Education

So it's the start of another semester and this semester seems to be no where near as hellish as the last. I may actually have time to write a blog or two during this one. So I have some pretty interesting classes that have already got me thinking about a few things, mainly about my education and future endeavors in industry. I think it is interesting how that the more I begin to understand as I go through school, the more I realize that I know absolutely nothing. My perspective of what my education is and has meant to me is ever changing, but I can say that my point of view as to why I am going to school has changed a lot since I began my studies at the U back in Spring 2007. If you would have asked me in Junior High or High school why I was considering a career in engineering, I would have simply stated that, "the pay is good and what I get to do seems cool to me." Altough this same fact still stands as one of the motivating factor as to why I am in school, there are more reasons now that have unfolded. If you asked me today why I am still pursuing my education in engineering I would say, "I am here to understand and hopefully contribute. Engineering is probably the best place I can be to help society reach toward its full potential." Sounds idealistic right? I know, but it is the developing view that has become my true motivation for school. I want to contribute and understand better the world we live in. Part of this view is helping me understand that I need to not only seek for knowledge in today's writing, but in the writing of past scientists and philosophers. It is astounding to me how much earlier generations understood about our world, both socially and scientifically speaking. I think we live in a day and age of slothfulness. We seek after the 'quick buck' and so long as we have our personal entertainment, whatever that may be (television, vehicle, house, vacations, etc.), we stop our personal progress because we think we are content and we cease to further our understanding of our occupation or the world around us. This doesn't mean we can't nor shouldn't indulge in the entertainments that our lives may afford us, but above all, we should commit to furthering ourselves as individuals and how we can contribute to the rest. In other words, do not let self-acheivment be the method of meter, rather self-advancement be how we measure our lives. This is just the thought that has been going through my head today.