来年、日本に行くかもしれません。
Recently, it looks like my chances of studying in Japan have increased quite a bit.
I may or may not have mentioned it before, but studying in Japan is incredibly competitive at my university. We have three options for universities in Japan: Hiroshima Jogakuin University, Nanzan University and Saitama University. These schools are for a semester or a full year. Only one girl can go to Hiroshima (it's an all-girl's school), one person can go Nanzan and two people can go to Saitama. My university also has a summer trip to Japan every summer in which 10 people can go. Ten may seem like a lot, but it's not when over 20 people are applying.
I am applying for both for next year. I would love to do both, but realistically, I may only be able to go once next year. I'd choose to go for the whole year, of course. I'm applying for the summer trip in case I do not get accepted for the entire year, but don't get me wrong, I would definitely love to go on the summer trip. The summer trip is a month long at Nagoya Gakuin University, in which we take courses in Japanese language and culture. They're sort of "oh-shit-I'm-in-Japan" crash courses, which I think would be fun. While you're taking these courses, you travel around Japan to places such as Shirakawa-go, Nara, Kyoto and Hiroshima. You also take short lessons on things from the place you're in. For example, you learn about the atomic bomb in Hiroshima. Other lessons include pottery-making, straw shoe-making and ikebana. I already have the itinerary for the trip and it's insanity. I would love to go. My friends who've gone on this trip tend to do better in Japanese class. I could definitely use that.
I intend to apply to go to Hiroshima Jogakuin University. Ever since the presentation in Japanese Club last year on full-year studies, I've wanted to go there. Originally I wanted to go to Saitama University because of it's proximity to Tokyo (it's about half an hour away by train) and because ZERO is from Saitama. Duh. However, this was when D'espairsRay was together and I imagined myself going to both Tokyo and Saitama lives relatively easily. Sadly, as this isn't possible anymore, I began thinking about where I really want to go. I like the idea of a small, all-girl university nestled in the mountains above the city.
At the beginning of the year, a Japanese Club officer said, upon my telling her I want to study abroad, "You better not be thinking of Hiroshima. I'm going to Hiroshima." Until recently, I've felt my chances of being accepted to Hiroshima rather slim, as this girl is a Japanese Club officer and has taken Japanese with Akiko-sensei every semester. I, however, haven't taken any courses with Akiko-sensei. Akiko-sensei is the head of the Asian Studies department and therefore has a lot of power as to who goes and who doesn't. Furthermore, she has favorites, and this girl happens to be one of them. Throughout the year, the girl has said many things as if things were already set in stone. For example, a couple months ago during the summer trip presentation, Akiko-sensei said, "If you go on this trip, who knows, you may end up studying in Japan for a year," to which the girl replied, "It' happening to me." RAGE.
Despite all this, last week during the year-aboad presentations, I asked the girl (perhaps too casually), "So, are you definitely going to Hiroshima next year." To which she said, "Nothing is set in stone yet. Are you planning to study abroad." I said yes and was going to elaborate by saying I was thinking Saitama as I'd almost given up on Hiroshima (though still intended to apply), but before I could, she cut me off: "You better not be thinking of going to Saitmama. I'm going to Saitama."
Que me nearly going around the room kissing people's foreheads.
I found out more amazing news today, too. For the entire semester, I've been trying to track down Akiko-sensei for her to give me the application for the year abroad. It's been no easy task. Yesterday I visited her for the eighth time, and only then received the application. I've also been making trips to the business administration building to change my majors and minors. In order to go to Japan for a year, I have to be an Asian Studies major. /as of today, I am officially an Asian studies and journalism major, and a minor in creative writing and peace and conflict studies. I'm pretty happy with this. Creative writing was starting to annoy the hell out of me. It also means I don't have to take the 8:30 a.m. course next semester required of all majors. Getting rid of that class has allowed me to add Japanese contemporary society, so I'm definitely happy. But to get to the point, I spoke to Akiko sensei yesterday for about the, hmm, third-ish time in the past week. I was hunting her down so much because I thought the application was due this Friday, when, in fact, it's actually due in January. Suddenly, a chorus of angels.
It's the final week of classes. I already have enough to do. I was starting to freak out about turning in three applications--along with tons of schoolwork--by this Friday. Now I only have two applications, and that makes me a happy. Especially because I no longer have to scramble around to get reference letters... except I did that yesterday before finding out the actual application date. Whoops?
It went rather marvelously, though. I first met with a professor I had last Fall for international studies. I liked him quite a bit, and even interviewed him last semester for an essay. He was happy I asked him for a reference letter. I let him know my grades to which he ooh'd at, my various club activities to which he ahh'd at, we talked about Spanish (he's a also a Spanish teacher). I let him know I'd recommend him to my boyfriend, who recently decided to minor in Spanish. This professor really seemed excited about writing a reference letter for me. He grabbed a notepad, pen, wrote my down my student info and different things he could mention. He said, "Let's make sure you get to go to Japan next year." I feel so grateful. He wants a copy of my resume and transcripts to build me up even more, for which I am thankful. I then went to see my current intercultural communication teacher. She also seemed happy I asked her for a reference. She said, "I always encourage students to study abroad." She left me know she'd have my letter ready by the exam next week. She gave me a hug. I went to see Saito-sensei, my first and current Japanese teacher. I already asked him last week about a letter for the summer trip, to which he said yes, but I wanted to clarify a couple of things. He said he'd write me a letter, sign it, and give it to Akiko-sensei himself. Today I asked my Global Village instructor for the summer trip, also. She said she'd be happy to. I sent all of my references my resume and transcript, even Saito-sensei, who said he didn't need it. Oh, well.
Overall, I think things are going well. I just finished the summer application and will be sending it in soon, though I still have to write the essay. Moreover, I used to be afraid of and intimidated by Akiko-sensei. After these past few weeks, I've learned to like her. She does have a lot of power, but she's also sweet and helpful (although a bit forgetful). She now knows I exist (considering I've shoved my face in her office a million times), so I think that will help me. She knows I'm determined.
At the moment, my chances of going to Japan (in some form) look pretty good. Best case scenario, I'll be accepted for both the summer trip and year trip. Worst case scenario, I'll only be accepted for the summer trip. Even if I don't get to study in Japan for all of next year, I think my chances of going the year after are decent. I've also decided to apply to be an RA next year, just in case.
Onto another topic: classes for next semester.
I think I may have come to final decision. It's been difficult--with two majors and two minors, scheduling classes is like being drawn and quartered. Here's my potential schedule:
In other news, I got a job in September.
I work at the front desk of my dorm. It's the best job a college student can ask for. I have some duties to fulfill as soon as I get to the desk, but it takes very little time. The rest of my shift, I'm allowed to do homework, watch Netflix, etc. The only downside is my hours. I usually work 4 a.m.-8 a.m. shifts. After my shift, I usually go straight to class, where I try my damnest not to doze off. However, the shifts are quiet and I get my homework done then. I like my co-workers a lot, too. All of them. Next semester, luckily, my shifts will be mostly at 1 a.m.-4 a.m., with one 4 a.m.-8 a.m. I even have some day shifts sprinkled in there. This semester, I've been working 12 hours every other week, 20 the rest. Next semester, I'll be working 16 hours every week.
I really love my job and am so grateful for it. I had an evaluation with my boss yesterday and he said he is happy he hired me. I probably blushed, I was so flattered. Nothing but high ratings and compliments. I was actually the desk clerk of the week some weeks ago. I was ecstatic.
So, this is my life right now. I've been working my ass off. After this week ("hell week"), I have exams. Soon, I'll be going home to ginger tea and the scent of pine needles. I can't wait. This year, I actually have money to buy everyone presents. As stressed as I've been lately, I'm also super happy and grateful, especially with my boss and all of my professors, including Akiko-sensei. They're great.
Hope everyone is getting December off to a good start. ♥
I may or may not have mentioned it before, but studying in Japan is incredibly competitive at my university. We have three options for universities in Japan: Hiroshima Jogakuin University, Nanzan University and Saitama University. These schools are for a semester or a full year. Only one girl can go to Hiroshima (it's an all-girl's school), one person can go Nanzan and two people can go to Saitama. My university also has a summer trip to Japan every summer in which 10 people can go. Ten may seem like a lot, but it's not when over 20 people are applying.
I am applying for both for next year. I would love to do both, but realistically, I may only be able to go once next year. I'd choose to go for the whole year, of course. I'm applying for the summer trip in case I do not get accepted for the entire year, but don't get me wrong, I would definitely love to go on the summer trip. The summer trip is a month long at Nagoya Gakuin University, in which we take courses in Japanese language and culture. They're sort of "oh-shit-I'm-in-Japan" crash courses, which I think would be fun. While you're taking these courses, you travel around Japan to places such as Shirakawa-go, Nara, Kyoto and Hiroshima. You also take short lessons on things from the place you're in. For example, you learn about the atomic bomb in Hiroshima. Other lessons include pottery-making, straw shoe-making and ikebana. I already have the itinerary for the trip and it's insanity. I would love to go. My friends who've gone on this trip tend to do better in Japanese class. I could definitely use that.
I intend to apply to go to Hiroshima Jogakuin University. Ever since the presentation in Japanese Club last year on full-year studies, I've wanted to go there. Originally I wanted to go to Saitama University because of it's proximity to Tokyo (it's about half an hour away by train) and because ZERO is from Saitama. Duh. However, this was when D'espairsRay was together and I imagined myself going to both Tokyo and Saitama lives relatively easily. Sadly, as this isn't possible anymore, I began thinking about where I really want to go. I like the idea of a small, all-girl university nestled in the mountains above the city.
At the beginning of the year, a Japanese Club officer said, upon my telling her I want to study abroad, "You better not be thinking of Hiroshima. I'm going to Hiroshima." Until recently, I've felt my chances of being accepted to Hiroshima rather slim, as this girl is a Japanese Club officer and has taken Japanese with Akiko-sensei every semester. I, however, haven't taken any courses with Akiko-sensei. Akiko-sensei is the head of the Asian Studies department and therefore has a lot of power as to who goes and who doesn't. Furthermore, she has favorites, and this girl happens to be one of them. Throughout the year, the girl has said many things as if things were already set in stone. For example, a couple months ago during the summer trip presentation, Akiko-sensei said, "If you go on this trip, who knows, you may end up studying in Japan for a year," to which the girl replied, "It' happening to me." RAGE.
Despite all this, last week during the year-aboad presentations, I asked the girl (perhaps too casually), "So, are you definitely going to Hiroshima next year." To which she said, "Nothing is set in stone yet. Are you planning to study abroad." I said yes and was going to elaborate by saying I was thinking Saitama as I'd almost given up on Hiroshima (though still intended to apply), but before I could, she cut me off: "You better not be thinking of going to Saitmama. I'm going to Saitama."
Que me nearly going around the room kissing people's foreheads.
I found out more amazing news today, too. For the entire semester, I've been trying to track down Akiko-sensei for her to give me the application for the year abroad. It's been no easy task. Yesterday I visited her for the eighth time, and only then received the application. I've also been making trips to the business administration building to change my majors and minors. In order to go to Japan for a year, I have to be an Asian Studies major. /as of today, I am officially an Asian studies and journalism major, and a minor in creative writing and peace and conflict studies. I'm pretty happy with this. Creative writing was starting to annoy the hell out of me. It also means I don't have to take the 8:30 a.m. course next semester required of all majors. Getting rid of that class has allowed me to add Japanese contemporary society, so I'm definitely happy. But to get to the point, I spoke to Akiko sensei yesterday for about the, hmm, third-ish time in the past week. I was hunting her down so much because I thought the application was due this Friday, when, in fact, it's actually due in January. Suddenly, a chorus of angels.
It's the final week of classes. I already have enough to do. I was starting to freak out about turning in three applications--along with tons of schoolwork--by this Friday. Now I only have two applications, and that makes me a happy. Especially because I no longer have to scramble around to get reference letters... except I did that yesterday before finding out the actual application date. Whoops?
It went rather marvelously, though. I first met with a professor I had last Fall for international studies. I liked him quite a bit, and even interviewed him last semester for an essay. He was happy I asked him for a reference letter. I let him know my grades to which he ooh'd at, my various club activities to which he ahh'd at, we talked about Spanish (he's a also a Spanish teacher). I let him know I'd recommend him to my boyfriend, who recently decided to minor in Spanish. This professor really seemed excited about writing a reference letter for me. He grabbed a notepad, pen, wrote my down my student info and different things he could mention. He said, "Let's make sure you get to go to Japan next year." I feel so grateful. He wants a copy of my resume and transcripts to build me up even more, for which I am thankful. I then went to see my current intercultural communication teacher. She also seemed happy I asked her for a reference. She said, "I always encourage students to study abroad." She left me know she'd have my letter ready by the exam next week. She gave me a hug. I went to see Saito-sensei, my first and current Japanese teacher. I already asked him last week about a letter for the summer trip, to which he said yes, but I wanted to clarify a couple of things. He said he'd write me a letter, sign it, and give it to Akiko-sensei himself. Today I asked my Global Village instructor for the summer trip, also. She said she'd be happy to. I sent all of my references my resume and transcript, even Saito-sensei, who said he didn't need it. Oh, well.
Overall, I think things are going well. I just finished the summer application and will be sending it in soon, though I still have to write the essay. Moreover, I used to be afraid of and intimidated by Akiko-sensei. After these past few weeks, I've learned to like her. She does have a lot of power, but she's also sweet and helpful (although a bit forgetful). She now knows I exist (considering I've shoved my face in her office a million times), so I think that will help me. She knows I'm determined.
At the moment, my chances of going to Japan (in some form) look pretty good. Best case scenario, I'll be accepted for both the summer trip and year trip. Worst case scenario, I'll only be accepted for the summer trip. Even if I don't get to study in Japan for all of next year, I think my chances of going the year after are decent. I've also decided to apply to be an RA next year, just in case.
Onto another topic: classes for next semester.
I think I may have come to final decision. It's been difficult--with two majors and two minors, scheduling classes is like being drawn and quartered. Here's my potential schedule:
- Modern Astronomy
- Intermediate Japanese II (with Kumi-sensei, fuck yeah!)
- Contemporary Japanese Society (Saito-sensei)
- Introduction to Reporting
- Introduction to Human Nutrition
- Creative Writing Common Bullshit
In other news, I got a job in September.
I work at the front desk of my dorm. It's the best job a college student can ask for. I have some duties to fulfill as soon as I get to the desk, but it takes very little time. The rest of my shift, I'm allowed to do homework, watch Netflix, etc. The only downside is my hours. I usually work 4 a.m.-8 a.m. shifts. After my shift, I usually go straight to class, where I try my damnest not to doze off. However, the shifts are quiet and I get my homework done then. I like my co-workers a lot, too. All of them. Next semester, luckily, my shifts will be mostly at 1 a.m.-4 a.m., with one 4 a.m.-8 a.m. I even have some day shifts sprinkled in there. This semester, I've been working 12 hours every other week, 20 the rest. Next semester, I'll be working 16 hours every week.
I really love my job and am so grateful for it. I had an evaluation with my boss yesterday and he said he is happy he hired me. I probably blushed, I was so flattered. Nothing but high ratings and compliments. I was actually the desk clerk of the week some weeks ago. I was ecstatic.
So, this is my life right now. I've been working my ass off. After this week ("hell week"), I have exams. Soon, I'll be going home to ginger tea and the scent of pine needles. I can't wait. This year, I actually have money to buy everyone presents. As stressed as I've been lately, I'm also super happy and grateful, especially with my boss and all of my professors, including Akiko-sensei. They're great.
Hope everyone is getting December off to a good start. ♥