Monday, September 24, 2012

First Semester at PLU

Hi, this is Loana! I started classes three weeks ago at PLU, and though they have been challenging I've been having a lot of fun! I'm currently taking HIST 260 (Early Modern European History), MUSI 103 (History of Jazz), and PSYC 335 (Cultural Psychology).

HIST 260 is really cool because the professor really enjoys what he teaches. So far, we've learned about the Renaissance printing press, impact of gunpowder in Europe, and the impacts of humanism on current education. We also get to look at Renaissance art once in a while during classes, and that's a lot of fun :)

MUSI 103 is taught by the jazz band director. He's a piano player, so he uses the piano to demonstrate different key ideas in jazz. I've also gotten some education outside of the classroom; there was a required gig at The Swiss in downtown Tacoma. It was really cool to be able to apply what I learned in class to actual music!

PSYC 335 has been really interesting. Since the professor is Japanese, I've been able to relate to some of the example that he gives of Japanese culture. It's been challenging because most of the students who are taking that class are juniors and seniors, but it's been a learning experience for me to rise up to the challenge. I'm really hoping that this class will help me grow.

Besides studying I've spent a lot of time practicing music and spending time with friends. I've also gone to Seattle the last two weekends. During my first trip, I went to the EMP (Experience Music Project Museum). I definitely recommend it! During my second trip, I visited the international district, and bought a lot of Japanese food and drinks! Well, I'm excited to be here, and hope everyone has a great week!

 

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Excitement!


Man oh man, has this been an exciting week!

The first week of actual classes here at PLU kicked in this week, and I’ve been nothing but busy!
I’ve had all of my seven classes so far, some I like more than others, but all in all, I think this is going to be a great semester!

All of my five Communication classes are going well, so far. One is particularly challenging as it is a class concerning communication law within the United States. Interesting stuff, but it’s all new material, so I’ll have to encourage every single brain cell in my brain!

Another class I’m taking this fall semester is Ballroom Dance, a P.E. class. To be honest, I hated it at first, but with a little effort and showing up every time with a smile on my face, and it ain’t so hard after all!
My other P.E. class, Swing and Salsa Dance, is also testing my patience as to whether or not I actually want to continue taking the class. However, both of the dance classes are one credit-classes, and the professor said they’re an easy A as long as you show up every week (we only meet once a week for each of the dance classes), so I think I’ll just stick with them!

Classes aside, I’ve had the pleasure to meet some amazing new people aka the incoming international students for this semester, and I am so excited to get to know them better! We all met during International Student Orientation a few weeks ago, but it will be fun to get to know them in a new environment without having the orientation as an excuse! :)

New International Fall 2012 Semester students!

Best,
Lina.


Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Summer in Europe

Hey, everyone!

So, this summer I'm spending my time back in Europe where I'm visiting my mom in Ireland, my dad in Sweden, and my friends in Norway. It's stressful alright, but worth the traveling!

In March, while I was still in the US, I got a baby sister.
I was in California then on spring break and all I wanted to do was to catch the first flight to Sweden to see her. I had to wait until May, though, but I finally got to see her, and she's the cutest thing ever!
...or, the second cutest according to my dad. (:

Right now, I'm in Ireland and it never seems to stop raining (talk about being like Seattle!)
Don't get me wrong, though; there's no summer without a little rain every once in a while. (:


It's the 4th of July today and although the Irish don't celebrate it as much as the Americans do, a little celebration takes place every year










As of now, I'll be honest with you; I can't wait to go back to PLU this August and start my SENIOR YEAR. (:

By the way, here's a summery picture from my mom's garden in Ireland:

Have a great summer, everyone!

Best,
Lina.

Monday, May 7, 2012

Cinco de Mayo

¡Hola, amigos! So, this Saturday was Cinco de Mayo (May 5th in Spanish), and my best friend and I went to Seattle to celebrate! We went all Mexican to honor the day, and had Mexican food at this really great restaurant wayyy into the heart of Seattle. We used the Google Maps on the iPhone to find it, but due to construction work, it took us an hour because of all the detours we had to take. Totally worth it, though! The food was MMMyummy. (: After devouring tacos and enchiladas, and rinsing it all down with tasty iced mint tea, we hit the streets. It was really beautiful with the sun shining and the temperature in the high 60s, and people couldn't stop smiling. Many women were dressed in colorful dresses wearing straw hats, and many men wore shirts with Mexican print. There were also tons of street musicians playing Mexican music, and my friend and I had a blast - without a doubt! I can't wait for next year's Cinco de Mayo. (: ¡Adiós!

Respecto,
Lina.

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Hola!


Hi there!

My name is Ann, and I'll be blogging about my college life here in Pacific Lutheran University. As my first post on PLU International Voice, I'll talk a little about myself.

I was born and grew up in Tokyo, Japan, came here in the United States about three years ago and got a high school diploma in Connecticut. Now here I am a freshman in Pacific Lutheran University, intend to study in business.

What do I do besides studying in PLU?

Well, besides studying I am a part of Global Student Club. We organize events for international students and also other domestic students to socialize and have fun. I also am in ASPLU (student government in PLU) Entertainment Committee. We organize events for all the students in PLU; we mainly have local artists coming in to our campus and have free concerts.

Other than those that I listed, I hang out with my friends in my dorm room, or I do my hobbies!

Next update will be more about what's going on in campus now!

See you in next week!
Ann