Almost there...(Paula)

Aloha!

So, officially 4 out of 5 exams done. Let's see...mechanics, then stats, heat transfer, and biomechanics. Like I said before though, spread out over a reasonable period of 11 days. And my last one isn't until Wednesday! So a nice 8 day break, during which time I regrettably am having my wisdom teeth out - have you had yours out? How was it? I am so not looking forward to it. :S

Between my last exam and the start of work, I have a little over a week off so I'm heading to Cuba! Woohoo! Have any of you been? I'm going to Varadero because the beaches are supposed to be b-e-a-utiful :) I can't wait! Writing that last exam, I'll surely only be dreaming of this:



As for work, I'm going on a 16 month internship through the McMaster Co-op program at L3-Wescam, in a manufacturing engineering position. Internships/co-op are really good experiences to get in your undergrad so that when you graduate you'll be really marketable. Also, the co-op program is great because you can join at any time up until the second last year of your degree...so if you're unsure about signing up, you can always wait and see if co-op becomes of interest to you. That's what happened to me!

Anyways, everyone, enjoy the beautiful weather today - 21 and sunny! Too bad I have to get my teeth out this afternoon or I'd go play at the nearby waterfalls in Dundas.

Cheers,
Paula

Last minute fun before exams. (Genna)

Hello world!

Looks like it’s been a few weeks since I shared the goings on of my life! School has gotten a little hectic this time of year, what with term projects wrapping up and last minute assignments the profs just love throwing our way. The bright side is that in less than a month summer begins! I’m quite fortunate this year to only have 4 exams, and they’re all spread out over 3 weeks! It gives me lots of time to study, and not stress out :P

With the end of the term also comes the last minute get together before we all settle down for exams. The Eng Musical ended 2 weeks ago, so the cast, crew, and band of the show decided to have a little get together and go out for sushi:). We had an amazing run, and got lots of positive reviews. Can't wait for next year, it's going to be even better! Check out some shots from behind the scenes below:

The final shot of the show. Isn't it impressive?

The absolutely amazing cast, band, and crew of the 2012 McMaster Engineering Musical!

Some last minute dance rehearsing in the dressing room. Check out those jazz hands!

We even had a giraffe!

Well, I guess I better hit the books. Those biochemistrynotes won’t review themselves!

Cheers!

-Genna

Kipling! (Paula)

Hey guys!

How's it hanging? Hope you're all amped for the expected sunshine this week! Good weather makes everything so much better don't you think? :)

Speaking of, I don't know about where you live, but in Hamilton on Friday at about 6pm we had a freak snowstorm!!! I was so upset! The snow actually ... wait for it ... stayed on the ground! This, when only a week before it was 26 and sunny. I hope this inspires you to think about the effects of global warming, and how you can change your habits to create less waste and pollution 8-).

Anyway, that snow fell at the worst time possible - right before all of the graduates were heading to campus to get transportation to the Kipling Formal (i.e. the engineering graduation formal). As a (non-graduating, but lucky) guest, I was pretty concerned about getting soaked and freezing before even getting to the formal! Thankfully my roomate saved the day and offered to drive myself, my date, and all his housemates and their dates. So, alas, no one's hair or outfit was ruined :)


Above: The mechanical engineers' rocket!


Above: The civil engineers' rope bridge, and the materials engineers' playpen.

Did you notice the mention of the word GRADUATES above, by the way? That's right - all the graduating students of the class of 2012 left their "kipling gifts" for us overnight last Thursday (including a McTerials play pen, a huge model rocket in the side of one of the arts building, and some "Mecheroni and Cheese" for grabs in the eng building lobby) before getting their coveted iron rings at the kipling ceremony Friday afternoon. How exciting! Still 3 more years until I get my ring though...siiigh! Luckily, school is a pretty fun place to be so I'm ok with taking the long way to get to "my precious" :P

Anyway, I'm out everyone - first exam is in 4 days eek!! Happy Tuesday!

-Paula

Spring is in the Air! (Paula)

Aloha!

Guess what? 2 more midterms down, so 2 to go! Both next week, unfortunately, and 2 evenings in a row, but it'll be nice to have a free weekend after :). This week's agenda: 1 lab, 2 assignments. Not too bad, but seriously so hard to focus with this amazing weather!! Today it's supposed to be 17 degrees and sunny, and I'm free as of 1pm. Much more appealing to go for a run on the Hamilton-Brantford rail trail (which conveniently runs behind my house) and then lounge in the sun, don't you think? But odds are I'll have to at least bring a little work outside with me, as I did on Sunday studying for my heat transfer midterm:



Best way to study, eh? Smoothie, picnic blanket, and sunshine! Oh, and books ;). I have a great backyard to hang out in, actually - it has a reasonably-sized deck, and a 2-level grassy area with stairs and an arbor in between! Very enticing to go outside :)

Anyway, enjoy the day everyone! And the rest of your March Break week, for that matter. Let's cross our fingers for continued temperatures about 15 degrees! :D

Ttyl,
Paula

I'm baaack! (Paula)

Hey guys!

Long time no talk...it's been a busy month! Let me start off by saying my "reading" week holiday was absolutely superb, with a few days of glorious skiing in Quebec with some friends. Considering the totally weird winter we've been having, I was actually really happy to see snow ... and play in the snow...and build in the snow...and throw the snow! I bet you're all looking forward to your March Break next week - any cool plans? Feel free to comment below!

Unfortunately, now that reading week is over exams loom ahead...yikes! Unlike last term, though, I have some decent space between each exam - mostly because I start on the first day and end on the last day! You might think this might be like THE worst thing ever, but actually I'm happy to have time to study for everything. There's nothing worse than working really hard all semester and then having several exams crammed into not nearly enough days. Personally, I like to be able to focus on one at a time - and April's schedule will mostly allow me to do that :D. So wish me luck!

More importantly, engineering welcome week representative (also known as "redsuit") tryouts are happening right now! That means that all of the redsuit hopefuls for September 2012 are currently strutting their stuff hoping to be selected to welcome you to our campus in a few months' time. Redsuits tend to be really outgoing and excitable, as you'll certainly see if you come join us at Mac Eng!


Above: A friend and I playing in the snow in our redsuits!

Anyway...back to the grind! Still 4 midterms, 6 assignments, and 1 report to do before the end of term...but who's counting right?! :P

Peace out lake trouts!
Paula

#Rezlife (Daniela)

Hey everybody!

So us lucky university students had our only break of the semester this past week. Yes, it was the much anticipated reading week, where some people like myself try (and fail) to get ahead on school work. It’s a good chance to catch up with friends and family and maybe do some coveted winter sports. But alas, that week comes and goes in a blink of an eye and I am already back to my home-away-from home: Moulton Hall.

Move-In to Moulton Hall Welcome Week 2011
(Sneak peek to your move-in :P )

Despite being in second year, I am in residence again, and having spent two years on campus, I have some good insights into residence life. At Mac, there are many different residence options and themes. There’s your standard dorm style, with a range of 1 to 4 occupants, suite or apartment style. Then you have to throw in themes like all-female, international, substance-free, etc. I’ve lived in a double and single room, each offering their pros and cons. Double is great because you have someone to watch movies and hang with all the time, and single is sometimes nice because you get that “me” time.

A very essential tool for any student living on campus is the meal card. You ID card, which doubles as the magical swipe card for purchasing food, is your key to sustenance. I was blown away by all the options on campus when I first arrived. Eventually, I stumbled upon the buffalo chicken wrap which I ate way too many times. Not going to lie, the food does get a little tiring, and if you let it, the Freshmen 15 will happen. It’s not a myth.

Rez is great for two main reasons:

1) Convenience. You’re a stumble out of bed away from class.

2) Opportunity. Residence gives you a whole other community outside your faculty to be a part of, with leadership positions even in first year with the Inter-Residence Council. Then later on, there’s a chance for Community Advisor or Residence Welcome Week Rep.

For more info and PICTURES(!) check out the housing services site here: http://housing.mcmaster.ca/index.php

Later days,

Daniela

Work work work....then fun! (Genna)

Hello World!

So the semester is well underway, and in the grand tradition of engineering I am now buried in midterms and assignments. I’m talking about constant back to back midterms peppered with assignments, tutorials, and lab reports. Doesn't that sound like fun? Well, to me it actually is! As much as the workload may be daunting I do love what I’m learning. Although I’m not too excited for my 3 midterms in a row next week…Ugh!

Oh well! One by one I’ll get it all done. What’s keeping me going this week is the thought of Karaoke Night with the cast/crew/band of the engineering musical! We like to act a little silly from time to time, and what could be sillier than singing the Spice Girls at the top of your lungs in front of a group of strangers?! We like to do bonding activities here at Mac Eng - it’s like one big happy family!

Above: Here's a group shot of the absolutely fantastic cast of the 2012 Mac Eng Musical. Can't wait for the whole show to come together!

Above: Musical is serious business! Here we are rehearsing a scene in the show. We are so intimidating!

I can’t wait for reading week. The best part about it: sleeping in every day in the week because there are no classes! I think I may go skiing with some friends from high school…or just spend the time at home with my dog :P

On an exciting note, I got rehired with one of my professors, so this summer I get to spend time doing research in the laboratories on campus. It’s really fun, and I actually have a chance to apply the material I've learned in class to a real life situation!

Anyways, I gotta go back and hit the books. I’ll tell you all about my summer job another day. Hope everyone’s having a fantabulous February!

Cheers

-Genna