Written by: Emmanuel T. Gamboa
During the start of the 21st Century, we entered the Digital or the Information Age. Different parts of our lives are now integrated and relying on the usage of different digital solutions in our daily lives. The tasks that were previously done manually can now be executed faster and on a larger scale. From the big computing machinery of the 1900s to our handheld phones now, it’s clear that technology contributes to the development of different aspects of our life. Education, culture, entertainment, communication, economy, governance, business, navigation and even our households are already utilizing the usage of varied computing devices in order to aid in different purposes.
The need for combining education and computing technologies was very apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic. Different establishments shifted to the use of different social media platforms to conduct their business. Using teleconferencing applications such as Zoom, Google Meet, and MS Teams were some of the remedies that served as bridges to students’ homes, connecting them with knowledge without compromising their safety. I was part of the initial batches of learners that were affected by the transition from a physical space to virtual one. Being taught and graduating from high school online, meeting new people virtually, and accessing learning materials through digital mediums were some of the pillars that shaped me throughout my journey to college.
Preparation for An Odyssey
As a person born in the early 2000s, I have witnessed the evolution of different computing devices throughout the years. From phones such as Nokia, Blackberry, Samsung, and Huawei, to the transition from Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) monitors to Light Emitting Diode (LED) displays, and from plug-in WiFi devices to modem-based internet infrastructure, these are some of the technologies I have used. Years of interacting with these computing devices sparked my curiosity about what they are made of and how they continue to innovate for future generations.
With this sense of innovation and futurist concepts introduced to me during my childhood, I was able to easily decide that I wanted to pursue a degree in computer studies. Entering the FEU Institute of Technology served as the launching point of my journey to deepen my knowledge about the world of digital computing.
Launching Spacecraft for Interstellar Journey with the Goal of Surveying the Fundamentals of Computing
With a passion to learn the different areas of computing, I continued preparing myself to pursue the unknown. Since my first year at the FEU Institute of Technology took place during the 2020 pandemic, it was quite a struggle. It was very different from what I had envisioned when I chose FEU Institute of Technology as the educational foundation for my bachelor’s degree. It was a new environment, a new teaching approach, and completely new people with a style of communication that I had not practiced in for over two years.
Due to the effects of the pandemic, we were forced to learn through online platforms as the primary mode of instruction. Much like how space missions require the collaboration of multiple agencies to explore what lies beyond space, progressing through a productive academic journey during the pandemic could not happen without the help of various institutions. Through the combined efforts of the government, the institution, and software providers, it became possible to launch a mission to combat the potential loss of future professionals during the pandemic.
Hurdles Experience throughout Odyssey
In a voyage, there will always be instances where we encounter obstacles along the way.[4] Each obstacle is unique and helps improve our understanding of the essence of computing. Learning the fundamentals of computing is like exiting Earth’s atmosphere. Since Earth’s atmosphere has multiple layers, it represents different levels of learning. From basic coding to the application of software solutions in the industry, each of these layers helped me understand how I can contribute and create innovative solutions for the betterment of society.
Encountering different celestial bodies, each with its own syntax and application, further broadened my knowledge of computing. It introduced me to various possibilities when planning solutions for different problems.[1] Through proper guidance from my professors and collaboration with fellow students, I was able to pass these celestial bodies and learn how to use them to create innovative solutions. After some time in my voyage, I have reached its final stage, and I am ready to share what I have learned, just as Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 shared their discoveries about the different features of the cosmos and our solar system.[3]
Setting Up the Finish Line
Like Voyager 1 and Voyager 2, every mission has an end and a set of objectives to accomplish.[1][2] Entering higher education is only the beginning of that mission. It provides students with a competitive edge in the professional landscape in the Philippines. Throughout this journey, we learn different concepts and skills that prepare us for our chosen professions. By applying the knowledge we gain, we are able to create solutions that address real-world problems in areas such as medicine, governance, and the optimization of everyday tasks.
After years of exploration across the many fields of Computer Science, my journey, together with the journeys of many others, now arrives at a significant milestone: CS Expo 2025 2.0. This event represents the culmination of the academic voyage of over a hundred Computer Science students from the FEU Institute of Technology. CS Expo is a course activity organized by the Computer Science Department and its students with the goal of showcasing their thesis projects. More than an exhibition, it serves as a launch point for the next generation of innovators, inspiring them to imagine and develop future solutions to real-world problems.[5]
Taking place on March 12 and March 18 at the 17th Floor Multi-Purpose Room and Room 1502 on the 15th Floor, the expo will showcase 19 working thesis systems developed to address real-world challenges through computing technology. These projects span a wide range of fields including environmental solutions, computer vision, machine learning, and natural language processing, demonstrating how theoretical knowledge can evolve into practical applications capable of making a meaningful impact.
Carrying the theme “Voyager’s Odyssey – Charting the Echoes of Discovery Beyond the Cosmos,” CS Expo 2025 2.0 celebrates the spirit of exploration that defines the journey of every Computer Science student. Much like the Voyager missions that expanded humanity’s understanding of the universe, this event recognizes the journeys of the students who dedicated years to exploring knowledge and innovation. At the same time, it aims to inspire future generations to continue this voyage by creating new solutions to the challenges we encounter in our daily lives.[5]
These projects span a wide range of fields, including:
- Environmental solutions and sustainability systems
- Computer vision applications
- Machine learning models
Natural language processing technologies
Each group presents a unique approach to addressing real-world challenges. Through these projects, new knowledge and perspectives emerge, we hope that we spark encouraging discussions, collaboration, and the continuous pursuit of better solutions.[5]
What’s Future Ahead of Us
There is a quote that says, “It’s not how you start that’s important, but how you finish.”[6] The computing industry is massive, with countless fields to explore. Every problem has its own discipline and its own method of finding a solution. Computing technology serves as the bridge that different industries translate these solutions into digital form so they can reach and help people. With this in mind, we should be flexible and open to new discoveries as all things have the probability to change.
In many ways, studying Computer Science feels like launching a spacecraft, much like the Voyager spacecrafts. It did not begin its mission as the farthest human-made object in space, rather, it started with a single launch and a clear direction. Over time, through careful engineering and continuous guidance, it traveled farther than anyone expected. Similarly, a journey in Computer Science may start with simple concepts like truth tables and basic code, but with persistence and growth, it can lead to vast and meaningful impact. The mission is not just about the launch, it is about how far you are willing to go.
For the students presenting at CS Expo 2025 2.0, this moment represents both the culmination of our voyage and the beginning of another. Like the Voyager spacecraft continuing their journey into interstellar space, the innovations we’ve developed thus far may travel far beyond the classroom, shaping the technologies and solutions of tomorrow.
Catch a glimpse of what’s coming by watching our official teaser video here:
CS Expo 2025 2.0 Teaser Video
For more information, follow the CS EXPO 2025 2.0 Facebook Page:
CS EXPO 2025 2.0
References
- Science News Explores – “Voyager’s Biggest Discoveries.
- Space.com – “Voyager 1: Facts About Earth’s Farthest Spacecraft.”
- NASA Science – “Voyager Fact Sheet.”
- National Geographic – “Voyager at 40: Humanity’s Farthest Spacecraft.”
- CS Expo 2025 Facebook Page.
- Garry Gray – “It’s Not How You Start That’s Important, But How You Finish.”
