My name is Nick Thompson and I am 20 years old and going into my third year studying mechanical engineering. (Yes, I said engineering and as you read that word I'm picturing the same frightened/terrified/confused face that everyone makes when I tell them that.) I am not completely crazy for voluntarily picking such a notoriously challenging major. I knew that going into it. But throughout my academic career I have always excelled and thoroughly enjoyed my science and math classes which prompted me to see what engineering was all about. After spending a year mentoring an engineer in high school and talking to plenty of others, I knew engineering was the right path and something that I wanted to go into. And I guess I have always enjoyed challenging myself. So far I am doing doing really well but I'll see how this semester of upper level classes goes.
Besides my school ethics, I do not see myself fitting into the stereotypical engineer student type. I picture the standard engineer wearing plaid button up, doesn't get very far from his office, and only has robots to play with. Going into college, yes, I would have considered myself to be a quiet, reserved and nerdy person who could have fit that type. But that is not the same person I see when I look at myself in a mirror today. I now see myself as a very approachable, more social, and overall more confident person. Looking back on it now, I think I have to attribute that change to deciding to work my sophomore year. I saw a posting for an open position in the Student Union working with Associated Students, applied and after an interview, got the job. I had never really worked before so I was slightly hesitant to start working but quickly figured out that this job wasn't too bad. Soon after I started working there, the opportunity came about for me to have a lead position. I was hesitant at first, and unsure if I could really do what they were asking for but knew that if I forced myself into that position I could get the job done. (Also has to do with me enjoying a nice challenge.) That was one year ago from when I originally got the job and have since been promoted twice to the highest student position within my department. It probably is odd to you that I brag about that but who tf cares. Without this job I wouldn't have the irreplaceable group of friends who I also can call my coworkers. I have something to give me a break from school that isn't just rewatching The Office on Netflix. And my favorite part, I am actually making some money of my own :D This job has taught me that I am like being a leader, and have the skills that it takes to do that well.
Alright sorry for rambling. If you made it through that, first off aww thanks, but second off why?? lol Some more about myself. I was born and raised in Poway, California which is about 20 minutes north of campus. So basically I have always been in San Diego. I never really wanted to go to SDSU cause I thought it was too close to my parents but am soo thankful I can go home to my mom's cooking whenever I want. I have two siblings. My brother is 24 years old and my little sister is 11. Back home I also have a dog named Peaches.
In my free time I love to take pictures. I was first introduced to photography back in high school and have been avidly taking pictures for the past three years. My favorite subjects are landscapes, but occasionally will do portraits or some street photography. (Check me out and give me follow on insta if ya want: nat_ural_photography) I also enjoy surfing. I have been surfing for about three years now and in now way consider myself a good surfer but if you get a board yes I'll try to teach you what I know. Besides surfing and photography, I also really enjoy live music. I mostly listen to EDM but also like punk rock, rap/hip hop and almost everything else.
Up until Monday I was really not looking forward to another stupid writing class. I never enjoyed writing or English classes (remember I'm studying engineering). I was just as pissed as you were when I say I got an 8 on the WPA. This class, however, seems like it won't be too bad after all. Of all writing tasks, I enjoy creative writing the most which seems like what we will be doing this semester. I'm pretty excited to see how this class goes.
Thanks for giving this whole blog thing a read. Its sad to think this was actually kinda fun to write. (Hopefully the other assignments will be too.) See you in class. Say Hi! I'll probably be in the back with headphones.
-Nick
P.S. My these pics are both from my travels through Europe this summer!
