2024

I am Logan Freeman, I am continuing my education by working towards a Bachelor of science in Information Technology. I have long aspired to learn about the full realm of technology and the many career opportunities found within it. My goal is to not only keep up with the rapid advancements but to comprehend what drives the innovation and progress in IT. After graduating from UC Blue Ash at the end of the Spring 2023 semester, I transferred to UC Main Campus where I am completing my Bachelor's. I specifically chose the tracks or paths of Software Application Development and Network Systems. With these two tracks, I will get the perspective of both the digital and physical aspects that are present in the field of technology. 

Along with my graduation from UC Blue Ash, I also graduated from the UCBA Honors program. Since I knew I was going to transfer to UC main campus, I applied to the University Honors Program. I was admitted into the University Honors Program, though I was unsure if I wanted to continue with it. This uncertainty stemmed from the idea that I would need to take more course load and time to complete the program. Though, I believe I had a shift in my attitude towards the middle to end of the 2024 Spring semester. At first, I was unsure of how I wanted to pursue the program if I were to decide to, but I knew I would want to find something I was motivated in. Since I did not have as much room to take Honors courses as I did at UCBA, I looked towards other solutions. 

Accomplishing a Goal for Improvement

I would say the overarching accomplishment I achieved this year was trying new things, which was a root idea of last year. Though, I believe I was able to improve and try new things to a greater degree this year. I began this year by starting a part time job at the home improvement retailer Lowes. Although it may have felt like an odd choice at first, it turned out to be a great opportunity for self-improvement. Being a customer service associate gave me first-hand experience that allowed me to improve my communication skills which will no doubt benefit my future, if not already. I met a lot of great people and learned the inner workings of a job of this nature. 

Starting a few months later, I also started a position at a local computer repair shop. I applied to this place first, but unfortunately, the position was filled. Though, as things go, the person who started was one of my high school IT friends. He put my name out there, and I was offered some hours at the shop. Working at the shop has given me countless knowledge about the inner workings of computers and their repair. 

This year felt like it flew by, but I must say I feel as though I accomplished a lot and made some great connections along the way. With my goal of improving and trying new things, I gave myself an objective to try and meet people and network. As it turns out, I ended up making some great connections and meeting some awesome people both within the technology field and elsewhere. Along with this, I must admit, that the courses I took were great and very meaningful to my direction in IT. Specifically these classes; Human-Computer Interaction, Management in IT, and Mobile Device Programming. 

Exciting Year to Come

Going into the next few months, a lot of exciting things are going to be happening. I’m making an application, co-oping at a great company, and in the fall working for UC to help others. 

First, is my application development journey, which I picked up as a self-designed experience, titled “Mental Health Journaling Application Development and Publication”. For this self-designed experience, a co-developer and I intend to develop an application with the goal of publishing it on the Google Play app store and Apple App Store. The app itself will take from the final project idea we developed in a Mobile Device Programming course at UC. The idea can be described as a mental health journaling app, with a focus on helping people work towards positive change in their mental health. This project can be seen as a passion project with the intention of furthering our knowledge in software application development. We hope to achieve a level of polish that is acceptable or greater in order to confidently share the project with potential employers. The app will be form and function first but also be designed to be fun and encouraging to use. I met my Co-dev in the Spring semester in Mobile Device Programming, where we both found we shared a collective passion for app development. 

Second, is my ongoing first co-op at Phillips Edison & Company as an IT Operation and Infrastructure intern. So far, this co-op experience has been amazing and eye-opening, to say the least. First of all, I mentioned wanting to network earlier, and it turned out to be a positive aspect of my co-op. After my first interview with HR, I was invited to interview again with the would-be supervisor. Interestingly, I found out that my supervisor used to work at the local computer shop for 8 years. This became a great talking point, and I believe aided me in getting the co-op position. Not only this, it has allowed my supervisor and I to work together better due to preexisting connections. As of my experience so far, I have made friends with fellow interns and had great conversations with associates. The atmosphere of the workplace seems to be a great one that is focused on the well-being of the associates. There are many events throughout the calendar year, one I already participated in was “Yappy Hour” where associates brought their dogs and had popsicles. The office even has a gym and game room, things I did not expect out of a corporate setting. After some training and attending meetings, I have begun to do some IT tasks and I am looking forward to the opportunities to come. My supervisor and I defined the broad goals of communication and learning with specific outcomes. With communication, specifically in working to strike a balance with technical information. Both in-person and on phone calls/meetings, being about to work/think about technical problems while also maintaining a friendly conversation. With learning, specifically in working to understand technology infrastructure and operations. I also wish to learn processes that may be critical to my future with technology.

Third, I was interested in working as an IT Student Success Coach for first-year IT students at UC in the fall. This seemed like a great opportunity to meet new people and share my love for learning and all things technology. This is where networking comes in again, as I found out my co-dev for the self-designed experience was working in the position. Needless to say, I interviewed for the position, and due in part to my co-dev’s good word, I got offered a position. As of now, I am planning on taking part in the position in the fall. 

I am excited to see where this year goes, I stay optimistic that this will be a productive and great year.