an engineer's perspective | university...life preparation | random facts
An Engineer's Perspective:
>In deciding my major in Engineering, I looked at my strengths. I am strong in the maths and sciences, and I like working with my hands. And I like to play with 'big people' toys.
Engineering is a faculty that is known for being tight-knit. The comraderie I found was one of the best things about being an Engineering student.
It's also not the easiest faculty, academically speaking. One of the challenges of my time as an Engineering student is being bogged down by the studies.
There's a lot of theory that needs to be applied in Engineering, so if you do well at applying theory, you would do well in this field.
Advice for Engineering Students:
>Don't just focus on engineering.
>Do get involved in activities outside the field of study.
>Do find a release for stress build up. Exercise is the best suggestion.
>Don't just worry about the marks. Do concentrate on understanding.
Back to top
University...Life Preparation:
>I was pretty shy in high school, awkward and quiet. Somehow that all changed when I came to university and it somehow gave me a confidence boost. Here I got heavy into sports, socializin', and I had no problem speaking in front of others or being the centre of attention. Knowing that I can't be there forever is a hard reality.
Interestingly, I didn't have a terribly difficult time adjusting to university even though I was six hours from my parents, and there were new responsibilities. But the hardest thing was probably setting priorities, relatively.
University is way more than academics, and it's a lot more than preparation for finding a job, but it's preparation for life. The priorities I set in university will most likely be my priorities afterwards.
Back to top
FAQs:
>I think that "being yourself" means to be ready to listen to suggestions to improve, but not to change just to impress.
I appreciate any time that someone makes the effort to spend time with me... it leaves an impression on me.
The most difficult thing I've ever done: Taking a "shortcut" and finding my way off a cliff with a friend as the day was ending. The shortcut took us twice the time as the climb up, and we were rewarded with many scratches and cuts.
I'd hate to be without: a Swiss Army knife
What I'm most proud of: I designed and made my own bean bag sofa (9 feet long!)
Sports I enjoy: volleyball, ultimate frisbee, cycling, hockey, basketball
Food I would consider dying for: lamb and prune tajine with fried almonds
Back to top
Paul talks about being good enough to get into heaven
Related reading:
Copyright iamnext.com 2003. May not be reprinteed without permission.
