Walking through water, getting through life - ENVT 350

 

    This semester I'm taking ENVT 350: Environmental Methods of Investigation, and I'm not gonna lie, it's one of the most interesting classes I've had at PLU. 

    The class is all about the Chamber-Clover Creek Watershed, which is basically the local watershed around campus. But it's not just one subject, we look at it from different  angles like biology, chemistry, geoscience, history, and even religion. At first I didn't expect that mix, but it actually makes everything make more sense because you start to see how everything connects. 

    

What makes this class really different hough is that we don't just sit in a classroom. We actually go outside for our labs. Like, we visit real sites in the watershed, collect data, measure water quality indicators, and just observe what's going on the environment. it lowkey feels more real than any lab I've been before because you're literally in it, not just learning about it. 

    Also, this class has been around for a long time. Students have been collecting data on this watershed for over 25 years. And in 2022, all that work turned into a digital exhibit with the tacoma Public Library, where students shared their research with the community. 

  Not gonna lie, this class also helped me a lot during a time when I was going through some stuff. Getting outside, being in nature, and just spending time with my classmates made a big differences for me. it reminded me of my high school days when we used to go on week-long field trips, and those were the times that brought everyone so close together. That's actually where I met some of my lifelong best friends, and those memories are still some of the most meaningful to me. 

Photo courtesy of the PLU Archives

        This class kind of gave me that same feeling again. Even though it's technically a lab, it doesn't feel like a typical bio or chem lab where you'd stuck in one place for hours. Instead, we're walking around, going into the water, measuring things, looking at a different plants and species, and just enjoying the moment together. It feels like real quality time with people outside of a normal classroom setting. 

  I think this class is something I'll remember and miss after I graduate. As an Environmental Studies student, this experience felt really wholesome to me, one of those small but meaningful moments that stays with you. 

~Nobi Altanzul. 

Healing Through Traditional Mongolian Medicine

     Last summer honestly became one of the biggest turning points in my healing journey. As an international student from Mongolia, I wasn't just carrying school stress, I was also carrying physical pain and mental pressure that I had gotten so used to, I stopped even questioning it. 

    The main reason I decided to seek treatment was my chronic lower back pain. it actually started in high school when i was training really intensely for an Asian-level dance competition. During practice, I injured my lower back. the competition ended, life moved on... but the pain didn't. It would get worse during stressful times or when I pushed myself too hard physically which as a student, happens a lot. 

    After a really challenging year, I decided to spend part of my summer staying at a traditional Mongolian medicine hospital for inpatient treatment, And from the moment I got there something felt different. The hospital didn't feel rushed or cold. It felt pretty calm. Clean. Grounded. There was a strong Buddhist presence in the atmosphere, not in a loud way, but in a peaceful, subtle way. Everything moved slowly and intentionally. It reminded me that healing isn't something you rush. it takes time. 

    One of the first things they did was pulse diagnosis. If you're not familiar with traditional Mongolian medicine, this might sound unusual. Instead of immediately doing scans or machines, the doctor carefully checked my pulse at my wrist. They paid attention to the rhythm, depth, strength, and tiny details tha most of us would never notice. My treatment included full-body traditional massage to release deep tension. I also had heat therapy placed on specific points like my ears, hands, feet, and back. Warm herbal heat was used to stimulate circulation and help my body recover naturally. 

    I was prescribed herbal medicine for three months. Everything was plant-based and natural, which gave me comfort. it felt gentle, not aggressive. It didn't feel like i was fighting my body, it felt like I was supporting it. 

    Even the food was parrt of the healing. The hospital served traditional Mongolian meals like nourishing soups, meat and vegetable dishes, warm and filling food. It reminded me that healing isn't just about medicine. It's about care. It's about being nourished. 

    When I went back for a follow-up during winter break, my doctor told me something that really stuck with me. They said my constant worrying and overthinking about the future was putting unnecessary strain on my heart. I was told to be more calm, patient, and emotionally balanced. 

And that hit me. 

    As students, we're always thinking about the next thing. Grades. Internships. Careers. time. Expectations. We're constantly in "what's next?" mode. But living in that constant stress slowly disconnects you from yourself. What I learned from this experience is simple: 

Taking care of yourself is not optional 

Rest is not laziness

Peace is not weakness. 

    You don't have to earn the right to slow down. Traditional Mongolian medicine, deeply influenced by Buddhist values, taught me that healing isn't just about fixing pain. it's about learning how to live gently with yourself. Finding small moments of calm and joy is not selfish, it's necessary. 

And honestly, wherever you come from, your culture probably holds wisdom that you might need to return to. 

-Nobi Altanzul 

For Two Hours, We Went Home

     This year our small Mongolian student team hosted a Mongolia Event at PLU, and it honestly became one of the best memories we've made on campus. We wanted to bring a little piece of home to PLU, the food, the culture, the music, the energy, and after about a month of planning, preparing, and a little bit of chaos, we made it happen. 

Preparing for the event was almost as fun as the event itself. Our team met every week, and every time we got together, we somehow ended up laughing pretty hard like we are having our best time in life. Practicing our dance performance was especially hilarious, half the time we forgot the moves or made up our own, but those moments became some of our favorite memories. We also spent a lot of time building the photo booth and creating Mongolian bookmarks with traditional script on the front and English translations ont e back. What started as  "let's just make these quickly" turned into a whole team bonding moments with jokes, music, and random conversations. Even figuring out our games like bingo, the treasure hunt, and freeze dance took forever, but it was all part of the fun. 

When the day finally came, we were all running around getting everything set up, but the excitement made it all feel worth it. Once people started walking in, the whole room came alive. Our bookmarks ended up being surprisingly favorite, people kept picking them up and saying how cool the Mongolian script looked. The food tasted exactly like home, which gave us the bingo, the treasure hunt, and freeze dance had everyone laughing and participating. The phot booth also turned out better than we expected and helped people capture sweet memories with their friends. 

The whole night gave us this warm, cozy feeling almost like we went back home to Mongolia for at least two hour. We really hope guests felt the same aura and got a small taste of our culture. It was such a heartwarming moment to see people enjoying the atmosphere, learning something new, and just having fun. 

Overall, the event was a big success, and it meant a lot to us to share our culture with the PLU community. We're so proud of what we created, and we're hoping to host an even bigger and better Mongolia Event next year. 

- Nobita, ISS intern

Guest Blog: ICPC Washington D2 Regional Programming Contest

 Our guest blogger is Abel, an Ethiopian student majoring in Computer Science! He's going to tell us what it was like to participate in a competitive programming event.

On November 16, 2024, my team and I participated in the ICPC Pacific Northwest Regional (Washington D2 Site) for the third time. The contest was held at the University of Washington, Tacoma, and it remains one of the most exciting and challenging programming competitions I've ever experienced.

Our journey began in 2022 when we were freshmen. Competing for the first time, we managed to solve two problems, gaining valuable insights into the contest's structure and atmosphere.

In 2023, we returned with more experience. The environment felt familiar, and we were more confident. This time, we performed better and finished in 6th place.

Each year has been a learning experience, helping us grow as a team and improve our problem-solving skills. This year, all of our hard work paid off. We won 1st place at the Washington D2 Site! It was an unforgettable moment that showed us how much progress we've made since our first contest. 

The winning team: Yonatan, Abel, and Biniam

What is ICPC?

The International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC) is one of the oldest and most prestigious competitive programming events in the world. Teams of three university students are tasked with solving complex computational problems within a set time. The event is intense, and the competition isn't just about writing code. It's about teamwork, quick decision-making, and navigating challenges without external help. 

 

What I've Learned Throughout the Four Years in PLU

Hand-made stole for BBA!

Happy Wednesday! This is Rei, I hope everyone is doing well with life and everything else. We are now in May, which means that final exams and summer break is just around the corner. Congratulations on almost finishing up another school year! For me, as a senior year student, I just finished my Capstone presentation (senior project) yesterday and it means that graduation is less than a month away! I've spent four years of college at PLU living on campus, since Fall 2020 to this Spring 2024. For my last blog, I would like to share 5 things in total I've learned during my four years of college life with some of the graduation pictures I've got with my roommate. I hope it will be beneficial to those of you who have a few years left in PLU! 

Life Tip - inside of College

1. Time Management is everything

You probably have heard this a lot from your parents, professors, and etc., but this is true! In college, especially if you live on campus, a ton of planning will take place. I would say, if you figure out how you manage your time schedule, you win the game. And most importantly, utilize your Google Calendar! She has been my best friend ever since I've started using her, managing my schedule, share some activities' schedule with my friends/professors. I personally prefer the online calendar form because they visualize my plans well and let me think what I can do during the time I don't have anything, just makes me productive! 

2. Do not compare yourself to others, compare yourself to you in the past

Sometimes, comparing with someone else can be a motivation to do something better. I would say this is a recipe for unhappiness. In a different words, Social Comparison gives you a sense of rush, stress, and negative feeling eventually. Especially for those of you who are from outside of Unites States, living away from your family, you are already doing amazing! You should be proud of yourself from just breathing in the different country from where you are from. There was a time I was disappointed/stressed to myself that I was taking a longer time than other students to understand and complete all the things I had to get done. After keep feeling stressed, at one point, I stopped thinking of things that way and started to think it's okay to not be capable of doing everything at 100%. No one in this world is perfect so I should focus on myself rather than comparing myself to others. As long as YOU know what you like about yourself, your weakness and are trying to improve them, you will be the best version of yourself by the time you graduate from college. 

3. Be adaptable to the culture here, but still be yourself

What I found most important is not trying to be someone else even in the new country with new surrounding environments. Adapting to the culture of where you are at is great, and it can be a main goal of studying abroad for some of the international students. And PLU has a variety of opportunities for you to absorb new cultures, new values, with new people. However, learning new things does not mean you are being away of how you are used to be. For instance, your English will probably improve year by year as you continue studying in the United States, but there is no need to change your 'personality.' How you feel about certain things, how you behave towards others, and how you are, are all core things about yourself that you should not ignore. 

A little pretty path right next to Hauge Admin Building! 

Life Tips - outside of College

1. Always have a Plan B (and Plan C if needed)

I love United States, I love how people are friendly, and I appreciate that I was able to study in this country for four years. One aspect of culture that we have here that I learned was people are loose on time, compared to my home country - Japan, at least. Let's say you order something online for a certain event, but you have to order really ahead of time to ensure that whatever you are ordering will arrive before the event you have. Thus, again, managing your schedule and doing things ahead of time is key. Living in the United States for four years really trained me in the aspect of this, which I appreciate. If I kept living in Japan for my entire life I wouldn't know how to manage these things. I believe these skills will help you a lot not only when you are in college but also once you start working in the future no matter what country it will be. 

Some lavenders at PLU Golf Course

2. It is normal that things change - friendship, environment and yourself

Not just during the years in college, but if you are living your life, things change gradually and suddenly at the same time. Maybe it's a good change, sometime it can be changes you did not expect it to be. You might have a breakdown caused from these changes - yet, it's okay! Everyone has experienced this all the time. How I cope with any big negative changes of my life is to think my life as a roller coaster. I know it sounds weird but I believe that when something negative happened, that means something better is coming after, as the roller coaster goes up after they fall down. You will never be stuck in your down-bad moment, so might as well enjoy the process of going to the positive phase! Something I appreciate about the US culture is that people are open to share what happened to them even though it is something that affects them negatively. People share when and why they cried, felt sad/angry, how they felt about it, and people are willing to listen. Talking it out with others is definitely a life tip when it comes to handling your changes and people are more than happy to help! 

And these were all I could think of as of now! Looking back over the past four years, there have been ups and downs, but I believe it has been an unforgettable period of my life and I have learned tons of life skills. I am so grateful to have met Heather and Brandon, International Services, and all of the international students. I hope that you, the international students reading this, whether you are a prospective student or a current student, will be glad that you chose PLU when you graduate as well! 

Until next time,

-Rei 

REC for Domestic Travel Destination - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Hi everyone, this is Rei! I hope you are doing well:) I just got back from Albuquerque, New Mexico, since I got chance to visit my boyfriend who is studying abroad just like us in University of New Mexico! Since I still have some fresh memories from there, I would like to share how it looks like over there and also, what to prepare for domestic flights in case you already got a plan for Spring break or anytime soon! 

White Sand National Park

Where is Albuquerque, New Mexico? 

Albuquerque (also known locally as Duke City or ABQ) is the largest city in New Mexico and the 32nd largest city in the United States with a population of 559,277 as of 2016. Founded in 1706 as Albuquerque, the city is characterized by a mix of European, Hispanic, and Native American populations and cultures!

Places to Visit in New Mexico:

1. White Sands National Park 

This place was one of my favorite parts of the visit! At 275 square miles, White Sands National Park is the largest area of gypsum dunes in the world, and it looked and felt like a completely different planet. The powder-white dunes look like mountains of snow, and you can hike, sled down, even enjoy picnic any time of the year. The park is also apparently famous for its handful of white-colored animals, including rats, lizards, crickets, spiders, and moths, which have changed to a lighter color over time to adapt to their environment.

2. Old Town Albuquerque

With its winding narrow streets and adobe architecture, Old Town Albuquerque offers a small town and uniquely colorful neighborhood experience. Although much has changed since its founding in 1706, this dynamic tourist destination has remained the heart of the city. Despite its small 10-block radius, Old Town is packed with more than 150 privately owned restaurants and boutiques. The city also hosts more than 40 events a year, including the world-famous Ballon Fiesta Week! 

3. Sangre de Cristo Mountains 

While I caught glimpse of many volcanoes from my stay in Albuquerque, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains seem to have something for everyone, including scenic trails for hikers of all experience levels. Explore aspen, ponderosa, and pinyon juniper forests and meadows of colorful wildflowers, and take in breathtaking views from ridge-lines and summits. For those of us who spend time with nature in Washington State, experiencing the nature of each state will be a fun part of our trip. 

Although my visit was a short one-week one, I immediately felt the difference in climate between Washington State and New Mexico when I arrived at the airport. New Mexico is located at a higher elevation and has a dry desert environment where you can wear short sleeves during the day even in February. Coming from Washington, where it rains every day, I was exposed to such strong ultraviolet rays that my eyes would turn red in the afternoon form the sunlight during the day. 

Lastly, I forgot to mention one of New Mexico's most important attractions - Mexican food! In New Mexico, where the Mexico-U.S. border is also located, there are tons of restaurants run by Mexicans. Of course, I am sure there is good, authentic Mexican food in Washington as well. However, perhaps due to the physical closeness to Mexico, the tacos we had in New Mexico are still unforgettable to this day. 
 

With this year's Spring Break just about a week away, I know that many students are thinking about where to go and what to do. During the break, you may want to stay in the forms to catch up on your rest, or since you are in the U.S., you may want to enjoy a trip within the U.S. For domestic trips, you do not need a special Visa signature at the International Student Office, and all you need is your passport! If you are still undecided about your spring break plans, it might be a good idea to start thinking about what you would like to do to motivate you to get done whatever you have to finish!  

- Rei 

Guest Blogger: Meet Rayen from Tunisia!

Hi all - Rei here! 

I hope you are doing well and getting ready for the rain/cold season that is about to come! A lot of people say that people in Washington do not own an umbrella, however there is actually quite a number of people who use their umbrellas on campus! So don't hesitate to use them and protect yourself from the wind and the rain! 

📍Pike Place Market

Today's blog is the take over of the guest blogger, Rayen! Rayen is from Tunisia, an exchange student at PLU, and he is majoring in Communication. Rayen is joining PLU as an exchange student for one academic year supported by the US department of States and IREX (A global development & education organization). He is the first international student to join PLU as a Thomas Jefferson Program scholar! Even though he has a limited time to study in PLU, he is actively getting involved with a variety of clubs and organizations here such as the founder of the African Student Association at PLU, and volunteer as a tutor at PLU Literacy Center. I asked Rayen some questions about student life in PLU which I hope would be helpful for students who are considering applying to PLU and for current PLU students! 

How long have you been living in the U.S. and how did you feel about the transition from your hometown to the U.S.?

'Aslema!' - as we usually say to greet our friends and family in Tunisia.

I have now called the U.S. my home for nearly two months, and I must say, it has been an incredible experience so far. Everything is GREAT! As an international student, I'm fully committed to seizing every opportunity, forging new connections, and getting the most out of my exchange year. My enthusiasm has no bounds! Reflecting on my journey, my transition from Tunisia to the U.S. was the hardest part. The first two weeks were undoubtedly challenging, as I found myself alone, on a different continent, and extremely out of my comfort zone. Still, I am immensely grateful for all the people I have met so far for making my journey easier and helping me adapt to this new life. The unfamiliarity of a new culture and environment has now become a source of fascination, and I am constantly learning and growing from it.

What surprised you the most when coming to the U.S.? 

Rayen with members of the African Student Union 

The diversity of the campus and the opportunities available have pleasantly surprised me. The United States is indeed a melting pot of cultures and perspectives, and my experience on campus reflects this beautifully. Interacting with students from all corners of the globe has been incredibly rewarding and consistently helped broaden my horizons. I am lucky enough to have built friendships with people from all over the world with whom I had a unique opportunity for both personal and intellectual growth. 

What are the things you like the most about PLU so far? 

The student life at PLU is incredibly amazing! I am really impressed by all the clubs on campus and their work. The events at PLU are also so diverse and there is always something exciting happening on campus. PLU is not just a place to attend classes but it also presents an exceptional campus environment! Whether you're interested in sports, arts, cultures, or anything between, there's a club for you. 

Group photo from ISS Hiking Trip! 

What/where are your favorite places or things to do in PLU? 

There are many things I enjoy at PLU, but I can undoubtedly say that the hiking trips are making my exchange year unforgettable. I am truly impressed by how green Washington is, and the mountains are absolutely breathtaking. I also enjoy spending time in the African Student Association, working on the upcoming meeting with all the members, hearing their ideas, and working collaboratively to make our events successful. All of these have created a sense of belonging and friendship that has been part of my exchange year so far. 

What are some advice that you would give future international students wanting to come to PLU? 

Enjoy the process! Applying for college can be stressful but it's a lifetime experience so get the most out of it. 

Once you are at PLU, be active! Make sure to join clubs, meet new people, and make the four years memorable. The International Student Office on campus is a great support so make sure to attend all the events and meet all the great people there. Always remember, you are not alone on this journey, there are plenty of international students who also look forward to meeting you and becoming your friend!  

And that wraps up this week's Guest blogger post! I hope this helps not only the student who is considering applying for PLU but also the current international students for your future life in PLU! After the Midterm break, school work may get harder and stressful but we got this! Go Lutes! 

-Rei 

Wanna experience the nature here in Washington?

Hi everyone, it's Rei - long time no see! As we are now halfway through September, I hope everyone is settling into their new environment. We also had over 60 new international students join PLU this fall!! As many of them set foot in here Tacoma, Washington for the first time, they may be surprised at the culture shock they experience with their home country. With the goal of hoping these new international students feel the charm of Tacoma, today I would like to share some hiking spot where you can feel the "nature" of Washington state with your whole body!

What is Mount Rainier?

You may know it as Mount Rainier (Mt. Rainier), this huge mountain, clearly visible from the PLU campus on a clear day. Mt. Rainier is the highest peak in the Cascade Range, which divides Washington State from east to west. At 14,410 feet (4,392 meters), it is the 21st highest peak in the world. AND! The surrounding Mt. Rainier National Park is the fifth oldest national park in the United States! They also have "Free-Free Days" which you can enter the mountain for free, and it usually cost $15 per person. The upcoming one is on September 23rd (Sat) for National Public Lands Day. If you are planning to visit there, definitely mark the date! Please visit their official website for more information! 

Other options to hike!

Are you worried that Mount Rainier looks too far from the school or too high in altitude for beginners? No worries! I have some recommendations to visit for those of who wants to just experience the hiking more easily! 

1. Snoqualmie Falls

Snoqualmie Falls is one of the most popular scenic spots in Washington State. More than 1.5 million tourists visit the falls each year. The Falls has a two-acre park, gift store, observation deck, Salish Lodge, and the famous 270-foot waterfall. The upper and lower observation decks are open year round! Free parking and free viewing areas are open dawn to dusk. Leashed pets are welcome, and lights illuminate the falls at night. The distance from the free parking area to the observation deck is approximately 200 feet and is wheelchair accessible. 

This is one of the places I have visited! You can drive close to the falls and there is not that much distance to walk. I would recommend this place to those who do not want to walk that much distance but still want to experience nature! 

Link to their official website: https://www.snoqualmiefalls.com/

2. Poo Poo Point Trail

Poo Poo Point Trail is one of my favorite hiking spot! It is in Tiger Mountain State Forest Park, located on Cougar Mountain. The trail is elevated with great views of Mount Rainer, especially at sunset! This point is a popular landing spot for paragliders (just like a picture on the right!) and hang gliders. It is also a great picnic spot with plenty of picnic tables! The trail begins with a gentle incline, but gets a little steeper the further in you go. I remember that there is a nice bridge across Gap Creek that provides a good place to walk and rest, so this is a best spot for those of who want to enjoy the hike but needs a rest occasionally. Also, as the weather gets colder, the colors of the trees will change to yellow and red. The beautiful scenery that varies from season to season is one of the charms of hiking at this time of year! 

Link to Poo Poo Point Trail official website: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/poo-poo-point

Options for those of you who don't own a car!

The above places are for those who own a car or have a friend close by who has a car, as it is difficult to get there without a way of transportation. So how can you hike in Washington without a car? In PLU, an event organization called PLU Outdoor Rec regularly organizes hikes and other events that allow students to be intertwined within the trees. One of the biggest upcoming events is the Mount Rainier Sunset Hike on October 6th at 3pm. Unfortunately, the event is filled to capacity right now, but you can still apply on the wait list! With such a wide variety of quite popular events, be sure to check the PLU Rec app and this IMLeagues website for more upcoming activities! It is also a great opportunity to meet new friends! 

Although I was only able to introduce a few place this time, there are more and more spots you can visit and I am still exploring new spots as well. I hope that through this vlog, you will become interested in hiking in Washington state! I know that studying for exams or classes and everyday life can often be stressful, but feeling the breeze of nature is always relaxing and it makes you feel better. If you have time in the future, try to go hiking on the weekends! And I hope that all of you will be one with nature! 

-Rei 

Spring Cleaning Tips Before You Move-Out!

Hi everyone, it's Rei! It's already May, which means that the end of the semester and the academic year is just around the corner. We can't wait for summer break, but before that, there is one thing that need to get done especially for on-campus residents - Move-Out! This is my third year living on campus, and every year it is stressful to move out after all the final exams or final project, when my body is already exhausted. In order to achieve a smooth and stress-free move out this year, we should prepare ahead of time! A little preparation in advance will help make your life a little easier in a month's time, and I will share some information and tips about move-out! 

Step 1: Return

A first step to packing and moving is returning items back to your friends and the proper campus locations. 

• Dining Utensils and Dishes - Return to The Commons dishroom or in the drop off bin located in the first flor lobby of your residential hall. 
• Library Books - Drop these off at the bin in your residential hall, Center of DJS, Mordvet Library circulation desk or in the return bin outside the front doors. 

Step2: Donate

PLU Waste Diversion encourage students, when able, to donate items that may otherwise be sent to the landfill. During Move Out, gently used items for donation can be placed in the bins located in the first floor lobby of your residence hall. Once collected from students, these items will be sorted and delivered to SurPLUs and NW Furniture Bank for redistribution. One thing we need to make sure before we donate something is to check what is accepted and what is NOT accepted. Feel free to click the list I attached to the left and get prepare for the donation! 

Step 3: Recycle

"Much of our waste on campus is able to be recycled, and thus diverted away from the landfill. However, knowing that and how to recycle ensures that your efforts don't go to waste." - PLU Waste Diversion During Move Out (May 19th-June 1st), upper floor Recycle Rooms and fenced corals will be locked. Make sure you take all CLEAN, DRY, and EMPTY items for recycling to the first floor Recycle Room! When your items are not able to be donated or recycled, they must go to the landfill. During Move Out, 4 large dumpsters are brought to centralize our landfill collection. Landfill dumpsters open Friday morning May 19th! 

Step 4: Make full use of PLU Storage Room!

Especially for international students who are living away from their home country, it is always hard to find a place to store your belongings until the next academic year. You might don't know what to do with this situation that you don't want to throw away everything, and you don't want to bring everything back to your home country either. No worries! PLU offers Storage Room for all students during summer. You can store your belongings that you would use next year as well in the storage rooms that are in each residence halls. However, there are some guidelines that we have to follow, so I will introduce some of the important ones!

 

Rules and Regulations:

• Storage space is on a first come serve basis
• Students in possession of a fall housing assignment at the end of the academic year, must store their items in the hall they will be assigned for fall term
• No access will be granted to storage during the summer
• Items MUST be contained in a box, not to exceed 24 x 18 x 24
• 4 boxes/items per student is the maximum allowed 
• Luggage and Refrigerators will be permitted if labeled properly

In order to make appointment for the date you would store your stuff, I would recommend you to ask/email your RA to make sure the specific process that you will need to follow. For more information about the storage room policy, please visit this link! 

Move Out can be stressful and I know it's extra hard and time-consuming for international students, but I hope this information help you to get ready for the Move Out. If you need help for carrying your belongings and moving them to the next assigned residence hall, or if you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to your RA, friends, or us, International Student Center, and we are more than happy to help you! 

-Rei 

Guest Blogger: Meet Noorain from India!

Hi all, Rei here!

Spring break is over in a flash, and we are now getting into the second half of this semester. As I mentioned briefly in my last blog, I was in Vancouver, Canada, for six days with my friends! I had a pleasant and relaxing time in a different country, so close and yet so far from Tacoma. I hope this everyone's Spring Break was also spent in a meaningful way!

The second guest blog of the year is here! This time we welcome Noorain Nayeem, who is currently majoring in Masters in Business Administration with emphasis on Healthcare Management, as our guest! She is from Hyderabad, India and in her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time with friends, and extracurricular activities. Noorain likes to explore the peaceful, vibrant, and beautiful PLU campus and loves her job on campus. As a Student Manager at Commons, a dining hall on campus, she enjoys serving food to students, working the cash register, and performing a variety of other tasks. In this blog, we asked her to answer a few questions about her life and experiences through the MBA program, which is quite different from the Undergraduate program! Those who are thinking about going to PLU Gradate School, those who are curious about what graduate students are studying, etc., will hopefully find this informative and enjoyable! 

What surprised you the most when coming to the U.S.?

The plethora of social activities and clubs available on the PLU campus pleasantly surprised me. There are several possibilities to meet other students that have similar interests and hobbies. I met folks from various nations that are similarly driven, focused, and dynamic while studying overseas. Being an international student, I have the opportunity to meet people from all cultural and social backgrounds. I enjoy interacting with individuals from all backgrounds and learning about their perspectives, this is how I have made a lot of friends both in class and at my on-campus job. Being a student in the United States, I have not only learned more about various cultures, but also came to appreciate the beauty of diversity. 

What are some specific learnings you've had in PLU's MBA program? What is your favorite part of the program?

Leadership abilities, business strategy, financial management, marketing, and entrepreneurial principles, such as idea development, business planning, and venture capital, are some of the specific things I have learned through the MBA program. The improvement of leadership abilities, such as communication, decision-making, and strategic thinking, was one of the important lessons. I also gained knowledge on effective resource management and team leadership. The program's interactive learning environment is my favorite feature. Instead of just passively receiving knowledge, the way of studying in PLU enabled me to actively participate with the subject matter.

What was your biggest challenge as an international student in PLU? And what have you tried and done to overcome them?

At first, the fast-paced setting was a little daunting, but PLU's comfortable atmosphere made it easier for me to acclimatize. I had a hard time adapting to the assignment structure, APA style writing, and grading criteria. However, the professors were always supportive to make sure I wasn't struggling to do a particular project. Although I'm not very good at public speaking, after giving presentation in class, I feel that my fear of doing so has significantly diminished. Exams, on-campus employment, and personal responsibilities occasionally made things a little too much, but planning ahead and property managing my time, I was able to balance my academic obligations with my personal and social life. 

BMW Factory in Munich! 

Tell us one of your favorite activities/experiences that you've had so far in PLU!

The MBA program at PLU involves a 10-day international experience so we went on a study abroad trip to Germany. This has got to be one of the best experiences so far. We spent four days in Berlin, taking in the city's panoramic views and engaging in academic activities that included a market immersion to better understand the distinction between German and American consumer behavior. Later, we visited the Adlershof Technology Park, where it was fascinating to observe how business and science can work together. The views from train were breathtaking as we traveled from Berlin to Munich. The BMW factory tour was among the craziest thing I did in Munich; it was incredible to witness how an actual BMW is made and put together. Later, we went to Gut Waltersteig to hear about the farm's transformation into a venue for events and the financial resources that helped make this possible. 

Lastly, what advice would you give to future lutes who are interested in enrolling at PLU?

Future Lutes who are considering enrolling at PLU should start their application process early and make sure to adhere to all deadlines and criteria. Consider looking into scholarship and financial assistance opportunities. Once you have registered, take advantage of the many chances to join clubs and organizations on campus. You may do this to expand your network of contacts, develop your talents, and generally improve your university experience. I was simply another girl with the American dream, attempting to pursue her goal of studying abroad, but PLU helped me make that dead a reality. My life has undergone an enormous transformation after moving to the United States. PLU gave me the opportunity to discover skills I had never known I possessed and fully embraced me as a young woman striving to develop her wings while learning how to fly. I am happy to call myself a LUTE and am eager to see where life leads me! 


This concludes our interview with Noorain. Thank you Noorain for your cooperation in this blog and we wish her more and more success in the U.S.!

-Rei

Some Ideas for Spring Break!

Hey Everyone, it's Rei! 

It's already March, which means spring is on the way! Even in Parkland, we have been experiencing warm and cold, sunny and rainy days lately, and I can feel the change of seasons. I am kind of burning out from last week's midterm, but one thing that has been keeping me motivated is the spring break that is coming next weekend! Since the break is just around the corner, I would like to introduce some places for those of you who have not yet decided your plans or want to go somewhere! 

1. Vancouver, Canada

The first place I would recommend is Vancouver! I myself visited this city for the first time with my friend last spring break and loved it so much that it is our destination for this year's spring break as well. The best thing about Vancouver in my opinion is the urban landscape, similar to Seattle, lots of art galleries, and tons of amazing food places! Vancouver's neighborhoods are city-like and similar in some ways to Seattle, but seem more compact and easier to explore than Seattle. In addition, the numerous museums, such as the Vancouver Art Gallery and the Contemporary Art Gallery, offer much to learn and are must-see for art lovers! And there is plenty of good

Inari place @Grab N Go 

 food there. One of the traditional Canadian dishes you should try is called poutine, which is a combination of french fries and gravy, and it tastes different in each store! Vancouver is a land border with the U.S. and is a close, approximately 3-hour drive from PLU, but Canada is a completely different country from the U.S. Of course a passport is required for immigration inspection. One thing to keep in mind when traveling to other countries as an international student is the Visa process. Depending on the person traveling outside the U.S. on the I-20, a new travel signature may need to be requested. Forms must be completed by March 20th (tomorrow!) so that the I-20 can be returned before spring break. There are a number of Visa-related procedures involved in traveling to a different country, but I would 100% recommend that you do so, as it will definitely make your trip enjoyable and rewarding! 

2. Leavenworth, Washington

With its picturesque scenery and lovely German Bavarian-style buildings, Leavenworth is the gateway to Bavaria in the Cascades, a 2.5 hour drive from PLU. The city offers more than 100 unique stores and restaurants, cozy lodging, art and live music, and a host of award-winning events. Leavenworth is famous for its snowy winter views and Christmas lights, but you can also enjoy a different, warmer, atmosphere in the spring! I have not been there yet, but many of my friends have said it was a great place, and it's definitely on my bucket list to visit someday! 

3. Portland, Oregon

Spring break could be a good opportunity to get out to a different state! As you know, Oregon is only 2.5 hour drive from PLU and is neighboring states to Washington. Like Seattle, it remains a bustling metropolis, but it is noticeably less hectic and very easy to get around by car and bus. The best thing about Oregon is that it is a tax free state, making it great place to shop. Besides that, there are a variety of hiking spots and natural environment that are perfect for a few days of travel during spring break! 

4. Redwood National and State Parks (in CA) with Outdoor Recreation

Did you know that PLU's Outdoor Rec is planning a trip to California for Spring break? Outdoor Rec is PLU's wilderness adventure club. They lead trips each weekend to scenic places around the Pacific Northwest, rent gear out to the PLU community, and provide the resources necessary for any adventure! This year, they are traveling to Redwood National and State Parks (with lots of fun outdoor and CA activities along the way) for spring break (the trip will be from 3/25 to 3/30). The cost ($280) covers your transportation, food, park fees, accommodations, and any necessary outdoor recreation rentals (tent, sleeping bag, etc.). They are welcoming any Lute, of any outdoor experience level, to join them! Sign up can be done through the PLU Rec app or website. I recommend you do so as soon as possible as there is a limited number of spots available. If you have any questions or concerns, please send them their way via the outdoor@plu.edu email. 

These are just a few of the places I know of, and there are probably many more where you can go on break. You can stay in your dorm and relax, or you can finish all the things you have left to do at once. I hope you will be able to enjoy your 10 days of spring break as much as you like. And after the break, we will grind for the studying and living our daily life as usual again! 

-Rei 

Guest Blogger: Meet Tina from Norway!

Hi everyone! 

My name is Tina and I'm from Lørenskog, Norway. I study business with a concentration in management and HR here at PLU. Choosing the right school for your major isn't always easy and it definitely wasn’t for me. Some of the reasons why I chose PLU was because it is a small school and has small class sizes, amazing people as well as all the wonderful places that Washington state has to offer. I've always known that I wanted to study in the states, and PLU is ranked one of the best business schools in the Pacific North West. I noticed right away that our professors are very eager for us to succeed and do everything they can for us to learn both in and outside the classroom. They want to prepare us for the market in 10-20 years, not only what is happening in the world right now. The business curriculum is mostly designed around soft skills, meaning how we build insight inquiries, how we're able to connect the dots.

I had never been to Washington state before, so I was surprised to see how much it felt like home. The nature is very similar and there are lots of Scandinavian stores around the state! My school is located in Tacoma, which is only 30-40 minutes from both Seattle and Bellevue and only 3 hours from Canada. We have beautiful mountains here, like Mt. Rainier. Here you can go skiing, walk in gorgeous nature or walk around the national park. A little over 3 hours northeast is a small place called Leavenworth. This place is a Bavarian-styled village built in the Cascade mountains. On the west coast we have a well known beach called La Push, this is where several movies have been made but the most known one would be the Twilight movies. I've been to most of these places already, and they are all places I would love to show my family when they come to visit me! 

For me studying in the states has been amazing! I have gotten so many new friends from both all over the country and the world. I celebrated thanksgiving for the first time and that was so much fun! I went with one of my friends to their hometown in Nebraska and I got to experience a D1 football game for the first time and see a whole new and very different state! D
uring Christmas I got to see a good friend in New York, and during summer break I went home with one of the girls to her home in Hawaii. So the experiences and memories we create here are so much bigger than just the state your school is located in! PLU also has many Scandinavian students, the school is founded by Norwegian immigrants and we have some professors who speak Norwegian. This is always fun and it helps you stay connected to home. Some advice I would give to you who might think of coming to PLU, just do it! I'm so happy I did and so will you!

~ Tina