How much do I actually know?
I've always been pretty bad at remembering things from a complete stall. That is to say that I need ample time to recall things and my brain works better with a hint. This is probably why I always hated free response tests as opposed to multiple choice.
This came into effect recently when I needed to change the oil for my car. Since I'm trying to actively get my hands on machines as it pertains to my career goals, I've been performing this duty at home instead of a professional car shop. The first time I changed the oil on this car was about a year ago with my friend who knows way more about cars than I do, and since it was time to do it again, I thought I'd ask him. Unfortunately, he's left the state for school and I was left to attempt it alone. By chance, I have a coworker that is very adept at car maintenance and is also pursuing a career regarding engines and repair ( albeit planes, not cars). Suffice it to say, he knows what he's doing way more than I do.
As Gee puts it, I had to "make do with something less when the real thing is not available." In this instance, I had to play catch up with a semi-professional. I had to mushfake my way through the entire process. Particularly with using and setting up the car jack. Above is the atypical car jack for my car and below is the type that I am used to, in addition to a set of car stands. Underneath is a map of appropriate jack points, these are points in the support that are more reinforced ( just in case you don't want the car jack to go through your seat). If I hadn't at least brought the proper oil and filter, I would have probably not been able to mushfake my way through some knowledge about my own vehicle.
Car Jacks
Oil Change Process
This came into effect recently when I needed to change the oil for my car. Since I'm trying to actively get my hands on machines as it pertains to my career goals, I've been performing this duty at home instead of a professional car shop. The first time I changed the oil on this car was about a year ago with my friend who knows way more about cars than I do, and since it was time to do it again, I thought I'd ask him. Unfortunately, he's left the state for school and I was left to attempt it alone. By chance, I have a coworker that is very adept at car maintenance and is also pursuing a career regarding engines and repair ( albeit planes, not cars). Suffice it to say, he knows what he's doing way more than I do.
As Gee puts it, I had to "make do with something less when the real thing is not available." In this instance, I had to play catch up with a semi-professional. I had to mushfake my way through the entire process. Particularly with using and setting up the car jack. Above is the atypical car jack for my car and below is the type that I am used to, in addition to a set of car stands. Underneath is a map of appropriate jack points, these are points in the support that are more reinforced ( just in case you don't want the car jack to go through your seat). If I hadn't at least brought the proper oil and filter, I would have probably not been able to mushfake my way through some knowledge about my own vehicle.
Car Jacks
Oil Change Process
Hey Emmanuel!
ReplyDeleteHad I been in your place I would definitely crumble under the pressure of being watched by someone who maintains plain engines. Fortunately, YouTube is a great resource in terms of how-to videos and it has come through in more times than once. I can relate to your experience because I own a 92 Honda Prelude that regularly requires maintenance and I have my go to mechanic, who also happens to be my cousin. He recently got a full-time job so I decided to purchase my first set of tools so that I may fix my car when needed. I'm glad you got through changing the oil on your car. I encourage you to get a tool set of your own and start doing small tasks on your car. I have found it to be almost therapeutic and it leaves you with a great feeling of accomplishment.
-Luis Dario Salas
I don't know enough to even try to pretend like I know how to work on cars. I guess that's some other principles of mushfaking. You have to know SOMETHING or at least what it is you're supposed to pretend you know.
ReplyDeleteHey Emmanuel!
ReplyDeleteI can definitely relate to going into a field that requires a lot of hands on knowledge, that I have none of. I’m a mechanical engineering major and I’ve never changed my oil myself. Good job on taking the initiative to learn how to change your oil for yourself. Also thank you for the pictures for the car jack and car stand location, I had no idea where they were supposed to go. You’ve inspired me to change (or at least try to) my oil next time I need to get it changed.
Hi, Emmanuel
ReplyDeleteIt’s pretty impressive that you were able to mushfake your way through something like that. I would’ve been totally hopeless in that situation since my brain doesn’t like cooperating with me when it comes to jumping into something I think is way out of my depth.
But I think it’s actually excellent practice since you mentioned that this pertains to your career. I know the saying about all professionals having to be an amateur at some point is typical and cliché but there’s a reason why it’s always being repeated.
It’s especially relevant in college since we’re constantly being pushed to learn something new every few months or being exposed to things outside of what we were brought up with.
I’m curious, though, how you felt after the experience (I don’t mean to be rude, it’s just that I frequently feel like I slide back to square one after a while). Did you feel a little more confident in your abilities or did your career seem even more daunting with the knowledge you gained?
Hey Manny,
ReplyDeleteFaking it through something like this can't be easy. I remember being absolutely dumbstruck and nervous the first time someone asked me to jump their car. I had absolutely no knowledge, only good guesses. That essential part of mushfaking is the good guesses, and being able to adapt to the task at hand using even minute amounts of relevant information. Great job!
- Clayton Staples