This week, we began EDES200 and EDES301. I have enjoyed both of these classes so far. However, while I love coding and am minoring in Computational and Applied Mathematics, EDES301 has reinforced why I am not an ELEC.
I am excited for the engineering design project that will span the next two weeks. While not necessarily loving Arduino, it will be super interesting to figure out how we can solve a challenge affecting a certain demographic while integrating electronic components. I predict this will be a useful practical tool and also thought process in upcoming courses at Rice.
Outside of classes, my friends and I went to Kyoto this past Friday and then attended the Osaka World Expo on Saturday. We woke up at 3:30am on Friday morning to be able to get to Senbon Torii at 6am to beat the crowds. It ended up definitely being the right decision, and it was a beautiful hike. However, we were so tired that we all fell asleep in a random park later that morning. But, we found some ice cream shortly afterward that temporarily relieved exhaustion. We then went back to Osaka after finding lunch to work on our homework (Rice student core) and strategically achieved 11 hours of sleep to prepare for our lengthy day at the Expo. Lindsay and I arrived at 8:40am for our 9am entrance to the Expo. By using our American skills of speed walking and our elbows, we were practically our favorite F1 drivers — Oscar Piastri and Carlos Sainz, overtaking all of the other visitors to make it to the front of the line. While we were unable to get to the very front, we got in early enough to walk right into the Czech Republic. I was able to visit 51 different countries pavilions which was exciting. They had beautiful art demonstrations, connecting to how they are each advancing in the realms of technology and sustainability, looking toward the future. It was exciting to see, and I made sure to take note of smaller, underrated countries for future tourism reasons. The most interesting thing I learned was probably the technique of building in the Czech Republic. They are using renewable wood resources that emit low levels of carbon dioxide during the production process, and placing them perpendicularly before bonding the planks together. It’s more sustainable, is still durable, and thermally insulated, and doesn’t require steel framework. All of the various technologies were fascinating to learn about, and loving art, I was really excited to see how each country incorporated art pieces with heavy symbolism to their space and integrated it into their future. I look forward to learning more about renewable technologies in my future classes, and potentially being able to contribute to that field in the near future.
As we’re over halfway through our study abroad, I am learning to balance the increased workload with being able to explore Tokyo and the surrounding areas with my classmates. I hope to continue to make lasting memories, keep trying new crazy foods, and maybe one day find a sweatshirt!