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.