Underwire Support

A supportive community is like an underwire, you don't always see it, but if it weren't there everything would just droop. So, I always try and be a supportive member of my community, because I don't want those around me to droop. People don't often come to me for help with homework. I always put my name and what I'm good at on the sorority tutor sheet, but often I don't have too many people asking for help. These past few weeks though, I've had three different people come and ask me questions. It's pretty exciting. I really enjoy helping others with homework and projects. I've found that when I help others, I end up explaining it to myself too, as a result, I also gain a better understanding of the material. It's cool to see how what I learn in my biomedical engineering classes lines up with what my friend might be learning in her mechanical engineering classes. Often, by combining the information and understanding we get from different professors it helps to piece the whole big picture together. Additionally, I enjoy when I can help someone learn. The moment of discovery is priceless, it exemplifies the power of the human brain. It makes my day to see them get things right, and when I can make it worth their effort to come find me. A supportive community can make all the difference when working through difficult classes. Being a support for others can make all the difference in your heart.

It's Raining in February ?!?

Oh Chicago... the weather is crazy here. One day is 10 degrees and the next day its 50. I've lived in Illinois my whole life, so I can't say much about the weather anywhere else. However, here there are often dramatic movement between the extremes. I guess it keeps it exciting, right? I've made a habit of checking the weather before I leave the house.

Strategic Competitiveness

Normally, when a professor goes out of town the class is canceled. Dr.Brey had a different idea though... he sent our biomaterials class to hear the dean of the business school speak about Strategic Competiitiveness. When he was first telling us this, I was rather, unenthused. I brought my knitting thinking I'd be sitting listening to someone ramble about the market or something along those lines.

I was completely wrong! The dean was interesting, and the lecture was interesting. He spoke first about how the medium of teaching has to adjust to meet the learning style of the students. He continued with outlining what being strategically competitive meant, which consist of six parts I'll try and remember: Creativity, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Sustainability, Incisiveness, and Innovation. It was really intriguing lecture. Well, the shirt and free food did help a little too, but even without that, it was good. It's exciting to be apart of the momentum here at IIT. It's also really exciting to see that change is happening here, there is an energy of forward thinking and a willingness to try something new. I enjoy that; I don't like feeling stuck in a rut. Turns out it wasn't such a boring lecture after all.

Impressed,

Waha

Shhhh... I'm sleeping!

It's my fourth year living in a dorm, and I'd like to think I do fairly well living with others. I'm currently living in the Kappa house, which is like a mini dorm with only members of Kappa Phi Delta sorority living there. We have established quiet hours, and generally, I have no issue obeying them. This morning, however, I forgot that those quiet hours extend into the morning... I decided to heat up my breakfast before work around 8:15am. No problem, right? Well, actually, using the microwave violates the quiet hours policy, and therefore, is not allowed until 9am. I was in the wrong; I think it's a dumb rule, but none the less, it's the rule. We also have a microwave on the first floor, so really it was just my laziness. As a result, I was met with great opposition for my forgetfulness by my previously sleeping floor-mate. It made for a rather upsetting start to the day as I don't wish to disturb those who I live with.

Even after four years, there are many challenges of living with others. However, the experience has really taught me how to handle conflict and how to compromise. Overall, I've enjoyed living in the dorms.

Uff da,

Waha