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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.