Graduating Early

I can't take it anymore; I'm finished.

After three years of college, I have decided to graduate a semester early and move out to California in January. The reasoning is multi-faceted, but ultimately, I've concluded that staying another semester would be a decision I would come to regret more than if I left.

I am majoring in computer science and have always known that I wanted to work in the tech industry. However, in my enthusiasm for comp sci I ended up burning through all the Computer Science requirements in my first two and a half years. All the classes I was forced to take for the rest of my degree were not applicable to my interests and did not provide me with the skills and knowledge that I needed to succeed as an engineer. While before I had no problem sustaining intense workloads with 22 credit hours and an (illegal) array of full-time jobs, I suddenly found myself with a lack of motivation and engagement in my coursework, often feeling like I was wasting my time. The pressure to maintain a high GPA for career purposes, in subjects which had no relevance to that career, was frustrating to say the least. It was taking a noticeable toll on my mental and physical health. I found myself constantly exhausted, and it was becoming increasingly difficult for me to enjoy the college experience.

In contrast, my internships as an engineer were incredibly fulfilling. I felt so much more alive and happier when I was working as a software engineer than when I was in a mandatory writing seminar. I was able to apply my skills and knowledge to real-world problems and make a tangible impact on the world (or at least the very narrow consumer slice my employer served). This experience solidified my understanding that fulfillment for me right now lies in practical application, not liberal arts education.

Additionally, I have a long-distance fiancee and the distance between us had started taking a toll on our relationship. Being away from her for months at a time over the past 3 years has been difficult, and I knew that if I stayed in college for another semester, we would miss out on valuable time together. I did not want to look back on my college years with regret (I'd be lying if I said Five for Fighting didn't play a small role in nudging over the edge).

The decision to graduate early was a difficult one, but I'm confident it will be the right one for me. I felt like I was wasting my golden years away from what I liked to do, where I wanted to be, and who I loved. I'm sure my ambitions to achieve success in AI will lead me back to grad school someday, but for now I am so excited to begin my career in tech and to start this next chapter of my life.