Meet Shih-Chen Tseng:
A CS Student Passionate about Computer Science and Programming
Shih-Chen Tseng, a student from the Computer Science department, has gained attention from college students after appearing on the popular YouTube show "Dcard Investigation Bureau." In the episode, she humorously recounted her experiences in a Mandarin speech contest, captivating a large online audience with her distinctive humor and deadpan delivery. This entertaining narrative marked her entrance into the public eye. However, beyond her television debut, Tseng remains a dedicated and passionate student committed to computer science and programming.
From Involvement in CS Clubs to a Passion for Programming
Reflecting on her interest in computer science and programming, Tseng smiled as she shared, "My passion for computer science comes from my dad. He’s a computer teacher who introduced me to some basic concepts, although nothing too advanced. In middle school, I was primarily focused on my studies, but in high school, I joined a programming club." At Hsinchu Girls' High School, she became an active member of the programming club, where she developed fundamental programming skills that laid a strong foundation for her later participation in the APCS exam. She noted that this experience gradually ignited her love for programming and significantly influenced her decision to major in Computer Science in college.
Tseng highlighted her involvement in the "Sprout" program, jointly organized by National Chiao Tung University and National Tsing Hua University during high school. This program focused on programming syntax and algorithms, providing her with valuable hands-on experience and deepening her understanding of programming logic. "In my first year in high school, I learned the fundamentals of C++. In my second year, I took an advanced course in algorithms. This knowledge has been incredibly beneficial in my subsequent studies," she noted. She emphasized that much of her foundational knowledge in computer science originated from this program. National Taiwan University also offers similar courses, where many talented students have honed their skills. She encourages anyone interested in enhancing their programming abilities to learn and explore new knowledge together.
Engaging in Diverse Activities at University
Upon joining the Computer Science Department at National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, Tseng effectively balanced academics and extracurricular pursuits. She dedicated herself not only to her coursework but also to engaging in extracurricular events. Together with her classmates, she organized camping trips, which helped strengthen their connections through collaborative planning. Drawing on experiences shared by senior students, she developed a deep appreciation for the strong relationships between juniors and seniors within the department. Tseng believes that the many traditions in the Computer Science Department foster shared memories, contributing not only to academic success but also to a unique sense of identity among its members.
Tseng actively participated in the Mei-Zhu Hackathon, a collaborative event between National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University and National Tsing Hua University, in addition to her involvement in departmental activities. As a member of the development team, she was responsible for creating the registration website for the hackathon, drawing on the technical skills she gained in the Computer Science Department. This opportunity not only expanded her professional connections but also allowed her to apply her knowledge to successfully complete the project, significantly enhancing her skills through practical experience. Moreover, she refined her collaborative abilities, recognizing their importance for her future career.
Balancing Academics and Activities: Navigating the Challenge of Diverse Growth
Tseng is involved in programming competitions and various extracurricular activities. She mentioned that balancing academics with these commitments can be challenging in university life. She also noted that coursework in the Computer Science Department, especially core subjects like linear algebra, can be demanding, requiring substantial time to understand and practice to master. Last semester, she excelled in linear algebra and received a scholarship from the department for ranking in the top 5% of students. Tseng views this recognition not only as validation of her hard work but also as motivation to continue striving for improvement.
She stated that although the academic workload is considerable, she has gradually found a learning rhythm that works for her through effective time management and her commitment to each activity. " While learning in the classroom is important, participating in activities allows me to gain many skills beyond textbooks, such as communication, teamwork, and organizational planning. These are invaluable experiences in university life." She admitted that balancing academics and extracurriculars is not easy, but the interplay between the two has made her university experience more meaningful.
Challenges and Growth in Programming Contests
Tseng has a clear vision for her future. She aims to participate in more programming competitions, including the international ICPC contest, to further develop her skills in implementation and teamwork. She notes that the primary distinction between college and high school is that programming competitions are typically team-based, requiring collaborative discussion and problem-solving, which she finds highly engaging. "I’m fortunate to have connected with a group of like-minded friends at university, and I plan to continue honing my skills and participating in more competitions like these." Tseng’s journey highlights her ability to balance humor with professionalism. From speech contests to programming competitions, she has not only showcased her wit in public settings but also achieved impressive results in her academic and extracurricular pursuits through her strong skills. Her diverse experiences and persistent efforts reveal the tremendous potential of this young computer science student, who skillfully navigates both her studies and activities, crafting a well-rounded identity as a future computer science professional.