Cumulative Reflection

In EE 303 Energy Systems and Power Electronics, I was first introduced to

how to calculate the parameters, phases, and concepts of how transmission lines
operate. Now in EE 456 Power System Analysis 1, I have learned what types of limits
are in transmission line systems and how to find the limits. I have also learned how
transformers function, what causes losses within them, and how to calculate those
losses. Later this semester, I will learn how to use a simulation software to design
and simulate transmission and distribution lines. Iowa State University has prepared
me to formulate and solve engineering problems by focusing on problem solving in
many classes. These classes all taught me how to take on challenging problems and
break them down into individually simple steps. The hardest of all of these courses
was EE 285 Problem Solving Methods and Tools for Electrical Engineering. In this
class, I was put in front of a computer and told to write a code that would cause a
certain output, even though I had no previous experience with computer
programing at all. I learned to never giving up because there are so many ways to
approach the same problem, and sometimes all it takes to solve a problem is to take
a different approach.
ISU has prepared me to work in groups by assigning most projects and labs
as group activities. In English 314 Technical Communication, the students were split
into groups for half of the semester and worked on multiple papers and other
activities as a group. This taught me how to coordinate with others and work
together to complete a goal. The main class that has prepared me to work with
others is Marching Band. As band members, we all rely on everyone in the group to
do their part in being on time to rehearsals, having their music memorized, and
knowing their drill steps. Every move we make, we have to guide ourselves off of
everyone else. If one person messes up, the whole group is wrong. There may be
people in the group that you dont see eye to eye with, but you have to put that
feeling aside and act professionally while rehearsal is going on to make sure the end
goal is met.
ISU has prepared me to recognize contemporary issues by keeping most of
the materials that are being taught up to date, as in EE 330 Integrated Circuits we
were assigned to look on companys websites to see what transistor sizes are being
used within the newest microprocessors. Several classes have students find and
research current discoveries that are relevant to our areas of study or in some way
affect our area of study. During EE 394 Program Exploration, I was taught about
some of the ethical responsibilities an engineer has. We discussed how an engineer
had to be thorough with their work and never take any shortcuts to success. You
need to work well in groups and include everyones ideas, even with individuals that
you do not agree with or get along with. Treating everyone respectfully is one of the
many professional responsibilities that we covered in EE 494 Portfolio Assessment.
Although ethical and professional behaviors and actions were not specifically
covered in classes, these topics were taught to me throughout my life by my

parents and other role models. I have had the opportunity to watch many
professionals fill their roles as leaders with respect and compassion for others.
When working on my EE 332 Semiconductor Materials and Devices final
project of designing a solar cells grid parameters and fabrication with a maximum
power loss, I had to learn more information about the fabrication of solar cell grids
by searching on ISUs library website for scholarly articles on the subject. I have had
to use the library many times for writing papers on dance for my dance history
classes. While not in class, I still learned a lot of useful knowledge by attending
Wind Energy Student Organization (WESO) meetings. Their meetings are composed
of the club events and reports, as well as host guest lectures that come in and
speak on subjects related to wind turbines and wind energy. I also enjoy reading
books on electrical and mechanical concepts, so I can have a better understanding
of how machines function and coordinate together. I have started learning how to fix
automobiles in my spare time so I can get familiar with this type of machinery and
be able to fix any problems may come up with my vehicles. There is a satisfying
confidence and pleaser in knowing you can fix almost anything yourself. I have also
begun to expand my skill set by beginning to learn a new language. This new skill is
teaching me to be interested in learning about cultures and how our society
compares to others. Learning new things is important to me because if one stops
learning they will never be able to improve anything and they will not be needed
once the next year graduates enter the work force.
If I was to do my undergraduate work again and was able to change
something to improve my education, I would choose to be more involved in clubs.
Though I was a member of a few, I would try to get into leadership positions within
clubs to better develop my leadership skills. During my first two years, I would study
harder and more efficiently, so my GPA would be a little higher than it is now. Other
than that, I am very happy with how my experiences here at Iowa State has been.