Sarah Waha

Back in Action

2009-09-10T11:53:00.002-05:00

Well it was a great summer of research! But now school is back in full swing. The homework has started piling up, and the grad school apps are getting filled out. I have some exciting things to look forward to in my last year at IIT though:

Planning Kappa formal

being a SGA Senator

Epilepsy research

hosting BME study nights

I'm pretty excited.

-Waha

Student Government Association

2009-05-06T09:21:00.003-05:00

Last night, I was elected to be a senator representing Armor College of Engineering! SGA does lots of things from approving and organizing student organizations, to planning student life activities. I think I'm interested in also being on the Academic Affairs sub-committee (all senators serve on sub-committees too). My good friend is the Academic Affairs executive board member, and we've been brain storming some exciting ideas about improving academic life on campus. I love to see things moving forward on campus, so I'm really enthusiastic about being apart of it!

Unfortunatly, finals are in sight, and these final projects won't finish themselves on their own. It's looking like it's going to be a couple long nights coming up here. Hopefully, I can knock my two lab reports today, leaving only my paper to be finished up tomorrow. My goal is to be able to sleep both tonight and tomorrow at least for a few hours.

Thankfully, Friday afternoon is the Student Ambassador party! And, Friday night is the SigEp's Date Dinner. At student ambassador party were grilling out and date dinner is clearly, a dinner. So, once all these final projects are done, I have a fun Friday planned which includes lots of food! When Saturday rolls around, it's back to studying though, cause finals are next week!

Final Sprint!

Waha

The X-Chormosomes, The Crown Jewels, and The Techtonics

2009-05-04T10:40:00.003-05:00

Friday night the Bog was PACKED for the a cappella concert. The a cappella group here on campus has three different sub-groups:

The X-Chromosomes--an all girls group
The Crown Jewels--an all boys group
The Techtonics--8 girls, 8 boys

All three groups gave an excellent show! As a recently formed student organization, the group as seen a continuous rise in attendees at their concerts, and the attendees have seen a continuous rise in creativity and talent from the group. It was great to see the bog so packed. Normally, it's tough to get students out for events when finals are so close, but IIT students tend to love good music almost as much as they love math.

-Waha

The Music of the City

2009-04-27T09:37:00.003-05:00

On Friday morning, Nicolle and I ventured downtown to buy a gift for our good friend's wedding shower. It's a short train ride up to the loop, where there is tons of shopping on State Street and Michigan Ave. We were headed back to school and were waiting for the red line (subway train). As we walked below ground we heard someone singing the classic song, "Lean on me." He was pretty good, so we joined him in singing (just not quite as loud). Nicolle sang the lyrics a few octaves higher than the man on the platform and I proceed to make the percussion sounds, the cymbal is my favorite. I got a little sad though, Nicolle is graduating, and I'm going to miss her immensely, because she is someone I lean on. It's a sad part about college, every year there is going to be friends who graduate and leave. When we got on the train we started talking about how much we love this part of living in the city of Chicago; There is Music Everywhere! It only got better when we transferred to the green line at Roosevelt, we had another artist rapping in the train car. He's a regular and a favorite of the green line. We tapped our feet again enjoying the music and rhythm that make Chicago a special place.

-Waha

Power 10

2009-04-23T09:35:00.002-05:00

I used to be a rower. When we were approaching the finish line, the coxswain would give us something to pull for in each of the last 10 strokes, it was called a power 10. It's like a runner ending sprint. So here's my power 10 to the end of the semester:

1. Don't give in now you've already come so far
2. Finish strong
3. Pain is only chemical
4. There's oatmeal on the other side of the finish line
5. Your legs were built for this
6. Show them what your made of
7. For the team
8. For yourself
9. Empty the tank
10. Last one, right here

We'd glide across the finish line and take a deep breath absorbing the beauty around us. Sometimes, when classes get tough, I imagine that coxswain yelling out my power 10. Although not a perfect match, it can get me though some long nights.

10 strokes/3 weeks to the finish line,

Waha

What Courses Do I Take Next Year?

2009-04-21T08:54:00.003-05:00

It always a challenge to pick out courses. Your adviser helps you with the required ones and the graduating on time thing. However, then there's those electives. There are so many! If you have lots of interest, it can be quite a challenge to decide which of the 8 courses your interested in to take in the one time slot you have available. So here's how it works: First, you meet with your adviser, and they tell you which courses you NEED to take to graduate. They also will provide you with information about future careers, internships, and all those good things. They'll let you know which courses you get to choose, and some good choices for those electives. Finally, your adviser gives you your pin number. On registration day, you log on to myIIT and go to the academics tab where you can enter your pin and register. You need to have your bill paid and no holds on your account to register though, so make sure to check that a few weeks before registration begins. Your first semester you'll do this whole process with your academic adviser during orientation, so everyone knows how it goes when they get here!

As I was completing my registration this year, I realized I only have one more undergraduate registration left! Graduation is starting to sneak up on me...

I began researching graduate schools shortly after this realization. I guess I'm taking the GRE this summer.

-Waha

GW09

2009-04-14T10:27:00.005-05:00

Well, Greek Week has begun! Last night we opened up with each chapter presenting a skit and their banner. Here are this years themes: (or at least what I think they are, I couldn't completely see everyone's skit)

Pi Kaps--Hide and Seek
SigEps--The Revolutionary War
Delts--The Finer Things in Life
Alpha Sigs--Vikings
Skulls--Skull Models (Zoolander twist)
Triangle--U-Tube
ASA--The Presentation of Man
Kappa--The Flintstones
Zippos--Superheros

The theme of each house is an exciting part of Greek Week. Often the characters and the theme carry through to each of the events. Points are gained through the winning of each event, and a winner is declared at the end of the week. This years events include:

Skit/Banner
Egg Toss (short speed toss and a long toss competition)
8-man
leg tunnel
Greek Council Meeting (higher % of chapter there = more points)
obstacle course--hurdles, high heel race, army crawl
dance off
cook off

I think that's all. Greek Week is lots of fun, and a great chance to have friendly competition. My favorite event is the dance off! The one challenge of the week is to continue to stay on top of classes even though there are lots of fun things going on. I find that going to the library is a good way to escape all the craziness on the quad and get some work done.

Also exciting today, its student government elections! Our student government is VERY active, and there are great students running for positions this year. I am enthusiastic about the next year at IIT!

Yabadabadoo!

Waha

Most Likely to Succeed in Life

2009-04-06T10:41:00.003-05:00

That's the award I received at our sorority formal last Friday night. I was flattered. We have a formal event once a year. Everyone dresses up and invites a date; we honor our seniors and do something special for them. The "little sisters" of the girl graduating stand up do something special for her. My big sister is graduating this spring, so her other little and I made up a goofy poem about her. It was silly, but she really liked it! It's nice to have a chance to give back to the person who was a mentor to me when I joined the sorority.

I almost forgot the most important part though... The food was AMAZING!! We went to this cute little place in Greek town. They had a nice dance floor too, so after we stuffed ourselves, we danced and danced. Finally, our feet hurt, so everyone got back on the bus and we headed home.

It was a fun break from the school work!

Waha

Summer REUs

2009-03-23T08:50:00.004-05:00

REU--Research Experience for Undergraduates

Summer REU--10-12 week summertime REU usually accompanied by a stipend and a wealth of opportunities for learning more about the research field. Universities normally don't use their own students for these summer projects, but instead they do a sort of exchange of students all over the country.

The BME professors are excellent at IIT for helping students obtain these REU positions. They are always sending out updates for programs they hear about, and writing recommendations in a timely manor. I was studying in a group of BME students last night for our electronics midterm. Everyone there had been selected for different REU programs. Some students were in the Midwest and others were further away (one student is in California!). Personally, I'll be at University of Illinois Chicago doing neuropsychology research! In addition to having excellent summer positions with top researchers, everyone seemed to be able to find a position that suited their interest. I'm excited to hear in the fall how everyones summer experience turns out!

Waha

Underwire Support

2009-02-26T09:23:00.004-06:00

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 ?!?

2009-02-11T10:17:00.002-06:00

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

2009-02-04T10:11:00.003-06:00

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!

2009-02-02T10:20:00.003-06:00

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

A Milk Crate of Information

2009-01-29T09:30:00.004-06:00

"Waha, here's your... crate for risk management." The Greek Council president greeted me as I walked into the first Greek Council Meeting of the semester last night. Greek Council is a group containing representatives from each Greek chapter as well as officers and chairs to provide activities and guidelines for the Greek community at IIT. A milk crate containing a binder which was falling apart and tons of materials related to risk management. So, I've added to my tasks for the semester to also clean up the risk management information. When I ran for the position of Greek Council Judicial/Risk Management chair, I thought it was going to be a walk in the park... it's starting to look like a bigger job than I originally anticipated. However, I've become passionate about risk management, and I'd like the job to be done well. Kappa in the past few years I've been there has not been as involved with Greek Council, so I'd like to leave a good impression. Additionally, I'm compulsive about binder organization. I really enjoy getting supplies and making something that is a complete mess into something functional. The meeting went well last night. It was short, but effective. I look forward to the leadership opportunity involved.

Waha

Sheep Brains and Surface Tension

2009-01-28T10:34:00.003-06:00

In half an hour I'm going to my lab where we're dissecting sheep brains! I'm really excited, I love dissections. Furthermore, as stated before, I'm way beyond interested in the brain. My friend, Emily, and I were reminiscing the days of cat dissection in high school last night. I learned, and have retained, so much anatomy from having done those dissections. I respond well to hands on learning. Hence, my excitement towards my approaching brain dissection. The one downside is that it is right before lunch, and although it does not bother me personally, I know that the women I eat lunch with at the Kappa house won't necessarily care to hear about my brain dissection as they eat. I guess not everyone can talk about dissection over a meal... I feel the same way about mustard, if I think or talk about, or even worse, smell it, while eating my stomach pulses with pain. In fact, writing about it makes me feel sick.

Tomorrow, I have a lab dealing with surface tension. I don't have quite the same enthusiasm about that one. None the less, it should be interesting, and in my opinion, any lab day is better than being in a lecture. So, I won't complain about the hands on opportunity.

Love the lab,

Waha

CVs, Resumes, and Cover Letters, Oh My!

2009-01-27T10:04:00.001-06:00

Well, it's that time, to fill out all those applications for internships and co-ops over the summer! It can be a challenging process. However, lots of students form IIT are very successful at obtaining outstanding summer positions. As I've gotten older, more and more of my peers are spending their summers at doing work towards their future goals. In fact, I would say it's rare for an IIT student to not be spending their summer being productive in some way. I spent last summer doing volunteer research at University of Chicago, and now, the doctor I worked for has been extremely helpful in helping me obtain a industry position for this coming summer. The summer before last, I worked in the UG Admission office full time, where I made the connection with my boss who connected my up to the doctor I did research with... Uff da! I guess one thing really does lead to another!

Waha

Can't turn back now

2009-01-26T09:27:00.005-06:00

a rocket launched,

a cork popped,

a roller coaster lap belt secured,

a concrete poured,

a plane on the runway,

there's no turning back now.

Once again, the semester has begun, and like every semester before it, we've past the point of turning around, changing classes, and trying again. The challenge is on!

I'm already procrastinating and behind on my work. I often struggle to say no to socializing. Knitting has become my downfall; it's really difficult to pass up a night of stitching and a movie. Okay, maybe it's only difficult for me to pass up.

Realistically, I'm not actually behind on my work either. I'm just really interested, so I wish I had more time to get ahead. I'm taking some fascinating classes. Such as, my Quantitative Neural Function course. I'm so excited to learn all the intricate details of the brain. I love that not everything is known about the brain; there's a sense of adventure invoked when learning that the precise function of something is unknown. Okay, so again, maybe it's just me...

But, here's my big tidbit of knowledge for college: Pick a major you love. Choose something which invokes a sense of adventure when you think about attending classes. When I entered college as a freshman, I was going to a liberal arts school, and I had chosen everything based on how I was going to get into medical school. I abandoned my love for math and science... because someone told me going to medical school would be smart and would guarantee me a job someday. It's not a surprise I became bored quickly. So, I made a change; I transferred to Illinois Institute of Technology to try something else. Since, I've fallen in love with engineering. I love my classes, hence, why I show up to them (I wasn't so good at showing up in liberal arts school). Alright, that's enough, I'll step away from the lectern.

Take Off,

Waha

historic hope

2009-01-20T11:59:00.004-06:00

One summer morning after my junior year of high school, I quickly pulled clothes out of my dresser as I attempted to pack my suitcase. My family stuffed our red Ford Winstar with clothes for two weeks, loaded a car top carrier with camping equipment, and drove to the east coast. While my best friend was spending her family vacation on the beach in Hawaii, I walked from Lexington to Concord, toured 4 past presidents homes, visited the grave of Paul Revere, and met our state senators, Mr.Durbin and Mr.Fitzgerald. Although I enjoyed our historic tour of the east coast, there was something appealing about those beaches in Hawaii...

One night during that vacation, we were all sitting in the hotel room eating and playing cards when my dad turned to the channel to watch the Democratic National Convention. We watched several speakers and I continuously asked my parents questions about the politicians.

"Who is he?"

"Whats her job?"

"How long is their term?"

Mr.Obama came to the lectern; I was captivated and empowered by his rhetoric. I waited until he finished to ask my father the usual list of questions. I learned Mr.Obama was running to be senator in our home state of Illinois. I was overwhelmed with a new hope for our state and our country.

Later that election season, I had the opportunity to meet Mr.Obama. He came to the local coffee shop and spoke. I didn't know he was coming until that very day. My friend had told me the junior AP History classes were going to see "some guy running for some office... Obanma... or something." I decided I had to be there. I walked into the main office and pleaded my case to see "history in the making." The assistant principle wrote me a pass to leave. I then walked downtown to see the man whom had so strongly inspired me before. Again, he evoked in me a sense of hope for the future. I took a picture with him, and I got his autograph (on the pass that excused me from class).

That year for Christmas, my dad bought me a shirt which read, "Obama 2008." Although, I won't lie, I didn't wear it much. I didn't want people to think I was crazy for thinking that a man who was the junior senator for Illinois could possibly become president. Instead, I kept my hope secretly hidden in the back corner of my dresser drawer.

One Sunday night sometime later, my dad was driving me back to college. As usual we were having a deep political conversation. He had just finished reading Mr.Obama's book, 'The Audacity of Hope.' There had been no announcement of Mr.Obama running for president in 2008, however, my dad expressed he was confident after reading Mr.Obama's book that he would be our 44th president.

As the primaries progressed, I began to see my father's prediction unfold. On election day, I took my hope out my dresser drawer. Actually, I let my little brother wear my 'Obama 2008' shirt, but I wore my "got democracy?" shirt, a gift from my mother, but still a symbol of hope and confidence in our country. I proudly cast my ballot and wore my "I voted" sticker.

Today, I watched as my dad's prediction came true. I'm glad my parents dragged me to president's homes, out to battle fields, and to every Abraham Lincoln site in the country. I'm thankful they've taken the time to answer my questions, provided the tools for me to research more, and encouraged me to be bold. Because today, I understood why the historical events which occurred were so significant. Not to mention, I knew every historical reference that Mr.Obama made.

It's easy to think that what happens in Washington DC doesn't effect us. It's easy to pretend that who's president doesn't make a difference and can't change the world, or that one vote in a state "guaranteed" to go democratic doesn't matter. I think my father and Mr.Obama would both agree though, that all of these things are significant and the worst place to keep your hope is tucked away in a dresser drawer.

-Waha

Risk Management Programming

2009-01-15T14:42:00.003-06:00

My current position at my sorority, Kappa Phi Delta, is the risk management chair. With any position within the sorority, it can be a challenge to decide what one would like to do during the semester. I have some ideas...

1. An Alcohol Awareness Event--This is a must! I'm looking now for someone to come do a workshop for us.

2. Fitness Classes--I'm thinking of having girls take turns leading the rest of the girls in a workout. I'd like to promote health and wellness.

3. Weekly Health Trivia--Maybe in our weekly agendas I'd put a quiz question related to risk management.

4. Get an Emergency Defibrillator for the Sorority House--This could be pricey, but I'm going to look into trying to get the school to partner with us on it.

5. Encourage Education--I think this is the best way to avoid risky situations! My goal is to not only educate my sisters, but also, to teach them how to educate themselves about potential risks and how to avoid them.

I'm not sure I can manage to do all of these things... I'm also an engineering student! However, I'd like to try.

Get Educated!

Waha

7 Down, 3 to Go

2009-01-14T14:17:00.002-06:00

I realized recently that I have completed 7 semesters of college course work! But, I still have 3 left to finish. However, when I put it in perspective, I'm 70% finished... That's quite a bit done. It could be worse right? I'm also considering doing a PhD./MD program, and thus, adding another 8 years onto my education anyway. My grandfather used to always say, "Education is the one thing no one can ever take away from you." He was right; an education is an investment that cannot be foreclosed or confiscated. I think that's part of what makes it worth the time and the money. So, I'll keep plugging away at it... like that TV show from the 90's, Step by Step, remember that one?

Buckling up for another semester,

Waha

I now know why I'm not a polar bear.

2009-01-01T14:08:00.002-06:00

It's 2009!!! And I brought in the new year with a plunge, into Lake Michigan! And it was COLD!! This year my dad decided he wanted to do a polar bear plunge, so my sister, my brother, my friend from Italy (also an IIT student), and myself all decided we would join him. So, at noon today we all put on our bathing suits and joined about 100 others to do the polar bear plunge. We are all now official members of the polar bear club!

Burr...

Waha

Score for Perfect Attendance!

2008-12-20T13:45:00.004-06:00

Well my aggressive plan of attending class paid off! I missed ZERO classes this past semester! And as a result, I finished with my best GPA yet! Woot! I'm way excited... It wasn't just attendance though, I also studied well and made sure to get enough sleep before the tests. It's not like I skipped much before, I think I missed two or three classes last semester, but still, I would miss little information that would show up on the final. In upper level classes, there is no direct penalty for not being in class, however, because so much information is covered in each lecture, it is critical to be there to get it. I knew from older students this would be my most difficult semester, so I made an action plan for success, which included perfect attendance.

So, now... an action plan for all that holiday shopping I haven't started?!?! Yeah, I better get on that.

--Waha

Ahh... Finals!

2008-12-02T19:21:00.002-06:00

On a cold winter evening,
After the turkey was eaten.
I sighed to myself,
I was feeling quite beaten.
Finals were approaching so fast.
And I'd hardly begun,
Not enough time in a day,
To get it all done.
I became quite frazzled,
By my mountain of work.
This being a student,
I don't see the perk!

Just when I thought,
That I'd never make it.
My mother reminded me,
It's just how you take it.
One task at a time,
List what to complete.
You'll do great I know,
It's not your defeat.

So I thanked my mom,
And pulled myself together,
I'll survive the finals,
Despite the cold weather.

High School Band

2008-11-17T09:37:00.003-06:00

It taught me something:

Be on time, warmed up, and have a good attitude.

I found that no matter how difficult my classes get, or how challenging my research becomes. These things never fail to pull me through.

So, thanks Band.

Rock on,

Waha

ROY G. BIV

2008-11-10T09:04:00.006-06:00

In Biomedical Engineering we rarely get to use color; unless of course you count the jumper wires used in the circuits lab or making graphs on MatLab. As a result, my classmate, Pankti, and I were particularly thrilled that we had the opportunity to chose the color pallet for out IPRO project. Last night, we became lost in a world of colors and patterns for a the healthcare center our IPRO is remodeling. It didn't take long for both of us pre-meds to be dreaming about which colors we would chose for our personal offices someday. Unfortunately, our color adventure had to end all too soon, for the sake of other homework. It was a good escape though, and we were accomplishing things for our IPRO.

Waha

Underestimating

2008-11-07T09:49:00.002-06:00

To underestimate can lead to excellent results. For instance, if you underestimate your ability to solve differential equations, and therefore, study aggressively during the course, you might find yourself pleasantly surprised to receive the top score in the class.

On the other hand, the act of underestimating can also have detrimental results. For example, if you perform an enormous lab, and work all week on the report, only to realize it's true massiveness during the midnight hour the night before it's due date. Here, because the slope is always slippery, another unfortunate event might occur if you also underestimated the amount of sleep you need, and therefore, fall asleep while your playing your french horn during your lesson.

However, the negative effects of underestimating can be greatly reduced if a very kind person buys you a cup of coffee, as one of the admission councelors did for me this morning.

Electives?

2008-11-06T11:40:00.002-06:00

Yep, the power to choose your courses. I always thought this sounded like a great idea, and I would be able to just take whatever I felt like. Truth... it's considerably more difficult than anticipated. I'd have to say this was one of my major misconceptions about college life. I'll start from the beginning. I had this magical idea that I would take some courses I need towards a major, and the rest I'd get to take crazy, random, have nothing to do with my major or requirements classes. Well, the reality is that it doesn't work that way... courses required for your major take up the majority of your schedule, and other courses are usually meeting general education requirements. A few majors offer some free electives, but engineering is pretty strict. Upon this realization, I decided that was really a relief; choosing courses is difficult. However, the trap I've found myself in now is that I have to choose engineering electives. The problem: I want to take them all. I have a desire to know... pretty much everything. It's possible I'm going to attempt to take 6 engineering courses next semester (attempt being the key word). However, I still am going to have to make decisions, and there are sooooo many choices! I know, it seems like a ridiculous predicament to have gotten myself caught up in, but here I am.

Uff Da,

Waha

Strike Force Bowling League

2008-10-27T12:15:00.004-05:00

My Bowling Scores from Friday Night:

I'll spare you the details...

If you give a mouse a cookie,

2008-10-23T11:05:00.003-05:00

Well, midterms are over. It wasn't pretty, but they're over none the less. The aftermath didn't turn out as well as I was hoping though. I'm particularly bummed about that. I really thought I had it all together, and I was prepared. It's a difficult moment when you study more than you ever have in your entire life, and you obtain the lowest scores of your entire life.

How does that happen?

Wait, I recognize this mechanism:
The harder I study, the more I desire to do well.
The more I desire to do well, the more anxious I become.
The more anxious I become, the less I excel during performance.
The less I excel during performance, the more I focus on why I can't answer questions I know I know the answer too.
The more I focus on what I don't know, then less I show what I do know.

It's the whole if you give a mouse a cookie thing! But not nearly as tasty. Gotta love it when children's books explain your life.

I guess that means my real challenge is getting past my test anxiety, huh? Unfortunately, that's a considerably more difficult task than doing some extra studying...

Uff da,

Waha

Condsider the function f(me)

2008-10-06T08:52:00.004-05:00

f(me) exist for all values of me such that, birth < me < death

f(me) is a dependent function with several independent variables including Energy, Health, Sleep, Grades, Relationships, Consumption, Stress Level... amongst others.

And neither Re{f(me)} nor the Im{f(me)} = 0

If one were to take the (Df(me)/DE) from the beginning of midterms to the end of midterms, where E = the energy is a function of time, and D represents the partial derivative, it will approach zero as time approaches the end of midterms.

Implying that the partial with respect to energy will approach zero at an exponentially higher rate over the interval of the start of finals to the end of finals. Such implications cause reason to examine the (Df(me)/DH), where H = health, also, a function of time. Unfortunately, it is known that H varies proportionately to E.

Questions?

Waha.

The Midterm Monster

2008-10-02T09:40:00.003-05:00

I faintly recall the stress this cruel monster suppressed me with last semester. In fact, I believe I wrote midterms a fairly detailed letter requesting it never return again. But, then, here I am, once again standing below a cloud of bricks awaiting their fall. It's not that I don't like school, it's that I don't like test and I enjoy sleeping. I greatly enjoy doing the work, and this summer, I had no problem doing independent research, learning new things, working new equations, and presenting my findings to my lab team. Test, however, are not a part of the real working world. The entire concept of tests seems skewed to me... how does putting me under the pressure of a clock with limited work space and zero resources say anything about what I am capable of except my ability to perform in extreme conditions? I'd rather write a paper, or have an oral exam, so I have a chance to explain that I understand the concepts even if I forget the equations. Why do you have to be so cruel midterm monster? And I guess I don't really mind the test concept in comparison to the take four test on completely different subjects in a small time frame concept. What working world situation does that stimulate? Cause I'm not working there! Truth is, I'm tired, but there's a monster in my closet who's not letting me sleep.

Waha

Home Flooded Home

2008-09-18T11:05:00.004-05:00

The intersection of the Fox and Illinois Rivers was flooded by this past weekend's rains. Homes and businesses in Ottawa, Utica, LaSalle, Wedron, and several others are under water. Including my grade school, Central Elementary. My hea rt brea ks a little to think about it. On the other hand, a few years back they built a levee around the high school football field, to prevent flood damage to the field. There was and still is a flood wall protecting the building. However, because of this levee, water that otherwise would have covered the sacred grass of the high school football field and the adjacent parking lot, is in people's homes, cars, businesses, and garages.

I'd like to ask:
Is it worth the price?
Is the grass on the football field THAT important?
What is the value of a parking lot? What is the value of a home?
Is a football team less of a football team if their field floods on occasion?
Would practicing in the mud make them worse?
Does the world stop if a small town in the middle of Illinois has to cancel or relocate a football game because of a flood?

I support high school sports, but I don't support putting people's homes at risk for them. So, just as I said when I was at Central Elementary boldly protesting the building of the levee, "LOOSE THE LEVEE!!!"

The local newspaper

That's my rant.

Waha

My Mid-College Crisis (#7)

2008-09-17T12:22:00.002-05:00

Once again I've found myself unsure of what I'd like to do with my life. I have this crisis roughly once a semester. However, the reality that I'm going to have to actually decide what to do after I graduate is slowly creeping up on me. Here are the options currently on the table:

Go to Medical School
Go to Biomedical Engineering Grad School
Go to Psychology Grad School
Go to a one year Nursing Clinical program
Get a job in Biomedical Engineering
Get a job in something else
Some combination of 2 or more of the above options

I clearly have a big table, and more options can sometimes make a decision more difficult. The catch to it all is, I need to start preparing now for whatever choice it is I make. If I need to take the GRE or the FE; I'll have to start planning for it.

Uff da,

Waha

Tichli Didn't Write a Spider in the Music

2008-09-15T09:13:00.003-05:00

It began as a normal day in wind ensemble... I was sitting vigorously absorbed in Frank Tichli's piece Wild Nights. It was one of those rehearsals when you know that no one practiced over the weekend, and we were all awaiting Dr. Meghini's speech about how our chops need to be exercised regularly. Furthermore, Dr.Meghini had decided it would be a good time to kick the tempo up on the piece. As we fumbled through the 30th measure of what sounded like the morning after a wild night, I noticed a spider the size of half dollar hanging from the ceiling and approaching my music stand rapidly. I stopped breathing and hence, stopped playing, and I slowly slid my chair backwards. The low brass players behind me probably thought this was quite the morning entertainment. An inch above my music stand, the spider stopped, sat there for what felt like an hour, and turned around and headed back towards the ceiling. My heart beat returned and my lungs re-inflated as I made some attempt at finding where we were in the music. However, the ceiling was holding more of my attention than even the best Tichli piece could. And through Meghini's entire speech I assume was about practicing over the weekend, my eyes were fixed on the ceiling searching for my long lost friend.

I guess that's one way to get the blood flowing on a Monday.

Waha

The Weight of My Eyelids

2008-09-11T10:48:00.003-05:00

I wonder if you can measure it? How tired one is by the weight of their eyelids? I notice this morning as I woke up for my 7am running group, that I started to feel feverish as I attempted to put my contact lenses into my eyes. I had to sit down as dizziness and nausea set in. I assume this is a direct result of my lack of sleep. I have an issue... I like to talk. I arrived home at 4:30pm yesterday, having a whole evening to complete my organic chemistry homework. I talked to my friend, Hadas, as we watched an old episode of Friends in the living room until dinner time, 5:30. I started a conversation at dinner about what it means to be a good leader until 6:30. I'm not sure where the rest of the night went, but I didn't start my homework until 10:30, and I didn't finish until 1:30. So, when I rose this morning at 6:45... it didn't feel good. It's been that kind of week, every night well under 6 hours of sleep. I just keep thinking about how comfortable my bed is, and how it's waiting for me to crawl in it. I think I can hear it crying across campus now. The dilemma I often face: Is it worth losing sleep and putting my school work at risk to make time for those conversations?

On a completely different note, I took on the role of a leader in my IPRO group! I planned my first agenda on Tuesday (I need to do one for tonight, too). The meeting went well, and we even were done early, which I think made people happy. I don't think I previously understood how difficult it can be to lead a meeting of 14 of my peers. I've been in leadership rolls before, but often leading people who were younger than me. Leading peers is harder than leading 5th and 6th grade Sunday school kids though! These people have lots of ideas about how I should be doing my job, and are much more difficult to demand attention from because they're excited about their ideas for the project. I think this is going to be a leadership roll that will push me to develop new aspects of my leadership skills, and will also challenge me to become a stronger leader than I was before in all aspects of leadership. I like challenges, so I think it will be fun.

Challenging myself to keeping my eyes open all day,

Waha

Please Don't Stop the Music

2008-09-04T12:14:00.003-05:00

Madonna got it right. I was leaving band yesterday morning, and I realized that despite my severe sleep deprivation, I was really excited about the long day ahead of me. In fact, I was smiling at 8:30am--hence my state of shock. It then hit me like a bass drum in a John Phillip Sousa, I love making music. Well, I knew that, but I always just thought I liked playing myself. However, what I realized is I have an even more intense enjoyment of that feeling of magic when a whole room of musicians play together, the sensation of being inside of a piece of music. It's a resonance that physics can't describe, and electronics can't recreate (no offense Madonna your electric keyboard won't do it for me, but if it works for you more power to ya). This sensation contains a level of simplicity, human error, and inaccuracy that makes it art and not science. I love to be lost in that art, because no one is trying to explain it, and they couldn't even if they tried. There isn't a mathematical transform that can find the limit of a composition as it approaches passion. I'm sorry Euler, but even using tiny increments the Limit Does NOT Exist! I think that's fabulous. It's like my mini vacation two mornings a week...

Reading Text Books

2008-08-28T11:28:00.003-05:00

Yep, that's what I've been up to... reading text books. As a result, I adding improving my reading speed to my list of goals for the semester. All of my assignments thus far have been to read the book. It's a good idea to keep up on the reading for a class, and it wouldn't be much of problem if I only had one class to keep up on. However, I'm take 5 courses, three of which require excessive amounts of reading. I've never been a very good or fast reader, I usually read something at turtle pace, and then forget everything I read in a week. I like reading books for fun, but often times I forget the characters names if I take too long in between reading sessions or if the character doesn't appear very often. I wish they had videos with all the information I needed... I could just sit back and watch, maybe take some notes. It wouldn't seem nearly as tedious, and I'd probably remember more too. Then again, maybe not, I have the same forgetting characters names issue when watching movies too.

I guess I have no choice, I just have to read the textbook. I should start timing myself and see if I can improve my reading speed, that way it might be a little more fun. Or get up and stretch after every paragraph, or practice juggling for 30 seconds, or do some sit-ups, or tell myself I'm an excellent reader and I have an excellent memory. Maybe if I change my attitude I can reduce the pain of receiving a reading assignment?

I've recently come to realize how much of life is dependent on my attitude towards it. I know, duh, right? In the past I haven't really committed to improving my attitude though; I would change what I said, but not how I thought. Recently, I've begun to stop the negative thoughts right in the middle of them, and replace them with more positive ones. It's been challenging to change the way I think. However, I've noticed how it's impacted my outlook and enjoyment of life, and how when other people around me have a bad attitude about anything, it's really draining. In contrast, when I have a good attitude about something, others seem to latch on to it. So, there's the real goal of the semester: to improve my attitude about reading, school, work, the sorority, the boyfriend, family, and myself. Wow, that sounds... corny! Although, corny as it is, that's what I'm holding myself to for the semester.

Open a Book,

Waha

Ready or Not, Here It Comes

2008-08-25T14:41:00.003-05:00

Classes have begun and the art of balancing life has once again demanded my attention. Gripping my student planner, I'm trying to figure out how on earth I'm going to manage my time this semester. It's going to be a demanding course load, so I've decided to create an action plan:

1. Write EVERYTHING in the planner.
2. Sit in front row. (forces me to stay awake)
3. Visit all professors office hours once within first month (developing relationships is key)
4. Keep a list of priorities for reference
5. Schedule exercise & fun
6. Use creative study techniques to lighten load
7. Laugh often
8. Enjoy classes, find something interesting about the course
9. Get adequate sleep
10. Take daily multi-vitamin
11. Develop crisis plan for stressful moments
12. Develop reward plan for successful moments
13. Maintain a positive attitude & outlook
14. Just keep dancing
15. If all else fails... call Mom.

It's a good start,

Waha

Project Runway IIT Style

2008-08-20T12:19:00.003-05:00

Last night the Project Runway Challenge took over the Kappa house. The girls only event turned into an explosion of creativity with crazy costumes, outrageous makeup, and intense hairstyles. My friend, Karen, planned the event to be as much like the Project Runway reality TV show as possible. When I get a hold of some pictures I'll share them, but here's the breakdown.

5:30pm--Food, come on... what Kappa event wouldn't have food?

6:10pm--All 8 groups received a bag of items to work with, and were instructed to select a model and a commentator

6:30pm--One group member was chosen to select one additional item from the jackpot table. Jackpot table items included a phone cord, a feather boa, a leopard print shower curtain, a velvet scarf, fake flowers, gold animal pins, and one more item I can't remember.

7:00pm--Groups reported to the dining room for hair and makeup

7:30pm--The models hit the runway to show off their wild creations!

7:50pm--Prizes were awarded to teams in each of the following categories: Most Wearable, Most Creative, and Best Overall.

Needless to say, it was reality television, only about 100000^3 better!

Waha

Giant Operations

2008-08-19T15:24:00.003-05:00

TASTE of the QUAD

...is a huge event the Monday night after all the new students move in. The Greek Quad is filled with students and food. This year, there was ribs, peanut butter chicken, spicy potatoes, fruit, salad, root beer floats, and ice cream Sundays! Furthermore, there were several large inflatables ranging from "jousting" to "rat race," a Frisbee decorating station, and a giant game of Operation. Yeah, Operation like the board game... but imagine it the size of a pool table. I personally met tons of new students, and did some recruiting from my sorority (Kappa Phi Delta). I'm excited for this incoming class; it seems to be filled with lots of diversity, personality, and smarts. ;)

GOOD LUCK TO ALL NEW STUDENTS!!!

Waha

Is that a brownie sandwich?!?!?

2008-08-18T16:52:00.007-05:00

Yesterday was MOVE IN DAY!!! I decided to volunteer to help move students into the dorms for the occasion. I always feel like super woman when I sign up for those things, but that feeling seems to lack presence the day after I accomplish the task. It was a fun day though, and it was topped off at the block party... with a fabulous dessert!

BROWNIE*BROWNIE*BROWNIE*BROWNIE
BROWNIE*BROWNIE*BROWNIE*BROWNIE
BROWNIE*BROWNIE*BROWNIE*BROWNIE
FROSTINGSPRINKLESFROSTINGSPRINKLES
SPRINKLESFROSTINGSPRINKLESFROSTING
FROSTINGSPRINKLESFROSTINGSPRINKLES
SPRINKLESFROSTINGSPRINKLESFROSTING
BROWNIE*BROWNIE*BROWNIE*BROWNIE
BROWNIE*BROWNIE*BROWNIE*BROWNIE
BROWNIE*BROWNIE*BROWNIE*BROWNIE

yum.

Are We There Yet?

2008-08-17T09:53:00.003-05:00

With new students arriving on campus today, I begin to remember back to my first day at IIT...

nerves

excitement

longing for my old college

wondering what was in store for me here

getting lost because every building looked the same

not being able to find food wondering to the greek quad

meeting Kappas

touring the sorority house

my roommate telling me all about growing up in India

buying books and t-shirts

getting sweet freebies all the upper classpeople were jealous of

Worrying about classes wondering what organizations to join

*a fabulous feeling of having the world at my finger tips*

it was fun,

Waha

a big sigh of relief

2008-08-07T16:50:00.003-05:00

It's over. The test that haunted me all summer is over. It feels... fabulous. So, fabulous I could write a poem...

Like a weight that's lifted,

Like a burden laid down,

Like rising from a ton of bricks,

That smashed me to the ground.

It's good.

Waha

36 Hours

2008-08-03T21:22:00.001-05:00

Me vs. the MCAT

"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself" ~FDR

2008-07-20T19:43:00.003-05:00

We all remember learning in history about Franklin D. Roosevelt's fireside chats during the great depression. You might also remember learning about the slums on the outskirts of towns titled "Hoovervilles." It almost seems funny now to think of my history book being so willing to teach such a slam on a past president. With the same spirit of America, I'd like to challenge the history books to do it again. Should all American elementary school children be required to learn the new term:

Bushvilles -- A suburban sub-division containing 32 homes: 8 homes are for sale and priced to sell quickly, 10 homes have been foreclosed, 6 homes contain no furniture (although there are plenty of kids toys), and the last 8 homes have two families living in them--the family that bought the house, and the used-to-be neighbors who are now renting because their homes were foreclosed.

I don't think it would be necessary for the numbers to be exact, it's the concept that counts.

And no worries FDR, I have confidence the American people will not hide in fear on election day!

Waha

The Hybrid Bus

2008-07-17T17:30:00.003-05:00

I noticed the buses in Ann Arbor, Michigan are hybrid buses... I think that's pretty frickin' sweet, in 90's terms. Apparently, they we're the first city to have them too. Props to Ann Arbor!

Step two: Convince someone important that IIT needs a hybrid bus. (for the shuttle bus that runs to and from Union Station and Olgesby Station)

Loving to Lead

2008-07-14T19:22:00.003-05:00

So, I recently filled out an application to be a volunteer at a national youth convention (for high schoolers) through my church... and well, I'm WAY EXCITED!!!! I really love big events like this, and it's not even until next summer, and I don't even know if I'll get it. But, if I do... it would pretty much be so beyond amazing. I love having the opportunity to go somewhere I know no one, and experience something new. I find it soooooo exhilarating. Even better, I'd be leading discussions, doing crafts, dancing, and maybe, if I'm lucky, I'll get to do a MC-ing (a personal favorite). I don't even care what they ask me to do, I'll do whatever, I just want to be there helping and meeting people.

On a less positive note: I'm finding myself quite discouraged by my MCAT study prep. It's overwhelming. There is so much to know, and I want so badly to do well. I know I just have to dig deep, because confidence will pull me through. However, the more I practice, the more I realize, I don't remember any of this! It's not a very fun way to spend my summer nights...

Back to the up beat though--wow, I'm bouncing all over today. My big research news:

MY PUMP WORKS!!!

My control loop is closed, and I'm off to the ice cream shop now! I find the maximizing the program part of programming to be my favorite, so I'm way excited about that, not to mention that I can now say I've achieved something this summer! I think I'll ride that high through my MCAT studying tonight... ;)

Peace,

Waha

Oh, and I'm aware how I failed English in this post, but I don't care today.

Happy Belated 232nd Birthday America

2008-07-08T16:48:00.003-05:00

Even long weekends seem to disappear quickly... and, no surprise, my accomplishments of the weekend were not what I actually needed to accomplish.

I attempted to attend the fireworks downtown, but we didn't get there in time. So, we missed them. It was a little sad considering it was quite a fight to get there with the crazy crowd.

My sidekick, Karen, and I made a bbq extravaganza for the fourth:
Hot Dogs
Hamburgers
Broccoli Slaw
Veggie Pizza
Fruit Salad
Cupcakes
Lemon Cake (with strawberries and blueberries making an American flag on top!)

Karen, Ross, Samuel, and I painted the kitchen of the Kappa house an electric green. Seriously bringing the kitchen to a higher potential. Although, that might be the potential for the other girls in the house to complain.

I took yet another practice MCAT. (a little improvement, but I've got a long way to go)

Studying for the MCAT needs to pretty much take over my life from now to the test day. Just a few more weeks left! Ahhhhhh!!!!!! I'm getting nervous...

Peace,

Waha

PS. After strenuous working on Monday, my code has been resuscitated with little to no injury!

Speaking Visual Basic for Applications

2008-07-02T19:53:00.002-05:00

I've chosen VBA has my programming language for my syringe pump program (I'm writing it for my summer research project for the summer). I'm having a little bit of a challenge though... I'm working in Excel, but Excel does not excel. It's

-----S-L-O-W-----

It's getting rather frustrating, but I'm hesitant to change languages so late in the game. I think I'm gonna stick with it, I already have communication established with the pump. The difficulty of establishing that in another language could put me too behind on time. So, slow as it is... I'll continue programming in VBA.

Feeling the need for speed,

Waha

Maybe Coconuts Aren't Thrifty

2008-07-01T09:48:00.003-05:00

Many Can't Always Thrive
Money Counts Anyone's Thorns
Multiply Chrome And Think
Monday's Come Across Trendy

I've clearly been studying VERY hard for the MCAT...

Who did you drive home tonight?

2008-06-27T22:39:00.004-05:00

My program code (for my summer research project) started rocking the house today! I was on the hott tamale train, making my closed loop seamless and as beautiful as computer interface can be.

After a successful day and a race to beat the storm home, I headed out for a sushi dinner at my favorite restaurant OSEY. It was DELICIOUS!!!

Then things started to head

relationship issues to say the least.

Before I could get too worked up my sister called (it's amazing how they have such good timing!).

When I got home I realized... Marshall, my little brother, left me the sweetest voice message saying how much he missed me.

My friend, Karen, also had sent me a text asking how my day was because she didn't get to see me after work.

And because ice cream is nothing without whipped cream, there's the part where I missed my best friend's (from home) 21st birthday party & forgot to send a facebook message, a text, or make a phone call. So, I sent a belated text, and she replied "No worries, I understand."

Does it get any better?

Even when I have a hott tamale train falling off a cliff for a night... there are some stellar people to pick me up and give me a ride home and buy me ice cream!

Who did you drive home tonight?

Waha

Errr... Is this REALLY the ER?

2008-06-18T20:12:00.003-05:00

I've had the opportunity to shadow my mentor, Dr. Beiser, in the Emergency Room a few times this past week. As expected, it's not like the T.V. show! I was surprised at how calm the doctors stay while working in the critical moments. It's an art to say the least...

While not in the ER, I've been busy in the lab. I've got a plan for my syringe pump program. However, it's going to be tough one. I find computer programming pretty intuitive, but I'm not sure if I know enough to develop this software. Also, there is the challenge (which is the challenge of all biomedical engineering) of making the computer and machine work with a living being. We'll see, it's going to be an adventure.

This research has also been an opportunity to attend lab meetings, code review, and medical research lecture. I'm just trying to soak all the information in, and get the most out of it!

Maintaining a balance,

Waha

Un-Scandanavian Midsummer

2008-06-17T21:05:00.007-05:00

This past Sunday, my parents and brother drove in and my sister and boyfriend came too! We celebrated fathers day and headed to Andersonville's Midsummer. Although Midsummer in Andersonville was a stupendous street fair, it was missing the Scandinavian elements I connect with the Swedish Midsummer Holiday:

maypole dancing
flower crowns
painting dala horses
strawberries and ice cream

What was cool about the street fair:

Guitar Students Rocking Out

The Different Vendors

The Non-Swedish Dancers

But I think my favorite part was when we left and went to a particular favorite of mine...

It was a good day!

Waha

Exploring Summer Chicago

2008-06-11T19:47:00.002-05:00

Last weekend I ventured out to the Printer's Row Book Fair. I found a book for my dad for father's day (have you gotten your dad something?). I was able to talk to the author and he signed my dad's book! There were tons of books about everything you could imagine. I could have spend hours there lost in books...

This coming weekend, I venturing to Andersonville for the Midsummer Festival! I'm way excited, because midsummer is a Swedish tradition!!!!! I used to love going to midsummer in Rockford, Il growing up. I particularly remember making flower crowns, strawberries and ice cream, and painting Dala horses.

Kirsten, my Kappa sister, just made RICE CRISPY TREATS!!!! She's my hero...

Waha

8 transformed to 12

2008-06-04T20:03:00.002-05:00

Introduction:

Brenden, another IIT student working in the same lab, and I decided we would bike to University of Chicago for work today.

Methods:

1. Aquire bike
2. Ride bike to UofC
3. Lock bike
4. Go to work
5. Unlock bike
6. Ride home

Hypothesis:

We thought the ride would be roughly 4 miles in each direction.

Results:

To our unpleasent surprise... it was accually a 6 mile ride in each direction.

And, I can hardly move my thighs.

Discussion:

The ride is tangable, but I'm going to need to get myself in shape. I live on the 3rd floor of my sorority house--it's been a long night. I particularly happy to be sitting down right now.

Conclusion:

Transforming numbers has never been so painful. Furthermore, I'll be in great shape at the end of the summer.

~Waha

[Inside the closet]

2008-06-02T18:49:00.004-05:00

stage 1: tearing down the existing wood

...and discovering fire damage.

stage 2: Wash & Spackle that!

Oh wait, there's two doors to this closet...

Did I mention my emotions about 12ft ceiling?

stage 3: going green is in style, so we thought we'd get in with the trend

You'd never know there was fire damage here!!

stage 4: installing the shelves--in progress

__________________________________
[sometimes going home is like hiding in a closet]

Waha

Painting, Packing, and Preparing

2008-05-31T16:12:00.002-05:00

So we finally painted the closet this morning!!! Hopefully, I'll have the finished pictures tomorrow to post. I'm excited for this project to be over!

I'm also attempting to assemble what I need to bring back to school for the summer. I hope I can persuade my parents to buy me some food to bring back. I need to figure out what bike I'm taking back and find a lock too.

It's gonna be a crazy next 48 hours...

Waha

Crimson and White We're Marching Onward...

2008-05-28T14:12:00.004-05:00

The opening line to my high school's song, Pep, rang through my head as I was unwillingly awoken by the band's practice run through my neighborhood Monday morning. The hs band always marches through the east side of town before heading out on their Memorial Day parade route, and well... it's hard to sleep through those base drums.

I'm home for the week! Besides being woken up earlier than expected, I'm helping my mom redo our front closet. I'll have pictures to follow on this project when we're finished. It's been an extravaganza!

I've also been helping my little brother study for his finals... I've tried to teach him some of my mad study skills such as, cramming with style for maximum performance, vitamin water, getting a good night sleep, and the classic sparknotes. However, in my research of effective study methods I/my mom's friend Linda have discovered a new amazing tool:

www.quizlet.com

Here, you enter the information your studying (extra practice right there), and then it produces little quizzes, games, and even flashcards (you can print them too!). It's so functional!

Okay, so I'm a nerd, I think new study tools are exciting...

Anyway, on a completely different note, National Tap Dance Day was spectacular! My sister and I sat eyes wide and jaws on the floor for the whole show. I was in awe of how fast they could move their feet, and get all the correct sounds in. There was also one man from Spain who performed a sand dance; I was sceptical at first, but it turned out to be really cool. He spread the sand out on a board and danced in it wearing a soft shoe. The sand made several different sounds against the board. Surprisingly Impressive!

And the Japanese party was a blast; I'm going to miss Samantha this summer though!

Uff da,

Waha

sAMaNtHa iS GoINg To jApAN!?!*%#$!

2008-05-22T10:01:00.009-05:00

One of my best friends from growing up is going to Japan this summer! She'll be working at a camp for kids of military families for 13 weeks! I'm excited for her, but I'm sad I won't get to see her much this summer. Normally, the summers are the time we are able to catch up and hang out. She is a student at University of Iowa; so, it's difficult to find time to travel there during the school year. The good part of it all is we're having a party tomorrow night before she leaves! I've been asked to wear my best Japanese clothing, unfortunately, I don't have any. Well, that's a lie... I have one thing. My fourth grade dance recital was to a Japanese song, and I still have the hot pink outfit and silver sequined hat. I might see if it still fits. (this isn't my photo, but I thought it was fun)

The story gets funnier... So, my boyfriend, Sam, last fall was scared to try sushi when we went out to a sushi restaurant for a friends birthday. He tried it though, and he sorta liked it. Since then, I've convinced him we should go out for sushi a couple more times. He likes it more and more. When I told him the party for Samantha was Japanese themed (appropriately), the first thing out of his mouth was, "Will there be sushi?!" I told him no, and he continued, "Can we get sushi before we go?" I had to explain there was no sushi place in my hometown, Ottawa, Illinois. He proceeded to insist that we stop on our way to Ottawa in anther town where he's pretty sure there's a sushi place. It's likely we will being as I'm also quite fond of sushi. However, I found this all particularly entertaining coming from the boy that didn't even want to try the stuff a less than a year ago.

It should be a fun party. All three of my close friends, Samantha, Brianne, and Sarah will be there. We always have a good time together. There is also a number of other friends coming, too. I'm then spending the whole week at home before I come back and start my research job. I enjoy going home; I miss my family when I'm away for too long. I also miss the peacefulness of my small town. Everything moves a lot slower there, but there's no sushi.

Peace,

Waha

Sizzling Summer Studies

2008-05-21T13:27:00.006-05:00

The BIG news of the week:

I have a summer research position!

I'll be a in the Emergency Medicine Department at University of Chicago working in a lab where they are researching cardiac arrest. I'll be working on designing a control system to control the internal pressure in a mouse while its blood is tested during different stages of cardiac arrest. It's very competitive to get into a research position there, I'll be one of twelve students, most of which are graduate students too! I'm getting a little nervous though, because I hope I can do the quality of work they are looking for, and I'll be leaving the security of the UG Admission office. It's going to be an intense summer. Part of the research program is also working with the team and doing article reviews with the other students. I'm hoping that this will help my critical reading skills, and that I'll be a cardiac arrest pro by the end of the summer. In my spare time... I'll be making phone calls for Admission, and studying for the MCAT. Yep, the dreaded test date is Aug. 5, 2008. It's worth it though, I just have to keep my eye on the goal, medical school.

Basically, in lyric form...

Looking forward to a busy summer,

New experiences,

Anything but bummer.

Research, phone calls, and the MCAT,

Maybe I should exercise?

So I don't get fat.

Med-school, med-school, focusing in,

I'm willing to work hard,

Getting in equals win.

So now you think I'm really lame,

No worries though,

Poetry isn't my claim...

Uff da,

Waha

The Beat is in Your Feet, but the Art is in Your Heart

2008-05-19T13:21:00.006-05:00

My tap teacher, Ms. Patty, gave us a cute sheet with that saying on it one of our first days of tap class. I started tap dancing when I was five at Gray School of Dance. I stopped when I left for college thirteen years later. However, recently I received my 98.7wfmt Fine Arts Circle newsletter; for $35 a year I'm a member of this local broadcasting club. The newsletter is filled with different discounts and information about Chicago area fine arts events. This month's included an advertisement for National Tap Dance Day! I'm ecstatic! I called right away I bought my sister and I tickets, two for the price of one thanks to my discount, to the National Tap Dance Day performance and pre-show tap class. We're attending this Thursday night, and we're looking for a place to take tap classes this summer. She also tap danced for a number of years.

If your interested in the tap dance scene in Chicago, check out the Chicago Human Rhythm website at

www.chicagotap.org

Tap that.

Waha

3 down, 4 to go

2008-05-09T11:30:00.003-05:00

I've successfully completed all my work for 3 of 7 of my classes. I have my two most demanding finals back-to-back on Monday. Then, I have one project to finish and one paper. Ugh, I just don't like all the pressure of finals. I've set a high standard for myself this semester, and meeting my grade goals isn't going to be easy. Study, study, study, so much for fun on the weekend...

Waha

Bill Nye THE Science Guy

2008-05-08T10:51:00.004-05:00

"Dare I say it... change the world"

The words of Bill Nye touched the students at IIT as young children and again this past Tuesday night as college students. I've never seen so many IIT students in one place! The show started at 8pm, and when I arrived at 7:15pm there was already almost 600 students standing in line trying to get a seat for Bill Nye's presentation at IIT. And, it was worth the wait! Nye scientifically explained the current global situation in a not dumbed down way (I like that he knew his audience). Personally, he re-light that love for scientific exploration which had begun dwindling with the approaching stress of finals. It was so cool to see a childhood favorite still educating and still loving science. Even more amazing was seeing the IIT community pumped up about a campus event! The buzz around campus for the entire week before was, "Are you going to see Bill Nye?" "Just skip class, it's BILL NYE!" It was a good motivation booster before finals.

You can change the world!

Waha

I Melted My Op-Amp.

2008-05-02T15:54:00.004-05:00

I'm taking a circuits lab this semester, and it's gone well for the most part. However, I had my final yesterday, and I melted the amp during my lab final. There was sizzling and smoke, the whole nine yards like out of a bad movie named "My Worst Nightmear." I'm rather upset about it, because I'm normally really good at circuits lab. I even enjoy and understand circuits lab for the most part. I still don't know what I did wrong...

waha

it wasn't this exact amp, it was a LM 741, but none the less...

Where in the World?

2008-04-17T12:12:00.010-05:00

A Greek Week tradition at IIT is the Dance Off... I made up the Kappa Phi Delta dance this year! Here it is:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHmI3-hP9jQ

Our theame was Kappa Police Department, hence the music.

It's nice warm weather, but my face hurts!

2008-04-17T11:32:00.002-05:00

Allergies.
Make me miserable.
Make my face and head hurt.
The pressure just keeps building up.
Too tired to get any homework done.
Can't pay attention in class.
So if I dont pass
Blame my
Allergies.

I Should Have Started Planning Sooner.

2008-03-28T11:51:00.003-05:00

Summer plans, I'd love to say that I plan on spending the summer just working in admissions and exploring Chicago like I did last summer. However, I need to get some hospital exposure, and start studying for the MCAT. I'm contimplating taking it at the end of the summer. I'm planning on working in admissions, volunteering at a hospital, and studying for the MCAT. So, that free time to explore Chicago and run along the lake...just went out the window. If I would have started planning sooner, I could have gotten myself a medical research job a few hours a week or even an internship at a hospital. Not that it would allow for extra time, but it would look better on the medical school application. I always get bogged down by the idea of having to aquire 2-3 recommendations and write an essay about why I want to do the research...it just never happens on time. Oh well, It should be fun to volunteer, right? And you never know what kind of oppertunities will present themselves...

Waha

End of Semester Craziness

2008-03-27T11:23:00.002-05:00

I think everyday from now until the end of finals is packed. Academics are getting more intense, Sorority events are happening every weekend, and not to mention I have a job. Its scary to look at my calender.

Survival Tactics:

a. Clone oneself--my duplicate can do the homework and take the test, I'll do the fun stuff.
b. Give up Sleep--Not really necessary anyway, right?
c. Massive Time Management--cut out the fun, insert work in empty slots
d. By the Power of Disney--Magic always does the trick.

Unfortunately, it will probably be some combination of b&c. Uff Da!

Waha

Ps. I'm open to suggestions of how to pull this off if there are any ideas...

Manic Mondays

2008-03-24T10:17:00.002-05:00

That first day back after break...

Do I need to say more than that? You all understand. Easter is my favorite holiday; I went to church twice for it. I could just keep singing Christ Has Risen forever. None the less, its over, and I'm back at school. The goal for the second half of the semester is to stay positive. I'm hoping to reduce stress a little by practicing speaking positivily and thinking postivily. Maybe if I keep my thoughts up, I can keep stress down. I think telling more jokes could also contribute posititvity.

Why was Moses lost in the desert for 40 years?

Because even then men wouldn't stop and ask for directions.

Smile,

Waha

2nd Place

2008-03-19T10:18:00.002-05:00

"Whatever women do they must do twice as well as men to be thought half as good."
~Charlotte Whitton 1963

In March 17, 2008 issue of Newsweek, Anna Quindlen wrote a compelling aritical titled Still Stuck in Second. What I found significant here, was that the arguement was done so well. Quindlen is smooth and not push, makes one aware, but doesn't push an opinion. I thought it deserved mention. So... Koodos Anna Quindlen on a job well done. She also used the above quote, which I much agree with and enjoyed.

Waha

Ah, Spring Break...

2008-03-17T11:38:00.002-05:00

I did nothing productive this weekend. It felt amazing. It's Spring Break! I'm still at school though, but no classes, just work so it doesn't seem that bad. My brain was in need of the break! Its amazing how a little break can make one feel so refreshed! Homework usually takes up all of my weekend, so it's a rare occassion to have a break. In fact, I should have done homework this past weekend. Oh well... I almost care.

Almost Doesn't Count,

Waha

The Break Up

2008-03-14T10:21:00.004-05:00

Dear Midterms,

Me and you are over! I'm sorry to let you down so harshly, but lets face it, we weren't enjoying each others company anymore. I'm not ready to be in that kind of demanding relationship. You judge me rather harshly; I just don't want to fail you. Don't take it personally, It's me not you. That's a lie, its all your fault; your exhausting. Maybe we could just be friends... or not. Let's just go on spring break, and we'll see where things are at after that.

Not missing you,

Waha

Score More

2008-03-07T10:27:00.002-06:00

QALY, n. A quality-adjusted life year; a unit used, esp. in cost-benefit analysis, in the prediction of both quality and duration of life after medical or surgical treatment. (Oxford English Dictionary)

As an avid scrabble player, I was particularly enthused about this December 2007 addition to the Oxford English Dictionary. A fundamental key to the game of scrabble is knowing the words that have a q not followed by a u. A personal favorite is the QI combination, which can be done in several places so that it happens twice...doubling the points! Additionally, if you can land the q on a triple letter score, and use it twice its a whopping 62 points!

Score More.

Waha

Ps. The spell checker on blogger did not recognise QALY or QI... so behind the times.

What does it mean to be American?

2008-03-06T11:49:00.003-06:00

I'm taking a make-you-think-about-life-and-difficult-questions poetry class this semester. We began by reading several epic poems from European authors. I found them rather boring. Now, we've begun early American poetry, a stark contrast from the epic era. I found the most interesting part to be the attitude towards the United States, and the ideas the authors have about what it means to be American. Walt Witman particular has a well shaped idea. He perceives the American as creative, innovative, not a follower but still common man (I'll forgive him for not including women because of the culture at that time). I was floored by this as it is not the way I perceive Americans today at all.

What does it mean to be American?

The plot thickens as the foreign students in the class room were either in complete accord or complete laughter when hearing Witman's preceptions. When I suggested that our culture no longer has those qualities, the Indian student next to me started an extensive debate. It was a moment that encouraged me to take a step back and re-evaluate my opinions. So now I face the challenge of defining what it means to be American, a word I rarely associate with myself despite the fact that I've lived here my whole life.

Thinking...

Waha

Midterms are approaching...

2008-03-03T09:36:00.002-06:00

I haven't written in a while, but my boss is late, so I decided I would do so again. It's gray and rainy out. I normally love the rain, but it's been such a gray winter that I'm craving the sunshine. I think everyone else is too! The semester has just been dragging on and on. Nothing too exciting. I have lots of tests next week, which I'm not looking forward to.

When its gray like this I like to wear bright obnoxious colors to brighten things up. Today that was turquiose rain boots and a turquiose dress. I also carried by hott pink bag. I love it when people can't help but smile at me when they see my loud colors. It makes it not seem so gray.

"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift." ~Eleanor Roosevelt (she's my rolemodel)

Peace,

Waha

Pancake Breakfast @ 10pm

2007-11-30T15:23:00.000-06:00

On a mission to raise money for our spring formal the girls in my sorority hosted a all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast. However, we decided the most profitable time to have this event would be a 10pm. I normally dread this type of event. To my surprise, I found myself singing and dancing in the kitchen while placing chocolate chips in smiley patterns on pancakes. It was rather relaxing to laugh and be goofy. As a result of my enjoyment, I have a new study plan for this falls finals: laughter. I'm on a mission to find a way to make all materials entertaining. I've begun by writing little stories and rhymes to help me remember equations and ideas. I used to do this a lot, but recently I haven't been adding my creative touch to my studies. It's time to go back to that.

Additionally, I was able to go to a Chicago Symphony Orchestra's performance recently. It was AMAZING! I love to sit back and have all of my senses taken over by music. I don't even have words to describe the experience. To make it even better, tickets were only $10. In fact, CSO tickets are always $10 with a student id. I'll be really sad the day that I'm no longer a student. This experience furthered my study plan too. I'm going to study with classical music on. This is also something I used to do, and for some reason it faded.

So, I have big plans: laughter and music. Those are going to be my tools for scoring some big grades on my finals. I'm getting kinda excited. I get a rush out of the cramming and taking test experience, and that's what qualifies my as a major nerd. I'm okay with that though, cause its fun.

Study, study, then study more...
But don't let it be a chore.

Waha

I'm the Scrooge.

2007-11-20T12:06:00.000-06:00

The holiday season living in Chicago is nothing like anywhere else! I found myself wondering downtown this past weekend, and it happened to be the evening of the lighting of all the holiday lights. I tried to stay off North Michigan Ave. for this reason. It all seems way too excessive for me. I've never been a big fan of the holiday season, as I often find myself buying gifts for people purely out of obligation. I like the break from school, and being with my family, that's all. My grand conclusion and blunt statement: America took Christmas too far. Uff Da! And it didn't matter until New York's foo-foo shop commonly known as Macy's eliminated the Marshall Fields name. That's what pushed me over the edge.

This years Scrooge,

Waha

Nerds can sing?

2007-10-31T18:35:00.000-05:00

Midterms are over! (except that one I have to retake tomorrow because I didn't do so well the first time.) And my fish is eating again ;) I need a good name for him now though, I was calling him anorexcia, but now that he eats he needs a new name. Possible names include but are not limited to:

Theodore
The Red Machine (he's red, and we are playing a peice in wind ensamble at VanderCook called "The Red Machine")
The R.A. (recovered anorexic)

Other exciting news...not fish related. We didn't have classes yesterday for the President's Inaugeration!!! The Biomedical Engineering Soceity hosted the annual pumpkin launch after the ceremony. It's always a fun event. And then the volleyball team had a game in the evening; they won! It was the first game I made it to this year, so it was fun to watch friends play. I lack depth perception, so I find people who can play sports involving flying objects to be rather impressive. There was an acapella group that sang the national anthem too...I didn't even know we had an acapella group at IIT!?! And being a music person (I play french horn); I was very impressed.

Peace,

Waha

Photos from Pumpkin Launch:

My anerexic fish...

2007-10-09T22:14:00.000-05:00

I bought a fish,
That doesnt eat.
Wont even consume,
A blood worm treat.
Fish food,
Must taste bad.
But anerexic fish,
Make me sad.

2007-08-31T23:44:00.000-05:00

The Most Exciting Game of Pool Ever

2007-08-13T15:01:00.000-05:00

Me
Elliot
The mini pool table
8 balls
one cue

The battle insued... many were lost on both sides. Numbers accumulated in the high 3's and 4's. The Elliot lost 4 balls; but was only able to steal 3. Therefor, due to the diparate loss of balls, the Waha was the champion. All lost balls were burried in the table...never to be seen again. It has been speculated that certain religious scriptures tell of the "return of the balls" and an all ending pool match...only time and faith with tell.

Put It In Your Pocket,

Sarah
~special contributions made by Elliot

Shh... Its quiet time

2007-08-06T10:49:00.000-05:00

So, I had an awesome weekend! My best friend from home came to visit me, and we had fabulous fun walking downtown, shopping, and eating potbelly's (a personal favorite).
This is us under the bean at Millenium Park...

Then I went home for the week! I've been missing my family soo much; Its so nice to be home and see them. I live out of Chicago about 90miles southwest. It seems so quiet here... And everything and everyone is so calm. There is no hurry to get things done or pressure to be productive. Its such a nice pace... I really miss it. I love Chicago, but there's nothing like coming home.

Embrace silence,
Waha

PositivIITy

2007-08-01T10:07:00.000-05:00

So, if positivity isn't a word already... it is now! I had a fabulous experience yesterday because someone made an effort to say something nice. I was making my daily walks for work--I deliver things and communicate with people all over campus--and one of the women I work with in the housing office is new. She has had a load of work put on her and not necessarily the proper training for her job. Everyday we sit down together and connect up the offices. Yesterday, she said to me, "I cant tell you what a life saver you've been these past few months." I take my work seriously, but I don't ever think of what I do as having a major impact on anyone specific. When she said this though I started to think about it...I realised not only that I do have an impact, but more importantly how good it felt to have someone tell me something positive. I returned my appreciation for her hard work, and later that day made an effort to share my appreciation for someone else.

My mother has a motto: Tell people if they need to improve, but also tell them when they do are doing well. She carries this concept to the work place, the store, and everywhere she works with people. What she's found is most of the time people are unaware if they are doing something unsatisfactory and are interested in constructive criticism, and they feel great when you tell them you appreciate them. I like this. I think it works, and I make an effort to do so. Yesterday's positivity was an excellent reminder of just how important this is!

Peace out cub scouts,
Waha

ps. spell check as confirmed that positivity is already a word...guess I'm too slow on that word creation. Its funny how some words you can just tack on the "ity" and its a word already, but others...no one ever bothered to make into real words, so we have to do it ourselves.

Hot Water

2007-07-30T11:02:00.000-05:00

Ever have one of those morning when you turn the water on and suddenly remember that the hot water was turned off for the day... Yeah, thats what happened this morning. If it were any other day, I'd create a word or phrase for that feeling, but cause its one of those days thats just not possible.
Peace,
Waha

Sox's Transfer Day!!!

2007-07-27T10:30:00.000-05:00

The Admissions office did a special day for incoming transfer students....

Time flys--if your having fun or not...

2007-07-18T09:48:00.000-05:00

The list of things I wanted to do this summer was quite extensive...however, the reality that none of those things are going to happen is starting to sink in. At the same time, I've found a great amount of joy in being lazy. There is something so nice about just laying around in the evenings in no big rush. Sure, I didnt get anything done this summer, but I've enjoyed it. I think thats more important than anything. I've begun preparing for the fall now...looking for text books, organizing my school stuff, and making all those back to school doctors appointments. And of course my compleate personal analysis of what I can do to improve my study habits and work ethic. I never really had to study before I got to IIT; so, the process of learning how to study has been an experience all its own. But I've got some ideas, and I've decided to make myself a box of study aids--really just an excuse to spend money at the container store. Here is what my box should contain...

1. Notecards--in a variety of colors and sizes. I like to make flash cards and write down key points.

2. Lots of Markers and Highlighters--lets face it, color kicks things in the brain.

3. A big sign reminding me to take a 15 min. break and relax.

4. A coloring book--this is what I can do while I'm relaxing for 15 mins. Maybe some Sudoku puzzels too; I have to do semi-mindless things so my brain can absorb sometimes.

Thats one sad list that kinda sounds like I spend lots of time doing nothing...which is usually the case. Focusing is no small task and one that is quite exsausting. I think I spend more energy thinking about studing than accually doing it.

Peace out cub scouts,

Waha

Fergie, PINK, and Belmont

2007-07-16T11:04:00.000-05:00

Its always hard to come back on Monday morning after a fun weekend! And I had a fabulous weekend... went to the Fergie concert hosted by Victoria's Secrete PINK line. It was a free concert at the Charter One pavilian center--in walking distance. It was an awesome concert and there was tons of free PINK stuff! Unfortunatly, I was out pretty late and had to work early the next morning for Open House. So I was a little tired... Saturday night my good friend from home came to visit me, he stayed the night and on Sunday we went up to Belmont and went to one of my favorite restaurants, Leona's. We then walked down to Lincoln Park and visited my sister and her boyfriend. Matty, my friend from home, bought a book at Urban Outfitters called whats your TV Personality. It asks you ten questions for each show and tells you what charater your most like; we had quite a bit of fun with this. Then I came home and slept! I was at work again this morning at 7:30, so I'm also quite tried today. The parents are coming in tonight to celebrate my dad's birthday!

The word for today is Macitize--to make one's computer run as much like a mac as possible. I love my Mac...so I downloaded as many Mac programs on to my computer at work as I could. I just can't handle Windows. So, I decided there needed to be a word for such an action.

Peace out cub scouts,

Waha

velocIITy

2007-07-13T09:33:00.000-05:00

Hi, Hello...

I'm Sarah and I'm a student at Illinois Institute of Technology. I work in the admissions office and was asked to start a blog. So, uh... here goes?

Warning: I'm a very poor speller and my english is random. I used to speak competitivily, so I just insert commas, dashes, and elipses where I would pause when speaking. However, this isn't nessisarly always the correct placement... But I think it is, cause thats where I want my reader to pause--right where I did! My appoligies to english teachers everywhere.

Now that we got that out of the way... I could tell you more about myself:

1. I like list!

2. I'm a biomedical engineering major and a sociology minor.

3. I'm a transfer student.

4. I like to make up words.

5. Issueous is the word I'm currently trying to coin--it means to be filled with issues, to take issue with everything, or to have the potential to take issue with numorous things.

6. Its a very fun word to say, I recommend make a fool of yourself right now and saying it out loud to oneself three times.

7. Kudos to those who accually did that! And double kudos if there were other people in the room who gave you strange looks when you did so.

Okay, I think thats all for now!

Peace out cub scouts,

Waha