Shodhu Gouli

Professor Scott
ENGL 101-ELB
9/13/14
Essay #1
Computers Link Us
Three years ago if you asked me what I wanted to be; Id say that Id want to be an
environmental scientist, but that has changed. In the past couple of decades weve seen
unprecedented amount of growth in the technology world. One of the reasons that this happened
is because of computers. Every day we think nothing of it when we use computers but they are
vital to everyones lives including mine.
Just like everyone else I used to be a casual user of computers but, in the past few years;
they really have taken a special place in my life, so much so that I chose to major in
programming. I got my first smartphone 2 years ago; it was a Samsung Galaxy S3. At that time, I
didnt realize how significant this would be, the technicality of Android helped me find my real
interest. Then, in my senior year in high school; I took C++. It was the single best decision that
Ive made. It made me realize that Id rather work with computers than as an environmental
scientist.
Its a topic of fascination to me. Its just mind boggling how it even works. We only see
what happens at the user level, but there are layers to the computer and all of them interact to
make it work. There are server warehouses that have tens of thousands of servers; just like the
layers in a computer, all of the servers work together ("Data Centers of Google). The servers are
constantly receiving requests through the internet and sending back appropriate data ("Data
Centers of Google). There are supercomputers that have been benchmarked at 33.8 Pflops/sec
and not to mention quantum computers which not only is computer related but physics related as
well (Tianhe-2).

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Computers have had a huge impact on me. Besides regular use, Ive chosen my future
career based on it. Besides that, its made life much easier. I dont have to go to the library every
time I want a book, I dont need to go to the store when I want to buy something, and it just
makes me more productive overall.
The computer world is an extremely challenging world to learn because of the different
aspects of a computer and there is a wide range of fields to go to. In my case, its programming.
Just like every other field involving computers, its very logic intensive. Its very challenging
and I like that. Its one of those things that define me. The way that everyone does something is
unique to them and this is especially true with computers. Even something as simple as the
layout of someones desktop.
In addition to the challenges of computers, its extremely complex. I think that
complexity is fascinating as well. I like the fact that theres essentially endless information. You
can say that you know everything there is to know but then tomorrow there will be something
new. It could be a different way to write to the hard disk, a new algorithm to do something, a
new hardware componentetc. There is something new every day. Also, I love the fact that in
any computer related field; there is collaboration. Working with other people really helps, it
brings diversity and new ideas.
I interviewed a good friend of mine who is majoring in computer science; I asked him
how technology had influenced him. He said:
"Technology has provided me with a constant stream of information since I was a child. If I can't
find an answer to something from my peers, the first thing I turn to is the internet. The ability to


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share music and other forms of entertainment has also allowed me to pursue a wider variety of
interests (Karlsen).
Then, I asked him why he chose to major in computer science; he said:
I chose to study computer science in college because computers will, undoubtedly, play a large
role in the future of everything from home appliances to astrophysics. The job market for
programmers and security analysts is extremely unsaturated right now, which means it's not
uncommon to see starting salaries of $80k (Karlsen).
Lastly, I asked him what it says about him, and he replied: I think anybody that chooses a field
like computer science, or any other science for that matter, is a forward thinker. They want to
contribute something significant and see their field progress ( Karlsen).

Computers are important to us but I seem to like them more than others. Ive chosen my
career after it and it hold a place in my life. The complexity of the system and the collaboration
required to make something is appealing to me. The logic intensive tasks appeal to me as well
because it defines you how you work compared to others. Overall its intriguing and fascinating
which led me to pursue a career in programming.


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Work Cited
"Data Centers of Google." Data Centers of Google. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Sept. 2014.
Karlsen,Tyler. Telephone interview. 10 Sept. 2014.
"Tianhe-2 (MilkyWay-2) - TH-IVB-FEP Cluster, Intel Xeon E5-2692 12C 2.200GHz, TH
Express-2, Intel Xeon Phi 31S1P." Home. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Sept. 2014.