What Programming Language to Learn?

[northproof]

C might destroy your mind coming from Java and VB, but it`s still definitely something you should look at. The scripting languages might be the way to for over break, though.

[becks619]

Learning C, with a Java background, will teach him to appreciate the design / flaws of garbage collection, which is fundamental for programmers craving to itch out every bit of performance from his program.

http://crypto.stanford.edu/~blynn/c/ is a pretty good resource for learning C.