First tests of the semester

My first tests did not go as I wanted them to. I didn't do horribly, but I didn't do outstanding either. I just had my music test last week, and I think that went well, but I have not gotten it back yet. I just need to adapt to these classes and now that the first tests are over, I know what to expect.

The last few weeks have been very stressful since I had three tests in one week, I had a 6.001 project I needed to do (and I met Gus' parents at the same time), and then my parents came for parents weekend, and then I had another test! This weekend I've had a bit of a break, even though I had to write an essay. But at least there are no tests next week!

I will give a more detailed update on all of these things shortly. I hope everyone had a relaxing weekend!

Career Fair

MIT had its career fair in the middle of September. More than a hundred companies showed up to hand out tchotskies and talk to us about internship/job opportunities. I visited Intel, Shell, Procter and Gamble, General Electric, Baker Hughes, IBM, and many others. I handed out my resume to each of them, and I will apply to some of these companies to try and get an internship for this summer. Since I’m a sophomore, it will be harder for me to get an internship compared to upperclassmen. Here is a funny (but actually quite accurate) representation of the MIT career fair (it is from Volume 125, No. 41).

For a list of all the companies that showed up, go here:

https://career-fair.mit.edu/secure/student/

3 Tests!

I have three tests next week, so I'm studying a lot this weekend. Check back next week for a blog update!

An Awesome Hack (Fire Trucks Anyone?)

MIT has a "hacking" culture. For those of you who do not know, "hacking" is another word for "pulling a prank." There are a number of other meanings, too (like exploring buildings, etc.). So, at MIT a prank is called a "hack." There are acually many rules for hacking (people have to be respectful, and most people are), so most of the hacks are actually very well done and do not disrupt the flow of the university.

Yesterday on the morning of 9/11 (say a prayer for all of those who were affected on that terrifying day), a fire truck appeared on the top of the Great Dome! Not a full-fledged one, mind you, but a large truck nonetheless. A similar hack was pulled quite a few years ago with a car, and it is one of the most memorable hacks in the Institute's history. (Update) It was verifed in The Tech (MIT's newspaper) that the hack was to commemorate the 5th anniversary of 9/11. A painted seal on the door states "Meminimus" which is Latin for "We remember." There are also toy dalmations sitting on the outside of the truck. The hack has been getting quite a bit of publicity lately. It was supposed to be taken down from 10-11 today, but it was still up at 3:30. I think this hack will be remembered for a long time to come.

To read the Tech article, go here: http://www-tech.mit.edu/V126/PDF/N37.pdf
Here are some more pictures of the hack: http://web.mit.edu/liz_b/Public/DomeHack/domehack.htm