Christian Randolph's Three Semester Review

Initially, going into the College Park Scholars Science Global Change program, I was hesitant as I had initially chosen to join the Science Technology and Society program. I thought that the Science and Global Change program would not have any direct applications to my field of study.However, by the end of the first semester, my attitude had completely changed and I realized that my major and interests directly overlapped with the topics covered in the CPSG curriculum. Over the course of these three semesters, I had learned a large variety of skills ranging from the verification of scientific data to the development of a webpage.

One of the most important skills learned in CPSG was that of the hypothetico-deductive method of science. I was taught how to determine the validity of certain hypotheses. Before I was much more trusting of sources on the internet, but after that lecture, it made me begin to question the validity of sources. As a result, I remember that for my English 101 paper, I had to do research on a topic regarding the scamming of impressionable kids on a certain game. Though it might not seem science related, I still had to use the hypothetico-deductive method to ensure that all the data I was using to support my claims were correct and from reliable sources. Up until this point, I was not really consulting research papers for supporting my works, but I was able to start working my way into building that habit. Now I can’t remember the last time I did an essay without using published research papers to support my claims.

Recently we had the opportunity to explore numerous methods for offsetting the effects of climate change. As a mechanical engineer, it was very interesting to see the different ways technology was being utilized to increase our sustainability. I even got to see how some of the things I was learning in class applied to the real world. For example, I was able to learn a bit about gravitational batteries, which used large blocks lifted from cranes to store energy in the form of potential gravitational energy, and then release them in the form of kinetic energy. These were topics I was currently learning in my physics and dynamics classes. I also was able to make the connection between the solar panel and the chemistry class I took last year, which explained the basic mechanics behind a solar panel. Seeing the wide range of things in the sustainability sector alone has greatly increased my excitement in pursuing my mechanical engineering degree. Hopefully I can add my own contributions to the large lists of ways our world can be improved. In addition, both of the classes that I listed are SGC requirements, as I am a mechanical engineer, there is lots of overlap with the classes I am required to take for my major and classes that I need to take for CPSG. So while not directly affiliated with the program, there is lots of connection between the scholars required classes and the scholars class itself.

Classmates were another great part of the SGC program. It is actually through the program itself that I met my now roommate. SGC houses mostly STEM students, which has made it easy for me to find those with common classes and interests. My roommate is also a mechanical engineering student which helps motivate me to stay on track whenever I feel unmotivated. I have never had a negative experience with my peers in or out of the classroom and I find it easy to talk to them when we are assigned to groups.

As a scholar I feel an obligation to correctly represent our program as a student. As a result, it has motivated me to aim higher in class and to not just aim for average. I want to contribute to scholars by being the best student I possibly can be. Of course with the program would come community service and the required attendance of class, but outside of that, I would like to set a high standard for a scholar’s student and continue to prove the validity of our program.

Scholars have challenged me to think not just as an engineer, but as a scientist. While engineers apply knowledge and work that scientists publish, it is important to also understand a bit of what the scientists do. I came into college thinking that I would just need to focus on my major and nothing else. However, looking back, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. As an engineer, I can’t just take anything said by a scientist as factual, a healthy amount of skepticism is always necessary. Being given tools to use to test hypotheses will certainly aid me in my future. It was a challenge at first having to think differently. It was hard enough trying to understand the concepts I was learning, but now they could also be false in the future? While the world of science is always changing, it is important that even those who are not directly in the science field should be able to do basic research to test hypotheses.

Though I have highlighted multiple reasons that CPSG will have a lasting effect on me even as I leave college, I would like to go over an aspect that has already shaped my college experience. The practicum portion of our program pushed me to go out and seek opportunities in the real world, whether it be research or internships. Had it not been for the practicum, I might not have applied to my current job that I plan on working throughout the rest of my college career. Through this job, I have learned to balance my life between my work and school, and I believe it has made me a student well beyond my expectations even a year back. CPSG has set me on the right track to build a strong resume for future careers and is already preparing me to face the real world. CPSG has changed my thinking, my work ethic, and my career readiness for the better, and I would not change anything if I could go back.

Last modified: XX Sometember 202Y