Going back to school

[Emerson00]

Since I was a little kid I've loved 2 things - sailboats and airplanes.

I'm an engineer and a land surveyor, but have found it's not challenging enough; it's just gottent too mundane. I January, an old friend suggested very casually "Why not just go back to school for aeronautical engineering, or mechanical engineering?" (we'd been talking about wind mills and offshore wind farms)

:idea !!!

I'd just finished the autobiography of Olin Stephens (of Sparkman and Stephens, for those who know) and in the book he mentions several times the increasing value of specialists in aerodynamics and fluid dynamics to the field of upper echelon yacht design. Somehow until my friend suggested "just going back", I never considered the possibility... so I found that U Maryland offers a very good aerospace program with concentrations in aerodynamics and fluid dynamics. I attended my first class today.

I had my major and discipline chosen for college by the time I was in 10th grade - I was going to follow my father into civil engineering. I still recall thinking "this isn't really all that fascinating" but I had 2 jobs and a long commute and no time to alter course, so to speak. Parent's refused to fund the change in majors, so I forged ahead thru graduation and into a career. I think, all the while, knowing it wasn't right. I guess I idolized my father enough to want to follow in his footsteps a bit longer. I'm still 5-6 years from a degree, so I'll be a civil engineer for a while yet, but I can't stop wondering how I was so stubborn years ago when I'd read the schedule of classes and think "this sounds boring, that class looks more interesting."

I know this isn't LR related, but I was never this excited to attend a class 15 years ago... I was even happy to buy the text book. It was strange to sit in a classroom (with all those little kids) but the thought that "this is where I belong" kept crossing my mind. I currently plan to focus in aerodynamics, fluid dynamics, and propulsion to use in the field of yacht design - but I'm keeping an open mind this time to other possibilities.

:nerd

[JimC]

Right on - congrats on going back! I start grad school in a couple weeks, and I think Menasco just started this year down in SC.

I agree with you completely about the total change of perspective - my younger self thought there was no way in hell I'd ever go back for another degree.

So, I'm excited and all that, but this whole professional development and personal betterment stuff will get old real fast if it cuts into my Rovering time...

[woldd90]

Congrats on going back to school... Life is too short, might as well do what you like.

Maybe you will be able to turn that RR into a jet. But, I would still ditch the Lucas wiring.

[Willh]

I just started Law School a few weeks ago, and just said "goodbye" to my 20's yesterday. It's never too late to go back. :)

Will H.

[Emerson00]

Thanks for the congrats. It's a long road. I have to take and ace most of the undergrad courses and then re-apply for the Master's program.

The calculus and physics I scraped by on will soon become really important... so I have some extracurricular studying to do in those subjects for the coming semesters.

I just turned 33... I'll let you know in a few years, if not a few months, if it's ever too late, LOL.

[evilfij]

What law school Will?

[Billakris]

Emerson,

How many undergrad courses do you have to take? I finish up in May and am really looking forward to "the real world," but I still don't really know what field I want to go into.

Keep us updated.

[Willh]

What law school Will?

Ron,

I'm at Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law (http://law.campbell.edu/) , in NC. They're pretty well known in state (Highest 1st time Bar Pass rate, like 97%). They are getting ready to move their campus to downtown Raleigh, next fall (which I am really looking forward to!). You're practicing now right?

Will H.

P.S. Sorry for the Hi-jack. :)

[evilfij]

I decline to answer on the grounds that it may incriminate me.

I was on the fence about going back to law school. It was the right decision for me (and I did not work that long ~3 years), but it is really a cost benefit calculation. If I had not done extremely well, it would not have been worth it financially.

Ron

[DJ Menasco]

Right on - congrats on going back! I start grad school in a couple weeks, and I think Menasco just started this year down in SC.

I agree with you completely about the total change of perspective - my younger self thought there was no way in hell I'd ever go back for another degree.

So, I'm excited and all that, but this whole professional development and personal betterment stuff will get old real fast if it cuts into my Rovering time...

It seems as if there's a steady migration of "non-traditionals." What gives?

Jim, what degree are you setting your sights on?

[JimC]

The Army is paying for my degree, so I'm studying what they want studied. It will end up being a mix of poli sci, language, history, etc - all in Eastern Europe, Russia, and Central Asian topics. I guess its currently relevant or something...

Follow-up Post:

I assume you must be doing that international business degree at USC?

[DJ Menasco]

I assume you must be doing that international business degree at USC?

No, but I've been told that program is number one in the country. I'm here to get my Ph.D. in chemistry. What exactly is your occupation in the military that requires such a thoughtful background?

[JimC]

Yeah, the biz school has a good rep, so that's what I figured you'd moved across the country for. Be sure to check out the "Mediterranean Tea Room" on Devine, and according to me, the Mellow Mushroom is the only good pizza in Columbia. I lived on Forest Drive over by Fort Jackson for almost 4 years, so I know a bit of Cola.

As for what I do, I'm a "Foreign Area Officer." The Army divides the world into 8 parts and we specialize in one area - I'm a Russia/Eurasia guy. Officers in my branch work as attaché's, liaisons, advisors, etc. Needless to say, I like what I do, and the education they throw at you is icing on the cake.

Good luck with that chem! Did you have to sign on as a titration slave with some professor?

[Wolf Fabrication]

I go back to school in October to start my Masters - after 12 years out of school. Should be "interesting"!:cry

[Grover]

I graduated in June with a Master of Science in Engineering. UC has a tough program, but I made it through!


Good luck!

[DJ Menasco]

Yeah, the biz school has a good rep, so that's what I figured you'd moved across the country for. Be sure to check out the "Mediterranean Tea Room" on Devine, and according to me, the Mellow Mushroom is the only good pizza in Columbia. I lived on Forest Drive over by Fort Jackson for almost 4 years, so I know a bit of Cola.

As for what I do, I'm a "Foreign Area Officer." The Army divides the world into 8 parts and we specialize in one area - I'm a Russia/Eurasia guy. Officers in my branch work as attaché's, liaisons, advisors, etc. Needless to say, I like what I do, and the education they throw at you is icing on the cake.

Good luck with that chem! Did you have to sign on as a titration slave with some professor?

I don't get out much, but when I get a chance I'll check the Tea room out, thanks. I've been down to the entrance of the Fort a few times, but steer away from Forest Drive down town. It seems a little shady, as does "Two-Notch Road." Its definitely different here, but I'm enjoying it. If you ever find yourself back here be sure to let me know.

Oh, and no, I'm not a titration slave, yet. That's what post-docs are for. They pay me to teach in addition to waiving tuition for research services rendered. The post-doc position is where the slave-labor begins.

DJ

[phoenix37]

"I'd just finished the autobiography of Olin Stephens (of Sparkman and Stephens, for those who know) and in the book he mentions several times the increasing value of specialists in aerodynamics and fluid dynamics to the field of upper echelon yacht design. Somehow until my friend suggested "just going back", I never considered the possibility... so I found that U Maryland offers a very good aerospace program with concentrations in aerodynamics and fluid dynamics. I attended my first class today."


Congrats Emerson! Olin actually designed my boat which was launched in 1937 and the guy is still around and sharp as a tack! Its amazng how his designs have endured and were ahead of their time. He is good man to be inspired by. Never stop learning its what keeps life exciting. I wish you all the best!

[Emerson00]

What's the design? A 1937 is early S&S... there's nothing at all like the older wooden sailboat designs. If you haven't read his autobiography, I recommend it. It's a glimpse into a different mindset from a different era.

Class is going to be fun - I mean, it's airplanes, helicopters, and rockets... yee-haw!

OTOH, my calculus is more than a little rusty! I'm well ahead of most of these kids in terms of grasp of material, but they can run circles around me in the math department (shh, I'll never admit it to them!).

The difference in attitude (mine) between 11 years ago and now is interesting... I used to look at college as a means to an end and nothing more at all - I wanted out. now, it seems like this huge opportunity to really learn something. I regret not recognizing the opportunity I had back then (and especially regret not choosing aero over civil, too).

[JimC]

My wife just finished a masters in ME a couple years back - aside from being 10 years rusty in the math, she was mainly hit with the reality that in the early 90's, programs lit Matlab were run on massive computers in the basement, and now they are run on everyone's laptops. She had to take undergrad programming classes just to be able to get good at the coding needed for the math classes.

[phoenix37]

What's the design? A 1937 is early S&S... there's nothing at all like the older wooden sailboat designs. If you haven't read his autobiography, I recommend it. It's a glimpse into a different mindset from a different era.

Class is going to be fun - I mean, it's airplanes, helicopters, and rockets... yee-haw!

OTOH, my calculus is more than a little rusty! I'm well ahead of most of these kids in terms of grasp of material, but they can run circles around me in the math department (shh, I'll never admit it to them!).

The difference in attitude (mine) between 11 years ago and now is interesting... I used to look at college as a means to an end and nothing more at all - I wanted out. now, it seems like this huge opportunity to really learn something. I regret not recognizing the opportunity I had back then (and especially regret not choosing aero over civil, too).
Here she is. Called the PHOENIX. One of their first power designs. A 65' Commuter meant to run its owner from Essex,CT to Wallstreet. I need to go pick up the book. Im eager to read it. I actually sold my 109 to a guy that teaches at Mystic Seaport and he was telling me Olin still attends a number of their meeting and is as sharp as ever.

http://www.d-90.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=13629

[Mighty]

absolutely beautiful!!!

Where do you keep her?

[Emerson00]

That's a gorgeous motorboat! Hubba-freaking-hubba!

I tried to get in touch with Olin through S&S (wanted to get some further suggestions re: aerodynamics and fluid dynamics in sailing yacht design) but somehow it didn't work out. Spoke with Bruce Johnson briefly on the phone about Olin and had hung up before I realized I was speaking to Mr. S&S himself... Wish I'd had the forethought to look into the company deeper before calling - instead of thinking I was talking to someone's glorified man-secretary, I could have had just as useful a discussion with one of the guys running the place today. He was very friendly for being a somebody speaking to a begger nobody. LOL

[phoenix37]

Thanks for the compliments. Bruce is a really nice guy. If you get a chance you should stop in their office. They have all the original plansfor all their designs!
I met with him when i first bought the boat. I had an old Egg Harbor i bought for 10k and restored . Not long after I finished her my buddy and I went shark fishing off Catalina. The boat was named the ORCA. Some of you will get the irony. I hit a submberged container that fell off a ship about 30 miles offshore (at night no less!) Anyway I took my insurance check and went looking for a boat. I stumbled across Phoenix which had a different name and looked entirely different than it does in that pic. It was owned by an old guy that had let the boat go and was losing his eye sight. it wasnt for sale but he heard my sob story about sinking and decided he would sell her to me. The rest is a lot of hardwork and alot of receipts but the restoration is coming along. She currently sits in Marina Del Rey until i can afford to have her trucked to Maine

[Emerson00]

Aw, c'mon, drive her around!

(volunteering for crew even though I can no longer make such an obligation)

[phoenix37]

The diesel would cost me more than i paid for the boat. Even thought trust me I would love to! If i highjack a tanker truck you are welcome to crew.

[phoenix37]

Emerson,

Sadly Olin Stephens died over the weekend. He was 100 years old.

[Emerson00]

Sad stuff. Guess my window of opportunity to speak to one of the people influential in my decision to go back to school has disappeared.

What a life!