Blog #5: Reflection

This semester has felt short. This is probably because of how busy I have been. The thing I struggled the most with was keeping up with all of the assignments and quizzes that were due every week. My grades were always above 80, but for some classes it felt as though I wasn't learning the material, even when my grades were high. Next semester I feel I will have to start marking the due dates on my calendar better to make sure that I never miss handing something in. At the beginning of the semester I felt like I didn't know nearly as much as the other students did about technology. I don't know if that has improved much, but the fact that I was able to make it to the end and complete all my assignments without too much difficulty proves that I am making progress. My hope for next semester is that, when my classes become more focused on programming, I won't fall behind or become too confused. Thankfully, I managed to make some friends this semester, even though I wasn't trying to. While they won't be in the same classes as me next semester, that doesn't mean I can't go to them for help if I need it. It also helps to realize that I am already a quarter of the way through my two year program. If all my semesters go by as quickly as this one, then I will be done in no time! My biggest worry, though, for next semester, is that I am expected to continue working, as well as keep up my classes. On top of that, I will be taking weekend courses in teaching English as a second language, which will take up all my time for at least 2 months. I'm sure I will get through it, but I'm not looking forward to how busy I will be.

Professionalism

Over the last few weeks we have written a variety of different types of business correspondence. With each one, we were asked to communicate with either a client or someone within the business we are 'working for'. Even though I got perfect marks on most of the assignments, there is still room for improvement. Communication is something that will be important no matter where I am in life. All my classes, whether is be Programming of Computer Systems Hardware, emphasize the importance of communicating with people. One of the best ways to continue improving business writing is to write something every day. Harvard Business Review (par. 8) believes that it is important to practice the writing skill as often as possible. It doesn't matter whether or not you are writing a business correspondence. Writing even simple sentences everyday can help improve grammar, editing, and help recognize your 'voice'. Once you know how you sound when you write, mainly by rereading what you've written, you can recognize your tone. Recognizing your tone can help you spot mistakes you are making when writing to someone. If your tone is different than when you are relaxed, you may need to check what you've written again. You never want to come across too excited or pushy when speaking with others. Many people believe that while working in a technical environment there is no need to focus on communication skills. The 'stereotypical' programmer is an anti-social nerd who sits alone in a room and only comes out when they are forced to by their boss. In reality, a programmer who cannot communicate with people is less valuable than one who can, even if they are more experienced. Besides, with how important technology has become in our lives, knowing how to write, even for personal reasons, is more important now than ever.

Citations

O'Hara, C. (2015, August 12). How to Improve Your Business Writing. Retrieved November 29,
         2018, from https://hbr.org/2014/11/how-to-improve-your-business-writing

Blog #2 - Study Habits

My study habits are something that have been evolving since I started studying for tests in my second year at Carleton. Before this time, I would glance at my notes, but that can hardly be considered studying unless I retain the information. In my second year I found the best way to guarantee I remember the information I was studying: coloured pens. By colour coding my notes as I was writing them I remembered each one because I was actively paying attention to what colour I was using and categorizing the notes accordingly. Of course, all studying should be done in an environment where there are few distractions. 

The first time I tried to colour code my notes I was in the living room while my roommate tried to cook an entire Easter dinner for her boyfriend’s family and set the kitchen on fire. My notes were perfect, but that turkey was not. As it turns out, when a turkey catches on fire, the incorrect response is to scream and run from the room. I wasn’t the only on learning valuable life lessons that day.

One problem I see myself having with the more technical course I am taking is that not all information I take notes on is something I need to memorize. To combat this, I will have to look at what exactly I need to know and what the best way to remember that data is. For example, in Computer Systems Hardware we need to remember how to disassemble a Personal Computer (PC) and reassemble it. At this, taking notes helps, but is not enough to remember where each component is supposed to go without having a deeper understanding of the function of those parts. In this case, simply understanding the function of a specific piece is more beneficial than the notes on where they go.

PS: Here is the Start Wars video you should have showed the class.

Assignment 1 - Intro to College Life

My first week on campus probably isn't as hectic as it is for most people. I already have a degree from University, and nothing can compare to the panic I felt my first week there. The first few weeks of college for me is more like an orchestrated chaos. The hardest part isn't dealing with a new setting; it's helping my younger brother deal with it. He can't figure out how to turn a computer on let alone how to access his systems for his classes. I’m trying to help him understand how to handle all the new things he is experiencing here. The best thing for anyone to do is handle things one step at a time. Plan out when your assignments are due, work on them between classes, and then set some time aside on weekends to finish what you need to. Let’s face it, no one likes doing homework at home, and when you’re at school you're already in a “do it” mindset. Between classes is the best time to get work done. It’s not like there’s anything else to do anyway. And while on campus I can get access to in-person help with IT services or SALS. I’ve already used the IT services more than once dealing with my own set-up and my brothers, so I know how important they are going to be throughout the rest of the year. All-in-all, I’m not worried about this year. As hard as an assignment, exam, test, or lab can seem, it’ll be over in a few days and then you can move on. Stress is temporary. The first few weeks of college can either make or break you when it comes to the school year. After you are past the first month you should know your professors well enough to feel comfortable asking them for help.

When stressed, remember, everyone feels stupid at some point in their life. That shouldn't get you down. Click here for an example of a moment a successful man made a mistake in front of over 200,000 people on the Internet. WARNING: there's a lot of cursing.