Final Analysis

This post is a follow-up on two previous posts, respectively titled Extrapolation and Interpolation.

So, as the fall semester has been brought to a close, I shall review my feelings on the classes that I took and the grades I received.

CE En 321, Structural Analysis, Grade- A: As forecast, this class was actually pretty fun. I enjoyed learning about a few old topics, as well as quite a few new ones. As can be supposed by the 'A' I received, I really understood and pwned most of the problems that I faced. The only thing that I appeared to struggle with was the flexibility method in beams and frames. Does anyone really use this method to analyze beams and frames? I submit that they do not. Despite the fact that Dr Balling calls the books for this class "big packs of lies," (which is an exaggeration) I just can't discount the knowledge I've gained about small, static, skeletal, linear structures. In the words of Dr Benzeley, "How many people on earth can analyze statically indeterminate structures?"

CE En 305A, Metals, Woods, and Composites, Grade- A: I think the summary I gave in the post Interpolation basically sums it up, though my opinion of Dr Dumb@$$ has lowered slightly based on the fact that it took him 6 weeks to actually figure out our grades.

CE En 305B, Concrete, Masonry, and Asphalt, Grade- A-: It seemed like this class was more like a 3-day seminar than an actual class. With the Thanksgiving break right in the middle of the block, it made class periods relatively few. For the most part, I enjoyed learning about aggregates, concrete, CMUs, and asphalt. The lab for this class was graded a little anally and the TAs had little or no accountability in giving capricious grades to students. I think the most valuable lesson that I learned in the course of this class was to avoid working on a team with the guy who doesn't speak fluent English. My grades for the 3 labs were: 87, 77, and 90. Can you guess on which one I worked with a non-English speaker?

CE En 562, Traffic Engineering, Grade- B+: Speaking of non-English speakers, I'm rather content to be done taking classes from Dr Saito. He's a really nice guy, and knows his stuff, but it doesn't make much difference when you don't understand what he's saying half the time. I think I learned some important concepts of traffic flow theory as well as the effects of roadway characteristics on traffic flow. I also learned that graduate-level classes devour one's time like a redneck at an all-you-can-eat Hot Pocket buffet. Though I didn't think that the concepts were too difficult, this class should have been about 7 credit hours, which didn't mesh too well with my additional 13.5 credit hours. If I end up taking another grad-level class as an undergrad, it will most surely be while I'm taking a somewhat lighter course load.

Bio 100, Principles of Biology, Grade- A-: The fact that Sister Jefferies gave the class the final beforehand to study makes me wish that I hadn't given her such a low student rating. However, I have talked to one of my friends while he was studying for his Bio 100 final, and realized that I had no clue what he was talking about. This class was disorganized, redundant, and often capricious in the way it was presented. The TAs seemed to know what they were doing, the instructor, however, did not. And I kind of got the feeling that she hated men too...but that could just be me.

Rel C 234, LDS Marriage and Family, Grade- A: Looking back, I'm glad that I took this class. There were quite a few topics that I just didn't learn, or didn't learn properly in my home and am glad that I was exposed to here. I was also exposed to Dr Gary Chapman's book, The Five Languages of Love, which has given me new perspective on all of my relationships with people. Additionally, the A that I barely squeaked out in this class continues my streak of 5 A's in 5 religion classes.

Bus M 380, Executive Lectures, Grade- A: I definitely learned a lot from the lectures of people who have been successful in the world of business. If I were to attend 200 executive lectures, there would probably be 200 different formulae for success in the world of business. However, there were a few constants: testimony, drive/motivation, passion, putting aside of pride, as well as a few others. I kept a notebook full of notes in this class entitled, "You Know Who Else Didn't Go to Business School? LeBron James!... Tracy McGrady." I think this book contains quite a few words of wisdom and will continue to be added to throughout the years to improve on what I have already.

CE En 300A, Stupid Semen-ar, Grade- B+: Yeah, it's definitely still stupid. Though after this semester, I no longer have to take notes in stupid Semen-ar... I get to trade them for papers... Thus, next semester brings, "Even Stupider Semen-ar."

In case you're wondering, these grades add up to a semester GPA of 3.78 and bring my overall GPA to exactly 3.50, which is pretty impressive considering its state after BYU math was done with it. I can genuinely say that I enjoyed this semester, not only because of the high grades that I received, but also because I learned many things that will be valuable in my future jobs as well as my life in general. It's also been re-emphasized to me that I truly enjoy civil engineering and it is, more or less, my calling in life. Let me just say that it's a pretty good feeling to know that you made the right career choice in the 8th grade.