October 2015

This last class, we had communicating science in class. It is a combination of Improvisational Theater along with many useful techniques that are supposed to innovate a scientist’s ability to communicate. This is because, we must communicate what we do to others, in order to be successful. I’m in the Communicating Science Course this semester as well, and I find it amazing how cutting edge the stuff we learn is… and how useful it is… I could never imagine graduating without coming across the entire Future Professoriate Certificate. Both courses I’m taking this semester are wonderful. I’m someone with a passion for teaching, and I’d love to do it at the university level in the best form and fashion possible. I’m amazed at how Dean DePauw pursued bringing in such an amazing program into Virginia Tech. It is really wonderful. I just need to get a little bit better on blogging, which is the plan 🙂

I’m a very big Ted Talks watcher… and I enjoy them a lot during my free time. Despite that, I learned, from Communicating Science that there is an Improv talk that I had yet to watch. Also, recently, at an engineering conference that’s a mixture of collegiates, professionals, and academics… I found it amazing that very small bits of the communicating science course were brought up… showing that they are rare, yet amazing findings… Random things, like power poses, presentation skills, and things that are taught in a very non-traditional manner in Communicating Science. These items came up in small bits an pieces in different talks by different speakers. I thought that was amazing.

I know a lot of people had questions about the Communicating Science Course… It is really similar to the capsule version of communicating science that we had this week. However, it is a much smaller class, people get to know each other well… And yes there’s a lot of improv, theater, etc… But it’s a different, and unique method of teaching… I believe the unique methods of teaching are as necessary as the traditional methods of teaching… And both compliment one another. Try out the course if you wish… It’s only 10 weeks! As for me, I want to take the Diversity and Inclusion Course the next time it’s offered if I’m still around here!

 

I began at Virginia Tech in the Middle East and North Africa Campus. I was interested in trying life in Egypt, especially that I am bilingual.

VT-MENA is located in Alexandria, Egypt. It has a piece in the Alexandria University Campus. In particular, it is located in “Kolyet El-Handasa” or the College of Engineering.  This is because, the VT-MENA program has 3 majors, which are Computer Engineering, Computer Science, and Electrical Engineering.

Alexandria is a beautiful city that overlooks the Mediterranean Sea.  You can essentially walk to campus from the sea, and vice-a-versa. It is a long walk though.  I arrived in Egypt a little more than 1 week before the Egyptian revolution. I must say they were interesting times to be in Egypt, least said.

Studying in the classroom was pretty much similar to classes all over the US, because it was tailored to an American program. However, the difference was that the competition was super fierce. Most of the VT-MENA students have had their Master’s from Egypt,  and were perusing their PhD there.  They had been TAs for 5-10 years. Unfortunately, I was always faced with a stereotype as someone who was educated in the US, that I’d be behind the competition… Although, in my view that wasn’t the case, and some professors thought of it being the case. However, I believe that I’ve met some of the most intelligent, and talented people in the VT-MENA program. The people who go in there are really handpicked, and are the best of the best in Egypt. I am so blessed for that experience.

I also really enjoyed having the best of two worlds while I was in Egypt. I got to get in touch with a great civilization that’s existed for countless decades, while getting wonderful education. After all, who wouldn’t enjoy going on vacation everyday while visiting campus?

After a while of an enjoyable experience in Egypt, the country got a little bit less stable, and it was time to go home to my parents who were really worried about me. However, I must say, the VT-MENA campus was one great experience. I really enjoyed it.