Thursday, February 26, 2009
Taking on the Business World
To get to new levels in life it is important to take on new challenges. As in my last post I'm still trying to mature personally and professionally. Recently I have started a masters program in business administration. This is something I have been thinking about for a long time, even during undergrad. I was somewhat reluctant until an advisor told me that, "It is never the right time to go back to school when you're working, you just have to jump back in there and get it done." That really pushed me to go ahead with it. I realized the longer I wait, the harder it will get. Plus, pursuing this is exactly what I am all about, never becoming stagnant. I know this degree will push me farther wherever I go in my career and will also help me learn more about myself. I'm ready to see the bigger and better man the challenges this degree entails will turn me into.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Trying New Things
One thing that is always important regardless of age is branching out. New challenges enhance the capabilities we already have and make us aware of and strengthen our weaknesses. A new challenge I took on my senior year at Missouri S&T was delving into the field of synthetic biology. That same year a professor of mine held an information session about the International Genetically Engineered Machines (IGEM) competion.
Synthetic biology can be defined as research that combines biology and engineering principles to build or synthesize new biological systems and/or functions and at the annual IGEM competition teams from around the globe compete in all different categories. After I attended this informational session I was interested yet reluctant to join due to the fact that I barely knew anything about this field. A few other students had the same sentiments as me but the faculty involved assured us that they would guide us.
This was the first time this competition was introduced to the university. There were so many new things to encounter. Yet in still all involved pulled together and made it work. As the work went on I began to hone in on my skills about a field a few months earlier I knew nothing of. In addition I also gained more practical knowledge of processes that I already knew, such as PCR and electrophoresis. I had a better understanding of certain skills because I used them for practical purposes instead of just in class.
Presenting our findings at the jamboree was a blast. I met people from countries I had never even heard of, compared our work to others to learn our good and improvement areas, and just had an overall very enriching experience. I know I am better from all of it and look forward to knew challenges all the time.
Team Website & Project Description
Helping Others
Picture- Tommy, My "Little Brother"
One thing I feel is important in life is helping others. No one gets ahead all by themselves , we all get some kind of assistance. That's why no matter what I am doing or where I am it is a must that I reach out in some way. Currently I am a member of Big Brothers, Big Sisters Incorporated. I have been doing it for a few months and the satisfaction I get from it is wonderful. It feels good to pass on some of the wisdom and skills I have on to someone else. In college I was apart of The Mentoring Makes a Difference Program. All my life I have been involved in several church/community volunteer activities. The feeling I get from it is greater than any tangible reward. No matter how far I go in life I'll always make time to help others because so many have helped me.
Big Brothers, Big Sisters
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Staying on the Move!