2b or not 2 be
A reflection on the dreaded “killer term” of Systems Design Engineering
Well, we made it. As of this week, I am officially halfway through my degree. Time has flown by so quickly, I can’t believe it myself. Weirdly enough, this term has felt longer than all my previous terms combined.
was it that bad?
First, I’ll answer the question I’ll bet you’re dying to know (or at least, I was dying to know prior to this term). Did 2B really deserve the nickname “2B or not 2B?” To that, I’ll say this: if you decide that engineering is not for you or isn’t what will help your future career aspriations, I wouldn’t blame you if this was the term you drop out of engineering.
I won’t even lie, I’ve considered dropping out many times (in this term alone). As a UX designer I would probably study more relevant courses in a degree in the arts, like GBDA (Global Business and Digital Arts). Although engineering and I seem to have a love-hate relationship, I ultimately stay not only because I thrive on challenge, but also because of the people🙂.
school stuff
Courses I took this term:
SYDE 212 - Probability & Statistics
SYDE 252 - Linear Systems & Signals
SYDE 262 - Engineering Economics of Design
SYDE 286 - Mechanics of Deformable Solids
SYDE 292 - Circuits
SYDE 292L - Circuits Lab
Originally, I had asked myself which courses were my favourite and least favourite but in all honesty, I don’t remember feeling any particular way about any of the classes. This was definitely my heaviest term thus far, and I remember I just STRUGGLED in most of my classes.
Midterms season was particulary rough, because our midterms were so spaced out that by the time we were studying for the last one it was approaching finals season and we were all burnt out. I will say though, listen to your upper years. I recall many of my mentors telling me to “watch out” for the Signals course because the course content is heavy and moves fast. I, unfortunately, fell behind around midterms season and when it came to finals, studying for that course became incredibly humbling.
how i stayed happy, healthy, and thriving
In a term that is so science and math heavy, I found it especially important to do something other than school to keep me sane. For me, that was getting plugged into a Christian community on campus. In the beginning of this year, I started coming out to KCF (Korean Christian Fellowship) and now I can confidently say that this is where I have met some of my best friends.
Having those weekly meetups where I could just chill and take my mind off school really helped me reset, and made this term bearable.
Although I didn’t have the time this term to volunteer on UW Blueprint like I have for the previous couple terms, I also got to meet some current Blueprint members when I was invited to their end of term Gala!
It was a great way to reconnect with the organization that ignited my passion for design, and if I weren’t so busy trying to pass all my courses, I would 100% return to be a part of the Blueprint community.
Apart from studying and getting involved in the community, I made it a priority this term to take care of my physical health. To do this, I found a few friends who pushed me to go to the gym and workout everyday. Having that accountability not only made it easier to stick to my gym goals but also made working out so much more fun!
giving BACK to the community
This term, we wanted to do something FOR the community that we have been a part of, and that has greatly impacted us, for the past couple of years: the design community at UWaterloo. My best friends, Charissa and Da Yun, organized a designathon for the sole purpose of providing guidance and mentorship to new designers.
When I heard of the idea, I knew I had to jump on the team and offer my skillset in whatever capacity I can. Through planning, organizing, designing, mentoring, and judging, I was able to connect with many first years new to design. It felt like such a trip down memory lane because each and every one of the bright-eyed students reminded me of myself when I first got into design.
socials!
This term, I also made it a priority to hang out with my friends and live in the moment. In previous terms I would get so caught up in studying that I would often miss out on social events just for those extra few grade points.
However, this term, I started making more of an effort hosting get-togethers and planning events for my friend group. Here are a few of my favourite moments from this term:
final words
From going through the struggles of the first half of my degree, here are some of the most important lessons I’ve learned:
❤️ Get plugged into a community!
Whether it be a design team, sports team, or even an on campus organization, being a part of a community (outside of my own cohort) is where I’ve met some of my closest friends. It also helped me meet people who have vastly different skills and interests as me!
💪 Balance is key for longterm sustainability
A close friend of mine once told me that as an engineering student, there is always more studying you could be doing. When it comes to things like going to the gym, taking care of your mental health, and even socializing, sometimes you just have to say yes. Do those activities first, and then study later. Eventually, you’ll see that you can do just fine with a couple less hours of studying. Yes, you may sacrifice a few grade points but if that prevents you from burning out, then this will help you progress even further in the longrun. It’s a marathon, not a sprint!
🤝 Know your weaknesses and find accountability partners
Learning where I fall short and finding people to push me to stick to my goals has been one of the best things I could have done for my personal growth.
⏱️ Plan ahead for times of stress
Knowing when periods of stress will arrive, and planning accordingly has been crucial to my success as a student, and is also my #1 tip for avoiding burnout. It can be as simple as mealprepping the week leading up to exams because I know I will not have the mental capacity to think about what to eat.
😊 Most importantly, have fun!
University is supposed to be some of the best years of your life so don’t forget to enjoy it! My biggest regret so far has been not spending more time with my friends who are graduating.
absolutely love these reflections!