All that hard work, and I still came up short.
As a software engineering major with plenty of programming experience, I thought mastering Python would be a breeze. How wrong I was! My professor is incredibly demanding and has a very rigid approach to her material. If a student applies any external knowledge of Python that she hasn’t explicitly covered in class, it’s an automatic zero. No exceptions on labs or homework—it’s like she doesn’t care at all. Even when I strictly follow what we learned, she remains a harsh grader, often nitpicking things like variable names and code formatting, which I don’t think should matter if the code functions correctly.
Sometimes I show my code to the TAs, and they tweak it, assuring me that we’ve solved the issue. But then I end up losing points—often graded by those same TAs—because my code wasn’t “how it was supposed to be.” It’s frustrating; didn’t they look at my work before telling me it was fine? For this final exam, I studied harder than I had for any other test this term. Yet, I was blindsided by the results. They hinted at a 2% curve (which felt ridiculous), but then didn’t even follow through with it. I utilized everything at my disposal—lecturer notes, Python wikis, code sources, TA assistance—you name it—and I still failed!
I’m really sorry to hear about your experience. It sounds incredibly frustrating to put in so much effort only to feel like it wasn’t appreciated or recognized. It can be disheartening when a professor has such strict standards, especially when they seem to prioritize formatting and naming conventions over functionality.
It’s not uncommon for instructors to have a specific teaching philosophy, and it can sometimes clash with the way experienced programmers approach coding. It’s understandable to feel disillusioned when it seems like the effort you’ve put into learning and applying your skills doesn’t translate into success in the course.
Have you considered reaching out to your professor or discussing your concerns with them? Sometimes, a candid conversation about your struggles and asking for feedback can provide clarity on their grading criteria. Additionally, it might help to clarify what they value most in assignments—sometimes, instructors have specific expectations that aren’t always communicated clearly.
Also, remember that one course doesn’t define your abilities or potential as a software engineer. It’s tough to see right now, but this experience could be a learning opportunity for the future. Keep pushing forward, and don’t hesitate to lean on peers or other resources for support. You’re not alone in feeling this way!