Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Me, Myself and I: An Introduction

Hi! I'm Gloria.
Here is a little story of my life.
          January 11th, 1995, was a very eventful day in my family's life. It was the day I was born! Officially born in Oklahoma City, I have spent my entire life growing up in Lawton/Fort Sill, surrounded my military men, deployment, homecomings, and the strange mod-podge of a town: Lawton. I am half Korean, and in turn, feel as if I have grown up in a completely different world than most. I often find myself confused at the customs and ideas that I have been taught, that are normal to me, just to find that I am, in actuality, the different one. But that’s an entirely different story.
          In 2013, I began a new chapter, a trivial journey: college. I had always questioned what I was going to major in, and finally I decided that Environmental Science was the path for me. However, majoring in Environmental Science has proven to be no simple feat. The College of Engineering truly is an interesting battle to fight, especially considering the fact that we as students choose to do so. Yet, as permanently confused as I may find myself, I would not have it any other way. 
While some may say that being an Engineer is a crazy notion to begin with, I am also pre-law, with a minor in philosophy, hoping to blend the two completely contrasting ideas into one career. This semester, like many aspects of my life is a mix of a little bit of everything. Currently enrolled in 19 hours, each class is completely different from the last. This semester, I am enrolled in Organic Chemistry, Physics, an Environmental class, as well as two philosophical classes, and lastly of course, Epics of India!
          In addition to my academic career, I also currently work as a receptionist in an attorney’s office in Norman throughout the week.

I hope you enjoyed this little tid-bit on me, myself, and I!
 
And because I’m just a little self- absorbed….. And clearly a little insane….
(Picture of me..... Obviously, my finest moment)

24 comments:

  1. Hi Gloria!

    I must applaud you for taking up a major in the College of Engineering! Although I am pre-med, I don't think I could survive if I decided to go the engineering route. It seems like you have a lot on your plate this semester, but I'm sure you'll pull through strong! I can't wait to begin reading your work throughout the semester, and good luck in your studies!

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  2. Hello Gloria! First off, it's nice to meet you, and I hope you are having a great semester so far. I don't know how you are staying sane with all of those classes, but I have all the faith that you will do great. You sound very dedicated and passionate about what you are doing. I love reading about what people are interested in, and it sounds like you are interested in a lot of different things. I'm interested to know how your Philosophy classes go, because that has always seemed like an interesting subject to me. I hope you have a fabulous semester! I love that picture by the way, you look like you're having a lot of fun!

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  3. Hi Gloria!

    In response to your comment on my blog:
    I actually remember you too! Definitely not creepy at all..in fact I thought it was really cool that you remembered me. :)

    I really wanted to come read your introduction since you read mine!
    You sound so busy! I have never taken that many hours as an engineering major AND work! Go you!! I love that you are combining law, engineering, and philosophy together! I’m sure that will really help you for the future! It certainly makes you very unique! :)

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  4. This is so cool, Gloria — I think you are the first Environmental Science major I have met. In fact, I did not even know that there was such a major... but it sounds really cool! The idea that you are being scientific AND philosophical AND epic in this class is just fantastic. What a great semester! And listen, there is probably so much that will intrigue you in the epics, but I will urge you to pay attention to the gurus that you will meet: they are philosophers in a way, but also magicians in the sense that their knowledge gives them incredible powers. That might be a topic you want to explore for the class... I find the gurus fascinating! You can see what you think — you will meet quite a few of them in the epics as the heroes wander around in the wilderness where they run into all sorts of sages in their ashrams. And the gurus are DANGEROUS, like you saw with Kapila burning the sons of Sagara to death with just a glance! More about Kapila and the Samkhya school of philosophy here: Kapila. So... watch out! It is a good thing all philosophers do not possess these powers. :-)

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  5. Hi Gloria!
    I think it is so awesome that you are an environmental science major! I admire people that have majors in the College of Engineering because I definitely could never do that! Nineteen hours this semester will probably be really rough, but I am sure that you will make it through! I am pre-pharmacy, so I have taken organic chemistry. It is definitely rough, but just work really hard and you will succeed! Good luck with your semester!

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  6. Gloria, I can’t fathom how incredibly hectic your schedule must be! 19 hours on top of working part time? I commend you. I’m at a stage in my collegiate career which doesn’t require me to be quite as busy – the final semester! However, I have taken many of the same science classes as you and I realize the struggle. I would guess that majoring in environmental science entails taking classes which focus on climate change; as such, what’s your opinion on the debate?

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  7. Hi Gloria, Environmental Science sound like it would be a very interesting but difficult subject. My brother is in his fourth year of medical school and I can not imagine majoring in something that has to do with science. Kudos to you! I have been to Lawton a few times and I am very interested in learning more about Ft. Sill. Good luck with being enrolled in so many difficult subject this semester, but don't forget to enjoy the semester too :)!

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  8. Gloria, it is amazing how so many people come to college not knowing what to do and seem to end up finding something they can become passionate about. On top of that it sounds as if we will get to d o it all over again when we head to law school and have to figure what exactly we plan to do with a law degree as we move forward in our life. Good luck on starting the application process to law school and making the right decision.

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  9. Hey Gloria! I definitely understand the pain of the college of engineering! I'm almost finished up, but it was definitely a battle. It's certainly a challenge balancing your social life with all the schoolwork, but it's certainly worth it! I've landed a solid job that starts when I graduate. Pre-law is certainly an interesting choice along with an engineering degree, and I know if you decide to go the patent law route you will make a TON of money! Good luck as you work your way into law school as well as with the rest of this semester.

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  10. Hi Gloria! I am also enrolled in 19 hours.. Don’t you enjoy having no social life? I have yet to meet someone that is an Environmental Science major! I actually took a class this semester at the Biological Station called Wetlands Ecology. The professor was Robert Nairn. I’m not sure if you’ve met him but he’s a great professor in your college! That is really cool that you are half Korean. I love Korean food!

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  11. Gloria,

    growing up in a military town can be different, I've heard. I'm not really sure what makes you feel confused and different - do you mean Korean customs that you feel disconnected to? Or living in a military family? Either way, I hope you have found a sense of peace in something! Going to college really is a strange time in our lives - people really do miss out when they choose not to attend. Whether it is for the better or not, I'm not sure! But in the end it certainly does shape the people we are.

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  12. Hi Gloria. I went to basic training in Fort Sill. It is too hot there! I also spent a summer there on a mission trip repairing rooftops of people’s homes. I could not imagine the course load for being both pre-law and environmental science. It seems like you have quite a lot going on with bot work and school. Best of luck getting through the semester!

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  13. Hello, Gloria! It’s nice to meet you! Your schedule sounds so hectic, but it will be very rewarding, I’m sure. I don’t know much about Environmental Science, but it seems challenging and very cool. I’m really interested in how you will blend that with pre-law and philosophy, and they all seem so amazing! Wishing you the best of luck this semester!

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  14. Hi Gloria! We are totally on the same page with scheduling. I am in 19 hours this semester too, as well as organic chemistry. I am a biochemistry double-major along with psychology and pre-dental. So I totally feel your pain. I am also interning at a dental office during the week. :) It sounds like you have a lot going for you though and that you are on the road to success. Just keep pushing and you'll make it! Good luck!

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  15. Hello, Gloria! It sounds like you have a hectic semester! The only exposure to Environmental Science I've ever had was taking an honor level course called "environmental science" in high school to get easy credits. I'm sure there's a lot more to environmental science than what I learned in that class. I'm interested in seeing how you combine pre-law and philosophy. I enjoyed reading your about me. Wishing you good luck for the crazy semester!

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  16. Hi Gloria! Your introduction is so cute! What a creative way to write this. It made it fun to read. I have taken all of those chemistry classes and physics as well. You defined the feeling perfectly, permanently confused! I have the exact same feeling. Pre-law is such a different path then all of those classes you are taking. It sounds awesome! I am just trying to graduate at this point, but it sounds like you are still exploring all the University of Oklahoma has to offer you! Generally I tell people good luck, but in your case I want to tell you to have fun!!!! It sounds like you already are.

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  17. Hi Gloria, I love that you are half Korean! That must have been so interesting and fun to grow up in two different cultures. I commend you on being in so many hours! That is not an easy semester, especially being a student in College of Engineering. I remember taking physics and o-chem together and it was one of the toughest semesters of my life!!! You seem really determined and driven to accomplish this semester in order to finish strong. Your introduction was very fun to read and I wish you all the best for the rest of the semester!

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  18. Hi Gloria! It's really cool that you are an environmental science major. I think that would be really interesting to study but I would be completely lost with the engineering college and the math and science classes you would have to take. I considered a philosophy minor also but ended up going with religious studies and anthropology instead. I absolutely love the picture of you at the bottom! Good luck with the rest of your semester!

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  19. Hi, Gloria, it’s nice to finally meet you! Wow, I did not know that Environmental Science was in the College of Engineering. I don’t know how you are able to manage taking 19 hours this semester with that kind of course load, while still working. Man, that must be exhausting! I am glad that you are happy in what you are doing though. And I love your picture, it looks like you’re having quite a bit of fun!

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  20. HI Gloria! nice to meet you! I am Korean too ! I believe that Environmental science is an important thing to study now days. I am also enrolled in 19 hours this semester too! I hope both of us finish strong. I think you are a trooper for taking organic chemistry and physics together. I hated it physics, but I hope you will be able to get through it! Have a great semester

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  21. Hi Gloria! It seems like you have been super busy this semester! Learning to juggle all of those courses and work will definitely benefit you in the future. Your time management skills are probably superb!

    I think it is awesome that you grew up in a blend of two different cultures. I wish I had been more exposed to the beliefs and customs of other cultures as a child. I have taken care of women and their families from other cultures during the childbirth process and some of their traditions and customs are very unfamiliar to me. I love learning from each experience!

    Good luck with finishing up your classes this semester!

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  22. Hey Gloria! Wow... you're an overachiever and engineer major and pre-law? Those are like total different subjects...and you're taking 19 hours?! Holy moly. I wish I could be more like you! I am actually also taking prelaw class but I am a political science major, planning to get my masters in legal studies here pretty soon, don't really feel like law school haha. Oh hey I'm also a receptionist at a law firm! Which firm do you work at? Anyways good luck with your semester! You will do great!

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  23. Hey, Gloria! That’s cool that you are environmental science. We have probably passed each other in the engineering quad a few times! Sounds like you had a pretty busy semester. Hopefully your classes went well! O-Chem is not a fun class, but at least you’re like 80% of the way done with it. You look like you’re having fun in the picture you posted of yourself. Good luck with the rest of the semester!

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  24. Gloria,
    I also used to work as a receptionist at an attorney's office! I don't know if you had the same experience, but it was a lot of work! I only filled in for someone for 7 weeks, and I felt like I was constantly running around like a chicken with its head chopped off! It seems like you are taking full advantage of your college education--good for you! I am a European History major and I feel like that was hard to get through. I can not image taking on all the classes you are! Good luck with the rest of your semester! P.S. I really like your photo haha!

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