3D printing

In our 3D modeling and printing assignment, I learned how creative ideas can become real, physical objects. Designing my own LEGO-style brick was more challenging than I expected, especially when it came to making sure the measurements were precise. Still, it was a fun and rewarding process. Seeing our bricks printed together in one job showed how different designs can fit and work together. This hands-on experience helped me truly understand 3D modeling and made me more interested in how technology is used in design and engineering. Learning by doing definitely helped me grasp the concepts better.

BIM

In this “Learning by Doing” activity, I learned that Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a powerful digital tool used in construction to create detailed 3D models that include not just the building’s design, but also important information like materials, costs, and schedules. I discovered how BIM helps teams work together, catch problems early, and avoid mistakes especially in complex projects like hospitals. It saves time, reduces waste, and improves building quality. This experience helped me understand that BIM is much more than a design tool it’s a smarter, more efficient way to manage construction from start to finish.

 

Electronics

In this experiment, I built a simple electrical circuit using a battery, wires, a lightbulb, a paper clip, and a piece of cardboard. Before starting, I only had a basic understanding of how circuits worked—I knew electricity needed a closed loop, but I had never built one myself. As I set everything up, I ran into some trouble with the connections, and the lightbulb didn’t turn on right away. After checking and adjusting the wires to make sure everything was connected properly, the bulb finally lit up. That moment felt exciting and rewarding. It helped me clearly see how electricity flows through a complete circuit and made the concept feel much more real. This hands-on experience also taught me how important it is to have solid, secure connections, and it gave me more confidence in working with basic electronics in the future.

Plan of Study

As a Pre-Med major at Millersville University, I’ve transferred 12 credits from previous courses, including Allied Health, Business Leadership, and language electives. Starting in Spring 2025, my schedule is designed to build a strong foundation in general education and science prerequisites like psychology, sociology, chemistry, biology, and math.

Each semester, I plan to take between 12 and 17 credits, balancing core courses with electives such as wellness and languages. My goal is to stay on track for graduation while preparing for medical school requirements. By the end of Fall 2028, I expect to complete a total of 111 credits toward my degree.

Report: Worker Safety

After completing a safety engineering assignment where my group safely transferred toxic popcorn using bungee straps, I researched real world safety violations and learned about the 2010 Deepwater Horizon explosion. This disaster, caused by poor safety protocols, ignored warnings, and faulty equipment, led to eleven deaths and major environmental damage. To prevent similar incidents, companies need to prioritize safety training, use reliable engineering controls, and enforce strict safety standards. Like in our simulation, real-world industries must apply problem-solving and proper controls to keep workers safe.

Critical Reading Response

 

In Effective Reading Strategies from College Success, I learned that active reading asking questions, making predictions, and connecting ideas helps me understand and remember more. Previewing headings and summaries gives me a clear purpose, and annotating keeps me focused. Summarizing in my own words and setting small goals also make reading easier and more effective. These strategies help me succeed in school and become a better learner.

Try something new

Over the past month, I’ve gone from feeling overwhelmed and uncertain to more confident and settled in college. Journaling helped me process my experiences like adjusting to classes, making friends, and finding comfort in routines like going to the gym. I’ve learned to handle stress, become more independent, and started feeling like I truly belong here. Looking back, I’m proud of my growth and plan to keep journaling as a way to stay grounded and track my progress.

Materials Processing

My understanding of material processing comes from physics, chemistry, and some hands-on classes, giving me a basic grasp of materials like metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites, and how properties like strength and conductivity affect their use. However, my knowledge of industrial processing methods is limited.

Laser engraving a keychain was an eye-opening experience. I learned how power, speed, and resolution settings directly affect the outcome—too much power burns the material, while too little results in faint engravings. I also discovered that certain colors or materials react differently; for example, wood darkens, acrylic frosts, and coated metals give crisp results.

The most valuable part of the process was learning through trial and error. Adjusting settings and design placements helped me understand precision and control, while reading manuals or watching demos without hands-on practice was less effective. Overall, this experience gave me a deeper appreciation for the technical and creative sides of laser engraving and material processing.

Typography

 

I started this journey with little knowledge of typography, but looking back, I realize I’ve used it in small ways throughout my life like decorating school projects with bubble letters or learning to write using the Zaner-Bloser font. This assignment brought back childhood memories, like using stamps, and also opened my eyes to the deeper history and purpose of typography. Learning that the word comes from the Greek typos (impression) and graphein (to write) gave me a new perspective.

It also made me reflect on how I learned to write and how that process connects to educational theories like scaffolded learning. Understanding typography now helps me see how it can impact communication it’s not just about style but about making messages clearer and more engaging. I’ve come to appreciate typography as a powerful tool, one that I’ll continue to use in academic and professional work to communicate more effectively.