Talk about a major switch, literally and figuratively. About three years ago I decided to abandon my passion for physics to pursue an English and Sociology degree. As you would expect, there have been several moments in the last three years where I have second-guessed myself.
It’s not like I was making a switch from physics to mechanical engineering. I was actually making a decision that would change the path of my four-year undergraduate epic. I’ll be the first to say that I don’t have any regrets.
Anyway, the purpose of my article is to point out something remarkable that happened to me this semester. I was finding that my favorite class was not in either of my majors. Monday night before classes were starting, I was finding that I had open time in my schedule and I could probably fit in another class. I know, I know, you must be wondering what the hell is wrong with me. Why add another class when you don’t have to?
At first I was considering taking an easy English course until someone referred me to a class that reminded me of the burning passions I had when I was taking physics classes freshman year. The class is called “3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing." I bet that sounds like the wiring in my brain is all screwed up.
I don’t expect someone to appreciate the complexity of quantum mechanics or see the beauty in Newton’s laws. I completely agree that on the surface they seem boring. It’s just like catching the eye of the girl at a party who just edges out on the good side of the binary scale. You know you shouldn’t, but you do anyway. Afterward, you start getting to the deeper levels and look past the surface and find something really interesting and worth putting more of your time into. Getting into the nitty-gritty of physics simplifies a lot of things about the universe and can also have bearing in those philosophical colloquies with your friends at 1 AM when you’re avoiding homework.
I digress. After attending two sessions of this class it has become one of th best I have ever taken. It’s refreshing to take a course outside of my major and reinvigorate my love for technology and physics. 3D printing is one of my favorite new technologies that is emerging in the public sphere, with applications we can’t fathom quite yet.
Just the other day, I was learning about the first fully functional 3D printed car. I would have to question the structural integrity of the vehicle, but let’s stop and think how awesome it would be if everyone was shoveling out homemade personalized cars. Granted I oversimplified that, but the idea is groundbreaking. Mass manufacturing would essentially be eliminated and people would have whatever say they want in any product they produce.
In all seriousness, 3D printing really stood out to me as something that will change the world after learning about the ways it has saved peoples’ lives. In one case, part of a person’s skull - including the jaw and cheek bones - was printed and implanted on the person. The Earth-shaking, mind-shattering innovations of technology today is why I enjoy classes like this.
If you ever have an extra slot in your schedule, consider looking to take an extra class. I learn something new every day and actually look forward to going to class. On top of that it allows me to take a break from my English courses and quite honestly I can say they have the tendency to go a bit overboard in the drama department.
Taking a different class has also given me different perspectives on the world we live in, the opportunities that are available to us, and the awesome stuff that you can get into even if it is outside of your major. Leonardo Da Vinci wasn’t just an artist, even though it is what he is most known for. He was also a scientist. Ben Franklin, in addition to being a politician, was a printer and a writer. Childish Gambino isn’t just a lyricist, but an actor and a writer.
I find it best when I let my interests take me where they go. After all, you never know what will impact your life.
