That is a very good point. I am sure that if all I had done was read about programming and see people scribble on a blackboard about it, I would quit and go be

That is a very good point. I am sure that if all I had done was read about programming and see people scribble on a blackboard about it, I would quit and go be a jazz musician. I know I liked the computer as a teen because unlike chemistry, biology, or physics, I could do really cool stuff without putting together a lab. That's an AMAZING advantage of the computer. The chemistry student I know has been involved in her university's chemistry research labs since freshman year. Mechanical engineer students here frequently do projects, there is a ME lab for them to mess around with. Biology students have some opportunity (unsure how much) to participate in the university's activities. But, maybe this University is more hands-on than other places.