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According to Steven Levy a “True Hacker” is someone who could create beauty with what they were given. This included making something out of the ordinary or make something work with limited supplies. The hacker was to be judged only on what was created not the creator. Some examples of the qualities of a “True Hacker” were to always have this drive to want to create or make something better. For many of the people that were described this drive wouldn’t stop for sleep, food, grades, etc. but be consistent and allowed one to work through anything.

Starting with my first understanding of a hacker, this is very different. I remember when I used to think a hacker as a bad thing or someone committing a crime when I was younger. That has definitely changed with taking computer science courses and learning what hacking is and how it can create change. Even now with the understanding of what I have for a hacker sometime I revert back to the hoodie person in a basement. Although that may be the case for some people that’s not necessarily the case for everyone.

I wouldn’t want to be this ‘hacker’ that I visualize so I try to find the qualities that I don’t have in this person. The portrayal of a “True Hacker” throughout these pages is also someone that I would really not want to be like. Hacking has to be the center of attention in order to be a “True Hacker” and this can become a problem when there are people around you who care about your wellbeing. I felt like I fell into this role for a while when I would spend hours and hours doing assignments and not give up no matter how late it was. As the semesters went on I realized the importance of relationships with people and the years that I had at Notre Dame. I began falling out of this ‘hacker’ role and working a certain hour on assignments, going to bed at a decent hour, having great conversations with people, and enjoying the place that I was in. In the cse community it felt like you kind of had to be all in for while a to fit in which I’m glad I stopped caring about after one semester of ‘trying’ to fit in. I didn’t like the energy drinks that led to all nighters which then led to emptiness in conversations with people during the day.

I know that this “True Hacker” lifestyle may be for some people, but I recognize that it is not for me. I don’t find it inspirational or repulsive. I see the “True Hacker” as someone who can go days without having deep and meaningful in person conversations or interactions. These interactions and conversations are what bring me joy because you never know what you’ll encounter. I know there are great “True Hackers” out there in the world who have done marvelous things and I’ll just listen and read about them instead of joining them.