Jacquelyn Blain

Hi! I’m Jonathan.

And here’s my buddy, Sylvester.

Introduction

I am a first-year CS major here at CityTech. I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY.

I am an aspiring software engineer with the intent of specializing in machine learning/artificial intelligence. Ever since my preadolescent phase, I have been obsessed with any and everything tech related. My academic success drew the attention of recruiters for a scholarship that I was later awarded. This scholarship created a slew of opportunities for me to continue to explore the world around me. The most memorable experience I have had was the creation of two robots.

The first iteration was a robot that could only be operated with the use of a controller. On my second iteration, sensors were put into place so that if the robot encounters an obstacle, it will redirect itself and continue on an alternate path.

(See left for the first iteration, see right for the second iteration.)

Hobbies

My favorite hobby is music. I come from an immigrant family; my parents are both from Trinidad. I have been playing the steel pan (the national instrument of Trinidad) for the past 11 years. I have had the opportunity to perform music in front of thousands of people all over the tri-state area, including at reputable institutions such as NYU. I have also participated in the New York Panorama and Junior Panorama competitions; winning first place on multiple occasions. (Fun fact: The winner of the Panorama competition performs their music composition during the labor day parade!)

“Far From Finished” performed by CASYM Steel Orchestra (2017 New York Panorama)

Hopes for the Year

My hope for this academic year is to excel in all of my classes. This is my very first year of college and although I’m excited, I am also slightly anxious. College is a stepping stone into the workforce, and my effort over the next four years will determine my future. Getting straight A’s is an ambitious goal, but I do feel that it is necessary to maximize internships, networks, and scholarships that I can have access to.

Although school is a high priority for me at the moment, I hope to maintain a positive work-life balance between schooling and my own personal endeavors.

Challenges

Although this is my first semester of college, I do not think I will have any major challenges other than time management. Throughout high school, I took lots of AP and other advanced courses. I am adjusted to the heavy workload that school can entail, but I have struggled with procrastination in the past due to factors like a lack of motivation for subjects I was not interested in. Academic writing has always been a tedious activity for me, but through the guidance of Professor Blain, I hope to overcome this challenge by the end of the semester.

Conclusion

Thanks for spending the time to learn a little more about me! I wish you all a productive and successful semester.

1 Comment

  1. Jacquelyn Blain

    That video was so cool! I love the steel pan. Were you in that group? They were amazing! I also love Sebastian — own cat is cross-eyed and hates Zoom, so he might even show up in class one day.

    I love your enthusiasm and ambition, and the fact that you write really well already :-D. I have a feeling you’re going to enjoy this term. Great post!

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