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from the

editor

Kansas State Engineer

I have a routine. Every year, about the same time as the first big tests, I

question myself. I wonder why I am doing this. Why have I chosen a major

that requires me to actually remember and understand differential equa-

tions? What is so enticing about engineering that I would subject myself to

hours of study groups and sleepless nights in the computing lab? And am I

doing all of this to become what some refer to as an overpaid plumber? The

best answer I can muster is that I love a challenge. Yea though I attempt to

justify changing my major to something easier—something a bit more inter-

esting to the average person, I know I would not respect myself. What is it

about the engineer that makes us pursue challenges that no sane person

would consider? I would like to think that it is not stupidity, but rather an

inexplicable joy when the challenge has been met. Sometimes, I would rather

just sit back and let all the challenges—even college life—pass me by. It

seems to be times like these that more challenges are thrust upon me. I must

admit that entering into the “BIG THREE” classes of chemical engineering

seemed enough to keep me busy this semester. Alas, for now another chal-

lenge has been plunked quite unceremoniously into my already crowded lap: editor for the Kansas State Engineer Magazine.

Is it the prestige and honor accompanying this position that has convinced me to accept? Nay—I must admit that it is the

challenge alone that has me intrigued. But I am not alone in my challenge. In fact, they seem to abound here. Students are

studying abroad, taking internships—some students are actually graduating. Even K-State itself has taken on the challenge

of growing and changing to keep up with the rest of the world.

So here we all are—some of us taking on new challenges, some of us dealing with old recurring ones, and far too many

of us sitting contentedly, unaware of what will soon be set before us. But the question remains: Are we up to it?

I would like to think we are.

Alison Stucky