Hey guys my name is Derrek Koblinsky and I am currently a junior majoring in Political Sciences here at The Pennsylvania State University. After i get my degree I intend on going to law school. I am from Natrona Heights which is about 30 minutes outside of the city of Pittsburgh. My major interests are contemporary politics, nike sneakers, and most sports in general. Michael Jordan is my favorite player and basketball is the sport that I have been watching the most. If you click HERE you will see a Sports Science clip of KD (Kevin Durant) who now plays for the Golden State Warriors reenacting some of the most iconic shots and plays in basketball. This semester you will find me at Beaver Stadium on Saturdays and in class and the library during the week.
I am taking Science 200 because I have never liked science. It is my understanding that I wont be performing crazy formulas, memorizing the periodic table, or studying effects of molecules. The major breaking point for me is when I took Chemistry in high school. I knew that I was not good at it from the start. However, being the ambitious student that I am, I still tried to understand the material and do well in the class. I attended many study sessions and after school tutoring sessions with my teacher and still did not do as well as I had hoped.
In addition, I am not becoming a Science major because my true passion is in politics and public service. Ever since I was young I was active in politics. I attended George W Bush’s rallies back in 2004, wrote letters to the president, and attended national leadership programs. In addition, I worked for a State Representative Evankovich and Congressman Keith Rothfus. It is because of my passion for politics that I am not a true science major. One day it is my ultimate goal to hold elected office, after that the sky is the limit.
Hi Derrek!
I am a sports fanatic as well so I couldn’t help but comment on your post. As an athlete, I realize how much science I use in every play that I make. It is so interesting that I say I do not like science when it has helped me become so successful on the court! I play volleyball but I love to watch basketball. I have to say that KD moving to the Warriors was controversial (curious how you feel about that). Anyway, in honor of you posting a video of KD, I want to share this video with you on his new teammate, Stephen Curry.
Hope you like it!
Further, I can totally relate to your political side. I am undecided in my major as of now, but one of my biggest interests lies in law. I find the arguing and persuasion intriguing and feel I may want to pursue it as a career. From what I have read, you might agree with me!
-Lauren Messing
Hi Lauren!!!
There is so much science in sports it is unreal. Basketball is one of my favorites and takes up close to a third of the clothes I have here, maybe even more. So more likely than not you will see me in a Jordan, Kobe, John Wall, or the KD Warriors shirt i actually just got. In response to Durant leaving the Thunder for GSW, I do not blame him at all considering that LeBron James did the exact same thing when he left Cleveland to join Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh. The person I feel the worst for though is Russell Westbrook only because he has no team. Incase you did not know, Serge Ibaka left the Thunder as well. Steph is the man, he is currently one of my favorites and I was rooting for them hard to win the title this year. One thing you may want to look up is how Steph shoots the ball. If I remember correctly Steph shoots the ball higher and puts more arc on it. Thus making it easier to swish opposed to shooting the ball how most players do. Anyway, Come find me if you wanna talk more hoops!!
Hey Derrek,
I have to say you may be the male version of me. I too am majoring in Political Science because I love contemporary politics and public service. Thank you for that sports science clip by the way. I don’t know if you’ve seen this one already but this is one of my favorites of Kyrie (https://youtu.be/97ggPvwGNyk).
However, I am learning that Political science has more ‘science’ aspects than we think. After all, it is the study of Politics through the scientific method. So I like to think that I am still doing a little science while studying politics (lol a stretch, I know). What Poli-Sci classes have you taken/are taking this semester?
-Stephanie Keyaka
Hey Stephanie!!
Glad to know that I am not the only political science major in this class. In addition, I am glad I am not the only one who is interested in public service. Of the people I have met they do not seem to be interested in that sorta thing. It definitely takes the right person though. Political Science is much more than just a current events class or even a debate class. Taking these classes are a lot about scientific principles and analysis. In response to what classes I am taking this semester they are International Relations (PLSC14), Political Theory (PLSC17W), and American Politics (PLSC1). I personally like American Politics the most so far. I assume that you are a Cavaliers fan because you sent me a Kyrie video? I have nothing against him or JR Smith. LBJ I am not the biggest fan of even though I do own multiple pairs of his sneakers. You can also come find me if you ever wanna talk about hoops!!
Oh, I took PLSC 14U last semester with Lemke. Who are you taking it with, Henderson? yeah, American politics is a nice class to get your feet wet in for politics. I am taking comparative politics right now, so trust me, savor in American politics.
I am a HUGE LeBron fan. So you can just imagine the ‘anx’ in which I was watching the series with this summer. I was so proud of the way we were able to come back from 3-1. That ws definitely thanks to LBJ plus the AMAZING work by JR and Kyrie!
We can definitely talk hoops sometime!
Yes I am taking 14 with Henderson. Is comparative politics really that bad? I wouldnt imagine it being too hard. I have Baumann for American Politics which I really enjoy. Dr. Roost who teaches Political Theory is a great professor as well. The only class that I am sweating bullets about currently is Henderson.
Lol yeah, International Relations really kicked my ass. BUT you’ll learn a lot, I guarantee that.