I said I was going to blog more and I’m working on that. Trust me, I didn’t plan on letting weeks pass by in between the last blog posts and this one, but I’ve been busy. “With what?“, you ask..

I mentioned in a previous post that I was asked to hop aboard a robotics project with a few graduate students. Now, at first, I was shocked, excited, and eager in the beginning while I’m in the Chair of the Computer Science Department’s office. I didn’t know what type of work it would entail and at that time, it didn’t matter. He asked me and I was honored.

So, I accepted. I attended the first meeting about the project that they were currently working on. And let me tell you, after that first meeting, I was unsure I was a good fit for the group. They spoke a language that was unknown to me. It seemed as though everyone seemed to understand how to do what needed to be done except me and I began to doubt myself. We were all given individual assignments to work on and present our findings at the next meeting. This bothered me.

But, I thought to myself — this is the time to exude your knowledge and your willingness to learn more. I took off work early and I went to the library and did some research. And more research. And then more research after that. I was determined to have a presentation that was informative and included information that was sought after and needed.

And apparently, I made a lasting impression… an impression so big that the Chair invited me to speak to high school students for the rest of this month about our undergraduate programs and my experiences.

I left an impression so big that I’m permanently a part of this group that’s working on several different projects.

An impression so huge that I receive a stipend for the research hours that I spend in our robotics lab.

And an impression so big that I get to program my very own robot which gives me a head start on my project for my Master’s Degree. (I plan to start that in the Fall.)

Every thing still feels like a dream. I’ve waited for this moment. I’ve worked hard for this type of recognition and to be allowed this type of opportunity. Needless to say, my family is extremely proud and their encouragement means a lot to me.

I know this sounds strange, but this sort of makes me look forward to being laid off this year. And that’s probably because I pretty much already have a job ready for me this summer doing what I love. And it can only get from here. (:

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8 Comments
  1. Lindsie

    February 19, 2012 at 10:50 pm

    Hey Carla! How have you been? Hope kids are doing well 🙂 its been so long as I am now just started to come back into the social web world and previously I had lost all of my links so I am glad you commented!

    As for your post, I’m so happy to hear things are working out for you – very well at that. The worst thing one can do is start to doubt theirself. I’ve been there and like you I educated myself with more knowledge and it worked in my favor. It never hurts to try even if you fail. It’s those situations and experiences in life that you can learn from. I don’t mean to come off lecturing you in anyway just reassuring you 🙂 And although you may hit some bumpy roads in the future, you will succeed. Your a very determined mother and I am glad to see you better yourself and of course the kids!

  2. Shannon

    February 20, 2012 at 7:27 pm

    Congratulations on your achievement! I’m happy to hear that your dreams are gradually coming through for you & that all of your hard work is paying off! I wish you all of the best in your group!

  3. Jenny

    February 25, 2012 at 9:21 am

    Congratulations on your achievement, Rae! That is so wonderful. Good luck and best wishes to you and your group! 🙂

  4. Jamie

    February 28, 2012 at 11:25 pm

    I am very proud of you Carla for achieving your dreams! You did what you had to do in order to know what it is you had not a clue about, and you researched it, impressed, and landed your foot in the door! Bravo! I applaud you! I am super happy for you Carla. If we lived near each other, I’d be baking you a cake and taking you out to dinner if I had the money :P. You are truly a wonder, and you deserve this! You’ve earned it, and you worked hard. Congratulations again!!!

  5. Kay

    February 29, 2012 at 3:19 pm

    Wow…all I can say is stick in there even though you might not feel clued in as to what’s going in the group. It’ll all make sense once you get into the groove of things. I know you got it in you hun. You’re a bright woman with a future ahead of you. You didn’t come this far to turn back.

  6. Jamie

    March 28, 2012 at 1:08 pm

    Hey you! I just wanted to let you know, that I did get a different domain, and wanted to let you know what it was. It’s electricchapel.org . I hope you don’t mind?

  7. Tamara

    April 14, 2012 at 1:22 pm

    I know this post was awhile ago, but I still feel my comment is very relevant Lol I am so proud of you! I’ve been tuned in to your blog (Off and on, I must admit) for months and I’ve read through your struggles and the things that concern you. It is wonderful to hear that all your hard work is paying off and your trust in God is NOT in vain. I’m so happy for you girl! God bless.

  8. Michelle

    April 22, 2012 at 2:41 pm

    Oh my god that is amazing! It seems like your hard work is actually paying off which is incredible! I’m glad that everything is falling into place for you!

    I’m proud of you for all the hard work you did!

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