Nov 25 2012

Inspired Brainstorming

Posted in: Miscellaneous

I often feel inspired when I least expect to.

When I do feel inspired, I mean really inspired, I sit on my bed and close my eyes. I let my mind take me wherever it wants. I pull out a piece of paper and a BIC pen and jot everything down.

I just had one of these marathon brain-picking note sessions. Maybe one day I’ll share the actual content with you, but for now, I’d like to share three pieces of advice. These three pieces of advice are the lens through which I view opportunity and my future.

1. “The sky is the limit” - Mom

Since I was a very little Gabe, my amazing mother repeated this to me almost every night as she tucked me in. I must have heard her whisper “the sky is the limit” in my ear thousands of times. I never really listened. It was just something she said, like “Study hard” or “Eat your broccoli.” As I prepared to leave home for MIT, Mom came home and held out a pillowcase. It was light blue with hot air balloons and clouds spotting its fuzzy fleece... read the post »

Discussion

Sep 3 2012

Guest Post: Rush & Recruitment 2012

Posted in: Miscellaneous, Life & Culture

Fraternity rush and sororiety recruitment, cornerstones of the 'welcome to MIT' freshmen experience, began on Saturday. Today, Denzil Sikka, the President of Panhel and Evan Wang, the Programming and Recruitment Chair of the Interfraternity Council, asked if I wouldn't mind sharing their words. They'd like to write about why 'Going Greek' was the best decision they made during their time here at MIT. Pledging MIT Sigma Chi three years ago has certainly significantly impacted my MIT experience in ways I couldn't have imagined as a freshman, so I'm happy to share their words:

"Fraternities and sororities mean having a great outlet away from the stress of life and academics, the chance to have unforgettable adventures and collegiate experiences, and the possibility to make lasting friendships. Roughly 30% of all undergraduate women, and about 50% of all undergraduate men are affiliated. These members of MITís fraternities and sororities are known for being the most... read the post »

Discussion

Jul 10 2012

Get to know Tim the Beaver!

Posted in: Miscellaneous, Life & Culture

While browsing the internet, I stumbled across this video. While spectators waited patiently for the Zamboni to finish during a men's ice hockey team against Harvard this past season (we won, 5-3 :), Tim the Beaver siezed the moment. To the 2016ers, here's what you can expect when you arrive on campus in a month and a half! Get pumped!

Discussion

Mar 6 2012

Sigma ChIgloo

Posted in: Life & Culture

Brothers of MIT Sigma Chi retreat to Maine from Thursday -> Sunday. Here's (most of) what happened

As I was assembling this blog post, my roommate Mike '13 and I did a quick calculation. Approximating the igloo we built as a half sphere with an inner radius of 7 feet and an outer radius of 8 feet, we found that almost 13 cubic meters of snow were used in the construction.

If the density of snow is about 1/5th that of water (which we conjectured based solely on a quick internet query and are not 100% sure about), then the igloo weighs about 2,500 kilograms, or well over 5,000 pounds. Now who said MIT kids never hit the gym?

Please comment below if you think we're dead wrong on the calculation, or if you have any ideas for how to approximate better. Now that the math is out of the way, let's move on to the pictures...

John '11 gets serious with the snow

Scott '12 jumps on what he thought was a grenade

but quickly realizes... read the post »

Comments (23)

Feb 29 2012

MIT is just another place

Posted in: Life & Culture

The Tech - MIT's oldest and largest newspaper (established in 1861!) - published a letter to the editor from Folkers E. Rojas on February 28th that I found quite intriguing (and think you might, too). I especially agree with Folkers' paragraph that begins "I started to paint again." Without further ado, here are Folkers' words:

MIT is just another place

Prior to arriving at MIT, you might harbor the notion that it is a magical place where unicorns, dragons, and fairies exist. After the first three weeks, the honeymoon is over and you find out that it is a lot of work. The work is manageable, but only if you are not in 10 other activities outside of classes. Supposedly, students that are accepted to MIT are “well-rounded.” In reality, we found science/engineering fun and easy; thus allowing time for us to be the presidents of clubs, play sports, and sleep. Everyone hits the realization that you can’t do everything some time during the first four terms at MIT. I was told prior to... read the post »

Comments (17)