Zen of Tofu

It’s that time of the semester again — exam time. It’s the final leg of the race for the half-courses, and it’s merely an intermission for the year courses. I’m not sure if it’s the fact that I’m in my third year or if it’s just the professors I have this semester, but they have really put the heat on at the end of the semester. Finding time to study for my early exams is proving difficult since I’m still grinding out assignments. I just hope I can continue this level of energy through the duration of my exam period so I can maximize my marks in this final stretch.

Since I’m trying to graduate after next summer, I’m on the look out at future possibilities like certificate programs, continuing education programs, and of course the job search. After seeing what employers really want, and what I’m actually digesting from university, it’s no wonder why many degrees are accompanied with a college diploma or certification. It’s almost essential to get a solid foot into the door of the industry — especially the information technology industry. It was a somewhat rude awakening to find out that the degree I’m pursuing will allow me to learn even more quite easily, but not get me a decent job right out of the gates. I guess that’s what theory does for you. It gets you theoretical jobs.

On another note, we got our first snow fall today, and I got to experience it with the scent of fresh garbage, and the wind blowing at my recycling bins. Tomorrow’s commute will likely border on nightmarish, so I’ll be sure to get some good rest tonight in case I have to be up extra early. Where’s that snowblower we ordered?! It would definitely come in handy right about now! (And so would a mocha cappuccino! mmm…)

written by tofu

Today was back to university for me, and like just about every other “first day of school” that I can recall, it rained. At least it didn’t rain for the entire day, but nevertheless I’m not sure if it’s just around here, but every “first day of school” it has rained or at least drizzled (sprinkled, spit, tinkled, whatever you refer to as “scattered showers”). I’ve always wondered why it rains on first days of school quite often. I’ve often theorized that it was because so many people were in bad moods or were nervous that nature itself felt their concern and could only shed tears of rain. I wonder if the whole world was genuinely happy for a brief moment, what would happen? Would the skies clear, the sun shine bright, and food will fall from the sky to cure world hunger? Or would the world just sit in stillness while everyone enjoys the moment? It’s amazing what we can do as a unified population in co-operation. Of course things could never be perfect, or else what will we have to compare to, to rejoice over?

written by tofu

It’s the last long weekend before school starts, and I’m actually interested to see what this next semester holds for me. Since I took a class in Summer school, at least the studying routine won’t seem so foreign to me. This year will be more computer science oriented, but at least my economics classes and my language course should give me a bit more flavour to keep things interesting. More challenges, more adventures, more new topics — they all await.

I do hope the school year goes by fast, and I am looking forward to pushing my educational potential that would ensure my future. Going to university is such a privilege, and I plan to continue to take advantage of how far I have come with the help and support of others. Never will I neglect those who have made this opportunity possible for me, and I just want to say here and now — thank you.

written by tofu

I’m almost done. My second year of university that is. I know the exam countdowns are getting lame but in the spirit of tradition, I’m done three with my last on Monday morning. One exam I was truly worried for was my first year logic course, since I just couldn’t seem to grasp the concepts and be able to construct bullet-proof proofs on tests. Assignments didn’t pose much of a problem because I had time to analyze the questions and take my time to construct the proofs, but when I wrote the tests nothing seemed to click. I’m sure it’s not due to pressure, but somehow I always made silly mistakes that would give me pathetic part marks and sum to a fail.

I’ve never had such a poor work-to-grade ratio in a course before, but by midterm I figured I could get through this. After the exam I wrote for logic last night, I believe I have some hope. Either I actually started to “get” this rhapsody of logic, or I really had no clue what I was doing. I’m convinced of the former, and I hope my prof is convinced enough to pass me!

written by tofu

Another university year of classes is over and now I await the final exams in less than two weeks. It has been an interesting and eventful year and I have a great cast of friends and courses to thank for that. From the ups in first semester to the downs in second semester, it seemed very well balanced and still in my favour. Honestly, I can’t complain. I am always prepared for the curve balls whether I hit it out of the park or strike out, but as long as I follow my heart I’m sure I won’t be led astray. Of course I can’t expect things to go my way all the time, and in fact its quite humbling to know that luck isn’t always on my side. At the same time though, I know I have to look to the positive spectrum and it never hurts to have some support behind me as well. I owe a lot to the friends and family members in my life. You can solo a course, but you definitely can’t solo your life.

Now I’m focusing on my final exams, and some of the exams are definitely “make it or break it” situations. I’ve been in this position before and it’s not somewhere that I want to be in. Conversely, I can’t help but think about what the four months of Summer hold in store for me. I know I need to work my tail off to be able to go to school in the Fall, but there are a few things I’d like to accomplish this Summer. I know I’ll look back on this entry some day in the future and tell myself, “what was I thinking?!”, but it’s healthy to be ambitious is it not? With the new Subaru WRX joining the family of cars, I’d personally like to get to know that car to the point where I could potentially take it for my final driving test. (Maybe I am too ambitious?) I’ve heard both sides of the stick-shift story but I don’t feel discouraged. I see it as an opportunity to get to know the car better and to be able to become a better driver overall. As a neophyte adult, driving is an essential skill and I wouldn’t want it to be a limiting factor in any of my endeavours. I see it as a challenge or a rite of passage, partially because I take the art of driving and performance automobiles quite seriously. Another potential goal of the Summer is to start taking Cantonese or Mandarin seriously and get it in my head. Too long have I gone with giving blank stares, smiles, nods, or a combination of the aforementioned in response to Chinese speakers. Not only is it starting to get embarrassing to be so clueless, but I’m beginning to feel quite limited as if I live in a box with only English written on the walls.

Who knows what the Summer will bring, but I’m looking forward to spending time with friends, going to see places, and making money for my future. But now I must focus on the task at hand, which are my exams. “Make it or break it, either way I got to take it.”

written by tofu