So Long Astoria
|
So here I sit at work. After completing my task for the week, I basically have nothing to do right now. Basically I had to run a couple of 1 and 2 parameter item parameter models using the ancient IRT software Bilog and Multilog. I spent the first week just trying to figure out how to use the software. Apparently nobody in the Psych Dept here knows how to use it, so I am teaching myself. It is an awesome opportunity because this is the same software ETS uses to develop their tests like the SAT, AP, and GRE, if that is the direction I go. Last week we were awarded the grant to develop the software. The professor that I work for invited me to go to lunch with the department, and at first I was reluctant because I know nothing about psychology, and these were all professors, or so I thought. I met another undergrad that is working on the same project as I am, but as a Java programmer. He comes to work every morning wearing a shirt and tie. I swore he had to be a senior, but it turns out he is a first year! So if he can go to lunch with the faculty, so can I. I ended up having a great time. I talked mainly with the grad students, two of which earned their degrees in Statistics. And one of them is in the PhD Statistics program currently. The programmer was explaining to me that he also really likes math and is obsessed with group theory. And this is a first year… The Measurement group has a secretary. It is awesome because I don’t have to hunt down the professor to sign my timesheet…I can just give it to her!
Last night I went to watch my roommates play basketball. They originally invited me to play, but with my coordination that wouldn’t work out too well. So instead I watch and try to take pictures. The ref asked me if I could keep score and I nearly had a panic attack - what the hell do I know about basketball?! Fortunately my roommates taught me how to do it and it was enjoyable…and I learned a thing or two about basketball. The best though was that they seemed to appreciate me being there to help out. I kind of felt like I was being included for once. They are good guys, but they seem…I don’t know…”cliquey” isn’t the right word (too negative) but you get my drift. Although we get along, the biggest challenge for me has been to accept that our biggest difference regards out pasts. I have lost touch with almost everyone from high school because most of them are not worth my time. I still keep in touch with my best friends, but high school is a latent trait - it isn’t the basis of our friendship, and we have all grown, but parallel to one another. We keep our friendship back in T.O., even if we go to the same school. It seems like high school is still a predominant feature of their personalities which is mostly illustrated by the numerous HS friends that have been to our place. I just don’t get it. But onward I march… By the way, Java is overrated. It is not easy to build a GUI with it. And yet I struggle on with it. |
Another reason to doubt me Look at me when I’m talking to you Another tasteless movie Look at me when I’m talking to you Playin’ with a happy boy The hands kept spinning around the face |