Part 1: Set Your Educational Goals
My primary educational goal is to graduate from the Computer Science Online program at CSU Monterey Bay with a strong foundation in full-stack software engineering and human-centered design. I aim to master both front-end and back-end development, with a focus on cross-platform tools like React Native and Flutter, and UX principles rooted in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). I want to become highly proficient in Java, JavaScript, and SQL while gaining fluency in design software like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
A vivid image of this goal is completing my capstone project—a polished mobile application that blends beautiful UI, meaningful functionality, and real-time database integration. I picture presenting this project to peers and potential clients, confident in both my code and my creativity.
Beyond the degree, I want to continue learning through independent development projects, industry certifications, and community engagement. This includes contributing to open-source, publishing my projects (like LaffyHoopz), and staying current with trends in AI, AR/VR, and ethical software design.
Part 2: Set Your Career Goals
My career goal is to become a freelance software engineer and independent app creator who blends technical skill with artistic insight. I envision designing and building applications that not only work well but resonate with users—apps that are visually appealing, accessible, and socially impactful.
Eventually, I want to build a portfolio of user-centered digital products that are entirely my own—from the codebase to the brand identity. I see myself managing multiple roles: developer, designer, product manager, and even digital marketer. I plan to leverage tools like Firebase, WordPress, Illustrator, and React Native to develop and deploy scalable apps for a wide range of clients or user bases.
The ultimate goal is independence: the freedom to create meaningful work that I care about, while sustaining a flexible and self-directed career.
Part 3: Take a Wild Guess of Your Percentile on the ETS Computer Science Test
After reviewing the ETS Computer Science test materials and sample questions, I estimate that I would place around the 75th percentile if I were to take the test in 18 months. I feel confident in my understanding of object-oriented programming, data structures, and internet technologies—all areas emphasized in my coursework.
However, I still have room to grow in subjects like advanced algorithms, operating systems, and theoretical computer science. I plan to close that gap by fully engaging in the core CS courses like CST 311 (Computer Networking), CST 363 (Databases), and CST 438 (Software Engineering). I also plan to work on real-world projects in parallel, which I believe will reinforce my understanding and raise my percentile even higher by graduation.
Part 4: Keep Up With Your Learning Journal
This week’s readings and activities have deepened my understanding of Human-Computer Interaction and its essential role in modern software engineering. I learned that successful digital products are not just about solving technical problems but solving them for people in ways that are intuitive, inclusive, and engaging.
By examining frameworks like React Native, Flutter, and WordPress, I’ve also gained appreciation for how the right tools can simplify development without sacrificing quality. I now see HCI not as a niche skill but as a core competency for any developer in today’s industry.
This module has encouraged me to think critically about user empathy, feedback loops, and system design, and how these elements intersect with coding. It has also reinforced the importance of my design courses (like CST 328 – Digital Arts and Design) in bridging the gap between creativity and engineering.
Most importantly, I’ve come away more motivated than ever to create software that connects with people—not just functionally, but emotionally and experientially.
Hey Willis, I really enjoyed reading your learning journal this week. One thing that stood out to me in your educational goals was your vision for the capstone project — the idea of building a mobile app that combines beautiful UI with real-time database integration sounds both challenging and exciting. It’s clear you’re not just focused on functionality, but also on the user experience and creativity behind it, which I really admire.
In your career section, I loved how you described wanting to build all types of apps that blend artistry with usability. The fact that you’re aiming to wear multiple hats—developer, designer, product manager—shows just how self-driven and well-rounded you’re working to become. That kind of independence and creative control is inspiring. Can’t wait to see what you create in the future!