So it's Christmas break, and perhaps time to reflect on the passing of the Fall 2008 semester.
I suppose the most significant development is that I am now halfway done with Mines. Five semesters down… Five to go… I’ve already blogged about the first four semesters, so here is the breakdown of the fifth (which I feel pretty good about):
Multidisciplinary Engineering Lab II, B: Only worth 1.5 credits despite the 3hours in class per week. We looked at flows and strengths. I didn’t really like a few of my lab partners, oh well. MEL 3 is more open ended with longer labs, and should go better than MEL 2. Interestingly enough, MEL 3 meets for the same amount of time as MEL 2 but is only worth 1 credit.
Thermodynamics I, B: I really really disliked the prof. The first day in class I noted and dated my dislike for him. Looking back I did learn more than I thought I would, but still believe he is one of the worst Profs at Mines. Good thing I signed up for his Heat Transfer class.
Information Systems Science, A: We looked at signal processing, MATLAB, and a few transforms (Fourier, Laplace, Z). This class doesn't really apply to my major but I did the work and got an A. This course is 388 and he often referenced 307 in class, so I'll get to see what I missed out in Feedback Controls next semester.
Computer-Aided Engineering, A: Finite element analysis through CosmosWorks (and a bit on MathCad). A very enjoyable class, I felt the workload was pretty appropriate and I learned a lot. I'm unsure how much Machine Design plays off of this knowledge, but we shall see.
Engineering Cultures in the Developing World, A: My 400-level writing intensive English class. Everyone at Mines has to take one (I wish you the best of luck Curtis). Originally, I wasn't doing very well on the papers and received a 55% on the midterm exam which represented 20% of the final grade. After a couple weeks I went into his office with the intent of begging for a C. He clearly laid out what I had to do in the remainder of the class for a B, which seemed reasonable, so I was quite happy. Then I spent roughly 30hours spread over three days writing the final paper and magically got an A. As far as course material goes, we studied the history of engineering education in Colombia, Mexico, and Brazil.
Physics III - Modern Physics, A: I signed up for this class to fill a free elective knowing that it was required for Nuclear Engineers (back when I wasn't sure about what I wanted to study). And looking back I'm pretty happy with what I'm taking away from the class. It baffled many in the class that I would intentionally take Physics as an elective. Specific topics of study can be found: http://inside.mines.edu/Academic/courses/physics/phgn300/
Well, I think that's all the classes I took. Additionally, I continued working as a barista throughout the semester. Over an 8 hour shift tips could range from $5-12 mostly due to the very low work load. Usually I did Physics with 'Phys Girl' which often resulted in awkward hilarity when my MEL team scheduled a meeting or anyone else stopped by my office.
I think that the house I lived in this semester is named 'CasaBlanca' but I'm not totally sure about that. I really enjoyed the house and didn't mind the twice a day walk to school at all. Members of the Casa include:
Curtis: Who I believe is seeking new residence for Fall 2009. He often sought solitude from other members of the house. He probably cleaned more of the house / dishes than any other resident. Additionally, he went home to Longmont a few times per month. I haven't talked to him in months so I know very little about how he feels. I recently was informed that he now wants to get out of school ASAP and find a job. Last year living in the dorms he was all about grad school and taking that to Ph.D. I guess something this semester broke him.
Ian: Generally easy going, performs well in school, paintball aficionado, seriously religions, and stuff... I feel I should write more here because he will likely read this someday. Hum... Ah! He often takes on RockBand difficulties that are above his level... Idk...
Jeff: Looking into studying abroad Fall 2009 in Japan. I still see a younger version of myself acting similarly to this kid. Although, if Ian didn't get anything meaningful, then I won't go further into this.
Jon: I've heard some discouraging news about him staying at Mines. So we shall see how things play out. He's very likeable and pretty decent at the bar-game it would be sad to see him head in a different direction.
Ryan: He already has a well paying job, and as long as no bubbles burst he'll be employed as long as he wants. Does well in school, and is (still) liked by all. I believe he's just going for an EE B.A. which he may get as soon as May 2010.
Me: (see rest of post) for some reason the morning of December 22nd I don't find myself very introspective... Oh well...
Well, none of those were remarkably personal, but frankly I don't know the people I live with terribly well.
Back to the topic of semesters at Mines, here is how I see the next five going:
Spring 2009: This will not be an easy one: Heat Transfer, Machine Design, Intro to Feedback Control Systems, Introduction to Logic, Multidisciplinary Engineering Lab III, and I'm currently enrolled in, but will likely drop, Macroeconomics. This will take care of almost all of my requirements for graduation, although Mines really doesn't want kids graduating early so they add the year long 'Senior Design'.
Fall 2009: Senior Design, Nuclear Physics, along with a few electives possibly working toward a minor, possibly in math. This should be a somewhat relaxing semester (I get through everyday at Mines telling myself this lie.) I find it pretty cool that the class is simply called: Nuclear Physics. "Oh, I'm to go learn NUCLEAR PHYSICS, I'll be back in an hour or so..."
Spring 2010: Senior Design, Reactor Physics (grad level class), Radiation Detection and Measurement (grad level class), perhaps finish up the minor. Followed by the all important... Graduation! The rumors go that Phillip will also graduate Sp2010, and there are probably a few others in my immediate family that will also graduate.
Fall 2010: Grad School: (not all but some of) Nuclear Reactor Laboratory, Materials Science and Engineering of Nuclear Materials, Radioactive Materials Management, Reactor Design, Public Policy and Licensing. And I don't think that I have to take the GRE going from Mines to Mines Grad.
Spring 2011: Grad School: The rest. Followed by the all important... Graduation with Masters! For more info on the program check out: http://www.mines.edu/Nuclear_GS
WTF am I thinking?
The prospects for nuclear engineering in the US aren't amazing, and most of the positions available require a B.S. to be the janitor, and a Ph.D. to be taken seriously. So, more school may be in my future, probably not at Mines.
Break is very relaxing so far, I think I've nursed myself back to health after a semester of frozen dinners and PB&J. It seems X-Mas is upon us, and I'm not feeling much tension from anyone, but I believe most people haven't even thought about it yet. I haven't started shopping yet... oops.
The day after Christmas Phillip, Matthew, Dad, Geri, and I are flying out to Pennsylvania for a wedding, it should be fun. One of my cousins is quite good at GH3, so I'll have a good time. Let’s see... New Years, no plans, perhaps party perhaps not. School starts January 7th, oh yay.
Hum, I've also been working with Ian recently on a SolidWorks modeling project, but I signed a NDA so I can't talk about it (Saying that makes me happy in a very childish way).
I do hope you loyal blog reader(s) will be able to keep up with two posts within a few days of each other. Also, I thank those who have commented. I enjoy the comments / responding to them.
Peace -- Michael
Monday, December 22, 2008
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Quarter Life
I was recently asked something along the lines of:
Are you happy with what you've done in the fraction of your life that's passed?
Being 21... Let’s assume that a quarter of my life is over.
I might argue that the first couple years of my life I wasn't really self aware, so those years might not count equally, and for the last few years of my life I might also be a less cognizant human. While there some problems with that simplification, the exact fraction is really not the relevant point to the question. Although, it seems like aspects of awareness and ability should be incorporated in the answer.
(fyi: Kittens are really cute. There are currently two sleeping in my lap, Yay kittens)
How does one measure one's self?
Well as a logical first step, who am I after twenty one years of life?
What I know?
- I know about / how to interact with most everything that I encounter. A list of specific examples may include: Many computer programs, how to transport myself, the layout of places I've been, every Simpson episode, how to interact with others (i.e. when not to challenge someone to fight (joke (not joke))), how things will be after an event (collisions, social interactions, initial conditions give final), many video games, how to communicate, things that have happened... The list is endless, and is best summed up with the first sentence.
What I can do?
- I can interact with most everything that I encounter, and is fairly similar to the previous question. Specifically: lead others, juggle, live independently, snowboard, build with legos (even without holding the blocks), learn new things quickly, sweep mines, earn a 3.7 at Mines, fight, anything I want, and so can you (Frank)...
How I think?
- I think about helping people. I would like to believe that I'm able to think selflessly. I want everyone's life to be better (although, that should probably go later). I'm not sure but I might think physically (whatever that means). I often see and manipulate things in 3D (like if asked where something is, to envision something, or to predict an interaction). I suppose this Blog is full of examples of how I think; I really do argue both sides of everything with myself.
What others think of me?
- Always a though one... well, I believe others dismiss me due to my inability to speak. Among my house I would guess that I'm thought of old, strong, and relatively smart. However, I haven't really spoken to any of them and am not sure what they really think of me (and I'll likely post what I think of them soon (soon in my Blog terms)).
What's my past?
- Education, learning to do things.
What's my future?
- Graduate, get job, marry, travel, kids, Victorian mansion in the suburbs?
What do I want?
- Well, obviously that future starting with graduation. I want good things for everyone. I believe that I can do net good in the world by becoming a Nuclear Engineer. I believe that many of the problems in the world would be aided by essentially free energy.
Well, that was a long part one... So, if that's who I am after twenty years... then uhh... Perhaps it's time to reread the question... Happy with the fraction of my life that's passed.
Well initially I see three ways to look at this. I could compare my life to the lives of others (imdb 52nd best movie, I liked it), I could look at my life and what I want my life to be, then see if I'm on track, or I could think about everything I could have been.
So, if we're comparing my life to others:
Then I really have no idea. I go to an engineering school and have an ok GPA... but what does that mean, I don't think I'm in any position to compare myself to others.
Comparing the fraction that has passed with that of the future:
If my life is what I listed as my future, then I'm right on track. Graduating with a Masters in Nuclear Engineering is probably not easy, and hopefully provides a good starting point for the rest of life.
Compare with what I could have been:
Well, I could be bigger, better, stronger, faster, smarter. This is very similar to my post +/- 5 years. I could change my life today and be better in five years... or I could just keep going on the path I'm on and get to a similar place.
Well, judging myself in those ways, in the first quarter of my life, I'm doing pretty well. So, what's the rest of my life hold? I think that I'll be in the first quarter of my life for the next two and a half years, not that I plan on living to one hundred, but following these...
1st quarter: Shape your body and mind. Some people know who they are early on, so this stage probably ends sometime between 16 and 22 (23 for me (snap I'm old)).
2nd quarter: Get a job, find yourself, reproduce, and raise decedents. I guess this period would end around 40; perhaps later if your offspring(s) don't leave for awhile.
3rd quarter: How should I know... My plan for the future ends mid 30's... perhaps I should plan for a mid-life crisis.
4th quarter: Death? Again, how should I know... I really don't know any old people...
Looking back through this, I realize that I didn’t say anything about ability and awareness. When I wrote it I was thinking that the importance of life is shaped like a bell curve. The first few years of your life don’t matter, the time spent in middle school doesn’t really matter, admittedly these times help to shape who you are, but I believe they matter little. I also believe that the last few years of life are relatively unimportant. This is another way I think about the quarter of my life that has passed; the important moments in my life are yet to come and I think I’ve prepared myself for them in a satisfactory way.
Hopefully something in this helps you.
Peace – Michael
Are you happy with what you've done in the fraction of your life that's passed?
Being 21... Let’s assume that a quarter of my life is over.
I might argue that the first couple years of my life I wasn't really self aware, so those years might not count equally, and for the last few years of my life I might also be a less cognizant human. While there some problems with that simplification, the exact fraction is really not the relevant point to the question. Although, it seems like aspects of awareness and ability should be incorporated in the answer.
(fyi: Kittens are really cute. There are currently two sleeping in my lap, Yay kittens)
How does one measure one's self?
Well as a logical first step, who am I after twenty one years of life?
What I know?
- I know about / how to interact with most everything that I encounter. A list of specific examples may include: Many computer programs, how to transport myself, the layout of places I've been, every Simpson episode, how to interact with others (i.e. when not to challenge someone to fight (joke (not joke))), how things will be after an event (collisions, social interactions, initial conditions give final), many video games, how to communicate, things that have happened... The list is endless, and is best summed up with the first sentence.
What I can do?
- I can interact with most everything that I encounter, and is fairly similar to the previous question. Specifically: lead others, juggle, live independently, snowboard, build with legos (even without holding the blocks), learn new things quickly, sweep mines, earn a 3.7 at Mines, fight, anything I want, and so can you (Frank)...
How I think?
- I think about helping people. I would like to believe that I'm able to think selflessly. I want everyone's life to be better (although, that should probably go later). I'm not sure but I might think physically (whatever that means). I often see and manipulate things in 3D (like if asked where something is, to envision something, or to predict an interaction). I suppose this Blog is full of examples of how I think; I really do argue both sides of everything with myself.
What others think of me?
- Always a though one... well, I believe others dismiss me due to my inability to speak. Among my house I would guess that I'm thought of old, strong, and relatively smart. However, I haven't really spoken to any of them and am not sure what they really think of me (and I'll likely post what I think of them soon (soon in my Blog terms)).
What's my past?
- Education, learning to do things.
What's my future?
- Graduate, get job, marry, travel, kids, Victorian mansion in the suburbs?
What do I want?
- Well, obviously that future starting with graduation. I want good things for everyone. I believe that I can do net good in the world by becoming a Nuclear Engineer. I believe that many of the problems in the world would be aided by essentially free energy.
Well, that was a long part one... So, if that's who I am after twenty years... then uhh... Perhaps it's time to reread the question... Happy with the fraction of my life that's passed.
Well initially I see three ways to look at this. I could compare my life to the lives of others (imdb 52nd best movie, I liked it), I could look at my life and what I want my life to be, then see if I'm on track, or I could think about everything I could have been.
So, if we're comparing my life to others:
Then I really have no idea. I go to an engineering school and have an ok GPA... but what does that mean, I don't think I'm in any position to compare myself to others.
Comparing the fraction that has passed with that of the future:
If my life is what I listed as my future, then I'm right on track. Graduating with a Masters in Nuclear Engineering is probably not easy, and hopefully provides a good starting point for the rest of life.
Compare with what I could have been:
Well, I could be bigger, better, stronger, faster, smarter. This is very similar to my post +/- 5 years. I could change my life today and be better in five years... or I could just keep going on the path I'm on and get to a similar place.
Well, judging myself in those ways, in the first quarter of my life, I'm doing pretty well. So, what's the rest of my life hold? I think that I'll be in the first quarter of my life for the next two and a half years, not that I plan on living to one hundred, but following these...
1st quarter: Shape your body and mind. Some people know who they are early on, so this stage probably ends sometime between 16 and 22 (23 for me (snap I'm old)).
2nd quarter: Get a job, find yourself, reproduce, and raise decedents. I guess this period would end around 40; perhaps later if your offspring(s) don't leave for awhile.
3rd quarter: How should I know... My plan for the future ends mid 30's... perhaps I should plan for a mid-life crisis.
4th quarter: Death? Again, how should I know... I really don't know any old people...
Looking back through this, I realize that I didn’t say anything about ability and awareness. When I wrote it I was thinking that the importance of life is shaped like a bell curve. The first few years of your life don’t matter, the time spent in middle school doesn’t really matter, admittedly these times help to shape who you are, but I believe they matter little. I also believe that the last few years of life are relatively unimportant. This is another way I think about the quarter of my life that has passed; the important moments in my life are yet to come and I think I’ve prepared myself for them in a satisfactory way.
Hopefully something in this helps you.
Peace – Michael
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