Blog 7

Wow I never imagined a video blog would involve so much work.  I definitely think it is much easier to get your thought across in words.

Here is my video.  I hope you like it :)

Blog #6

It was interesting to change the way you discussed and talked with someone.  I usually consider myself a pretty good listener, but it was interesting to focus on my listening skills in everyday conversation.  I try to pay attention in classes, but it was foreign to me to practice this skill when talking to my friend.
As teenagers we are assumed to not ever really listen or pay attention.  Our parents like to emphasize this point, but actually individuals of all ages need to further develop this skill.


The listening tools I used included asking about their past.  I tried to see how the different memories in their life shaped how they are today.  It's really interesting to hear how someone's past experiences form their personality, likes, and fears.  It really shows how different everyone is because all their life experiences are so unique, and our ability to remember certain times is really unique.  I also found it interesting to ask their opinions on certain issues and seeing how we agreed and disagreed.  To open one's mind to other opinions is a difficult but a one of a kind experience.  To truly try to feel what it would be like to be in the other individual's shoes is impossible but certainly is revealing if you try.  I'm not used to mirroring individuals in conversation.  I usually just point out their feelings or actions, so actually confirming their feelings and actions was odd to me.  When confirming their feelings it really ensured that we were on the same page and confirmed to them that I was paying attention and truly understood them.  When we didn't agree and I misinterpreted their feelings, this was a good time to clarify and make different observations.  As for guessing at a problem, I usually do that when trying to understand how they are feeling when they are having difficulty or do not want to articulate the issue they are having. 

I learned that you can pick up more subtle hints when being an active listener.  It is also easier to understand where the individual is coming from when you don't just agree but instead question their thought.  I find that sometime people just converse with others to vent to the other individual and just find themselves nodding in agreement as the other shares their stories.  In my opinion, it is better for both parties when each individual is an active speaker and listener.  I learned how by asking about why the person did or thought a certain way.  This allows you as well as them to contemplate their actions which leads to really interesting thought and discussion.  You really can get to know a person more if you take the time to pay attention to how they answer questions and tell stories.  It makes your conversation more personable and meaningful when you develop your listening skills.  I certainly didn't think this would change my outlook on conversations, but it definitely changed how i approach the opportunity to listen to others.

I believe that I did a good job of asking questions.  I really wanted to know why they thought/did certain things.  I also adjusted and made the conversation more unique by leading on to different tangents of thought.
I definitely could have done a better job paraphrasing and mirroring.  I tend to just ask why.  I should instead pay more attention to their actions and emotional response.  I find that I don't usually confirm the other individuals’ thoughts I instead like to ask questions.  This might make me appear less supportive and accepting and maybe more skeptical.  Overall, this was a very interesting exercise and challenged me to listen more intensely and I hope to continue!

Blog #5

So when thinking about an engineered object that is used in many unique ways, I began to think about what everyone recommended to bring to college.  Surely college students find really unique uses for objects.  One item that stuck out on that list was duct tape.  I didn't really think that people used it too much, but I've been told when you have a problem duct tape can usually fix it.  Its original use is to adhere objects together particularly when exposure to the elements is a concern, according to Wikipedia.  It has lots of unique uses today.  For example there is a scholarship for individuals who make their prom dress and tux out of duct tape.

Duct tape is just a soft flexible tape made to be waterproof.  Here it is used by layering different colors of tape to make a dress or tux durable enough to be worn.  You basically stick tape to mold to the form of your body or clothing form that you want.  Seeing this application makes me think of how uncomfortably stiff that would be.  I think if you wanted to improve duct tape for this function, you would have to make the duct tape a bit more breathable, flexible, and soft.  When wearing a prom dress or tux you would want your outfit to be able to breath so that you don't get too hot.  For this reason it would be essential for the duct tape to allow air to flow.  I would also think having a softer feel would make the duct tape tux and dress much more comfortable as well.  I would maybe add a soft texture to the surface of the duct tape, but you could only apply this to the outer layer.  The duct tape would have to be supple and have lots of fun colors and patterns to be better engineered for this use.

Duct tape is also used to make wallets.

This is another unique use for duct tape very different from its original purpose.  I've seen quite a few people with these and know it does take a while to make.  You have to layer tons of duct tape to make it sturdy.  Knowing this, I would improve the duct tape to be thicker and tougher in order to endure the wear and tear of a wallet. Wallets have to withstand being opened and closed a lot as well as sat on and flattened.  This means that the duct tape has to be much sturdier for this application. I would also make the design and color to appear as though the wallet were made of leather or a very unique material or pattern.

As you can see these aren't the usual uses for duct tape, but it certainly can be engineered to improve the quality of these products.

Blog #4

Two little letters.  Ask any individual between the age of 13-30 what fb is and chances are they could tell you.  According to Wikipedia there are 500 million active users as of July 2010.  That's 1 out of every 14 people in the world! 

My claim is that students with Facebook spend less time studying.  I am in a bit of denial that I spend that much time on Facebook, but the reality is that I check it every time I am near my computer.  I thought of this as a problem topic for my blog since I did check it before writing, and I might check my Facebook again before I leave for class.  I see this as a problem because I am slightly embarrassed about the amount of time I spend on Facebook, and I do use it as an excuse to postpone studying for a little.  I like to say that the time I spend is my relaxing way to relieve stress after classes and homework, but in reality I am just procrastinating.

I did learn a little bit more about the founding of Facebook in the searching I did and that was interesting.  So if you're trying to procrastinate and have finished checking your Facebook, I'd recommend looking it up. 

Blog 3-option 1

Freewriting:

What it is like to be an engineer at U of I.  It is difficult to write without pressing the backspace button since my pinky automatically moves there without me really thinking about it.  It is actually more difficult to stop myself from hitting backspace. 

Anyways, as an engineer I find that the class load is very intense and overwhelming at times.  I mean I was busy in high school, but now it's an extra level I could nveer expect.  I remember as a senior wishing i went the extra mile as a freshman for gpa and organizations, etc.  So that is what keeps me motivated now.  I want to have the grades as well as social experience, but as they say you can have A's, a social life, or sleep and you can only pick two.  This is a slightly upsetting thought because wouldn't we all like to have it all?  I really need to develop a balance without going to crazy.  I think the key is making the right connections and trying to enjoy your classes.  Isn't the point of college to find out what you wanna do and expand your knowledge on that?  I hope to do well.  I would prove so much to myself as well as my family that I really am capable.  I know I can do so much, but college is definitely an adjustment as I have found out.  I'm still having so much trouble with fixing my mistakes as I type them. 

I have definitely enjoyed the first month of college.  The first weeks were awesome because there wasn't much homework and you could go spend time with friends and making friends as well.  These past few weeks have been much more difficult in the sense that classes are much more intense and at times it feels like I am just getting by.  The one thing that is unfortunate is that when my roommates want to go out they can just enjoy there weekend, but I find studying a better use of my time.  I would really enjoy the experience of bonding with them and seeing other parts of campus, but i feel it is better to just stay in and study.

Directed Writing:

The typical definiton of college.  Most people either see college as a time to study or a time to enjoy being young.  Of course there is a good combination of the two.

With the first, there is a vision of a college student locked in there room at all hours of the day glued to their books only leaving for food and to go to class.  They continue to study reguardless of the many opportunities outside their door that others are taking advantage of.  Are they missing anything?  Do they have a good college experience?  Well yes and no.  They will certainly have their hard work pay off, but is it at a price? 

On the extreme other side there is a student that is never in their room.  Their bed remains empty because they are at one social gathering after the next only stopping back at their dorm to change clothes once and a while.  They rarely go to class, but definitely enjoy every minute not strapped to a desk.  Their giant lecture halls do not notice their absence, however classes aren't as full as they were on the first day of class.  These students live for parties and being out with friends.  They will definitely take advantage of the fact that so many kids their age are in the same area as them and try to meet as many as they can.  They have so much fun and cannot believe that people say college is difficult.  They don't have a teacher telling them to go to class and really enjoy this freedom.

So what is a good balance?  Well it varies.  That isn't very specific, but it is so true.  How can one really know what is best?  Past high school performance is a pretty good indication, but then again some people love being away from home and change their prefernces. 

On a side note:  That was a lot more difficult then I thought.  I believe it was very helpful tho :)

Blog #2

I successfully built up my network in the past two weeks through taking initiative.  I pushed myself to reach out to others, and I plan to keep doing so.  Last week I was interested in learning more about how to take the right steps as a freshman to ensure my career path.  I did this by contacting the Biomaterials Professor and asking about any opportunities for learning more about his research.  He responded inviting me to a student research group meeting, which I plan on attending as soon as the dates are settled.  I also asked about undergraduate laboratory positions and will hopefully be able to do that next year.  It is a bit scary asking a Professor to spend his valuable time on answering questions.  I understand that is the job as a professor, but it is very intimidating to speak with someone who is so knowledgeable.  Although I am not sure he will remember my name I certainly hope to keep in contact so that next year when I have the skill set I can do even more.  I am glad I made this connection because I am sure it will be beneficial in the future.  I also contacted the Materials Engineering Office and was able to talk with a coordinator there.  She helped me figure out what sort of research opportunities I should take advantage of this summer.  We also made a bit of small talk, and I discovered how supportive the individuals in the Materials Department are.  I feel like I can ask anything, which is very comforting.
I also had a very interesting discussion with the individuals that were serving late night at my dining hall.  I was waiting for my food and chatted with them.  It was interesting to find out how they ended up working here and what their plans for the future are.  I hope to go back soon and chat again.  I believe it is important to make a connection of sorts with as many people as you can.  It can be as simple as holding the door open for someone and smiling at them whenever you see them to having in depth discussions with your best friends to making the effort to be not just a face and a grade to professors.  Creating this network of connections not only benefits you but everyone around you as well.

Blog #1-Missing Basics and Developing Skills

After watching the Missing Basics video, I found that I am actually missing many of the basics and want to work on obtaining the skills to become a well-rounded engineer.  As stated on many occasions including our first iEFX class, college prepares engineers for the math, science, and technical aspects of engineering when in fact the majority of an engineer's daily work schedule is composed of completely unrelated tasks.  So students just out of college are not ready for the working world, and they lack skills required by them on a daily basis.  Engineers generally push these tasks to the side calling them "busy work" or "common sense."  I believe that it is extremely beneficial to be exposed to these absent essentials.  If we realize this as freshmen and work to improve these skills it will make the transition from college into the working world much smoother.  Most students lack these skills because they are simply not exposed to them in their college career.  With this valuable knowledge I feel like I can use this to choose courses more wisely and create a more balanced course load and skill set.

In general I find public speaking very intimidating, thus asking questions in large classes can be very difficult.  I also think it is important to be able to phrase questions appropriately so that people with technical background, as well as those without, can understand and interact in a productive discussion.  I wish to develop my public speaking and questioning ability.  Through interactions in the class I would like to be able express my opinion in an open and proactive discussion.  I hope to improve my questioning ability so that I am not intimidated to ask professors challenging, thought provoking questions in a large lecture hall setting.  Each week I hope to monitor my improvements by challenging myself to speak more openly in each class.  I hope to improve my confidence so that by the end of this course and next semester I will not be embarrassed to speak up in any class.

Another skill set I wish to develop is seeing a project through by picturing the outcome and developing creative ideas to effectively reach an end product.  Sometimes I get caught up in the details of project so much so that I cannot see the end result.  By losing sight of this, the project becomes derailed and time and effort is wasted.  I hope to test myself in the iEFX lab project and improve upon it for the next project. While completing the steam car project my goal is to analyze my sucess as well as the areas I need to work on .  With this knowledge, I hope to improve upon it so that the next project I encounter will have a more efficient game plan.  By the end of this program I would like to approach projects with an open mind full of ideas but with a clear goal in mind.

My final skill I want to address is effective communication.  I have thought and analyzed problems the same way my whole life.  I hope now to greatly improve my forms of communication so that I can clearly write and speak to any individual.  I will achieve this goal by introducing myself to many students on campus.  Instead of reverting to the way I always communicate, I hope to develop a more scholarly yet friendly form of communication.  By doing this I hope to face future presentations and meetings with an eloquent manner of speech and writing.