Making things is incredibly important, especially for groups that previously haven’t had access.
Debbie Chachra, “Why I Am Not a Maker,” The Atlantic, January 23, 2015.
Why did the passage grab my attention?
While I believe “making” things is very important to society because of the possibility of creating technology that could make life easier, cures that could help the sick, and more, I have to agree with the point of the article. Making things is important, but it doesn’t make you better.
Nowadays, when I scroll through social media, I numerously come across people promoting their “creations.” Don’t get me wrong, some of these creations are mind-blowing, but then there are some that aren’t. I’m not trying to seem discouraging or rude, but sometimes it sort of feels like people are desperately trying to create things for the sole purpose of attaining “higher status.” It’s like everyone just wants to be “known” for making something as if that will somehow separate them from everyone else.
Sure, there are benefits to being deemed a “creator” or “maker” by society. The main benefit is money, but just because you make more money doesn’t mean you’re better. There are many people who simply enjoy working and going home to their families, even if their job doesn’t entail working at some high-tech, state-of-the-art, 60-level office overlooking New York and making software. To deem yourself as “better” for being a maker makes little sense to me.
What elements did the passage kindle?
The passage got me thinking about my past and current hopes for a career. Before taking my Intro to CS class during the fall term, my end-all goal was to return to Houston and become a teacher. While I still very much want to become a teacher, my timeline has shifted. I previously wanted to get my bachelor’s in mathematics and teach math to high school students. But now that I have experienced the genuine pleasure (despite the headaches) that arise from coding, I want to work in a CS-related field, then later down the road become a teacher. However, even though I now want to pursue a career in CS, I don’t think I am better than those who choose differently. I didn’t come into college with the mindset of “I am going to become a CS major because that will make me better”, I just genuinely enjoyed CS.
What am I eager to pursue this term?
Honestly, I want to take away as much information as I can from this class. I am still not sure exactly what aspect of CS I want to pursue as a career, so learning how to use new tools like Fusion360 could come in handy in the future.
