So I have an interesting predicament. I visited Dr. Walsh so I could get my tech electives form filled out as I prepared to graduate after this coming spring. After a long wait, we finally went through the classes I’ve taken to see where I stand. That’s where he dropped a bomb – I could potentially receive my BS degree after this quarter and graduate! I literally dropped my jaw at those words. But soon after recovering from that shock, I received another surprise – if I take the other ZOO lecture/lab, I could have some previously taken classes bumped up and double-counted for an MS degree, already completing 18/40 units needed for MS. So if I withold graduating, I could go into the 4+1 program and get a masters degree.

Both scenarios have their advantages and disadvantages though, and that’s where I’m having problems deciding what to do.

The obvious plus with just getting the BS is that I’d graduate early. I was expecting to graduate after spring quarter, so it’d be nice to save myself two-quarters’ worth of tuition. However, this comes with a few problems. First, I wouldn’t actually receive my BS until I get my senior project done. My little project with Dr. Crockett isn’t officially my senior project yet, and it’s quite a ways from completion still. So even if my academic requirements are met for the degree, I’d still be an undergrad until I finish the project. Second, graduating early throws a wrench into my parents’ plans. My parents and I were expecting graduation after spring. Taking this into mind, they started planning for the spring ceremony; they already rented a hotel room at the beginning of fall quarter. If I were to graduate this fall, I’d probably walk in the fall ceremony; my family won’t be able to get any accommodations in time and invite other people. I also have my apartment contract locked until this June, and don’t have a career waiting down the immediate road (though I’m trying).

There are some great advantages with going with the 4+1 program. Having a master’s degree definitely looks a lot more attractive than a bachelor’s. Since I don’t have any internships or co-ops under my belt, I could use all the academic weight I can get. Plus I might have enough time to squeeze in an internship or co-op if I’m lucky. There are problems as well. I won’t have to worry about senior project, but now I’ll have to stress about a thesis. The early graduation and 4+1 issue really affects my plans for next quarter. I definitely won’t be able to graduate at the end of spring if I go 4+1. Even though I’d already have 18/40 units under my belt, I’d have to pile on the 400/500 classes every quarter to try and make summer graduation. Grad school is also more expensive.

So that’s where I’m at. I’m pondering what I should do…

Hmm, I seem to be in a religious conflict. It’s Lent, and every Friday I can’t eat meat. However, today is also the feast day of Saint Patrick. This feast day means that I have to wear green, and there is corned beef and cabbage all over the place. Do I not eat meat and slap St. Patrick, or eat the beef and piss off the Manager upstairs?

Great, both my roommates are most likely going to be out of town this weekend. One’s going to Vegas, the other’s going home. Now what am I going to do for Halloween? And I have no costume yet if something Halloween related pops up…

I think I found my first real major that I could seriously transfer to: General Engineering. Why? Well, they have a few concentrations that I could very well be interested in, especially BioEngineering. I’d still be in the College of Engineering (although GENE is not ABET accredited, which worries me a bit). I examined some of the classes I should have been taking if I were a GENE major already, and I have taken some of them already as a CPE major. Guess this route stems from the fact that biological/chemical engineering is still a strong and growing field. However, before I jump the CPE wagon, I am going to schedule an appointment with the CENG academic advising center to discuss a major change and if I really should go.

If I can, I’m thinking a minor in MIS might be desirable as well, though I may not be eligible for that. But nevertheless, this is a plan. If it’s a plausible course for me, I’ll discuss it with my parents; but for now I need to research other career paths.

Life is such a pain.

Aoccdrnig to rscheearch at an Elingsh uinervtisy, it deosn’t mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht frist and lsat ltteer is at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a toatl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae we do not raed ervey lteter by it slef but the wrod as a wlohe. – Amzanig!

In ohter nwes, the loacl frie dpetraemnt codncuted fire dirlls on the Crero Vtisa cpmoelx tnogiht. The sriens are rlealy LUOD!

I rejected the idea of heading home for the weekend at first, but I soon learned that a whole bunch of Cal Poly folk are heading home for the weekend as well. Therefore, I have reneged on my previous plan for the weekend, and have reserved my Amtrak trip home. The only reason I originally decided not to go was because the trip home would cut real close to my 4PM calc class. I decided to take the risk, because I love you. I want to transfer an old high school project for an english class to the computer so I can show it to everyone. Also, I want to head back and goto Easter mass with the family. And I can’t forget the ever so precious candies. I’m now taking bets for whether I’ll get back to Poly before my 4PM calculus class.

Anyway, I’ve been analyzing my future again as a computer engineer. I still can’t decide if Computer Engineering is what I want to do in life. If I don’t do CPE, what will I do? Or, I could just get the degree and go off on a tangent with my career. But how often does this happen? Why does life have to be so confusing?!?

GRR, and my blog is having some technical problems now!

Nunlander. I don’t know what to think of this. It’s funny, but it’s also shocking. Look at it for yourself and tell me what you think of it. Found it via Gretchen Pirillo’s blog

After a long 4 hour drive, I’m back in SLO. Not here by choice this time. I wanted to go back on Monday, since it’s a holiday for us. Unfortunately, I was bounded with a promise to a friend and with an Amtrak train delay to leave on Sunday.

Anyway, every quarter I seem to question whether my major is really what I want to pursue. I like working with computers, but I don’t know in what way. I don’t know if I can handle this type of work. I don’t know if I like this line of work. But if I do this, what will I do? I’d have left myself down if I drop to something else, plus I’d probably not have many opportunities. If this is for me, when am I supposed to enjoy the work?