Pray For Japan: a fundraising effort on campus

I couldn't believe it happened when I first checked the online news on Friday.

Probably most people would have thought it's just a seasonal earthquake that we have in Japan, yet unfortunately it did turn out to be one of the worst natural disasters that happened in decades around the globe.

I was fortunate that I was able to contact my family the next day via Skype - though most telecommunications were completely paralyzed due to the excessive access to the main cellphone lines, and still I couldn't get my eyes from the NHK news for almost all weekend. I was anxious and didn't know what to do about it until the point that I decided to run the fundraising event on campus.

The nuclear reactor explosions in Fukushima happened just 300km away from Tokyo and there are still many health concerns about the amount of radiation produced so far. It's time for us to step back and think about the histories that we had - No more Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Not only Japan, but other nuclear power plant accidents that had been discussed in terms of safety around the globe. You can check the global nuclear event scales here.

I was listening to NPR at some point and they were talking about how the U.S should learn from Haiti, Katrina and Japan. We don't really know when disasters happen - it is vital to make an emergency preparation. According to the BBC website, the confirmed death toll from the quake and tsunami is up to 8,450, with nearly 13,000 people missing.... Japan still needs your help!

"Actions speak louder than words " - There is something that you can do at PLU

Donation Tabling till 23rd on Wednesday

From 10:30 am to 7:30 pm in front of Old Main Market @University Center

• Cash is preferable, but checks are also acceptable at SIL desk(the basement of University Center).
• All donations will be proceeded directly to American Red Cross.

For more info visit our Facebook page:

Thank you for your support and concerns!

Love and Peace,

Tomomi

Spring Break

Spring Break : wow, exciting! This is my first sense of this holiday. It is time to relax a while and hang out with my friends. I already planned where I go before spring break. I might just have 3 times to spend spring break in the United States so I cherish this time very much. I try to travel to some places around here. This spring break I will probably go to Woodburn (not sure). It is located in Oregon. I went there several times before. It is a big shopping place. The main reason I love to go there is NO TAX! Before summer holiday is the greatest time to go shopping there. I will be back China this June so I need to buy some gifts for my family members and friends. It is a cool place to go! I'll show you the picture which I took before. One last thing I need to say "Pray for Japan"!!!

-Meng

Meet Daniel

If you see this man with
a notebook, run for your life.

Hi, my name is Daniel and I am a recovering Norwegian.

I came to PLU on a sunny August afternoon in 2009. You may have seen me; I was the guy trying to carry a huge box of bedsheets without falling asleep.

I am currently pursuing a major in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a minor in Procrastination. I'm a frequent writer for the student newspaper, and my articles have been described as "wonderful" by my mom.

I'm usually found in the cafeteria anytime mashed potatoes are on the menu. If you don't see me there, I'd suggest you friend me up on Facebook or follow me on Twitter

Mid-term is coming

Mid-term is coming. It is a busy time for every student. We need to prepare for papers, exams and presentations. As a non-English speaker, I will need much more time than other students to work hard. This semester I am taking Psychology 101 and English 213 - both  for general university requirement (GUR). When I heard the name "Psychology" I was so afraid of this class, but it is for GUR. English 213 is a literature class. For this class I need to read English novels, and it is hard to read one-hundred pages in one day but it is a way to improve my English. Two other classes are requirements for my major: Advertising and writing class. I feel fine in both of these classes. However, I really felt I learned something after each course. It is a hard process, but caused sweet results!!! Nothing in the world is difficult for one who sets his mind on it!


Meng

Autobiography - Tomomi

Hello and welcome to our International Students Blog! My name is Tomomi and I'm a junior at PLU, majoring in Public Relations (Communication). I spent most high school life in Japan but I have decided to explore a bit more around the other sides of the world. What I most made me interested in applying to PLU was they have a small-scale-class enviroment where students and faculities can interact with. It is a great enviroment for the students who are willing to share the sense of communities with others.

I believe that challenging and jumping into new culture could be stressful sometime for International students, but I am sure it will be the great investment to achieve your goals and there will be always the light at the end of tunnel. Hope you will enjoy our blog! :)

-Tomomi

Autobiography - Meng

Hi, I am Meng, I came to PLU in 2008 from Beijing, China. My major is Communication with an emphasis in Public Relations.I have two main goals at PLU. One is the most important for me is to learn English well, because I hope I can speak English as a native speaker. Second, I want to learn more communication skills and knowledge. I consider the United States as my second mother land.

-Meng