My story starts shortly after leaving DeLand, after getting in that last game of Smash with my room mates, and saying goodbye to my friends, I arrive at the airport to find that they have switched me to a slightly earlier flight. While getting a last meal with my dad at the airport, I called my contact at CMU, Laura, who was picking me up from the airport later, and left a voicemail with her. I was soon on the plane, flying north, enjoying onboard wifi, and reading a preliminary paper on "The Uncanny Valley". After we landed I found out that Laura's phone had died and she never found out I was coming in early, so I ended up taking a fairly nice city bus that runs from the airport throughout town.
The bus was mostly empty and I was able to enjoy the hour long trip across town; looking out the window to find giant advertisements and logos plastered on the sides of buildings that looked like they were straight from the 1950's in all their industrial era greatness. As we got closer to campus we went through different areas of the city, all of which seemed to still be going strong at midnight on a Wednesday. Finally we made it to campus, I hopped off the bus and headed straight towards the "Greek Quadrangle". Before getting here, I wasn't quite sure where in the quad the Sigma Nu house was, but I was pleasantly surprised by golden glowing Sigma and Nu that came in to view the closer I got to the quad. I stopped to take quick first picture of the house, then headed straight for the front door, calling my contact from the Delta Sigma chapter. Shortly after being let in, I chose a room, got unpacked, and was soon asleep.
The next morning I met Laura on campus, and she showed me to the Graphics Lab in the Robotics Institute (in which I will be working for the next 10 weeks). We have spent the better part of the past couple days working through all the logistics of getting me set up, but I have actually already gotten a chance to start working. I will be working on research in the Uncanny Valley, which is essentially the idea that when you make an animation or robot that looks like a human, but isn't quite right, it freaks you out. Specifically I will be focusing on smiles, and the proper way to animate smiles (and if that even makes a difference when you do).
Anyway, on my first day I met a few of the brothers staying at the house. That night I got a knock on my door and was happy to be greeted by a welcome wagon. The rest of the night seemed to fly by, getting to know some of the brothers and their local traditions.
This summer looks like it is going to shape up to be a great experience, and I am extremely grateful to all the friends and family members who are helping pave my way.
P.S.
I have been taking pictures, but forgot the cable I need to get them off my camera. I will start posting pictures as soon as I get that situation worked out.
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