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VOOZH | about |
Choosing the right engineering branch after my 12th grade was a challenging decision. Some branches were trending, others promised high returns, while some were core engineering fields. After extensive research—watching YouTube videos, reading online articles, and seeking advice from my seniors—I decided to pursue Computer Science and Engineering (CSE). However, just days before admission, I discovered the specialization of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Though AI falls under CSE, it is an ever-expanding field, and the future seems to be AI-driven. That realization led me to choose CSE with AI as my specialization.
When I got my first laptop, I was a complete beginner in coding. I had no idea where to start. Seeking guidance from my seniors, they advised me to begin with a single programming language, and they recommended Python. They emphasized that Python is relatively easy to learn and highly efficient compared to other languages. So, before my college journey officially began, I took the initiative to start learning Python through YouTube tutorials.
Initially, I was just writing simple functions, using variables, loops, and conditional statements without understanding the bigger picture. I had no clue about the purpose of coding beyond just writing syntax. Then, as my college journey started, I found myself in a completely new atmosphere. Unfortunately, I lost my consistency in coding. My daily 100 km commute drained me, and in my first semester, I mainly focused on theoretical subjects like Mathematics. Even though Python was part of my curriculum, I neglected it. My sessional tests reflected this neglect—I scored well in other subjects but performed poorly in Python.
On the night before my Python end-term exam, I decided to practice loops and pattern printing. By sheer luck, the next day's exam had questions on pattern printing, and I managed to pass.
With the start of my second semester, I still hadn’t prioritized coding. This time, C++ was part of my coursework, but I continued to ignore programming for the first few weeks. Eventually, a realization struck—I needed to take coding seriously. I began practicing C++, performed well in my exams, yet I still didn’t fully understand the real-world applications of coding.
It was in my third semester that everything changed. Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA) was introduced as a subject, and that’s when I truly grasped the power of coding. I learned how programming could solve real-world problems, optimize processes, and enhance efficiency. I also discovered online coding platforms, but initially, I struggled to solve even the simplest problems. However, I didn’t give up.
I started learning DSA from YouTube and slowly gained confidence. I practiced rigorously on coding platforms, and gradually, I was able to solve problems that once seemed impossible. AI-assisted coding also played a role in my learning process—I didn’t just copy solutions but analyzed the approaches AI used, which further strengthened my understanding.
Now, after consistent effort, I have solved over 300 problems on GeeksforGeeks in just 50 days and more than 200 problems on LeetCode in 40 days. My journey has transformed my perspective on coding. Today, I don’t just write code—I understand its purpose, its problem-solving potential, and how it can be leveraged to make an impact.
From being a complete beginner to a confident problem solver, my journey in coding has been full of struggles, realizations, and triumphs. And this is just the beginning.