Week 4
1. Photo of the week: What impressed you to take it, select and write about this photo?
The photo above shows a laser cutter. I was confident in using it since I frequently used a similar product in Korea. However, the process of operating the laser cutter was different from the one I used in Korea, so I was a bit confused at first, but I quickly got used to it. It was an interesting learning experience to realize that the way equipment is used can vary, even if it’s the same machine.
2. New person (outside of DASL) that you met? How did you or the person initiate the encounter, what made the encounter challenging or easy, and how did it help you?
I was able to meet a Chinese female friend on the Las Vegas Strip. Although she was Chinese, she had lived her entire life in LA. Since I had never had a Chinese friend before, I was very happy to get to know her, and it was a great experience to learn about Chinese culture as well.
3. What institutional or American/Vegas cultural insight did you learn this week?
Las Vegas has a very well-developed club culture, and what I loved most was that there are many opportunities to see performances by famous DJs like The Chainsmokers or Marshmello for free.
4. What did you learn about yourself?
I could feel that my English listening and speaking skills have improved compared to when I first came to the U.S., but I felt like I was forgetting more words than before, so I thought I needed to work on that.
5. What is the status of your technical projects and what skills did you learn?
This week, I had the opportunity to create a molding device using a 3D printer and successfully produced silicone tires. I also learned a lot from Tommy, who introduced me to the proper usage of a laser cutter, as well as how to operate Fusion 360 and other related applications. Tommy provided hands-on training, allowing me to understand not only the software but also how it connects to practical applications in the production process. It was a productive and educational experience that gave me deeper insight into the tools and technologies used for fabrication.