Architecture
Jeremi succeeds in class enrollment; Luca finishes his semester
Welcome back to Jeremi and Luca’s Newsletter, an update every Sunday from two friends connected by a relentless desire to learn.
Luca: of the Interior
This is definitely the latest Jeremi and I have sent out this newsletter. I’m sitting in the airport writing this 20 minutes before I board a red-eye flight to New York for my job this summer.
My last final exam was on Thursday morning. That evening, Caroline and I flew to San Diego for my older sister’s graduation from San Diego State University. She earned an interior architecture degree, and I’m incredibly proud of her. I have good memories of visiting her at the college and, surprisingly, growing a lot as a result.
It was great to celebrate and spend time with family, especially before going away for the summer. The weather was nothing for San Diego to advertise, but we still got out to the ocean, shared some amazing food, and saw family friends in the area.
I land at JFK tomorrow at 7am local time. I’ll drop my suitcases off at my Brooklyn apartment, then head into SoHo for my first day of work. I’m looking forward to everything this summer will and can be: opportunities to learn, add value, adventure, explore… I can’t wait. I think it’ll be awesome.
And, of course, Jeremi and I will continue to keep you guys updated through the summer. Next Sunday will actually mark one year of writing these weekly updates. We’re happy to be doing this together and excited to keep going.
Jeremi: of Class Enrollment
It’s that time of the quarter for me to start choosing my next classes—which will include another grad class.
I had a really positive experience when I took a grad class earlier this year, and after having conversations with multiple professors, I settled on a class that I think will align well with my interests in Machine Learning.
(The class is called Stochastic Processes in Engineering.)
As I found out last time, it’s not easy for a sophomore to take a grad course. When I took the Robot Learning course earlier this year, my initial petition was rejected and I ended up joining the course more than halfway through the ten weeks of instruction.
Back then, I dragged my feet—I felt like I was bound to be rejected and became hesitant when trying to enroll for the second time. Then I regretted it because of all the lost time.
This time around, I had a chance at redemption, a chance to approach my enrollment to this class the way I wish I approached the previous one.
It also helps that after doing it the first time, I knew exactly which forms I needed signed, and who the important people were that I needed to convince to make this happen. Less emails, more door-knocking.
First, to convince the professor to let me take the course (I still don’t meet the requirements for an undergrad to take a graduate course). Next, to find the department chair and get his signature on my petition. Finally, to find the graduate advisor for my department, who is the one who actually takes my petition and sends it to the office of registrar.
What took me weeks to complete the previous time, took me two days this time. This was partially bias for action. But also, because I had stronger conviction, I think the universe made it easier for the dominos to fall into place.
Redemption indeed!
On a separate note, I’ve been home this weekend for my brother’s graduation. He just graduated with his bachelor’s degree as an architecture major. He’s worked insanely hard, and it has been really inspiring to see him push through until the end.
Sorry for the late post. We still made it on Sunday. Have to celebrate the moment sometimes!