Hi, my name is Alexandra Tran, and I've never written a blog before but I guess I'll try it out! To be completely honest, it is 11:40 pm right now and the due date for this blog is midnight tonight. Clearly, one of my main goals this year is to be less of a procrastinator and manage my time more efficiently. I understand that this is necessary in college and adult life.
My areas of interest for iQuest are computer science and philosophy. My love for computer science was established last year when I took the newly introduced AP Computer Science course at Cal High. Through this class, I have acquired many skills such as fluency in Java programming language, an ability to design and implement computer-based solutions, and the knowledge of the ethical and social implications of computer use. I also work at two different tutoring centers where I have learned data entry through various CMS programs. For iQuest, I will soon be shadowing employees at Kaiser Permanente Information Technology in Pleasanton. I also have an independent project planned that involves engineering and computer science using an open-source electronics platform called Arduino. Using Arduino's hardware and software, I plan to build and program by the end of the year a wireless technology based thermostat for my pet leopard gecko's tank so I can control its temperature from anywhere with internet access (geckos are cold-blooded, so their heat and humidity need to be constantly monitored).
As earlier mentioned, my second iQuest area of study is philosophy. Philosophy and religious study have always been great interests of mine. I am in the process of reading the Bible, the Quran, and the Bhagavad Gita at the same time. Some significant philosophical works I have read include Jean-Paul Sartre's Being and Nothingness, David Hume's Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding, Albert Camus's The Plague, etc. I also love many genres of literature besides philosophy and have a huge list of authors that I hope iQuest will give me the time to read and analyze.
I am amazed by what you plan to build by the end of the year! I could not come close to making anything that advanced! However, with all of your computer knowledge, I know that you will succeed in creating that thermostat! Good luck with everything!
ReplyDeleteAlex, I too have a problem with procrastination. It is a very difficult hurdle to cross in the workforce and it's all about staying focused and being determined. I'm interested in your love for computer science. I am not particularly educated in the field and I am looking forward to being enlightened by your work in this class. Philosophy is a great interest of mine and I think it's awesome that you are educating yourself on all the different religions and ways of looking at things. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteAlex, the variety and depth of your passions is inspiring. I've always looked up to you intellectually; you're such a thoughtful person - always thinking. I know you'll find some way to incorporate all your passions: coding, music, philosophy, and entomology. And I'm excited for your gecko's thermostat project, it will make your life a whole lot easier. You really do so much; by working at Kumon, being a Varsity athlete, and pursuing your personal projects. I know you were thinking of applying to primarily west-coast universities, but please think about broadening your scope. I could really see you at an intellectual institute like UChicago. Regardless, you will do great things.
ReplyDeleteBest Wishes,
Michelle Xue
Alex what you are planning to do this year is amazing. It really sounds like you are on the right path to becoming what you want to be. It's inspiring to hear that you learned so much AP computer science class last year that you are fluent enough in JAVA to create your own program to meet a practical need and are ready to work in Kaiser's IT Department. I hope everything goes as you plan. GOOD LUCK!
ReplyDeleteAlex, I find it extremely interesting that your passions consist of information technology and philosophy. It's amazing because these two fields of study are so drastically different and involve contrasting areas of thought. I am truly excited for you to shadow at Kaiser Permanente and develop the wi-fi based thermostat for your pet gecko! Best of luck!
ReplyDeleteAlex you sound very knowledgeable and its cool to hear that you have an interest in both technology and philosophy. You sound very determined to complete your iQuest goals, no matter how much work it takes. Good luck man
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