On Wednesday September 16, 2015, I went to the first Becker-Rose Cafe Series. Prof. Dan Schwarz talked about what a student must try to accomplish each year that they are in college. As a returning scholar, I had went to the same cafe series last year but it was definitely different for me going into it this year. It is my junior year at Cornell and I would say I have had some time to think about things I might have done differently if I was a freshman or even a sophomore now. When I heard Prof. Schwarz last year, I tried to take note of all his ideas and tried to see which ones might work well for me. Now, as a junior, I was able to think more critically during the talk and understand exactly what might fit for me.

One of the most important things I liked about the talk was Prof. Schwarz’s idea that you should work everyday but not all day long. I believe it is important to learn something everyday, most likely because I also think learning is fun. It is also important for me to work everyday. As an engineering student, I have to spend a lot of time doing readings, going through problem sets and working in the lab for three hours. If I didn’t work everyday, even for say two hours, it would be difficult to stay on course. But even when I am not at Cornell, I try to do work everyday because it is important for me to learn something everyday. Although I do work everyday, I try to put in fun activities in the day as well.

Prof. Schwarz gave good advice for junior year. He suggested people try getting internships, especially internships that pay money. I think its very helpful to get an internship because it might help you decide on your career. I had an internship this past summer which helped me decide I want to focus more on Computer Engineering. In addition it gives you experience in the work place which is not only good to show employers but also good for you to understand the difference between working and studying in college. Prof. Schwarz gave some good advice through out the one hour. If students are able to accomplish at least two things from the many things Prof. Schwarz suggested, it would help them have a really good experience in college.