Hello Codeforces community,

Three years ago, I posted this blog. It's been a long time since then, and I'm glad to see some of the newer replies sharing what Competitive Programming (CP) has meant for them.

I'm now in my third year of university, focusing mostly on software engineering and contributing to some open-source projects that I find interesting.

Reflecting back, my feelings about CP are now solidified; it was an incredible detour in my life. The sad, happy, fun, and stressful moments all add up to the rich experience of Competitive Programming.

I've increasingly realized how a strong foundation in Competitive Programming has greatly enhanced my problem-solving skills. For those wondering if CP is fun, I'd say it's both yes and no. Like all things in life, the experience was full of ups and downs.

You'll have fun experiences, stressful ones, and perhaps even some unpleasant encounters. However, you'll also meet some incredible, dedicated people. So, if you have the chance to pursue it (especially if you're still in high school or younger), it's a truly remarkable opportunity to explore.

Perhaps, somewhere along the way, you'll discover something that captivates you even more than CP, and that's perfectly fine. When you find it, go ahead and dive into that new passion. Later on, you'll look back on the days you spent doing CP as "the good old days" :)

Best regards :)

Some memories over the years: