In the intricate complexity of human existence, the concept of deservingness has woven itself deeply into our collective consciousness. We are bombarded with affirmations like "You deserve happiness," "You deserve success," or conversely, "They didn't deserve such misfortune." These phrases, while comforting, perpetuate a belief system that life operates on a merit-based framework, rewarding virtue and punishing vice. However, this notion is not only misleading but also fosters a victim mentality that undermines personal growth and resilience. The reality is that life is indifferent to our biases, desires, and perceived entitlements. Recognizing that we inherently deserve nothing can liberate us from the shackles of expectation and empower us to cultivate a strong, adaptive mental attitude.

Engineering is a discipline characterized by challenges, setbacks, and triumphs. For students embarking on this rigorous journey, the path often feels overwhelming, laden with complex problems, relentless deadlines, and the constant pressure to innovate. Amidst these trials, Rudyard Kipling's poem "If—" offers timeless wisdom, serving as a guiding beacon for those striving to become resilient and accomplished engineers. The virtues Kipling extols—resilience, integrity, patience, and perseverance—are not only essential for personal development but are also the cornerstones of a successful engineering career.

The metaphor "Bullets go where you aim the gun" holds a seminal truth that resonates within the realm of engineering, both in the academic setting and the professional sphere. This analogy, rooted in the precision required in competitive shooting, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of accurate aim—not just in targeting but also in setting sights, which translates into setting clear, attainable goals. As a competitive shooter, I have personally experienced the transformative power of this principle, and I have found it to be equally applicable in my personal endeavors and professional career as an engineer.

By leveraging the insights provided by the geometric distribution, you can set realistic expectations for your academic journey. Instead of becoming discouraged by initial failures, you can embrace them as opportunities for growth and learning. This mindset shift can have a profound impact on your motivation and resilience, enabling you to tackle even the most challenging aspects of your engineering coursework.

James Allen’s "As a Man Thinketh" offers profound insights into the power of thought and its ability to shape circumstances, an idea that holds significant value in the field of engineering. This essay explores how Allen’s philosophy can inspire innovation and foster a positive educational environment for engineering students.

Ralph Waldo Emerson, a luminary of the American transcendentalist movement, is renowned not just for his literary skill but also for his profound insights into human nature and personal development. His principles of self-reliance, innovation, reverence for nature, and patience offer a rich source of guidance and inspiration. These ideals can be exceptionally beneficial in the rigorous and often demanding fields of engineering education and practice.

"אֵין אָדָם יוֹצֵא מִן הָעוֹלָם וַחֲצִי תַּאֲוָתוֹ בְּיָדוֹ"

"אֵין אָדָם יוֹצֵא מִן הָעוֹלָם וַחֲצִי תַּאֲוָתוֹ בְּיָדוֹ"

"A person doesn't leave this world with even half of their desires fulfilled." (Kohelet Rabbah 1:13)

You know, it's funny. I've been in this engineering game for 26 years, and I thought I'd seen it all. But during my master's degree, I had a realization that shook me to my core.

The first step in gap analysis is assessing your current skill set. Reflect on the technical skills you possess, including programming languages, software tools, and hardware expertise. Identify any emerging technologies or tools that could enhance your capabilities and keep you at the forefront of innovation. Consider how you maintain relevance with industry advancements; this could involve subscribing to professional journals, enrolling in online courses, attending webinars, or participating in hackathons and coding competitions. The key is to continuously evolve your skills to meet the changing demands of the engineering field and stay ahead of the curve.

As for Benjamin Franklin’s Poor Richard’s Almanack, it offers an interesting perspective on friendship. One such saying is, “A false friend and a shadow attend only while the sun shines,” which reiterates the notion that the sincerity of friendships is often revealed in times of hardship. Franklin, through this saying, alludes to the fickleness of fair-weather friends, underscoring the importance of discerning between true and false friendships. This proverb serves as a timeless reminder that the value of friendship lies in its resilience and constancy, particularly during the bleakest times.

Growing up, I watched my parents struggle through countless challenges, and one powerful lesson I learned from their example was the importance of never complaining. This lesson was reinforced during my military service and has been a guiding principle throughout my career. There are compelling reasons why complaining is counterproductive: firstly, and perhaps most importantly, no one really cares about your complaints. Complaining doesn't garner sympathy; it often alienates people. Secondly, complaining does nothing to fix the problem at hand. It wastes energy that could be spent on finding solutions. Thirdly, complaining is terrible for your personal brand. It portrays you as a whiner, someone who can't handle challenges. And finally, it bears repeating: no one cares about your complaints. People are drawn to those who face difficulties with resilience and a proactive attitude. These reasons underscore why embracing a "Never Complain" mentality is so powerful in all aspects of life.

Just as sleep and nutrition are vital for our well-being, work is an essential component of a fulfilling life. Our work provides us with a sense of purpose, opportunities for growth, and a means to contribute to society. It shapes our identity, fosters personal development, and allows us to form meaningful connections with others, not to mention its utility in supporting the family and ourselves and “keeping those lights burning”.

This approach is beautifully encapsulated in the words of a Chinese proverb: "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." The "3 foot world" perspective is all about taking that first step, however small it may seem. It's a recognition that even the most complex products are built piece by piece, and that each piece deserves our full attention and dedication.

It is crucial to recognize that the Pareto distribution observed in nature and society is not a matter of fairness, but rather a result of the inherent complexity and variability of life. This realization can be both humbling and empowering. On one hand, it serves as a reminder that success and resources are not always distributed evenly, and that some individuals may possess inherent advantages. On the other hand, it encourages us to focus on cultivating our own unique strengths and abilities, rather than falling into the trap of comparing ourselves to others or expecting a perfectly level playing field.

Embarking on the quest to secure an internship or an entry-level engineering job is not unlike embarking on a great adventure. It’s filled with challenges, learning opportunities, and the thrill of the unknown. The path to success is paved with preparation, determination, and a sprinkle of strategy. Let’s navigate this journey together, armed with insights and a dash of humor, to unlock the doors to your future career.

In class, a student asked me an intriguing question: “How do you win?”. My answer was : ”Don’t lose”. This article delves into the unconventional yet insightful method of inversion, famously championed by Charlie Munger.

I want to share a story that recently unfolded at the Regev household—a tale that, while seemingly simple, encapsulates the very essence of creativity and innovation.

The relentless pace and high standards expected in electrical engineering programs forge students into individuals who are not only technically proficient but also possess a strong work ethic, resilience, and the ability to manage stress and deadlines.

As a student who navigated the complexities of electrical engineering, I discovered several strategies that significantly enhanced my learning experience and academic performance. Here, I share these personal insights, hoping they might be useful to others embarking on a similar journey.

In the vast and dynamic universe of Electrical Engineering (EE), the scope extends far beyond the mere understanding of electricity and electronics. This field represents the pinnacle of innovation and problem-solving, where electrical engineers emerge as the architects of the future, pushing the boundaries of what's possible. They are not just engineers; they are visionaries who shape the world through technology.