I chose the DIY Diagnostics stream because of how interesting I felt it would be. I have never experienced a class that involved working on projects in such a hands-on way. It seems to be very flexible and in this case, I enjoy the freedom to experiment and experience new ideas and different approaches toward certain solutions. For this semester, I am most excited to start implementing apps that can be used in beneficial ways for diagnostic purposes. Each app in this class is used to run a diagnostic and in most cases, could be used to better society through its use. I feel that diagnostic apps are really important as technology becomes incorporated into everyone’s day-to-day life.
When explaining this to my family, I tell them about how I am gaining skills that will help me in the future. This stream allows me to work on creative ideas in a very practical and advanced way. It not only includes researching certain aspects that I am not normally used to, but it also allows me to expand on my skills as a programmer and work with different applications. I feel that FRI really does help give a person the independence to work on projects that are important and advance themselves as a researcher.
I love science because of how precise it is. There is always a certain way to accomplish a task and always a structured procedure to follow. If this structured procedure is not followed, then usually experiments or programs cannot work appropriately. It also requires a true test of knowledge and applying a person’s skills. I do consider myself a scientist in some aspects. I enjoy working with certain projects and get a thrill out of new discoveries.
Recently, I have found myself being pushed more by those surrounding me. I feel that being around other individuals that have the same interests and drive toward a certain subject does create a sense of belonging and can make you more successful in your interests. I have also strengthened my understanding of mobile app development in a way that I had never understood before. I have worked with previous programs, but this new development strategy allows me to hone in on skills that will be beneficial for my future.
Thus far, I have felt pretty astounded by all of the information available and it has taken me a while to adapt to the way that everything works. It’s good to hear a person’s ideas and really work with them. There has been an “aha” moment. When preparing for the app showcase, I have had instances where before I was unclear on what the end goal would be, but now I am starting to feel confident and understand what direction I should go in.
Thus far, it has been a great experience meeting new people and understanding a setting that I was not before familiar with. The environment and the people are fun and friendly, making the projects a lot more enjoyable. As far as I can tell, this DIY Diagnostics stream does allow individuals to really get to know and experience certain aspects of research that aren’t usually emphasized on. With the implementation of mobile app development, many non-CS experienced individuals get the chance to experience coding and the environment this brings. This is not really noticed or emphasized on in the other streams and I find it to be almost essential in this fast moving and tech-involved society.
I could see myself working on diagnostic applications in the future. I have worked for various health-related software before and find it a very fitting field for me. I enjoy the idea of helping society as a whole and this stream seems to have an inner focus toward helping people. Many of the apps I have seen have been directly related to helping a person and even may be used for saving a person if something happens and they need a quick diagnosis. In twenty years if I am in a field that is related to diagnostics then I would be happy with that.