About

In a Nutshell

I'm an alumnus of RIT (Rochester Institute of Technology) where I majored in Software Engineering. My hometown is the metropolis of Wilkes-Barre in Northeastern Pennsylvania. I'm a graduate of Bishop Hoban High School. If you'd like to find out more about my education and work experience, check out my resume.

Autobiography

Me, Three Days OldI, Philip Michael Makara, am the first of two children of Phillip and Linda Makara. I also have a sister, Allison who is 21. I am currently 23 years old and was born on December 21, 1980 (Sagittarius). I’m from Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, a medium-sized town in the northeastern part of the state. I’ve lived there all my life (only moving once to the house next door), graduating in 1999 from Bishop Hoban High School, until I went away to school at the Rochester Institute of Technology where I am in my forth of five years as a Software Engineering major. I still call Wilkes-Barre my home because I return there for the summers. My ethnic background is mostly Polish and Slovak from relatives who immigrated at least 3 generations ago.

Me, 21 y.o.My experience in college has been for the most part a positive one. I have learned a great deal—not only in my schoolwork, but also on a more personal level. I’ve learned so much about others and myself over the past few years. The low points have been the stress caused by cramming for tests and meeting project deadlines; I can really let those things take over sometimes. The high points have been making new friendships and reaffirming my choice for my major. I’ve spent a lot of quality time with friends, hobbies, and doing things I haven’t done before. I’ve developed very close friendships with many individuals. College has definitely been a growing experience. It has been very important for me to retain and enhance friendships that I started before college.

Although my major is computer-related, I do enjoy using my computer in my free time. Keeping in touch, surfing the web, searching for music, keeping up with news, designing web content, and doing digital imaging are some of the activities I do on my computer. In addition, I’ve become more involved in photography, which I’ve always enjoyed, after getting a digital camera. It allows me much freedom to learn and progress in my photographing abilities and self-expression. I enjoy listening to music a lot of the time, whether it be in the car, while doing work or chatting online—sometimes to relax and others to energize. Music can be very therapeutic for me and evokes a lot of memories. I always enjoy sharing my music interests with friends and exploring new styles and artists. I’ve always watched a lot of television, but my viewing habits have decreased over the past few years because I have more going on for me. However, TV is a good way to relax and appreciate some high-quality work on the air. I appreciate well-done television shows and film and usually prefer dramas. Those that evoke emotion and explore the human experience, whether it is something I can relate to or an unexplored area to me, most interest me. I enjoy doing all these things in the company of others, sharing common interests. In addition, as I get older, I enjoy reading books more and more; I am a big fan of the Harry Potter series.

I’ve grown up as a Catholic, attending 13 years (including Kindergarten) of Catholic school, so my ethics and morals are based on those of Christianity. College has allowed me to form opinions and beliefs of my own. Respect is essential as social beings. Honesty allows us to form close, trusting relationships. Love allows us to share what we have with others. I believe in the sacredness of life in all its forms. I wish peace for all people and places.

As I look toward the future, I seek happiness in my personal and professional life. I hope the two shall be compatible. I want to continue to share the love I have with those who are important to me and meet new people. I hope to positively influence the lives of those around me and, indirectly, people I don’t even know. I hope to carry this through to my professional life and enjoy what I do as my job in the software engineering field. Perhaps, I may teach one day because I want to enhance and spread software engineering education. I want to put the principles of software engineering into practice, further my understanding of the subject, and convey it to others.

There are two aspects of my life that are very important: people and reflection. The people that are close to me mean a great deal. They are there for me when I need them. They keep me strong. They are reason to keep going. I will give my all for them. Part of realizing all of this and exactly who is included in this special group of people comes with much reflection. Reflecting on my activities, work, relationships, conversations, and thoughts helps me put things in perspective, to see where I am and where I am going. This is me; I have beliefs, relationships, meaning, and hope. Most of all, I thank God for these things. I am truly blessed.

I had to write this autiobiography for a pretty pathetic class, Wellness for Life (I won't get into why it's pathetic), but I found some usefulness in writing this and reflecting on my life. I adapted it for use here.
—PMM, 3/24/03

Film and Actors

I took a film class recently, and I've come to appreciate films as the works of art that they are. They are no less artistic than a painting, piece of pottery, or a play. As far as movies are concerned I mostly like dramas and 'smart' comedies. I'm not a big fan of the teen movies or dumb comedies. Action is good if there's a decent story. Sometimes I'll see the special effects movies for that alone, not expecting anything along the lines of a good story. A lot of them are there to show off the effects. I'm also into CG animated movies like Toy Story and Shrek and Disney classics. And I like almost everything Steven Spielberg directs; he always has an extraordinary vision in my book. Among my favorite movies are Moulin Rouge, Erin Brockovich, Forrest Gump, The Sixth Sense, Apollo 13, and Shakespeare in Love.

My favorite actors are Jennifer Garner, Ed Norton, Julia Roberts, Susan Sarandon, Tom Hanks, and Gwyneth Paltrow.

TV

If you think there's nothing good on TV, watch Alias or The West Wing. They are the best things on right now if you ask me. I tend to like the one-hour dramas. My other favorite shows include Politically Incorrect, Who Wants to be a Millionaire?, ER, Friends, The Rosie O'Donnell Show, and The Practice.

Music

My musical interests are always expanding and I will always give something new a chance. I don't like too much rap though. Good music in my book is defined by its lyrics, instrumentation, beat, voice, arrangement, etc. When it comes to movie scores, John Williams always rocks! My favorite musicians/musical groups are Macy Gray, Dave Matthews Band, Barenaked Ladies, Matchbox 20, Goo Goo Dolls, and Live.

My favorite songs are:

Books

I didn't read much through most of high school besides the books I had to read for English class. But when I read Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, I realized that reading could be fun, entertaining, and relaxing. I also developed an appreciation for Shakespeare. There is nothing like some good blank verse. So among my favorites are Catcher, Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt, A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers (still trying to finish reading it!), and the Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling. I recommend reading them all.

Recently Finished: None :o(