51 years ago, my father, an ambitious software engineer, was born. From this day on, he continues to work hard and develop new algorithms for software. Countless days go on rapidly, with new technology enhancing our world to perfection. When I asked my father about when and why he became interested in software engineering, he began, “When I was a college graduate, I grew interested in software engineering because it was simple for me. After participating in a few hardware projects, I noticed that it was not easy, considering the use of physics. For me, I was good at math overall, but not in physics. And that’s why I picked software over hardware.” He described his job as “complex” and “interesting” and believes that software engineering is just a small step of changing our world’s insight on technology. “Throughout my 22 years of working on software engineering outside of college, I am proud of developing several new algorithms.” He said. My father chatted on, saying how he would have picked material science if he was not able to learn about software engineering during his college years. From my own experience, I used to marvel through video games to find how they were made. When I was little, I played with my nintendo switch and had to keep on inserting the game cards. Now that I think of it, the game cards could be hardware that has loads of software. As a PHD in Electrical Engineering, my dad also took time after college to work as a TA (Teacher Assistant) at Syracuse State University and UIUC. My dad said, “I think being able to learn about software engineering is a great privilege to everyone.” He also described software engineering as a fulfilling job. My dad left me thinking about why software engineering is so important and why I should pursue a career as a software engineer. Now come to think of it, I think that software is important because software engineering involves implementing secure coding practices and incorporating security measures to protect sensitive data. Software engineering creates technological innovation. It enables the creation of new applications, tools, and systems that improve our lives, enhance productivity, and solve complex problems.
Deep Observation, by Aedan
I walked down stairs to see my dad pacing in the kitchen while on a phone call with the vet. His eyebrows were furrowed as he talked about rabies. Finally, when he got off the phone, he said that nothing serious had happened, we just needed to bring our dog to the vet to get her shots. I felt a wave or relief run though my body as the thought of our dog being sick left my mind. Just a couple minutes after, Assia walks through the door holding two bags of groceries and a cardboard box. She sets the box on the table, and we put away the groceries. When the groceries are where they are meant to be, I enthusiastically ask her what the box is. I saw a smile grow on her face as she says “I got this as a surprise for you and your sisters, it’s a shaved ice machine!” All I could think to say was “thank you! I’m so excited to use this tonight!” While I ate the mango that my father cut up for me, I noticed that outside, the wind was starting to pick up and in a short amount of time it started to pour, and thunder. Even though this storm caused my dad to not be able to go golfing, I loved it because the smell that rain causes when its falling, is unlike any other, and I adore it. Finally, dinner time arrives and we all gather around our dining table to eat the delicious crepes that Assia had prepared for us with so much love. My older sister told us about her day, and what happened at work. The night finished with my whole family playing a game of Machiavelli, and spending irreplaceable time together.
Memory as Character, by Aedan
At a very young age, my life changed. When I was 3, I moved to Florence, Italy because my parents wanted me to be bilingual, and that wasn’t the only benefit I gained from living in Italy. For 6 years I thrived there. I made friends, I loved my school and my house, I learned a new language, and most of all, I loved the environment. But when I turned nine, the only life I knew disappeared. My teachers told me, “We are going to have a one-week break because there’s a little virus spreading.” The virus was anything but little. We decided to go to New York for that one week but my father didn’t come, and just that simple decision had led me to not get to see my dad for 2 years. A figure that had been present my entire life, was gone. I was stuck in New York from the beginning of age nine to the end of age ten. Within that time period my parents decided to break the news to me and my sister that they were getting a divorce. I remember my mom calling my dad over zoom and telling us that no matter what, it was all going to be ok. Tears stung my eyes, and all I could think was, it’s NOT going to be ok! At age 10 and 11 I started to go to school in New York. I felt like I didn’t belong. Relationships had already been made, and everyone was a part of a group but me. Each person was wearing a mask and we were all separated into little pods, so I was only allowed to socialize with 8 people. I felt so alone. Finally, one day, I met this girl at a park. We immediately clicked and I felt like I could talk to her about anything. She was there for me when I needed her and I was there for her when she needed me. We started to spend more time together, and soon became inseparable. At 12 years old, I am still best friends with her and I have never felt more connected and comfortable with someone. I feel less like I’m some kind of stranger at school, and more like I belong. There are still some concepts that I find hard to accept, but, deep down, I know that there’s nothing I can do to change the fact that they are real and eventually I will have to find peace with them.
