I agree with Hope. During my first couple of semesters of college, the first programming language that we were taught was Visual Basic (no way to get out of it). It helps give you a basic idea of how to program and setup GUIs in no time at all.
After VB, it was a semester of C++ and Java, which was really hard because learning two different languages at the same time. At that time I wasnt keen on Java at all, I heard bad stuff about it. Another semester of just C++, and then a semester of just Java, which then completely changed my outlook on the language.
I personally suggest you learn C++ first. Then go into Java. Reason being, Java is a completely Object Oriented programming language, so things may be a little more confusing for you starting out. With C++, you dont have to worry about thinking completely in objects.
If you have any Java related questions though, Im more then willing to help you out
