After arriving back on campus late at night on Jan. 19, the first day of Spring classes began on the 21st. Although it's supposedly the Spring semester, the weather is nowhere near Spring. With wind chill, the temperature has been in the teens, and today is the second or third day that the temperature is above freezing. I have gotten to a point where any temperature above 32˚F is "warm" for me. Break out the short sleeves! (Haha- I wish- I'm usually still wearing a parka) Anyway, the first two days of classes were super stressful because I didn't manage to get into the classes I want during registration, so I had to sit in the classes that I was wait listed for in hopes of getting in. Instead of just having 4 classes, I went to 6 classes the first two days. Long story short, I managed to drop two classes that I didn't really want and added two classes that I got into after being placed on the wait list. Overall, I'm really happy about my class schedule (with the exception of work, but that's another story). Here are short(?) descriptions of my classes this semester: Monday/Wednesday/Friday classes: 9:40-10:40am INTL 114: Intro to International Studies- International Codes of Conduct My tentative major has been International Studies (IS for short) for a while, but since I haven't taken an IS class at Mac yet, I really wanted to take this intro class. Originally, I was waitlisted for this class, and about 40 people showed up the first day to a 25 student class. However, my professor's intimidation tactic on the first day scared off students, so I was officially part of the class by the second class meeting when less than 25 people showed up. So far, the readings are really interesting but the questions that my professor asks are very thought-provoking and difficult. My goal this semester is to think more critically in this class. 2:20-3:20pm ASIA 111: Intro to Asian Studies This was a class that I originally registered for because I really wanted to take an intro Asian Studies class. I wasn't too sure of my decision at first since I didn't know the professor but I'm glad I didn't drop it. My professor is hilarious and makes jokes every other minute. He is more laid-back and is more interested in captivating everyone with stories and information than going off of the syllabus every class meeting. I find it really awesome that he is fascinated by India and knows Sanskrit (and teaches a Sanskrit class). Tuesday/Thursday classes: 9:40-11:10am ENGL 105: American Voices- American Women's Life Writing American Voices was a class that I couldn't register for but one that I was placed on the wait list (I was #2). I was basically guaranteed a spot because registered students usually drop a class or two and I was so high up on the wait list. My professor signed off my add/drop slip at the first class meeting, so I was registered for the class by the end of the day. I think that I will really enjoy this class because of it's focus on American women's life writing. In short, we get to read autobiographies (mostly) by American women, from Colonial America to present time. This class reminds me of my American Studies at Lovett (which I loved!) so I have high hopes for a great semester in this class. 1:20-2:50pm ASIA 275: The Rise of Modern China As an immigrant from Hong Kong, I feel that it is necessary for me to learn about China and Hong Kong's history. So far, this course has helped me make connections in Cantonese and English for romanized terms and names. I finally understand some words that I hear in Cantonese about Chinese history because I am now learning the equivalent words in English. I'm really glad that I have the opportunity to learn about my ancestors and Chinese history especially since I never got the chance to learn any history when I was in school in Hong Kong. Overall, I'm excited about all of my classes. I'm looking forward to seeing how my two Asian Studies classes will crossover and overlap in content; my Intro to Asian Studies class has already briefly mentioned international law, which overlaps my Intro to IS class. By having three classes that relate to each other and have content that overlap, I feel that I can learn more about the same topic through different lenses.
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Day 5: Sat, Jan. 16Day 6: Sun, Jan. 17Day 7: Mon, Jan. 18 (MLK Day)I didn't take any pictures on Monday, but we visited Cyndi Nyugen, a prominent community member of the Vietnamese-American community in New Orleans East. She previously visited us at Macalester fall semester and this time, she gave us a tour of her community. She emphasized the importance of Catholicism and Mary Queen of Vietnam Church in her neighborhood. The church kept the community together before, during, and after Hurricane Katrina. Their close-knitted community was one of the reasons that they managed to rebuilt their homes quickly. Day 8: Tue, Jan. 19A big thank you to Ruth Janisch Lake, our Bonner mom(!), for taking the some of the photos I uploaded on this trip :)
Day 1: Tue, Jan. 12Day 2: Wed, Jan. 13Day 3: Thu, Jan. 14Day 4: Fri, Jan. 15Part II photos coming soon!
Happy New Year everyone! I'm looking forward to what 2016 has to bring!
I hope everyone ended their 2015 on a good note and feel optimistic about 2016! Let the new year be filled with great memories!
xoxo, Rachel |
about mecollege student. junior. international studies major. over-the-top foodie. archives
February 2018
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