i wish you understood why i was angry - it was unfair for you to expect too much from me

- its just a test and its really useful to think what the test makes were thinking while taking the test.

I believe in preparation and training; I advocate the practice of diligence and patience.

Its been awhile since i posted quizzes, so I decided to start posting them again. They might come in handy in preparation for the test.
Here's a mini quiz to improve vocabulary:

Exculpate (verb)
The lawyer wanted to exculpate the defendant, but found it difficult with the lack of evidence.
a. to prove guilty
b. to prove innocent
c. to interrogate
d. to remove
e. to kill

Emulate (verb)
The children emulated the movie actors after watching the movie.
a. to meet
b. to idolize
c. to buy
d. to copy
e. to destroy

Soporific (adjective)
The children did not enjoy the soporific music the parents were playing.
a. causing sleep
b. not modern / old
c. slow
d. nostalgic
e. a type of music in the 80's

Repudiate (verb)
The biologist repudiated the research experiment because she deemed it implausible.
a. to do again or repeat
b. to reconstruct
c. to reject the validity
d. to revise
e. to literally throw out the window

Propitiate (verb)
The priest constantly reminded his parishioners to propitiate with their enemies.
a. to have a better understanding
b. to appease
c. to make amends
d. to dine
e. to pretend you are having a good time

Growing up in the Philippines, I felt like whatever teachers or elders, in general, said were considered rule. Here in the US, students are encouraged to assert their entitlement. Yesterday, my CAL NERDS team had a meeting, and one of our topics was about asking questions. Asking the right question is what really makes someone stand out - it really shows what you know by asking the right questions.

I remember a quote by Mr. Cortell in 3rd year high school. The smartest person is the one who knows he does not know.

But I have been traumatize with an experience of asking a really dumb question in class, which my classmates may or may not remember, but I certainly remember the intellectual embarrassment I felt after asking the question. I hope to get over my fear of asking questions, but then again keep in mind that I should ask questions for the sake of learning and not trying to impressing my profs or classmates. I still think its all about getting ahead of the game.

sometimes I still feel intimidated when I talk to my professors because I feel like they can probe into my head and judge me on the spot of what I know and don't know, but I hope to get over this obstacle of fear. First, I shouldn't be afraid to reveal what I know and don't know, and work on it. Second, I shouldn't assume that professors have perfect information because they are humans too. Lastly, prepare prepare prepare.

Attributes of a scientist - regardless of culture:
1. Patience
2. Integrity / Honesty
3. Skepticism
4. Perseverance/ work ethics
5. Not be afraid to make mistakes

comparing my interests, hobbies, work ethics, and priorities with others makes me think: "did I choose the right type of life?"

well here's a scenario:
summer research versus beach hopping
girls versus studying [not that they're mutually exclusive, but you get the point]
partying at night versus studying all night [now thats more of a comparison]
girls versus setting up an organization?
girls versus study buddy [now at this point, im going to have to go for girls...its just insane]
girls versus part-time job [what a depressing question .... next]

Its good to look back and compare - I can convince myself - "hey christian don't worry, you're setting yourself up for a better future."
now there's a few things to keep in mind - the future with this kind of preparation is not like making up for the lost good times of otherwise preparing.... its a future where lifestyle is probably going to be similar with the lifestyle previously exposed in. In other words the real comparison can't be in different time frames - it should be an absolute comparison of similar time frame. "is this the path I really like?" - but the only naive part of this argument is why can't you have both?

interesting... interesting...