I'm currently studying computer science at UC Berkeley, but before that, I took other college and college-level CS courses!
Here are some of the courses I've taken and the ones I'll be taking this coming year!
Completed
Santa Monica College, Summer 2023: CS87A Python Programming
This was my first college AND programming class ever! I'd been interested in CS for a while, but I didn't have room for it in my schedule, and my school didn't offer many CS courses. I took it the summer after my freshman year, and although it was challenging, I had so much fun learning! After this course, I kept building fun programs and trying to build my Python skills on my own time. My favorite program I wrote was one that gave me a list of every account that I follow on Instagram that doesn't follow me back lol (#nofakers). This class also inspired me to self-study for the AP CSP exam, which I wrote a Python program for and got a 5 yay!
Leeward Community College, Summer 2024: ICS29 SQL
I actually didn't intend to take this class, but at the last minute, a ton of logistical errors and unfortunate changes happened, so I had to drop the class I wanted to take and enroll in this one instead. Anyway, I'm so happy I took it, since I learned so much about managing, creating, and searching databases through this course. I loved how I could immediately see the real-world importance of knowing SQL, and that it was very easy for me to create really useful personal databases for myself and my family to use to keep track of stuff, like logging all of the books on my bookshelf!
UCLA, Summer 2025: DESMA 1 Code + Art
This is genuinely the BEST CS class I have ever taken (not that I've taken a lot lol). Not only did I learn so much about the creative applications of code, but I got to meet SO many artists and engineers I look up to and recieve feedback and support from them, like Lauren Lee McCarthy (HELLO??? So cool!) This class was offered by UCLA's Design Media Arts Department, which combines CS, Design, and Art, and I had so much fun finding ways to combine my art with my programming, since I had never coded in that way before. I feel like my words aren't giving this class the praise it deserves, since it really helped me figure out what I'm most passionate about when it comes to CS and what I'd like to do in the future. Confession: I'll always be a little sad about choosing Cal over UCLA because I really wanted to take classes and connect with a lot of the profs and even students I met there rip.
APs: AP Comp Sci Principles (5), AP Comp Sci A (5)
These classes were lowkey really straightforward and felt a little too simple / easy for me. Like I mentioned, I self-studied for APCSP, but I took APCSA at my school. It was cool to learn Java after learning Python, since Python has always been my favorite language (I really love how clean it is lol--all the semicolons and brackets pissed me off sometimes). That's not to say I don't enjoy Java, though!
Upcoming Courses
CS 61A – Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs
I'm kinda scared for this class based on horror stories I've read online, but going in already knowing a bit of Python and SQL and having done CSK is reassuring. I also have DeNero as my prof and I've heard he's iconic, so I'm excited to see what all the hype is about lol.
CS 61B – Data Structures
Math 54 – Linear Algebra & Differential Equations
I'm also terrified for this class lol. Although I really love math, I'm very slow at it and it takes me a while to understand concepts, so I don't know how I'll fare in a college-level class. Also, I'm taking it next semester since I didn't want to do the 8am lecture this semester, and I'm afraid I'll have forgotten everything from Calc BC by the time I take it.