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A Day in the Life...
Final report
My "DMP Experience": The
Good and The Not-so-Good
Overall, this summer has been a tremendously exciting opportunity.
I've been able to explore what an academic career might be like by
observing what goes on here. I've been inspired by some exciting things
going on in computing research that I would probably never have found out about
just staying in North Newton. And I've gotten some really good
programming, research, and reading experience. But, of course this summer
is not just about academics, and it's not just good things either. So
here is a running list of things outside of work that may characterize this
summer:
The Good:
- Milwaukee. The
university is just a bit north of downtown, but there is a lot of neat
activity within walking distance. Coming from land-locked,
drought-prone Kansas, it is amazing to have Lake Michigan within 20
minutes walking distance. Not to mention the cool, breezy summer
temps (we're talking mid-70's/low-80's here!) Plus, Milwaukee is
really a city with personality-- great restaurants like Three Brothers, and
lots of live music (free outdoor concerts just about any day of the week,
be sure and check out the Love
Monkeys for some "happy rock"!)
- Catherine. I admit I
was nervous about suddenly living and working with some random person from
Colorado, but it turns out we get along pretty well. We are
different in a lot of ways, but also surprisingly similar. We've
bonded over sci-fi novels, marching band memories (go pit!!!), and
insanely talented little sisters. It's great to have someone to
explore with, both Milwaukee and surrounding area (Madison and the Twin
Cities are our two bigger trips so far). We are both on the
unadventurous side, sort of hesitant to try out new things, so it is
fortunate that we can kind of kick each other in the rear to get out and
do something.
- Free time. Although
this is both a curse and a blessing, as it was difficult to know what to
do with so much free time at first, coming off an incredibly busy semester
at school. Now I simply enjoy the fact that when I come home from
work I am pretty much free from obligations and have time to work out,
read, write e-mails, talk on the phone, etc. without worrying about
homework that needs to get done. I have time to walk to the grocery
store, browse around as much as I like, and try out new recipes.
The Not-so-Good:
- Long-distance. Being so
far away from family and friends is never easy, and especially with so
much free-time, it was a little depressing at first to have so much time
to talk and no one to talk to. Luckily, my dad got a new cell phone
plan with LOTS of long-distance minutes, so I do spend a lot of time on
the phone, especially with James. (For those who don't know who James is, I'll give you a hint: he's not
my pet earthworm). I also enjoy talking to my parents, my sister,
and my grandma. I also really miss geeking it at the donut shop with
my cs guys in Kansas. There's no substitute for that! On the
other hand, being away from familiar people allows me to get out and do my
own thing, and a lot of time to think about what kind of individual I
really want to be, which is an important thing to think about at this
stage in life.
- Bureaucracy. This is
just because I am spoiled coming from a small town and a small college
where everyone knows you. I hate having to show my ID everytime I
want to get into the building where I live. Also, having to pay for
parking absolutely EVERYWHERE tends to keep me from going out and doing
things. I know I should just get over it and accept it as part of
life in the city, but I do have a serious pinch-penny side that often
needs convincing.