Shooting for the Moon

2011-10-12T16:36:00.000-05:00

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!

Senior Year!

2011-09-01T16:30:00.000-05:00

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.

2011-03-28T11:04:00.000-05:00

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.

2011-03-22T09:01:00.002-05:00

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.

What else is new?

2010-11-12T12:21:00.001-06:00

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...

2010-03-17T08:57:00.000-05:00

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.

Time flies

2010-03-01T12:16:00.000-06:00

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.

2009-11-20T13:02:00.000-06:00

It's so hard to believe that there are only 3 weeks left in the semester. It's even harder to believe that finals are only 2 weeks away. Most students will be leaving campus in the next few days and heading home for Thanksgiving. I'll be here... studying for finals, and hanging out with Shirley (http://shirleyarreola-kern.blogspot.com/). Flying home would be nice, but considering that I'll be home 10 days later for a month, it doesn't justify the cost of flying twice during Thanksgiving weekend. My mom has promised to make a second Thanksgiving dinner the first weekend I'm home. I'm looking forward to it. :-)

Today there are a few exciting events going on around campus. It's friday, so it's karyoke night at the bog. But, tonight is also the largest acapella concert in IIT acapella history (for more details visit http://jaye-fong.blogspot.com/ - she's a member of acapella and is super excited for tonight) and international fest (or ifest). Ifest is an opportuity for IIT students from around the world (19% of our undergraduates are international) to share thier culture through dance, song, food, stories, or whatever else fits the bill. I'd really love to attend both the concert and ifest- but I unfortunetly haven't quite figured out how to be in 2 places at once. I'm really hoping that ifest will still be in full swing after the concert finishes.

until later.

2009-10-19T11:55:00.000-05:00

3 midterms down, 1 to go. So far, so good (I think)

This weekend consisted of lots of organic chemistry homework, a lab report, a feild trip to the roller derby, a history paper, and a football game. There's not too much to say about the homework/lab report. The roller derby, however, was so much fun! I had never even heard of it before, but I had a great time learning about the game along with my friends (they were pretty clueless too). The game is essentially competitive roller skating. Each team has one person who scores points by passing members of the other team. I was amazed by how quickly the group of us got involved in the game. When we were leaving the UIC Pavillion girls were already talking about trying out for a team.

The football game was also a ton of fun. The greek chapters play touch football every fall. Each chapter has a team (the 3 sororities combine to form one girls team) and we play eachother. Last night we played one of the fraternities on an extremely slippery field. We lost by quite a bit, but (as usual) we had a fun time playing. Of course, today my body aches in every place I fell (and it happened frequently) or took a hit (I play line- the touch rule doesn't apply there), but I'll be back for more next weekend. (In other football news- the Giants lost to the Saints yesterday. My Dad is thrilled, I am not.)

Tonight will consist of finishing that history paper and studying for a mechanics exam. (I know, too much fun for words). If I get everything I'm hoping to get done tonight completed, tomorrow night will be an easy-going one. My non-academic goal for the week is to buy a dress for an upcoming formal. Shopping for it will be a good study break :)

2009-09-22T08:46:00.000-05:00

It took me leaving home twice for my parents to have the reaction I thought they would. This year, my Dad has taken to calling me out of the blue to say hello and check in with me (as opposed to with some pressing concern which needs to be addressed asap). My mom is flying out on Monday for a short visit. I know it doesn't sound like much, however, it's a big change from last year (in a good way- I think).

I am really looking forward to my mom being out here. (Although, I'm a little concerned about the fact that she's here Mon-Wed and I have exams on Wed. and Thur.) We definetely get along well and I'm (selfishly) looking forward to having her to myself for a few days (with 2 younger sisters, it does not happen often).

I'll be going home for the long weekend in October to see my family. I know my grandparents (who, coincidentally, are also my next door neighbors) are looking forward to that. I'm still flip-flopping between whether or not I'll be going home for Thanksgiving so a visit in October will be a good thing for all involved. All I have to do now is buy the tickets...

I have yet to become sincerely homesick. There are moments (and every great once in a while, days) where I miss certain people. Generally, there's not enough time to be homesick. Between classes, homework, organizational stuff, friends, and the time reserved for sleep, there is a lot to do and not enough hours to do it in. When I'm here, I fall into my groove- I know what I have to do, I do it, and then I still have time to take care of the non-necessities (i.e. the socks I'm knitting). At the very least, I'm comfortable here. My "second family" has made it much easier to not miss my own.

Settling In

2009-09-11T11:36:00.000-05:00

It's hard to believe the first 3 weeks of the semester have come and gone. All of my five classes have left their respective "review" periods and are in full swing. This (unfortunately) means more than a fair deal of homework. However, it's not unmanageable. In fact, even though my work load has increased significantly and my work schedule at the office of undergraduate admissions just started earlier this week, I feel as if life has calmed down some.

I came back to Chicago 10 days before the official start of classes to participate in clean-up (an intensive, two day, top to bottom scrubbing of the ASA sorority house), the sorority's annual retreat, and sophomore leadership retreat. Those 10 days were an incredible amount of fun. I know clean up sounds dull, but it was a riot. If nothing else, I spent two days with some people I care about. (On a side note, I have no idea how I ended up in a sorority- I definetly never pinned myself as a "sorority girl". When I told my mom I had accepted a bid, she laughed. She thought I was joking. But, I will say this for ASA: some of the most amazing women I have ever met live in that house. I know its cheesy, but they really are inspiring. And in a school that is without a doubt male dominated, its nice to have a female support system. It is a decision that I do not regret.) Anyways, to get back on point, retreat was fun as well. We had planned on going to Indiana dunes, however bad weather in Indiana kept us on the IIT campus. I know there were girls looking forward to the camping trip, but we definetly made the best of it. We did camp out, except we were in the living room. We made s'mores, but over a stove instead of a campfire. I had a lot of fun (and I hope the other girls did too!).

As fun as spending the extra time with my sisters was, the highlight of the 10 day period was Sophmore Leadership Retreat. This retreat is (as you may have guessed) open to all sophmores and it is an intensive 2 days that you spend at Lake Geneva, WI participating in all sorts of cool events. I went kayaking, rock climbing and completed a high ropes course. My roomate went sailing, canoeing, and completed a low ropes course. The motto of the Leadership Academy who hosts the event is "challenge by choice". I can honestly say that those words meant a lot during a period of physical exhaustion. Now, I find that they apply in my course work, organizational activities, and most other aspects of life. It was, in many ways, an educational experience. But, more than anything it was fun. I met people I would have never otherwise come across in my experience at IIT. I challenged myself, and much to my own surprise, rose to the challenge.

Coming back to IIT was like jumping out of the pan and into the fire. Classes started the following morning, and rush week, the recruitment period for all of IIT's fraternities and sororities, had already begun. As a member and chairperson in ASA it was my responsibility to attend all the events we had planned. Life was busy. I had a good time at all of the events and I met lots of wonderful girls. We had planned nights of salsa dancing, mini golf, smoothies and smores, mafia styled mysteries, disney movies, and then some. Fun as it was, it requires a lot of time managment to balance homework and all of the above. I'm thrilled about our new members, but I'm glad that rush is over and life can settle down.

It's Friday (thank goodness!) and I hope that this will be a restful and productive weekend. Then again, I said that last weekend and found that only the "restful" portion was accomplished.

Until next time.