My Summer at MECC

 This summer, I had the amazing opportunity to work at the Ministry of Environment & Climate Change (MECC) in Mongolia for two weeks. Even though it was short, it honestly felt like such a big experience in my life, and I learned so much in such a short time. 

COP17 Prep

    A lot of my work is connected to COP17, the big global climate conference coming up. I got to see how Mongolia is preparing and how our county's policies need to match with international ones. It was so interesting to see how "big global talks" actually start in small office meetings, people writing, discussing, and comparing policies to make sure Mongolia has a strong voice on the world stage. 

Work Environment 

    The work environment at MECC was really inspiring. Everyone was so focused but also collaborative. I saw how different departments came together, shared ideas, and worked as a team. Even as a short-time intern, I felt very welcomed, encouraged to ask questions, and included in conversations. That made me realize how important teamwork is when it comes to solving environmental challenges. 

    One thing that stood out to me was how much the team compared policies; they were always looking at how Mongolia's strategies line up with other countries and their own long term goals. It made me realize how connected the world really is. Mongolia has its own challenges like desertification and extreme winters, but we can still learn from other nations and also share our experience with them. 

         

                                    

How It Changed Me 

    These two weeks were life changing for me. I saw how environmental policy is not just about science, it's also about people, communication, and working together for the future. Being part of discussions linked to COP17 made me feel like I was contributing, even in a small way, to something so important. I left MECC feeling motivated, inspired, and more certain about the path I want to take. It gave me confidence that I can connect my Environmental Studies and Business background to real-world impact, whether in Mongolia or Internationally. 

    This experience reminded me that even short moments can shape who we are. For me, my time at MECC wasn't just an internship, it was a spark that made me even more excited for the future I want to build. 

 

 - Nobita

Summer Shopping Guide for International Students Near PLU 🛍️☀️

Hi everyone! I’m Luna, an intern at PLU’s International Student Services (ISS) and a fellow international student from Korea 🇰🇷. While many students are traveling or visiting home this summer, some of us are staying around campus — and that’s okay! There’s actually a lot to explore nearby, especially if you’re in the mood for shopping or just want to get out and walk around indoors with AC!

Here are some great malls near PLU that you can visit during the summer:

---

1. Tacoma Mall

📍 4502 S Steele St, Tacoma, WA 98409
🚌 15–20 minutes by car or bus from PLU
This is the biggest shopping mall near PLU! It has popular stores like H&M, Zara, Apple, Sephora, and more. There are also places to eat like Chipotle and Panda Express. Great for both fashion and food!

---

2. South Hill Mall

📍 3500 S Meridian, Puyallup, WA 98373
🚌 About 25 minutes by car
South Hill Mall is perfect if you're looking for more variety. It includes stores like Macy’s, Daiso, and Old Navy. It’s usually a bit less crowded than Tacoma Mall and has lots of parking if you're going with friends.

---

3. Lakewood Towne Center

📍 5821 Lakewood Towne Center Blvd SW, Lakewood, WA 98499
🚌 10–15 minutes by car
Closer to campus, this shopping area includes Target, Ross, Best Buy, and several restaurants and cafes. It’s great for casual shopping, grocery runs, or just grabbing boba and chilling.

---

4. Outlet Collection Seattle (Auburn)

📍 1101 Outlet Collection Way, Auburn, WA 98001
🚌 About 35–40 minutes by car
If you’re looking for deals, this is a full outlet mall with stores like Nike, Levi’s, Adidas, and more. It’s a bit of a drive but a fun weekend trip if you want to shop on a budget.

---

Tips for Summer Shopping:

👜 Bring your student ID – some stores offer discounts!
💳 Don’t forget your debit/credit card (many places don’t take cash).
🌞 Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen if you’re walking outside.
🚗 If you don’t have a car, ask a friend or check the Pierce Transit bus schedule.

---

Even if you're staying near campus this summer, there are plenty of places to explore and enjoy. Shopping can be a fun way to get to know the local area, pick up essentials, or just treat yourself!

Stay safe, stay cool, and happy shopping! 🛒✨
— Luna
PLU ISS Intern 💛

Guest Blog: Food for Thought

Guest blogger Rina is back with some restaurant suggestions that are sure to make you hungry!

As summer comes, free time and sunny weather is a calling for good FOOD!  As someone who has become familiar with the Tacoma/Seattle area, here are some of my recommendations that everyone should try!

 

Spot #1 - My Lil' Cube Ramen and Asian Cuisine in Puyallup

This little restaurant offers a satisfying variety of dishes ranging from ramen to smaller appetizers. My friends and I all tried their ramen, and shared one order of Xiao Long Bao (dumplings). We loved the noodles and the broth. And we enjoyed the intimate atmosphere that the restaurant had.

 

Spot #2 - Biscuit House in Lakewood

When you're wanting a warm breakfast or lunch, Biscuit House offers a large selection of breakfast options. The portions were quite filling, and satisfied by love for eggs and hash browns. They offer unlimited coffee too, in case you need a little kick of energy for the day. 

 

Spot #3 - Pho Tai in Lakewood

A restaurant open until 4am can be a lifesaver when doing some late studying. As the name implies, the restaurant services a selection of phở, bánh mì and other small snacks. This place is perfect for a casual meal, especially since you don't have to rush before closing hours.

 

Spot #4 - Ho Soon Yi in Lakewood

Ho Soon Yi is a well-loved Korean restaurant that has tofu soups, grilled meat and other classic Korean dishes. In this picture, my friend and I ordered Mul-naengmyeon, which is cold noodles in broth, perfect for warm weather. We also ordered a warm soup that had fish cake and ramen noodles. 

 

Spot #5 - Jin Jin Matcha in Downtown Tacoma

Matcha lovers unite in this cafe in downtown Tacoma! With creative drinks incorporating matcha, everyone has something new to try every time. My friends and I have found that we like the rose matcha and the butterfly pea flower matcha. The cafe offers a calming, intimate and modern atmosphere, and feel free to bring your laptops and spend some time studying here too!

 

Bonus: Spot #6 - NEKO Cat Cafe in Seattle

With a farther drive up north to Seattle, NEKO Cat Cafe is sure to be worth the extra trip. The cafe's highlight would most definitely be spending time with the cats, but they do offer snacks and drinks inside. This is a fun way to spend an evening with your friends, while having a nice drink too. 

Guest Blog: Rina's College Success Strategies

 Rina, nursing student from the Philippines, is back with a guest blog post sharing her strategies for college success!

College Success 101

 

Strategy #1:  Mastering the Art of Studying

Studying can be hard. Hours spent in the library, staring at your computer can be difficult, not just physically but also mentally. Upon entering university, my study strategies were rather lackluster, and instead I found myself often cramming the night before and even seconds before an exam. Deem studying to be like an art, unique to every individual, can vary and change according to one's needs. Here are some strategies that you can try to incorporate.

Create a Study Schedule:  Time management is crucial. Break down your study sessions into management chunks and allocate specific times for different subjects.

Active Learning:  Engage with the material actively rather than passively. Take notes, ask questions, and participate in discussions to reinforce understanding.

Utilize Resources:  Take advantage of resources available to you, whether it's textbooks, online tutorials, or study groups. Don't hesitate to seek help when needed.

 

Strategy #2:  Conquering Stress

Being a nursing student, there are many classes that discuss the value of self-care and managing one's stress. It's also valuable to find a balance between yourself and the work that you have to do so that you don't overwork yourself.

Practice Self-Care:  Make self-care a priority. Get enough sleep, eat healthily, exercise regularly, and carve out time for activities you enjoy.

Mindfulness and Meditation:  Incorporate mindfulness and meditation into your daily routine to quiet the mind and cultivate inner peace.

Connect with Others:  Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends, family, and mentors who uplift and encourage you during challenging times.

 

Strategy #3:  Know When to Ask for Help

Asking for help can be difficult, especially when you're unsure of what you need.

Recognizing Your Limits:  We're all human, and we all have our limits. Acknowledging when you're struggling or feeling overwhelmed is the first step towards finding a solution. Don't be afraid to pause, reassess, and reach out for guidance when needed.

Accessing Resources:  Colleges offer a plethora of resources to support students academically, emotionally, and socially. Whether it's tutoring services, counseling centers, or peer support groups, these resources are there to help you overcome challenges and thrive.

Building Community:  One of the greatest assets of college life is the sense of community it fosters. Don't hesitate to lean on your peers for support or offer a helping hand when they need it. Together, you can navigate the highs and lows of academia and emerge stronger and more resilient.

Super chill trip to Spokane

Hey everyone, it’s Nobita here!

How's it going? I hope you all had a super relaxing and fun spring break! I wanted to hop on here and share a little story about my trip to Spokane to visit my brother over the break.

It was 6 hour bus ride, and honestly? SO worth it. The route was suer scenic, think snowy mountain peaks, golden sunny farm fields, and misty forests straight out of a moody movie. I'm such a big fan for road trips. There's just something magical about staring out the window with your favorite playlist on, pretending you're the main character in a music video, lol. ✨

Even though a flight would've taken around 2 hours, I chose the bus for two reasons; it's budget friendly ( hello, college student life!) and the views are unbeatable.

When I arrived, my brother took me straight to downtown Spokane, where we had an amazing dinner and wandered through Riverfront Park. There was this powerful Native American statue there that really stuck with me, it felt meaningful and beautiful at the same time.

My brother's also a low-key chef. Seriously, he's so good at cooking. On my first evening, he whipped up steak with creamy mashed potatoes, and I was in food heaven. We also had the cutest sushi dinner at a place called Sushi Blossom, cozy vibes, packed crowd, and absolutely delicious rolls. If you're ever in Spokane, go there. We also hit up a super authentic Korean spot near his place that felt like a warm hug in food form. 🍣🍲

But more than the food and views, the best part was just being with my brother. I'm really proud of him. He's doing his thing, chasing what he loves, and being a responsible big bro while at it. It made me appreciate him even more. I can't imagine going through these confusing, chaotic early adulthood years without him by my side. So, through this post, thank you bro. Love you always. 💖

Overall, this trip was just what I needed. Relaxing, refreshing, and full of good vibes. Sometimes, taking a break, giving yourself that space to breathe, is the best way to come back stronger. It reminded me how important it is to reset, take care of yourself, and move forward with purpose.

I hope your spring break was just as lovely and that the rest of your semester goes smooth and sunny. 🌞 summer break is callinggg, and I know we're all counting down the days!

Stay hydrated, stay happy

Nobita A.