Struggling to Find Motivation for Programming as a First-Year CS Student

Hey, don't feel pressured to constantly be interested in programming. There are so many paths out there—becoming an architect, a musician, or a scientist all have their own rewards. Just remember that programming isn't the only way to contribute to the world; your interests will guide you to where you need to be.

I had a similar concern regarding Chemistry in my CS program, and my professor explained that diving into other subjects can help us in specific CS fields later on, like bioinformatics. When it comes to coding, I suggest working on a personal project that excites you, rather than just assignments. If you like gaming, for example, try building a simple 2D platformer in Unity. It made my programming experience way more enjoyable!

You're definitely not alone in this! A lot of first-year CS students struggle with this kind of pressure. It’s not that you can't code; it can just feel overwhelming when you dive into C, C++, and Java all at once. Try starting really small—like pick one concept a day and just focus on that for 20-30 minutes. Also, working on little projects like a calculator or tic-tac-toe can make learning more practical and fun. Remember, don’t compare yourself to others. Focus on previous exam papers and key topics to give yourself a fighting chance for the exams. Bit by bit, you’ll regain your confidence and focus!

Commitment really is what gives you strength. Just know that it's okay to struggle; many of us have been there. Focus on what keeps you going and push through!

Finding joy in your studies can be tricky. You shouldn't force yourself to stick with something you dislike, but keep in mind that the enjoyment might not come right away. College is more about laying the groundwork than it is about instant gratification. I found motivation by realizing I had no backup plan and that skipping class could lead to worse outcomes. So, try to find a personal connection to what you’re studying—think of it as a stepping stone to your future goals.