Author: Chris Bae, Email: baeh5@unlv.nevada.edu
Date Last Modified: 10/28/2024

Last weekend, I went camping with friends in Arizona. The natural scenery of the American West on the way to the campsite was incredibly beautiful. We arrived just before sunset, so setting up the tent and preparing food was a bit challenging, but after dinner, the sky was breathtaking. It was the most star-filled sky I had ever seen in my life. I even saw five shooting stars—something I had never seen before—and it was the happiest moment I've had in the U.S.

Before heading out for the camping trip, I stopped by an American friend’s house to pick up some essentials. I met his parents, who generously offered us various items and even lent us a large car. Watching them prepare everything their son might need made me realize that parents are much the same, whether in Korea or the U.S. Thanks to the spacious car, we traveled comfortably, and borrowing the supplies helped save on travel costs as well.

I learned that Americans enjoy camping with RVs and similar vehicles. I saw so many RVs on the highway, and it surprised me to learn that some people stay at campsites for up to two weeks. In Korea, camping trips are usually shorter, so the idea of spending that much time camping seemed like a nice, relaxed approach.

I enjoy running and have kept it up consistently from Korea to the U.S. While running, there are always challenging moments, but if I push through, I eventually find a rhythm and start to feel comfortable. Overcoming these tough moments and reaching long distances brings a deep sense of accomplishment. Lately, I've come to think that life is similar to running; if I can get through difficult times, better days will come, and I’ll feel a great sense of achievement in the end.

I worked on building a linear motor test bench and continued my studies in machine learning. Using a laser cutter to create profiles was particularly useful, and I was glad to apply skills I learned in the lab. In machine learning, I focused on understanding training code and URDF to get a better grasp of how learning mechanisms operate, though I feel there’s still much more to learn.