Imma be rambling, so sorry.
I was about to walk away when I thought to myself "fuck that, I came all the way out here, she's going to listen to what I have to say." I went ahead and gave quick elevator pitch on why I was perfect for PlayStation, even though they didn't have a position available for me, thanked the recruiter for her time, and left the building.
Great example for everyone. There are many things in this world that we want that we necessarily cannot get due to whatever reasons there may be. If you want something, go get it. In life, sometimes you only have one shot to do something and if that opportunity arises, you must do everything in your power towards that goal. Whether it is to maintain positive confidence, determination, passion, or a willingness to strive beyond limits, you must show it if you want to obtain the opportunity and reap the benefits. Opportunities are not rare, but finding that "perfect" opportunity takes work. Sometimes you fail, but dont let that discourage you because at least you tried and you learned something.
I'm currently a freshman in college studying computer science. However, I don't feel like I'm learning much right now, and a lot of my time is being taken up by other distributional req. classes that I don't enjoy.
To this guy, college gets better (in my experience at least). Freshman year, many people aren't at that fully mature state and people must still adapt to college life. My freshman year of college was not ideal either. Sure, there were parties, events, etc., but I was bored and sick to my stomach because college life was something new to me and there must be something more that college offers other than parties and learning for the sake of getting a job. I haven't graduated yet, but I feel like I am well on my way in getting the full experience out of college. I am currently a junior towards obtaining a B.S. degree in Biological Science with a Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation concentration and also a minor in Astronomy. Junior year tho, many people starts maturing, people evolve and you will also see that you changed as a person overtime. I matured as a Junior and saw that I must put in extra effort towards my goal. I couldnt only get high grades because high grades dont mean anything if you dont show any sort of experience through work experience or communication. I branched out, applied and obtained scholarships/grants. Most importantly, my professor saw potential in me and gave me the opportunity to work with her in a research project. This was only possible because I showcased my experience, passion, determination, and my potential skill. Currently, I am working with her and grad students and also working on my own little project towards a bigger biological project in the summer . Getting paid $5000 by the school in the summer to do research is an extra incentive as well with the experience =D (K, no more flaunting). But getting to know your professors are one of the keys to success.
I do not want to discourage you, but maybe you dont have a passion for CPU science. You may only be doing it because you have the potential to be good at it, good job availability, and pays good money. I had that initial mindset, too. I initially wanted to enter medical school by taking pre-med courses, but overtime I saw that I was doing it only for the prestige and income. I was sacrificing my own happiness in trying to drown myself in something I did not really like. I did love neurology, but that is only a small portion of what I like in anatomy and physiology. I found greater passion for Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation, as well as Astrobiology (Astronomy minor =D) because I liked to understand how life works and why life works a certain way. Like Phil said, it is all about having a passion for something. Doesn't matter how much money you make, it is about your happiness. If you do something your passionate about, you can strive for greater things. You just have to give it your all.
