My first year of college at The Ohio State University is coming to a close and it went by really fast and I know that these last few weeks won’t be any slower. My favorite class this semester has been Neuro 3000: Molecular Neuroscience where I learned about brain imaging techniques among other things. For example, an MRI uses radio waves to excite electrons surrounding hydrogen atoms and then the machine records the energy that is emitted when the electron goes back to its ground state. The computer then uses the density of emitted waves to put together an image. Also, an fMRI records the brain’s oxygen usage through the blood and is able to depict a functional image of the brain’s activity where active areas are highlighted. There is another functional imaging technique called DTI, where a computer tracks water movement in the brain to show the diffusion of ions between neurons. Moreover, something that I have learned about myself is how important it is for me to maintain a regular workout schedule because I do not feel good all day if I do not work out, especially because the rest of my day consists of sitting in front of my computer. I am a very hands-on/physical person so I do not like sitting around all day but given the circumstances and the reality of our digital age, it is inevitable that I will spend a lot of time in front of the computer. So, it is very important that I have the discipline to make the time for exercise and also make the time to go outside more. One struggle I have had this month is not waking up as early as I would like and just feeling more tired overall even though I have been sleeping more. Finally, I was accepted to the Mirrors Sophomore Honorary so I will be volunteering at the James Cancer Hospital next year.
