Blog #10

Lately, I have been trying to find new projects to do. Last Friday, I went to an engineering presentation here at school, provided by the MESA program. Unfortunately, majority of the college students were still taking their general education and could not provide much information on engineering. I did learn about college, programs, and applying.  Last weekend, I attempted to do the water clock project, but did not make precise measurements and cut the hole too big on the container. The water dripped out too quickly and resulted in inaccurate time measurements. Over spring break, I plan to redo my water clock, finish my civil structure models, and maybe even do a catapult. From there, I will look at my research and try to think of ideas for projects I can do.

This image reflects on my spring break. I will be filled up with the 20% project, a history project, badminton, and most likely, helping others. I need to stay working so I do not become lazy. At the moment, I always feel lazy and I need to get out of this bad habit and personality.
http://www.theemotionmachine.com/wp-content/uploads/busy.jpg

Blog #9

Recently, I have been thinking that I should make a Ping-Pong ball catapult. This project is complicated and any minor error I make will alter the whole catapult's appearance and ability to perform properly. Making even the slightest of changes or mistakes can make it fling the Ping-Pong ball a shorter distance as well as a different angle, as opposed to flinging it straight. I have gathered my materials for the water clock and civil structures. This weekend, if possible, I will finish these and try to post some pictures on my next weekly blog. Furthermore, tomorrow, I will be attending this engineering presentation provided by the MESA program. Students from San Jose State University will be giving the presentation. I will take some pictures and also upload them to my blog. The presentation excites me not only because it is about engineering, but also they might provide me with information that I do not have and may give me more ideas for more final products.

http://imgarcade.com/1/super-excited-smiley-face/

This excited face represents all the upcoming projects I will be doing. I do not see this project as an obligation, but a sort of hobby and something fun to do when I have free time. Also, there is an engineering presentation tomorrow that I will be looking forward to after school.

Blog #8

Lately, I have been thinking about making model bridges like the civil engineers. I am still trying to figure out what materials to use. Like the project for MESA, I could use a balsawood-like material if I can. If I am unable to get my hands on these materials then I think I will just use popsicle sticks as a substitute. I will try to do the water clock this weekend if I have time during the day. Last weekend, we had a family get together  throughout the day. I want to try to do these projects during the day so I can show the progress and final products of these projects in pictures with good lighting. I was informed by my mother that this past week, my uncle, who was supposedly my mentor, went to work at 9 a.m. and got home at 9 p.m. I never realized that an engineer needed to work that long for a whole week, especially being his own boss.

http://churchjobs.tv/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/overwhelmed.jpg

This image could describe me as I am spilling out my emotions to my friends or to myself. I do not want to make excuses, but about three hours of my day gone because of a sport is sort of taking a swing at me. I feel overwhelmed with work and badminton, trying to fight off any desires of sleeping. As my grades fall, my self-esteem diminishes and I feel somewhat careless. Not sure what kind of psychological or growing phase I am going through, but I feel overwhelmed.