This past weekend was probably the most beautiful ones I have ever seen in Chicago. The sun shone, the breeze blew, and the leaves were all shades of red, orange and yellow (which happen to rank very high on my favorite colors list). It also happened to be an extended weekend-- no classes yesterday for fall break. To make it even better, my mom was in town visiting me. We had such a wonderful long weekend! Courtesy of the lovely weather, we spent most of it at the lakefront and in Grant Park. We walked (a lot), people watched (too much?), and even rented bikes one afternoon. While she was here we also visited some Chicago staples- The Shedd Aquarium, Millennium Park, and Giordano's (they make my favorite deep dish pizza). It was great to spend so much time with my Mom and even better to share Chicago with her!
It's always a little difficult to get back into the groove after a weekend as enjoyable as this past one, but I'm working on it. I met my weekend goals academics wise (Mom is also in school and we spent a few hours each morning doing homework), but even focusing in class seems to be challenging right now. I'll have to refocus myself before next week's midterm does it for me.
Grad school apps are due in 8 short weeks! I go back and forth between feeling like 8 weeks is an eternity and feeling like its no time at all. No matter what, those weeks will go by too quickly. I'm hoping to finish up my personal statement and follow up on my letters of recommendation before the end of next week. Then, it will be a matter of keeping my fingers crossed and hoping my first choice likes me as much as I like them!
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Senior Year!
Its hard to believe, but its the first day of September, the last day of the second week of school, and the 8th school day of my senior year! I'm still adjusting to telling people (mostly myself) that. Its a very exciting and very scary concept. Not knowing what comes next always seems to feel that way. Next for me will hopefully be graduate school, although I haven't decided where to apply just yet.
Over the summer, I worked in an orthotics and prosthetics lab. It was an excellent experience! I learned a lot of new techniques and became familiar with a lot of new devices. The best (and probably most important) thing I learned was how much I love working with patients. It was amazing to know that the efforts of the team I work with make a difference to people everyday. So, overall, summer was very good.
As for this glorious final year at IIT? Well, in theory, I've worked really hard the last three years to do well and get ahead, so now its time for a mental vacation. Right? Wrong. This semester, I will be taking fewer courses, but the courses seem like they're going to be pretty intensive. For the record, I am in five undergraduate/graduate Biomedical Engineering courses, so intensive shouldn't surprise anyone. I'm getting to take some really cool stuff, like cellular biomechanics. I'm also enrolled in a senior design course. This course will last the entire year, and by the end of it my team will have developed a prototype for a biomedical device. I'm excited about it. My team is still in the process of determining which problem we'd like to address and developing viable ways to do so. Next will come research, client interviews, research, on site observation, research and more research. We probably won't even start testing a device until the very end of this semester or the beginning of the next. But that's ok. My main goal is to produce a product of value by the end of the year and I think my team and I are capable of accomplishing that.
Over the summer, I worked in an orthotics and prosthetics lab. It was an excellent experience! I learned a lot of new techniques and became familiar with a lot of new devices. The best (and probably most important) thing I learned was how much I love working with patients. It was amazing to know that the efforts of the team I work with make a difference to people everyday. So, overall, summer was very good.
As for this glorious final year at IIT? Well, in theory, I've worked really hard the last three years to do well and get ahead, so now its time for a mental vacation. Right? Wrong. This semester, I will be taking fewer courses, but the courses seem like they're going to be pretty intensive. For the record, I am in five undergraduate/graduate Biomedical Engineering courses, so intensive shouldn't surprise anyone. I'm getting to take some really cool stuff, like cellular biomechanics. I'm also enrolled in a senior design course. This course will last the entire year, and by the end of it my team will have developed a prototype for a biomedical device. I'm excited about it. My team is still in the process of determining which problem we'd like to address and developing viable ways to do so. Next will come research, client interviews, research, on site observation, research and more research. We probably won't even start testing a device until the very end of this semester or the beginning of the next. But that's ok. My main goal is to produce a product of value by the end of the year and I think my team and I are capable of accomplishing that.
Monday, March 28, 2011
The welcome back after spring break was short lived. For me, this week and next are the second round of midterms. I survived the first set without being severely traumatized, so let's hope the next few are no worse.
In addition to midterms, this week is marked with lots of appointments. We get to register for courses next semester beginning next week, so everyone will meet with their academic advisor to discuss their progress and potential course schedule before then. It didn't hit me until I was looking at the course offerings that I will be registering for my senior year of college. It's really hard to believe that I only have 10 courses left at IIT! It's definitely exciting to know that I'm only a year away, but its a little scary to think that next semester I will be taking the GRE, applying to graduate programs, and of course, waiting to hear back from graduate programs. I'm working to not get to far ahead of myself with constant reminders that the only thing I can really do about it right now is study and get good grades so that [at least] one of those schools will be excited to accept me. There are only 6 universities in the country that offer the graduate porgram I'd like to apply to (MS in Orthotics and Prosthetics). On the bright side, the list of schools I'm applying to is essentially set for me. On the down side, I don't have a lot of freedom in choosing where to study. Anyways....back to the here and now (I told you I have to work not to get to far ahead of myself)... I also need to meet with a few professors and give updates on the status of projects/papers.
On a less intense note, spring is finally coming to Chicago! It's still on the cold side, but the sun is definitely shining (I broke out my sunglasses this morning). That means I'll be able to resume my walks on Lake Shore Drive soon (I love the walk from the Planetarium to Millenium Park). I know I could have been doing them all along, but I'm a bit of a weenie when it comes to the cold. Warm weather also means the return of reading and studying outdoors, open windows, and flip flops :-). Needless to say, I'm excited.
More updates soon. Until next time.
In addition to midterms, this week is marked with lots of appointments. We get to register for courses next semester beginning next week, so everyone will meet with their academic advisor to discuss their progress and potential course schedule before then. It didn't hit me until I was looking at the course offerings that I will be registering for my senior year of college. It's really hard to believe that I only have 10 courses left at IIT! It's definitely exciting to know that I'm only a year away, but its a little scary to think that next semester I will be taking the GRE, applying to graduate programs, and of course, waiting to hear back from graduate programs. I'm working to not get to far ahead of myself with constant reminders that the only thing I can really do about it right now is study and get good grades so that [at least] one of those schools will be excited to accept me. There are only 6 universities in the country that offer the graduate porgram I'd like to apply to (MS in Orthotics and Prosthetics). On the bright side, the list of schools I'm applying to is essentially set for me. On the down side, I don't have a lot of freedom in choosing where to study. Anyways....back to the here and now (I told you I have to work not to get to far ahead of myself)... I also need to meet with a few professors and give updates on the status of projects/papers.
On a less intense note, spring is finally coming to Chicago! It's still on the cold side, but the sun is definitely shining (I broke out my sunglasses this morning). That means I'll be able to resume my walks on Lake Shore Drive soon (I love the walk from the Planetarium to Millenium Park). I know I could have been doing them all along, but I'm a bit of a weenie when it comes to the cold. Warm weather also means the return of reading and studying outdoors, open windows, and flip flops :-). Needless to say, I'm excited.
More updates soon. Until next time.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
So far, this semester has been a rather eventful one. A massive blizzard gave Chicago Public Schools and IIT its first snow day since 1999. A friend of mine was the 2011 winner of IIT Idol. Another friend succesfully planned a St. Baldrick's fundraiser and by shaving her head raised $2300 for cancer research. Overall, IIT raised over $7000. I had my first job interview last week, and am pleased to announce that I will be working with New England Orthotics and Prosthetics this summer. I'm very excited!
Academics wise, this semester has been (as usual) challanging. But, overall, I'm feeling pretty confident. My favorite classes are definitely Biomaterials, and Bio Fluid Mechanics. The material is new and incredibly interesting to me. Now we're heading into the group projects phase of the semester. At this point, the same 20 people are in 4 of my 6 classes. 3 of those 4 have these projects, so most of us are forming the same (or very similar) groups in all of the classes. I like my group(s) so it's fine, but I wouldn't be surprised if we're sick of eachother by the time the project deadlines roll around.
Speaking of thoses projects, I need to get back to work. Until next time.
Academics wise, this semester has been (as usual) challanging. But, overall, I'm feeling pretty confident. My favorite classes are definitely Biomaterials, and Bio Fluid Mechanics. The material is new and incredibly interesting to me. Now we're heading into the group projects phase of the semester. At this point, the same 20 people are in 4 of my 6 classes. 3 of those 4 have these projects, so most of us are forming the same (or very similar) groups in all of the classes. I like my group(s) so it's fine, but I wouldn't be surprised if we're sick of eachother by the time the project deadlines roll around.
Speaking of thoses projects, I need to get back to work. Until next time.
Friday, November 12, 2010
What else is new?
So, I know it has been forever and a day since I checked in to update you all. Honestly, this semester hasn't left me with much in the way of free time. I'm a little overloaded with course work at the moment, but that's to be expected towards the end of the semester. It's time to start studying for finals and there's pressure on finishing final papers and final projects. And that's not considering that we're still not out of the woods with midterms and lab reports due in at least a few courses.
On the bright side, I get to home for Thanksgiving break in 11 days! I can't tell you all how excited I am. I'm from the east coast, and usually the cost of flying over Thanksgiving week is through the roof. Since winter break starts just 2 weeks afterwards, I've always decided to stay in Chicago. However, this year it was affordable and my course schedule allows me to stay home for 6 days. As I said--- I'm so excited! It might sound silly that I'm this worked up for a holiday at home, but my family and I are pretty tight knit and I've missed them this semester.
In other exciting news-- I decided what I want to be when I grow up. I am going to be a Certified Prothetist and Orthetist. Those are the individuals who assess patients in need of orthotic/prosthetic devices, (sometimes create those devices), fit the patient, and educate the patients in the proper use of the device. I stumbled on this through my IPRO class, which is focused in this particular area. I've had the chance to speak with my professor about it and he has been extremely supportive and encouraging. It was really helpful to be able to go to him for advice about coursework, interships, and volunteering that would help me in applying to graduate programs and (ultimately) for jobs.
That's what's new in my life. I've rambled on for a while, so I'll leave you for now. I promise to update again before another 9ish months go by...
On the bright side, I get to home for Thanksgiving break in 11 days! I can't tell you all how excited I am. I'm from the east coast, and usually the cost of flying over Thanksgiving week is through the roof. Since winter break starts just 2 weeks afterwards, I've always decided to stay in Chicago. However, this year it was affordable and my course schedule allows me to stay home for 6 days. As I said--- I'm so excited! It might sound silly that I'm this worked up for a holiday at home, but my family and I are pretty tight knit and I've missed them this semester.
In other exciting news-- I decided what I want to be when I grow up. I am going to be a Certified Prothetist and Orthetist. Those are the individuals who assess patients in need of orthotic/prosthetic devices, (sometimes create those devices), fit the patient, and educate the patients in the proper use of the device. I stumbled on this through my IPRO class, which is focused in this particular area. I've had the chance to speak with my professor about it and he has been extremely supportive and encouraging. It was really helpful to be able to go to him for advice about coursework, interships, and volunteering that would help me in applying to graduate programs and (ultimately) for jobs.
That's what's new in my life. I've rambled on for a while, so I'll leave you for now. I promise to update again before another 9ish months go by...
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
As usual, Spring Break went by way to quickly. I was able to go home and spend time with family, friends and boyfriend. I didn't do anything spectacular-- I slept in late, read a book (that was not related to an academic course!), rented a movie and played lots of card games. Connecticut was blessed with beautiful weather for the first portion of the week. We took advantage of it and spent a day at Southport Seaside in NYC. It was definitely a highlight of my trip.
This week has been relatively uneventful. I brought home several text books to read during spring break, but I didn't read as much as I planned to. So, I've been spending extra time this week completing the goals that I neglected to reach over break. Fortunately, I don't have any big assignments due or exams until next week.
Next week should be more entertaining at the very least. It will be Greek Week (a week long competition between the Greek Chapters on campus) which tends to be very high energy. It's a lot of fun. There are 2 events every day for the entire week including tug, egg toss, relay race, dance off, root beer chug, 8-man (a 3-legged race with 8 people), and a cart race. Like I said- high energy, lots of fun. I'm going to have to figure out how to balance the events of the week and the 2 exams I have scheduled for next Thursday.
This week has been relatively uneventful. I brought home several text books to read during spring break, but I didn't read as much as I planned to. So, I've been spending extra time this week completing the goals that I neglected to reach over break. Fortunately, I don't have any big assignments due or exams until next week.
Next week should be more entertaining at the very least. It will be Greek Week (a week long competition between the Greek Chapters on campus) which tends to be very high energy. It's a lot of fun. There are 2 events every day for the entire week including tug, egg toss, relay race, dance off, root beer chug, 8-man (a 3-legged race with 8 people), and a cart race. Like I said- high energy, lots of fun. I'm going to have to figure out how to balance the events of the week and the 2 exams I have scheduled for next Thursday.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Time flies
It's hard to believe that spring break is less than a week away (and I can't wait to go home and see my family!). Unfortunately, that also means the semester is at the halfway point... and that's a not-so-secret code for midterms. So far, they haven't been that bad. But, so far I done more than significant amounts of studying for each of them. It's going to be more difficult to keep that level of diligence as I focus on the countdown to Friday, but I think I'll be able to keep my priorities straight.
I spent the better part of this weekend between Calc III homework and filling out an application for a summer job in a undergraduate research program. I'm nervous about the application process. What makes me nervous is I know I'm not as knowledgeable about BME subjects as a candidate a year older than I am. The way our BME curriculum works, you complete all of your general education and basic engineering classes in your first 2 years. After that point, its almost strictly BME courses. I'm still in my second year. So I've taken (or am taking) courses in chem, ochem, physics, bio, math, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. Over 2 years I've taken only 2 BME courses. It makes sense that the curriculum is structured this way. There's only so much you can do with BME before you understand the principles behind it. It all builds on mathematical, chemical, and physical principles. It just makes me hesitant to apply for BME jobs when my experience with BME is still limited. But, at the same time, I would love to have the chance to work in a lab and learn more about BME (biomaterials, specifically) over the summer. (Not that my babysitting gig at home isn't wonderful....) So, I've sent out my application, and now I get to play the waiting game. I feel like I'm back in my senior year of high school. I'll be crossing my fingers each time I see our mailman, and holding my breath when I open my inbox.
Wish me luck.
I spent the better part of this weekend between Calc III homework and filling out an application for a summer job in a undergraduate research program. I'm nervous about the application process. What makes me nervous is I know I'm not as knowledgeable about BME subjects as a candidate a year older than I am. The way our BME curriculum works, you complete all of your general education and basic engineering classes in your first 2 years. After that point, its almost strictly BME courses. I'm still in my second year. So I've taken (or am taking) courses in chem, ochem, physics, bio, math, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. Over 2 years I've taken only 2 BME courses. It makes sense that the curriculum is structured this way. There's only so much you can do with BME before you understand the principles behind it. It all builds on mathematical, chemical, and physical principles. It just makes me hesitant to apply for BME jobs when my experience with BME is still limited. But, at the same time, I would love to have the chance to work in a lab and learn more about BME (biomaterials, specifically) over the summer. (Not that my babysitting gig at home isn't wonderful....) So, I've sent out my application, and now I get to play the waiting game. I feel like I'm back in my senior year of high school. I'll be crossing my fingers each time I see our mailman, and holding my breath when I open my inbox.
Wish me luck.
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