Author: Arim Baek, Email: baeka3@unlv.nevada.edu
Date Last Modified: 01/26/2025

It was a week filled with new experiences. The lab, DASL, is incredibly large. There are various robots, drones, and machines. It seemed like I could do anything I wanted here.

This photo shows a laser cutter used for cutting and engraving. As it was my first time using it, I was quite nervous, but it was incredibly fascinating. To ensure precise work, engraving should be done first, followed by cutting. Parts requiring the same operation are marked with the same color in the design, and orders of the work are determined based on these colors.

I met Meo. She's from Japan. I have friends who came with me from Korea, but Meo said she came alone from Japan. I really respected her courage in adapting to a foreign place on her own. We shared travel recommendations for Japan and Korea. I enjoyed talking with Meo because we could ask each other about our languages and cultures, which we were curious about.

I was surprised by the different greeting culture in the U.S. In Korea, people usually don't greet others unless they know them well. However, in the U.S., greetings like “hello,” “thank you,” and “sorry” are easily given. Sometimes, I even receive pleasant compliments like “I like your hair”. At first, I was surprised when strangers spoke to me, but I quickly adapted to the culture here. I really appreciated the warmth and kindness of asking about each other's well-being and giving compliments.

I realized that I could never live on my own. Even when I needed to download a program in the lab, I needed Hashim’s help. When I had to go home late at night, Francis would give me a ride, and when I had to go to distant places like market or airport, I received help from Baekseok. If I were alone, I definitely wouldn’t have adapted as quickly as I have. As much as I’ve received help, I want to give support and joy to them as well.

I am working on a line follower project using Lego NXT and learning about BricxCC Programming, which is similar to the C language. I learned how to control NXT motors using specific NxC commands, which are not part of the ANSI-C standard. By using commands like OnFwd, OnRev, and Off, I was able to control the motor's rotation power, which allowed to perform movements such as rotation to 180 degrees.