Buddy's Blog

Welp, it appears we have reached the end… the conclusion of Freshman Seminar 50N: What is the Internet and what will it become? I have to say that I really enjoyed the class and learned a great deal!

This week, we discussed the blockchain and cryptocurrency. I remember, early this year, one of my best friends was talking about a thing called Ethereum. I remember thinking to myself “Ethereum..? What is that? Now that he stumped me, I knew that I had to go and look it up. As it turns out, ethereum is one form of cryptocurrency. I initially was a little skeptical, knowing a little bit about stock options trading, but I guess it has really worked out in his favor (to say the least!). It is truly remarkable how accessible these markets really are. My friends at home are buying Ethereum using an app called Coin Base, which makes the acquisition of cryptocurrency almost too efficient. I have also seen this in my time with options trading. The trading platforms that are out there these days are truly remarkable. I have instant access to a market where the difference between the bid and ask price is penny-wide. Unbelievable! For me, TastyTrade (https://www.tastytrade.com/tt/) and the influence of my father have really prodded me to learn more about the markets and various financial instruments. I have really learned a lot and have started to get my feet wet with trading. This year, though, has been miserable as a trader because the stock market has not been volatile at all due to the current upward surge. The platforms where the trading is carried out still to this day amaze me. The code and technology needed to gain access to instantaneous buyers and sellers is truly amazing.

I have really enjoyed my time in our class. I loved meeting and getting to know my classmates over the semester, and Professor Smith and Professor Waldo have taught me a great deal and have inspired me to learn more about the priceless tool that the internet provides us. Thank you all so much!