to them is impossible for us.
For example?
Oh, like, I'm designing a game right now, right? It's a simple thing, just reads text commands.
You are designing a game?
Yup! Just for fun. I wanted to see if I could do it. It's nothing fancy, I promise. It's a game like Zork, if you've heard of it.
That's nice! That's really cool. I would like to do so also, but I know I probably wouldn't be able to understand it. I have actually heard of the game.
Oh, really? You're the first.
Well I only heard of the game Because of Black Ops.
And also, for game design, there are engines online that'll help you craft it with no coding knowledge yourself. Wait, whaaat? Where is this?
There is a little mini game in the game.
Does it play like Zork?
Yea It's  one Call of Duty: Black Ops. In*
So basically just, "Go north. Take shovel. Unlock house." I'd never played. But it makes me want to.
You've never played Zork?
No no, I've never played Call of Duty. I've definitely played Zork (though never beat it).
Ohhh, well I used to play it,  but not so much anymore because of school.
Yup. Same here. I used to be a big gamer, but once the homework load hit, it was bye bye gaming.
Wow, I used to be a big gamer too!
I somehow lost the desire to game, even now that I have free time. Did that happen to you, too?
Before the mission, I basically had no life because I would spend way too much time playing video games. Yea, now that I have free time, I don't really have much of a desire to play video games.
So strange how that happens.
I mean, whenever I have free time.
What is this "free time" you speak of?
Free time hardly comes my way. I don't know. It's a mysterious concept.
I'm not in school so I have a lot more now, but, man, I remember last semester.
I think it used to exist, but now it's gone.
Back in the olden days.
Hahahaha How many credits did you do last semester?
I was going to do 18.0 but then decided I didn't want to take a Preparation for Marriage class. I really wasn't ready for it, like at all, so I dropped it.
18????
I probably could've handled it, I swear.
That's insane!
I'd have been fiiiiiine. I wanna do 22.0 at some point just for kicks.
How?
I dunno. Sheer grit and determination?
I thought 18 was the max?
18.0 is the secret max. Counselors let you go more if you talk to them.
You are probably some super genius that's too modest to admit it.
Haha, no way. I wish. I've met some super geniuses, and that's not me. I just happen to get homework done relatively efficiently.
You can stop being modest now. Just say the truth. I will keep your secret safe, don't worry.
Well, um, I didn't take very intensive classes. I mean, yeah, I had a few math-y classes, but nothing crazy.
Childi prodigy's don't count as geniuses. They were born it with it.
Are child prodigies real? I thought their parents just forced them to be good at something.
How do you know so much and yet have only done two semesters? Child*
Because 224. Oh, that class.
What's that?
That dreadful, glorious, terrible, amazing class. It's the hardest class in the major. Or so people say.
Was it hard for you?
I've never taken a class that's pushed me so hard. Oh, very much so. I spent about fifteen hours on the first week for the first homework assignment. I thought it would get easier over time, and it DID, but not very quickly.
How can you say you can do 18 or 22 credits, yet you can't work and study?
Um. Because . . . I could . . . probably pull it off? I'd just be quicker with homework, I guess. Just, you know, quit studying and just pay better attention in class.
But you don't think you can study and work?
I might be able to work a little? I don't think I could handle very much, though. As per studying, pfffft. Who needs studying? Just learn everything you need in class and remember it all. Get an eidetic memory.
Right now I am doing 30 hours and it's a pain. But in two weeks, it will be 25 hours.
See, I don't know how you're alive right now. 30 hours per week would be the death of me.
Hahaha, me neither I guess we all have our different strengths and weaknesses.
Mine is definitely not work. Seriously, everyone who works full time or even PART time has my respect. The maybe five hours I did per week was fine for me.
You have my respect without even working.
I don't know how I'd handle more. Nah. My reputation precedes me.
You have a reputation?
Probably not. XD
Are you famous?
I think it's just a saying.
Popular?
Not to my knowledge?
There you go being modest again.
Unless I'm, like, a secret celebrity? I just don't find that likely. They'd have to be REALLY good at keeping it hidden. And besides, once I dropped that marriage class, I was only taking 15.0 credits.
Like Sia?
Sia?
I think that's her name. The one who sang the song for chandelier?
Oh, is that her name? I never knew it.
Were you going to get married? I think that's her name.
Nope! I'm nineteen, darling. And leaving on a mission soon.
But the fact that you didn't know her name is just proof that she is a secret hidden celebrity.
In my defense, though, I'm awful with music.
Why were you going to take the class then?
You know? I'm not sure. I think it sounded interesting or something? But I dropped when I found out I literally couldn't do the final project.
Maybe deep in your subconscious you planned to get married?
Well, I DO plan on marrying some time.
What's the final project? Get married?
Haha, no. It was talk to a significant other or close friend of the opposite gender about a topic that's sensitive to you. And I remember thinking, "Um, all my guy friends are gone on missions." Literally all of them. The second closest friend I had, I didn't even know his last name.
Hahaha wow. But couldn't you just make a new friend that's a guy and talk to him? Besides how would that be graded?
Probably. But it'd be kinda weird to force a friendship because of a class.
Would you have to record it?
You know . . . I'm not sure. I think there were real grading requirements, but I've since forgotten. They said the assignment was really supposed to be with your spouse, and if not spouse, then boyfriend/girlfriend, and if REALLY not them, then a close friends. *friend
Well when you com back from your mission and if you take that class, then you can have a conversation with me about a topic that is sensitive to you.
"Oh, hey! You remember me? From the chitchat thing? Yeah." "So . . . I'm taking that class again." Hahaha, that'd be hilarious.
Hahaha that's a good way to refreshen my memory.
Yeah, but no. I'll probably take that class a later, if I do at all. But I really do want to take 22.0 credits at some point. Just to try it once. I don't think I'd have much free time, though.
You're crazy.
I'm not "crazy"; I'm curious.
I don't think I will ever want to do that.
How bad could it be?
Your curiosity is leading you to do something crazy.
If I take 17.0 credits of more intensive classes, then 5.0 of light classes, it'll work out!
No free time at all.
Again, it's not "crazy," just, um, experimentive.
No time for anything.
I'd have time for driving. And homework. And class. What more could you want? Oh. Sleep, too.
Yea, but would you have fun doing those things?
Well . . .
You think you would Be able to sleep with 22 credits?
I wouldn't be able to function without sleep. And, for some reason, I only feel rested if I get on average of 7.5 or more per day. I can stretch it with 5 hours one day then 8 on the next few, but that's pushing it.
I feel rested after I sleep like 9+ hours. Which hardly Happens
I'd imagine it wouldn't, no. So how much sleep do you get every day?
I would say like 5 or 6 Today I only slept 4 hours.
Oh, my goodness.
But that's my fault really.
How are you not dead? No, seriously, you need to sleep. Why are you chatting?
I don't know.
This is nap time! You need sleep!
Well I have homework to do. And chatting with you is nice.
D'aw thanks. I'm glad talking with a stranger is better than beating yourself up over homework.
And I would like to win something as well.
Oh, yeah? Are you going for the iPad or just the raffle?
The iPad, but I don't think my time will allow it.
Yeah, that's unfortunate.
I was literally walking home and chatting with you.
Wait, really?
Killing two birds with one stone.
Oof, you're that pressed for time? I mean, kudos to you, but, wow.
Sometimes, But today not so much.
Still.
Monday's and Wednesday's I have less time.
Because of the heavier class schedules, right?
Yea.
It was the same for me. My first semester, I had class all day from 9:00 - 3:00.
They make those days more busy and give me less free time.
Yeah. I'd imagine Tuesdays and Thursdays are your more laid back homework days?
Me too! My classes start at 9 and I get out from my last class at 3:15.
Hey! You get it, then. I was only taking 16.0 credits then. Oooh, you know what'd be fun? Introduction to Latin for advanced students. It's something like a 5.0 or 5.5 credit class. I've checked. There's no class like it. That's the only class offered with that many credit hours.
5.0 credit class?
Or 5.5, yeah. It's an accelerated course that comes from a 4.0 credit class. I mean, think about how fun that would be! You'd be in class every day for about an hour. Nothing insane. And then you'd have homework that'd take, I dunno, 1.5 hours per day. And then you'd be fluent in Latin! And who WOULDN'T want to be fluent in Latin? You could do . . . well, not much with it, but you could be fluent!
Class every day?
I think so. I can't see a 5.0 credit class without them meeting every day.
Hahaha. I like your optimism.
My 4.0 calculus class was like that, every day.
Every single day you had class?
C'mooooon. Don't tell me it wouldn't be amazing. I did! Every day. From 2:00 - 2:50. Which is why I only spent about 2 hours outside of class working on homework per week.
Wow, well it could certainly be worth a try. It would just depend on the homework.
I actually really like 4.0 credit classes. Because they meet every day, you spend roughly the same amount of time on homework as a 3.0 class. Yeah. My fear is that I'll accidentally got locked in a thing that takes 3 hours every day. And with computer science eating approximately 16 hours per weekend, that's not fun.
Hopefully that never happens.
Definitely hoping.
Have you ever done less than 15 credits?
Er, no. I thought 15.0 was a little dull, so I might ramp it up.
You are hoping to have a class that is 3 hours that meets every day? Ramp it up?! Wow.
No no, hoping I never get swamped with 3 hours of homework per day for one class. Well, here's the thing.
I admire you without even knowing you.
Haha, thanks. But I'm really nothing special. I promise. It sounds like a lot, but I take lots of fun classes that don't give homework.
Well you are certainly coming off as special to me. What are those classes? Can I take them too?
Imagine taking three core classes, like math or computer science or something, then filling the rest with, um, fun ones. Er, sure! I happen to love them. One of them is University Chorale. They're always open, and it's  a 1.0 credit class.
University Chorale?
Yup! It's the university non-audition choir. The speaker actually introduced us like that. "And here is BYU's University Chorale, the non-audition choir!"
Core classes usually give a lot of homework right?
Definitely.
So it would be best to not take too many of those then.
It depends on the class, but you're looking at about 1.5x hours as the credit hours per week. Yeah. Don't kill yourself with those. For some reason, computer science has homework time really stilted. It's about 8 hours weekly for a 3.0 credit class. My 224 class was closer to 12 hours weekly. And since it's difficult to split up the homework, it usually means sitting down and cranking it all out at once.
What is 224? Is it a computer science class?
Oh, sorry! Yes, it's a computer science class. Blesssedly wicked class. *Blessedly I've never taken anything like it before.
Why? What made it different?
Oh, my goodness, you make me want to link a screenshot. It's a very different side of computer science. And the expect a LOT of you.
Well if you ever want my number...
Pretty sure that counts as personal information.
Is there a lot of coding involved?
Sort of?
It does. But rules can be broken right? What makes the class hard?
Thing is, they expected you to know the C language well enough to code in it. And they expected you to be fluent in what's called a "terminal." Aaaaand the code editing software we were used to using is suddenly unavailable. We have to learn a new editor. Three entirely new foundational skills expected, and the add/drop deadline hasn't even passed yet. They push you so quickly through assembly language and compilation and the hardware of computer and logic gates and memory arrays and ahhhh--
But you still stayed with the class right?
Assembly is like a regular computer language but terrible. I did, I did! Aced it, in fact. Somehow. I don't know how that happened. The TA's goofed my score and gave me the highest midterm score in the class, which wasn't accurate. They marked a few right that should've been wrong. And for the final final project, I should've gotten a C. This isn't just me being coy or anything; the requirements said that that would give me a C.
But you got an A?
63/65, yes. It still confuses me to this day. I had friends submit nearly identical code and get C's.
So because the TA's made a mistake, you got an A?
Well, even without their mistakes, I think I still would've gotten an A, but it wouldn't have been as high of an A. I think I ended with 97%? So it would've been closer to a 94%. I . . . think. The final project jumping from a C to an A definitely would've impacted things. Regardless, I was ecstatic. Confused, but ecstatic.
You are definitely smart.
Ha, not really. I have a dad in computer science.
A genius, I might add.
He helped me with a lot of it. I'm just awfully lucky. He's like having a personal TA 24/7.
I like your modesty. You are consistent with it.
It's not "modesty." It's truth.
That's what a modest person would say.
I think it's kinda fun to show off the gleaming bits on the top, but the truth is, it's really nothing spectacular. I promise. I took a few hard classes and invested almost embarrassing amounts of time into them.
What do you mean by showing off the gleaming bits on the top?
You know, the whole, "I aced the hardest class in the major." And "I have a 4.0" and "I want to take 22.0 credits" parts.
Oh, yea I get that.
If you hear the stories behind why those things are, it's nothing special. I could get a 4.0 because I didn't have to work. And despite taking 16.0 credits, my workload was easy.
I don't think I would be able to get an A even if I didn't work.
You'd be surprised.
I need to take those classes you speak of.
I was also, um, hyperparanoid about failing. Yes, yes! You'd love them. I swear they're easier than regular coursework.
You should send me a list.
Huh. I might be able to compile one, but they'd be more suited for computer science majors aside from the Honors courses.
Or just reference me where I can find them. It would probably be easier for you if you did that.
For the Honors bit, definitely check out their website. honors.byu.edu
Wow you shared a link! You did it!
Haha, I guess? Success! But, yes, they have amazing classes. If you look on the place to register for classes, you'll find lots of stuff.
Are you considered a sophomore?
I think so, yes. I have two years of classes under my belt with a few AP credits, so, yeah, probably sophomore. Two semesters, sorry.
That's nice.
Yeah. Gives me the tiniest edge in enrolling for classes.
I think I have 17.0 credits that transferred.
That's great! For which things?
Plus after this semester, I will have an addiontal 14.5.
Is that enough to get you to be a sophomore?
I'm not really sure which credits transferred.
Oh. You can check. Do you know how to?
I took the AP Spanish test and the AP calculus test. No, how do you check?
If you go to your "My BYU" page, there's a little, um, tab thing on the left. Like, it's a list of links. I'm pulling mine up right now to give you a better reference. Okay, got it. It says "Campus favorites - Students." Er, it's singular, but you get the idea. Under Personal Information, there should be a link that says "View Grades and Academic Progress," which should send you to a dry-but-important page with a bunch of stats. I think it's your transcript, but I'm not sure. But anyway, in that page, you should see the credits that transferred on the bottom.
I think I found it.
Oooh! Which credits do you have?
I'm not sure though. It says Global amen Cultural Awareness Quantitave Reasoning And Languages of Learning.
Uh. I don't really know what that means, but it's probably good.
Hahaha
I apparently took a course in music theory back in high school that gives me credit for two different classes. Which, yay, music credit! I'm just not a music major or minor or emphasis or anything.
Music theory?
I know, right?
What is that about?
I was curious. I thought it'd be fun. Oh, mostly . . . um, music.
Was it fun?
Oh, definitely! My favorite class the year for sure. I guess the class had five main points to it.
Was it hard? Sounds like a hard class.
Absolutely. One of the hardest classes I took aside from senior thesis itself. Ooof, I spent so much time in homework.
And yet you had fun?
Readings and diagramming and ear training and ear training and SO MUCH EAR TRAINING. Very much so! That class thoroughly thrilled me.
Eat training? Ear*
Stressed me to no ends, but thrilled me nonetheless. Yup! So that's like hearing two notes played and identifying the interval. Is this a major chord? Is it a minor chord? What sort of scale is this? I walked into that class with so little musical ability that it'd make you cry.
Honestly, I literally have not talked to anyone like you. You really are one in a million. I would even say billion.
What? Oh, please, you're making me blush. Why do you say that?
Most people don't like hard classes. I mean, everybody I have talked to regarding school and homework and classes have never talked about it in the way you have.
I'm with them. I don't like homework, and big projects stress me out. I'll cry and complain just like everyone else.
But???????? You enjoy it?
But . . . I don't know, I guess there's something really satisfying in taking a bite out of something way over your head. I've never enjoyed busywork, and I doubt I every will. Tedious routine is the bane of my existence.
You like chewing more than you can handle?
But it's different when the class is hard because the concepts are challenging and they expect a lot out of you. Hehe, yes, I guess so. Oh, my goodness, I get swamped so much that it's not even funny. I'll be sitting somewhere and think, "How did I get myself into this situation?" So hopelessly buried beneath my responsibilities and homework that I'm not sure it's possible to make it out again. Especially during that 224 class. I'd never had to work so hard in my life. I could actually feel the strain.
Yet you come out on top with gleaming A's.
As per THAT part, I don't know how that happens. Genuinely, honestly don't know.
I mean, you must be a genius. For you to get an A in every class? I don't think I would be able to pull that off.
But remember! Many of them were easy-A classes where the literal only requirement was to show up, and the others were classes I enjoyed. The hard classes were always computer science. And with my dad being a software engineer and having 30+ years of experience, there was nothing I couldn't handle with him.
Are these easy classss where you only show up specific to your major?
. . . well, no.
So I could take them as well?
I mean . . . I guess you could? I don't think you'd like them very much?
Can you plan my next two semesters for every? For me*
I really don't think you'd like that.
Why do you think I wouldn't like them.
Oh, just because they're math-intensive.
Because you'll enroll me for 40.0 credits?
Hahaha, I wouldn't be cruel!
Ohhhhhh yea math is not my forte.
But I would probably accidentally choose super hard classes or something.
But I mean, you must know which classes are the ones with easy homework?
You'd think so, right? I don't. At all. I feel like I've been supremely serendipitous these past two semesters. I mean . . . I've certainly had my fair share of hard homework load classes.
Have you dropped classes?
Not once, no. Aside from the marriage one, but I showed up one day. That was it.
Can you be my tutor?
I'd love to, actually! I've been a volunteer tutor for a long time now. With, you know, paid gigs on the side. But I really like volunteer tutoring.
Hahaha, well I can't  promis pais gigs.
Especially near finals week? Man, people are stressed and worried. I spent so much time with them.
Maybe if you like pennies.
Nah, I don't expect that from people on campus. I have a poor friend who, due to various circumstances, hasn't really learned any concepts in Calculus thus far, and his midterm is in a few days. I'll be headed onto campus tomorrow to see if I can jam 1.5 months worth of concepts into three hours.
Wow. I feel sorry for him. Digesting a lot of information at the same day is a lot to handle.
No kidding. Though . . . it wouldn't be the first time, nor the worst case I've seen, unfortunately.
You could have helped my brother with husband coding.
Oh, those poor computer science kids. I could've! I would've loved to.
Not the worst case?
(I read "brother" as "husband" for a second.)
That's crazy.
Not the worst case, no. Let me tell you, computer science gets real nasty if you don't learn the concepts early on. They build on each other.
Well the temptation to meet you is growing stronger by then second. The*
Hehe, it really would be fun.
How tall are you?
We could grab fries or something. I love fries. Fries are amazing. Oh, not super tall. Like . . . I dunno, 5'4 or something? About average for a girl.
I love Chick-fil-a fries.
I think. Me, too! They're the best!
They are! With Chick-fil-a sauce
Mmmm. I actually had some of those fries today. I was in the mood.
Now I'm hungry.
Haha, I was eating lunch as we spoke.
I had some yesterday. I will probably have somebody on Monday.
Man, but, yeah. I've thought about it. I think I should be stressed a lot, but I'm not, and I can't say why. I'm not sure stress is really built into my character or something I can't stay stressed for too many days. It just doesn't work. I've tried, too!
Hey so my phone is charging, and I am going to transition to the computer.
Yup, no worries.
I am going to see if it works.
I wonder if chitchat is smart and lets you transfer devices. If not, I'll still be here!
Hey it did!
Oh, really? You're on your computer now?
Yea I am. That's cool~ cool!
Wow. You were texting that quickly? Holy cow. I've been typing this entire time; I don't know if I could stand using a phone.
Haha, I don't think it was that quick.
Quite frankly, I didn't even know it WORKED on phones. I dunno. I thought it was pretty quick.
Hahaha, well it does!
Good to know! Now I can chat when I'm on the go like all the cool kids.
I don't have a personal computer, so I kind of have to use the phone.
Wait, you don't? Oh, right, you're not a computer science major. Makes a little more sense now.
Well not like a laptop that I can take to school.
But a home computer, da?
Yea, I do have a home computer.
Oooh, wouldn't it be fun to learn Russian? Russian is so cool! Think about it! You'd be able to speak Russian. And then someone could say something in Russian, and you'd understand.
I have always had an interest to learn German and French. Learning Russian would be cool as well.
Those languages are pretty different, yeah?
Yea they are pretty different. I would especially love to learn German.
French is something you might be able to pick up if you know Spanish, but German is an entirely different thing.
Yea it is.
But then you could sound all gruff, so that's cool, too. Pretend like you're Hitler or something.
My oldest brother served his mission in Germany.
Did he really? How was it?
Yea he did and he learned how to speak German which is cool. He is not a very spiritual person, so I was kind of surprised that he served a mission.
I'll be learning Spanish on my mission, but it's nothing too out of the world for me. My mom's first language is Spanish, so I hear it often enough around the house. Oh, wait. Wait.
He did it for my mom, but still, he served all two years.
Really? Was he a different person when he came back? I know a mission sometimes affects people like that.
He was more or less the same.
Oh. What's he up to now? College or something?
My mom's first language is Spanish as well. We seem to have a lot in common. Minus the majors. My oldest brother is now married and has a son.
Kinda fun, isn't it? Oh, wow.
So I have a nephew!
So . . . you're an uncle?
Yes!
That, too, hehe. That must be so fun! I'm the oldest. The trailblazer. The guinea pig.
And he lives with me so it is fun!
Wait, your nephew lives with you?
I am the youngest. Yea he does.
How does that work with college and everything?
My mom, sister, two brothers, and my oldest brother's wife all live with me.
I'm assuming you're not on campus, then For some reason, I thought you were.
Haha yea I am not living on campus.
How far away are you? Hopefully not more than 15 minutes?
I think it is typical for freshman to live on campus. I think BYU strongly recommends it.
They do, yes.
No, I am pretty close. Have you ever lived on campus?
Not yet, no. I considered, but, heh, I guess I didn't want to leave home just yet. I ended up spending 1 - 1.5 hours in commuting every day. And still do every time I visit campus. Which is why I don't visit unless there's a specific event I want to attend. I mean, I was okay with it; the silence in the mornings and afternoons was nice. I didn't always like losing that time because it meant I couldn't spend it on homework, but it all worked out.
You live kind of car from BYU.
Yeah. It's 26-ish minutes driving, but with finding a place to park and walking all the way to campus, it takes closer to 40 minutes total. With bad traffic, it can take almost 2 hours to and from just on traveling.
So you take the bus to BYU?
Nah, I have a car.
Maybe you could bike there and it would be faster.
Er . . . good suggestion, but I live in Lehi. Hopefully that's not too identifying.
Hahaha. It is, I now know exactly where you live and where to find you.
How dare I reveal such a personal bit of information.
I bike to school since I don't have a car.
I see. How long does it take you?
Plus I can't really drive. I never really learned how to drive. It takes me like 15 minutes on the bike.
Wait, what? Oooh. That's, um, problematic.
Around there.
And 15 minutes is still a little long, but I'm glad you have the bike.
Ten minutes if I pedal really fast and I feel the burn through my thighs.
Hehehe, if you're running late and everything. I'd be so worn out if I had to bike to school. I just checked: it's 18.3 miles from my house.
Hahaha yea. There have been a couple of times that I wake up not too late, but not early either and I am rushing to school on a bike and my thighs are burning.
Ooof. See, I'd die if I had to do that. I'm not sure I'd handle it very well.
I really want to learn how to drive though.
It really is a useful skill. And because you're over 18, all you have to do to get a license is drive with a permit for 40 hours.
It's very important that I do because then no girl would want to date a guy that can't drive.
Oh, please. I've dated plenty of guys who didn't have a car.
But could they at least drive?
. . . some of them. But not all of them.
But I mean I am over 18 years of age and I can't drive.
Well, it's a skill that kinda needs a car to practice with.
Every time I told somebody in the mission that I couldn't drive, they would get really surprised.
Why? Where are you from? And where did you serve again?
I am from Texas.
Oh, you're a TEXAN.
and I served in El Salvador. Probably one of the most dangerous countries in the world. I am a Texan.
Is that sarcastically dangerous or dangerous dangerous?
And you are a Utahan? Is that the term? Dangerous dangerous.
Hehe, I was teasing about the Texan part. American Heritage will be fun for you. I think it's said "Utahn," but yeah.
Why will it be fun for me? Does my being from Texas make the class more fun for me?
If he hasn't done it already, he'll ask you to-- Oh, wait. You're in Prof. Pope's class.
What does Wilson do?
It might not happen, then. In my class, he asked all the Texans to recite their state's pledge of allegiance. For all the Texans, it was no big deal. For the rest of the class, people were like, "Whaaaat? Why do they have their own pledge?"
Most states don't have their own pledge?
Literally no states have pledges except for Texas. That's why it's so fun! The look on people's faces is priceless.
I don't really remember the pledge of allegiance for Texas. I have not recited it for a long time.
Wanna see if you can recite it anyway? I'm curious. I'd LOVE to hear it again.
There is this BYU Texas Round Up that I would really love to go to, but I can't because of work.
Aw. I'm sorry.
I pledge allegiance to the Texas Flag, one state under God and indivisble. I don't think it is like that, but that was my attempt at reciting it.
It made me laugh reading it. So, I dunno, that's probably good enough. But I really am sorry about the work conflict. I've never liked how things out of your control end up affecting your personal life.
I know. I would really love to attend some clubs and go to student events, but I can't because of work.
I feel you. There's a BYU design club that I'd love to go to every week, but it's hard.
Because of the distance?
Yeah. It starts at 6:00, and I tutor around 4:30 those days. So depending on when we finish, it'll already by 5:30--if I'm lucky. It takes about 40 minutes to drive to campus from their house for some reason. That, plus the parking nightmare and finding the right building takes another 10 -15 minutes. And by that point it's halfway over.
Wow that frustration of finding a parking spot is real. They should make more parking spaces.
There's not a lot of room for them. The only solution I can think of is a multi-level parking garage. Because then it's vertical space and not horizontal, you know?
That could be a good idea.
Odds are, it's not going to happen; and if it does, I'll be graduated by then. But it's okay. I'm all right with it.
Yea, you can build on top or on the bottom. Hahaha. I will probably be graduated as well.
Well, hey! At least those who follow after us can take advantage of the parking spots.
Well depends on how long I take to graduate from school.
"Back when I was your age, we had to fight for our spots! Now they just hand them out to whoever wants them." How long are you planning? Four years?
Well that is the idea.
But . . . ?
But I was thinking of being a part-time student next semester so I won't have much of a workload like this semester.
That's smart, actually. Too heavy of a workload really will hurt you. I've had multiple friends go either suicidal or through really awful bouts of depression because of it.
But if I can find some classes that the homework is easy, then I could be a full-time student.
The problem is, those classes rarely help you advance your major. They'll get you full-time status but not much else. And they DO eat time out of your day. Not as much as homework does, but they still do. But if you do, somehow, manage to find classes that are easy on the homework, then I say go for it. But, of course, that's just me. (Aw, man, the person is first is climbing again. At this rate, I'm never going to reach him.)
Yea, so that is why I was thinking of being a part-time student, so I could take classes that maybe had a good amount of workload, but because I am not taking too many classes
That's smart. I don't see anything wrong with that.
I will still be able to get a good grade on those classes.
Not to mention there are spring and summer terms. And good grades count for a lot! If you do well enough, they reward you handsomely. If worse comes to worse, just take a bunch of classes spring and summer. I don't recommend more than three classes during those terms because they're very very intensive. But they can certainly help you pass off some classes and still graduate in four years.
Summer and spring classes are intensive?
Hmm.. Maybe I can take all my hard courseloads during the semesters then leave the fun stuff for the terms. Yessir! Quite intensive.
I would also like to do some internships during the summer.
Imagine taking a semester class but smushing it into half the time. Ah. Yes, internships are important. Do those. In which case, just leave spring open. And leave your summers for internships. Unless you think you can handle both? That seems . . . stressful to me.
Well it depends on what the internship consists of.
Oh, right. What kind of internships can you get as an English major? I'd imagine they're quite different from the ones I'm looking at. (Aside from the financial one. That one just looks fun.)
But there is this internship that I am interested in doing that is for the Church, and it pays really good, not as good as yours, but good for an internship, but I would have to take a semester off for the internship.
I definitely say go for it. Those internships really really help you later down the road. Did I tell you one of my classmates my age is interning for Google soon? And that he got accepted to Vanguard?
The internship for the Church has to do with editing and publishing for the Ensign or the other magazines the Church publishes.
He'll be making $35/hour.
What is Vanguard?
Oh! That's so fun! I can't believe you'd be able to do that. You know, I'm not really sure. It's some sort of . . . stock trading company, I think.
He is going to be making $35/hour from an internship?
Lemme double check. That he is, yes
What!
It's a very good internship.
That is crazy! That is a very nice internship!
Quite prestigious, and quite hard to earn. No kidding.
How did he earn it?
But despite being 19, he's already had three summer internships.
or she
You know? I'm not sure. Yes, it's a he.
He's already had 3 summer internships?!
He has, yes.
How is that possible?
I think he started when he was 15. His first one he worked 40 hours per week unpaid.
When he was 15?
Yeah.
And it counts towards for BYU or whatever?
Well, it doesn't exactly "count" towards BYU, but other internship-hiring people certainly like his experience. It makes him way qualified for good internships. Like Google.
Wow that guy is a smart person starting early.
Yeah. I . . . kinda worry about that, actually.
I should have done something like that.
That I didn't start early enough.
Worry about what? Well you still have time don't you?
Oh, it's just that so many people in my class at my age are so much farther ahead than me. The people who started years ago are years ahead now. And I'm kinda scrambling to catch up in a race I didn't know was happening.
Wow that is a very nice way to describe internships and other stuff. Being in a race you didn't know you were in.
Thanks, I guess.
I like that. You could be an English major too.
I've, um, thought about it a lot. Probably more than what's good for me. Me? An English major? That got me to chuckle a little.
Haha me too. Your classmate is going to be making big bucks.
I mean, sure, I can put together sentences correctly; I've got good semantics; I can follow all those rules. Yeah, no kidding. He's doing really well for himself.
I mean if an internship pays that much, how much will his career pay?
Computer scientists make a LOT of money, apparently. Like, starting salary can be 80,000.
What career do you plan to go into?
And that's fresh out of college.
$80,000????
I'm not sure. I don't know what I want to do yet.
Wow.
Yeah, and getting $250,000 isn't unheard of.
I think anything to do with technology can pay very well.
I do, too. And it's all very fascinating. I guess I have a knack for computers, which helps things.
I would like to go into it for the money, but I don't think my mind has the capabilities of processing all the information that is required.
But, just . . . a tendency towards computing skills isn't the same as having hard experience under your belt. If you take Computer Science 142, you'll figure it out very quickly. That is, whether it's something you can do or not. I recommend it, actually. You'll be fluent in C++ afterwards, all things going well.
If my brother couldn't do it, then I don't believe I would be able to do it.
Well, that's just a shame.
We are twins after all. But maybe you can teach me.
If I weren't leaving, I'd definitely tutor you.
I am willing to learn. What about when you come back?
That's all I need. I should be back for fall of 2021. Er, no, wait.
Just have patience with me if I ever seem to ask a question that seems stupid.
Stupid questions? Ha. I find that unlikely.
I have a tendency to zone out sometimes when people talk to me.
Fall of 2020. That's all right. You wouldn't be the first person I'd tutored. And, like . . . I'm not the best, and I know that. But I try.
Then I would have to shamefully say that I wasn't paying attention and if you could repeat yourself.
I swear, you can't possibly do worse than other people. Trust me.
What motivated you to serve a mission?
You know . . . it's funny, actually. The fact that I was scared to go is what motivated me. I've never liked my fears leading me, my fears preventing me, my fears deciding for me. It's something I'm still working on for essay writing. (Bad experiences that'll take forever to explain.) It's part of the reason I joined the Honors program.
That is a very nice way of thinking. You are right to be heading on your fears face to face.
I hope so. I didn't want my fear of going on a mission stop me.
The mission is the best thing a person can do.
So I've heard, so I've heard. You know the kid that has that amazing internship?
I was also scared of serving a mission, but I ultimately went because I didn't want to disappoint my mother.
Really, huh? That was the deciding factor?
Yea what about him?
I don't think he'll be serving a mission.
That was the deciding factor, but I stayed for an entirely different reason.
I'm glad. I hope you learned a lot while out there.
Because of his opportunities?
I'm not sure. I tentatively asked, and he said it was personal, so I dropped it.
I definitely learned a lot in the mission.
(Keep talking. I'll be AFK for about two minutes.)
Well me must be thinking about it. I know some people can feel the pressure to serve, especially if you live in Utah. I met somebody in the mission that did not want to be there at all. He absolutely hated the mission and he didn't like the food, he didn't like teaching people, and he just didn't enjoy the mission at all. I tried to help him and let him know that the mission is a great experience and that I didn't want to go on a mission either, but that I stayed because it is a beautiful experience, but he didn't stay. I am not going to lie. The mission is hard. It's not easy to be a missionary, but it's possible. Obedience is key and having great social skills. Those two go hand in hand. That is what I personally believe because if you have great social skills, then you can get people to like you, and if people like you, then they will listen to you and what you have to say.
I really hope so. I don't know how good of a missionary I'll be.
The thing that surprised me the most about the mission was that some missionaries were disobedient and didn't care about following the rules. That was like a shock to me.
Yes, I've heard about that. Why is that? Why do people go on missions if they don't intend to follow what's expected of them?
I don't really understand why a missionary is serving the first place, if they are not going to serve, but it must be some factors that have led up to their decisions. Some can be because they are discouraged, others can be because their parents forced them Anyways, I have to go unfortunately! I have to get ready for work
That's okay! Thank you so much for talking with me! Good luck with work.
Thank you for talking with me!
And, well, with everything. Hehe, it's been my pleasure!
I really enjoy talking with you!.
Me, too! You're so fun and easy to talk to.
Talking with you has been serendipitious.
That's kinda how my life has always been. I don't make the opportunities; I just take them.
Maybe we can continue to talk tomorrow like around 11 am?
I'd like that.
Okay well I will get on this chat tomorrow at 11 am!
Oh, wait, I may not be here. But even if I'm not, I'll always be around. Especially in the mornings. Odds are, we'll see each other again. :)
What's your score? 2 million?
2.6, yeah.
Are you in first place?
I wish. Not quite. I'm competing with someone else.
So you are in second?
I am, I am. And vying for first.
Well if you win that iPad, you know to give it too. You know who to give it too. :)
Thanks. :) Hehehe.
Well see you! Bye!