Author Archives: yy826

Tabletalk Fall 2019

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This evening, we had a talk over dinner at Rose House with Ty, a graduate resident at Founders Hall. It was an interesting discussion about events happening around the world and on campus. Many topics were raised, such as the Hong Kong situation and Trump impeachment to our own thoughts about this semester.

It was interesting to hear stories from the people I talked to. Some of us were enjoying the semester and talking a lot of interesting classes, others were overwhelmed by extracurriculars and work, but all of us seem to be having our own special college stories to tell. It would have been awesome to hear from more people, but unfortunately, time ran short and we had to end it. Hopefully there will be another reflection event like this next semester.

Crafting Gourds

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On 30th Oct, I was introduced to the exquisite art of gourd crafting. It was unlike anything I have seen before – I can’t stop marveling at how durable these dried gourds are (huge contrast to organic matter decomposing rapidly) and the endless possibilities of creating artwork out of them. It’s amazing how artists can “see” inanimate objects in different perspectives.

That night, we were drilling holes into mini dried gourds to be used as nightlights. That idea alone – using gourds as nightlights – was already so novel to me. I had so much fun drilling (countless) of holes into the gourds, and creating something unique that relates to the inner “me”. This event gave me newfound appreciation of the natural world around us.

Carving some pumpkins

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Halloween is around the corner! It’s awesome to take a glimpse of what people do during Halloween (I’ve never seen nor celebrated Halloween before). Pumpkin pies in dining halls, pumpkin carving and painting… I can’t help but wonder why the pumpkin is so closely associated with Halloween.

It’s nice to see all the smiles and laughter while each person meticulously craft and paint on their pumpkins. What a great opportunity to de-stress during the busy semester.

Either way, Happy Halloween! I’m sure we’re all getting our horror stories and nightmares from the endless prelims and homework 🙂

Learning about Flora Rose

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Earlier this evening, I attended a talk by Dr. Muelenaere on a brief history of Flora Rose, whom our building was named after. She was pivotal towards the development of home economic studies which enriched the lives of many women and families during the early part of the 20th century, where health, environment, and interactions at home weren’t how they are today. I found her work on saving Belgium from the brink of collapse after being invaded by Germany simply remarkable – to have an woman travelling across a war-devastated country, and on foreign soil, alone, and ensuring that the children and women were supported and fed.

I found it interesting that Flora Rose actually utilized quantitative and qualitative assessments during her scientific analyses, and as mentioned by Dr. Muelenaere, she was 15 years ahead of the scientific community in doing so. Despite her contributions, it is unfortunate that she isn’t as well known across the country, but it’s awesome that we have an entire house named after her.

Relationships between Science and Religion

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This evening was an interesting discussion of the relationships between Science and Religion – two areas that usually contrast each other. As I don’t really have much thoughts about religion nor the way it works, the conversation was hard to follow at times, but it was interesting nonetheless.

I liked the idea that interactions between two “things” define their identities, rather than the usual approach that each “thing” has their own identity which affects their corresponding interactions. This approach could be vital in helping us understand fundamental interactions of biological, physical and chemistry systems. By dissociating their identities from current knowledge, it allows us to study and understand them in a different perspectives – for instance, quantum mechanics to understand the mechanical model of the atom in which classical physics fails to.

Wise words from Prof. Felippe

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Earlier this evening (1900h), I attended Dr. Felippe’s talk on her journey as an immigrant and eventually settling down in the States. She had lots of wonderful advice, and one of the (many) major takeaways that I think is worth mentioning wwas on deciding a career path.

Many students, especially those in the pre-med track, are expected to make up their minds on their career paths so early, to the point where they’ve got to start working their *** off since high school. Also, once they’re pursuing their MD, there’s no way around. Dr. Felippe talked about how each step in her journey to academia was unexpected, and she treated her education as “equipping her with the tools” to get to the next stages in her professional life. I thought that it was very meaningful, as many people’s careers do not turn out as they’ve expected 20 years ago. It’s great to treat college as a way to nurture and nourish ourselves in a way that best prepares for our future endeavors.

Professional Photoshoot

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The professional photoshoot session was really cool. I had no prior experience taking a professional shot, and it was awesome to see how everyone dressed up neatly in suits. It was awesome to have an experienced phototaker too.

This photoshoot made me understand the importance of dressing up in a presentable manner and keeping a neat and tidy appearance. Although we’re do not judge a book by its cover, after looking at the photos of myself, I must say that a profile picture gives a strong first impression. I hope that more opportunities like this appear soon. Also, I look forward to receiving my images!

Meeting Alumni at Meet & Greet

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Today is the day the Rose Scholars program begins. I joined the House Fellow Meet & Greet to meet fellow residents living at Rose. It was an awesome event. I met someone who graduated Class of 1964, and it’s absolutely heartwarming to see the amount of pride she has and contributions she invested for Cornell. We should be grateful for the amazing alumni we have here.

Some things  learned include the traditions of old societies (e.g. women had to return to their dorms at a stipulated time every night), subtle ways that we can connect with one another after we graduate (Cornell songs), as well as ample great advice from wisdom only the old generation has. It was a memorable bonding event, and I am glad to have made a awesome new friend!