Monthly Archives: September 2024

Life Hacks for Balancing Life and Tech

Life Hacks

Balancing a rigorous course load and personal projects is a substantial challenge. Here’re some hacks I’ve found useful:

Time Management

Prioritize tasks using tools like Trello or Asana. Break tasks into smaller, manageable goals. The Focus Timer app is particularly helpful for maintaining focus during study sessions or project work. It uses the Pomodoro technique to allocate specific times for focused work and breaks, ensuring you stay on track without burning out.

Stress Management

Regular exercise and meditation have been crucial in managing stress. Tools like Headspace provide guided sessions that help. Incorporating structured breaks with Focus Timer also helps in managing long study hours without increasing stress.

Handing Team Dynamics

Clear communication and regular check-ins are vital. Tools like Slack can facilitate seamless communication.

Overcoming Stagnation

When stuck, stepping away to take a walk or talking it out with peers can provide new perspectives. Sometimes, setting a short Focus Timer session to brainstorm or think differently about a problem can lead to breakthroughs.

Every step in this journey has been a learning opportunity. Whether it’s adapting project goals to meet user needs or exploring new technologies to enhance my skill set, the key has been to remain flexible and proactive. Looking ahead, I’m excited about the new challenges and innovations that await in the ever-evolving teach landscape.

Journey into Software Engineering

Tech Trails

Greetings! I’m Colin Cheng, Currently navigating the fascinating world of software engineering at Oregon State University (OSU). Residing in Roseburg, Oregon, I balance my studies with a full time job, exploring new technologies and methods that enhance my understanding and capabilities in software development.

Aside from being a student and professional, I am a family man devoted my two pets, Annie and Qunnie. My days are a blend of coding, providing IT solutions, and enjoying leisure activities like gardening and exploring the great outdoors.

My Journey with computers started in high school, fueled by an intense curiosity about how software games are created. This interest evolved over the years, guiding me to pursue a degree in computer science. The transition from gaming to creating software solutions was seamless but filled with challenges and learning curves.

OSU and Beyond

During my time at Oregon State University, I’ve engaged in various projects that have challenged and expanded my understanding of software engineering. One particular project through the CS361 course – a meal planning website called Mealow – has been especially impactful. This project allowed me to explore user-centric design and development deeply. Mealow isn’t just a meal planner; it’s designed to foster healthy eating habits through user-friendly interfaces and personalized meal suggestions. Working on Mealow has provided practical experience in developing intuitive user interfaces that cater to the unique needs and preference of users.

Current Job and internship

Working in IT support has been instrumental in understanding the practical aspects of software and system issue. The real-time problem-solving and user interaction have prepared me well for software engineering’s dynamic nature, where user feedback is crucial.

Favorite Technologies

Lately, I’m deeply engaged with OpenGL for graphics programming, which enhances my ability to render detailed 2D and 3D graphics, curcial not just for gaming but also for creating simulations in various industries like architecture and virtual reality. In web development, I utilized modern tools such as HTML5, CSS, and Javascript frameworks like React, which are essential for crafting responsive and user-friendly web applications. These technologies are pivotal in my projects, merging graphical precision with web functionality to push the boundaries of software development.

Favorite Projects in CS461

Prediction Model – Mixed Martial Arts – As a fan of data science, this project appeals to me. It invovles developing a predictive model that analyzes fighter statistics and fight history to forecast match outcomes, providing insights that are not only valuable for fans but could also be used for training and coaching.

Cloud-Based Algorithmic Trading Strategies for Individual Investors – This project captivates me because it merges finance with technology, enabling individual investors to leverage powerful cloud computing resources to execute sophisticated trading strategies.

Leveraging AI for Improved Public Transit – This project focuses on utilizing AI to enhance the efficiency and reliability of public transit systems. It’s a prime example of how AI can be applied to solve real-world problems, potentially transforming urban mobility by optimizing routes and schedules to improve passenger experiences.

Web Security Research Project – Given the increasing threats to digital security, this project in both timely and essential. It involves researching methodologies to safeguard website from cyber threats, which is crucial for protecting personal and corporate data online.

Crowd-Sourced Travel Planner – This project intrigues me because it combines technology with travel, using crowd-sources data to create dynamic, personalized travel itineraries. It’s a fantastic blend of social interaction and algorithmic data processing.

This blog will serve as a platform to share my experiences, challenges, and triumphs with fellow students and anyone interested in the world of software development. Stay tuned for more updates, tech insights, and personal reflections on navigating the complex yet thrilling world of software engineering.