The February Update + School Incoming

Hello everyone! I can officially say that winter break is coming to close, and if I have to reflect on myself during this break, it would be that I probably could have done a little more in terms of coding.

MESA Connect Beta 4 / MESA Mobile 1.0

I have been working on some systems for the MESA Mobile App and preparing for the release of the MESA Mobile App (although unfortunately I can’t get Third Party Auth Working Well [react native / supabase doesn’t play well sometimes]) but I can say I will be releasing the Public Beta version of the app in the upcoming months, although it will be more of a companion app and gateway for the desktop experience.

I also have been working on the kiosk system and I gotta say, using tools like React Email and Resend, the kiosk system is looking golden! On top of this I have been experimenting with Linux (more on that later) which could lead to some custom tablets or kiosk systems.

For simplicity sake however, the kiosk will work on any device, phone to computer as long as you are an Admin or a Tutor, although I will work on permissions as I plan an official overhall of those.

In other news, I am currently working on making the Colleges system improved so that we can prepare for the future possibility of other schools coming into MESA Connect.

I can also give a date for the Open-Source Release. I plan on open-sourcing MESAMobile at the same time that it launches on the App Store, so you can learn about the inner workings and possibility get into React Native :)

Beta Version 4 will most likely be out within the next week, with loads of new features. I will release a full changelog on here as well as MESA Connect itself. I also plan on rewriting the News System to use Notion API instead of a custom built, as it will be easier (making it like how my Blog Works, yes this is built in Notion API)

Hobbies

Honestly, I have been spending my break getting into Video Games again, but also figuring out new ways to expand my knowledge of technology and computer science. One of those ways I have achieved this is by getting into a small thing known as Linux.

I recently decided to pull the plug and purchase a few parts, rip out my old GPU in my old gaming pc, and wipe it and load Ubuntu Desktop on it. It’s not perfect, and I certainly won’t be fully turning it into Ubuntu Server anytime soon, but it is immensely satisfying to build.

I also managed to get a few things working on it as well:

• Plex (for Media Streaming)
• Homarr (Dashboard)
• Samba (File Transfer / Network Storage)
• Docker (to manage containers, finally getting into how docker works)

All in all, it is very interesting and great especially since I now have a more expanded knowledge of how IP Addresses work and servers in general, and I can’t wait to see what projects and things I use it for in the future. For perspective, I also recommend anyone build one too! Use an old pc if you can as well, all you need is some free software and your off to the races.

3D printing is also becoming extremely fun for me. I have switched to using only Bambu Filament (mostly because of its consistancy) but so far I am happy to say I have been using it more than I thought I would.

Semester 4 of College

On Monday (5 days from today) I am starting my 4th (and possibly last depending on the acceptance results) semester at College of the Canyons, and I have to say I am excited.

Since I have most (if not all) of my General Educations and even Computer Science classes out of the way, I am ow focusing all in on tackling the rest of Math and Physics. I am excited since these are always very rewarding classes. Since I have gotten 9 units done this winter, I have decided to opt for 13 units for the 4th semester (all math and physics) so we will see how that goes.

I am very excited especially since I can see this semester being where I get back into really getting in the habit of programming and personal projects, and relaxing more as well. I have a very excited outlook on this upcoming semester, and I hope you all have the best of luck as well!

That is all for this simple update. I wish you all a wonderful rest of your day or afternoon!