Here we are back at SC, and we’re in full gear! Classes have started, football games have been won, and everything else we do is keeping us busy day after day. This year I’m taking a few awesome upper division courses, including AME 301 (Dynamics), AME 308 (Computer Aided Design with SolidWorks and SolidEdge), AME 309 (Fluid Dynamics), AME 341 (Mechoptronics- a lab course based around mechanics, optics, and electrical elements), and a GE about Greek Philosophy. So far I’m having a blast. I think my favorite class has definitely been solidworks because of the ability to create awesome 3D models of parts and assemblies. One of the main projects for the semester is to create a fully functioning bicycle within the program, and I can’t wait to see how it turns out!
Here’s a snapshot of my computer screen when I was working on a SolidWorks part
Of course, it wouldn’t be fall semester without football, and man are we off to a killer start! Unfortunately our #1 ranking has been taken by Alabama for the moment, but we will get it back! Going to the Hawaii game in the Coliseum was an unreal experience this year. People have been talking about how this year’s team will bring USC football back to the USC football of old, but I’m pretty certain we have gone above and beyond the historic celebrations that surround the games. Tailgates are bigger and better than before and the crowd is insane during the games. Never in my life have I felt so much a part of something huge. It’s truly an awesome experience.
Marqise Lee running it in for a touchdown on the first play of the season!
The fun doesn’t end there though! I just took on a new research position in a shockwave lab in the AME (Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering) department. Our project is to create a simulated woodpecker’s head (since woodpecker’s can withstand forces of around 1500 G’s) and use our results to try to create a better helmet for military applications to help soldiers better prevent permanent brain damage like PTSD. I’m super excited that what I’m working on could one day be used to ensure soldiers ability to maintain a normal lifestyle once they return home.
Outside of class and labs I’ve still managed to have a ton of fun. My fraternity had our first invite (formal date/dance) last weekend, and it was a blast. We got fancy and ordered a limo to take us to sushi and then to a club downtown. It was a great way to kick the year off and get re-familiarized with LA. Plus it was the first event outside of rush that everyone in the fraternity went to, so it was great to catch up with everyone and hear about the cool things people did over their summer vacations.
I’ll be sure to keep you all updated as the semester progresses! It’s gonna be a great year!
