Student Blog

Making Friends in America!

4/6/2020

SAF Spring Correspondent Zichen Lin from Ocean University of China is reporting from American University.

I have to admit that hanging out with foreign friends can be a little stressful, but once you get to the first topic of conversation, it's incredibly enjoyable.

Waiting for the bus

While riding in a taxi on the way to my internship, I saw tombstones in the field outside the window. At the time, I was very curious about what was hiding in the large cemetery, which seemed to shine under the sun. Why doesn’t the cemetery look scary?

Gravestones in the sun

When the day was over, I went back to my dorm and asked my roommate, Leah. She thought for a moment and told me that I should go on a tour of the cemetery, which was really the Arlington National Cemetery, one of the most famous in America. She asked me if I was interested in going there with her to have a look. I almost jumped for joy!

The inner part of the cemetery

The transportation system in Washington is so good that we only needed to take the subway for an hour to get to the national cemetery station. Once we walked out onto the platform, we could see the broad road, blue sky, and white clouds. The national cemetery is free to visitors, who need only go through security to enter the cemetery. It is really big. Thanks to Leah, who grew up in Washington D.C., I had a free guide. Without her, I would surely have been lost in this large field. What impressed me most about the visit was watching the changing of the guard. The guards' quick movements of holding and removing the guns made the audience feel a sense of dignity and respect for the heroes who had died for their country.

Watching the changing of the guard

A flame lit in front of President Kennedy's grave

After visiting the cemetery, Leah took me to the fashion center at Pentagon to shop and eat. We went into a Chinese restaurant. The delicious spring rolls and the spicy dumplings were especially satisfying. Leah suggested adding chili sauce to the pork noodles. I laughed, saying, “You love chilies as much as the Sichuanese in China!” We laughed together. I love hanging out with foreign friends. During the conversation with Leah, our friendship was further enhanced and the cultural exchange was very interesting. So, if you are also studying or working abroad, please don't hesitate to go out with foreign friends, you will have a great experience!

Our delicious Chinese food

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I Love My Mealplan

4/6/2020

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SAF Spring Correspondent Zichen Lin from Ocean University of China is reporting from American University.

I never thought I'd fall in love with canteen food... but after the first bite, my mind was changed!

The cafeteria food is delicious!

To be honest, before the semester started, my mother was worried that I would lose weight if I wasn't used to American food. However, after several meals in the school canteen, I began to worry about the opposite: having a huge weight gain at the end of the semester! The American University dining hall turned out to be better than I could have ever expected.

Couscous and veggies.

The 100-meal plan I bought means I can eat 100 buffets in the school cafeteria. Doesn't that sound good? After looking at the food, you'll agree. The dining hall is divided into four main areas. The first is the staple food section. In the section, you can see traditional American foods such as hamburgers, sandwiches, and pizza, as well as western dishes such as tacos and pasta. Also, the best part is that I often see Asian food like spring rolls, fried rice, and boiled chicken. The main course area is one of the most varied areas. Tofu and broccoli are my favorites. If ever there are stir-fried chicken wings, there is a long line. We all love juicy chicken.

Spring roll!

The snack bar is my favorite section. I don't have a sweet tooth, but I like cakes, ice cream, and cookies in the canteen. I still remember the special valentine's day cookies and pink cupcakes, which gave me the feeling of being loved. If you're tired of eating too much dessert, just head to the nearby salad bar and make yourself a cup of fruit yogurt.

Yummy fruit salad.

The variety of foods in the canteen can supplement the vitamins needed for a day, ensuring that all students have a balanced diet. Besides, the canteen has a complete range of drinks, mainly including tea, coffee, milk, vitamin water, and carbonated drinks. Well, if it goes on like this, I might be overweight by the end of the term. Maybe this can be considered a kind of respect and praise for the staff in the canteen? Haha!

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Look At These Cuties!

4/6/2020

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SAF Spring Correspondent Zichen Lin from Ocean University of China is reporting from American University in Washington,, D.C.

If you’re ever feeling down, go see some animals. I find it’s a great way for me to deal with my bad mood. Every time I look at their innocent faces, the ice in my heart melts and the bad mood is swept away. After that, it’s much easier to hum a song and throw myself back into my work.

My favorite animal, elephants!

After a busy midterm week, my friend and I took a trip to the national zoo in Washington. As a free zoo, there is no shortage of visitors. I was attracted by the poster at the door at the entrance: it’s made up of colored squares, and the animals are displayed in their very cute cartoon forms.

Zoo sign with cartoon animals on it.

Just upon walking into the park, I heard two parents ask their children what animal they are most looking forward to seeing. The kids shouted in response, “Panda, panda!” It seems that this fuzzy animal is worthy of its status as a national treasure of China! Its appearance is deeply loved by people of all over the world.

My favorite animal is the elephant because of their long trunks and tremendous power. However, it makes me sad to think that there are still many people in the world illegally selling ivory.

The star of the zoo, aka Pandas!

The animal that surprised me most that day was the sand cat. They looked like house cats, but I was impressed by their ability to survive in the desert.

The sand cat sleeps--how cute!

Visitors can also see wild bamboo mice and badgers in the zoo. Looking at their lovely appearance, I was lost in thought. I love animals so much, but there still are certain animals that I can't stand. They are mainly cold-blooded animals, such as snakes and frogs. My friend likes them very much, but I hide helplessly behind her, repeatedly saying that I am very afraid. I shudder and gasp for breath just at the sight of them!

Frogs make me scared!

In my opinion, everyone should remember that zoos exist as homes for animals that find it difficult to live independently in the natural world.

I believe that the recent outbreak of Covid-19 has taught humanity a great lesson: only by living in harmony and taking precautions with animals can we ensure the health of the earth. In the meantime, we can always look at cute pictures of animals like these to brighten our days.

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The Beauty of Art

4/6/2020

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SAF Spring Correspondent Zichen Lin from Ocean University of China is reporting from American University. 

Me and contemporary art!

As art lovers, my friends and I made certain that the Smith art museum was the first stop on our tour. The architectural style of the museum itself is very unique, giving people a sense of magnificence. The big sculpture in front of the door is a cowboy riding on a horse, looking very powerful. Because we arrived early, we were directed by the front desk to the central plaza to rest, which prompted a fun photo shoot. The dome is made of translucent glass, which is in the shape of a dynamic wave. The sun shone on us through the dome, like a huge fishing net over us, looking very dreamy.

The light effects from the dome.

Grand entrance to the art museum!

Entering the museum, the first section is the celebrity portrait, where many of the most important figures in American history are displayed, from actors to magazine editors to university presidents. What they have in common is that they have all contributed to the development of the United States. Artists use the brush to record their appearance and want to commemorate them in this way. Then there's the feminist art section, which I loved most. Artists expressed their desire to respect women and gender equality in painting, sculpture, and writing, which is of great significance to the improvement of women's rights.

Feminist art section.

All kinds of lovely handicrafts also made me linger to admire their sparkle. Creative artists promote eco-friendly living by making funny rabbits out of beer bottle caps. Some people make necklaces and pendants out of tin foil, and they are so fine that they can pass for authentic silver jewelry.

Beautiful things creatively crafted from tinfoil.

Even the most ordinary puppet-maker adds a simple and beautiful charm to their work.

Of course, modern and contemporary art is also one of the highlights of the museum. The view of each city helps visitors understand the unique charm of each American state. The gorgeous LED lights and modern accessories prompted us to press the shutter frequently!

At first, I could not imagine that entry to such a fine museum was free of charge! Free museums provide the public with an equal opportunity to enjoy history, which is an excellent way of cultural communication.

An example of a cityscape showcasing the unique aspects of American cities.

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MY PBS Internship

4/2/2020

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SAF Spring Correspondent Zichen Lin from Ocean University of China is reporting from American University.

Washington is a city of interns. As a student who wants to move from the financial industry to the media industry, I have learned a lot from my PBS internship!

Downtown street in Washington, D.C.

To be honest, numerous internship opportunities in DC were the main attraction of the exchange program for me. I have participated in several internships in China and was mainly responsible for marketing, writing, and new media operation. It is the past internship experience that made me clear that I want to work in the media industry after graduation. To make my career transition easier, I need a high-quality internship in this industry. Fortunately, after a resume delivery and video interview, I was accepted by PBS's To The Contrary as a spring intern a month before this semester began. Now, after my one-month internship at PBS, I felt in my heart that I had made a great choice.

The Metro map

The intern handbook!

On the first day of the internship, one of the producers led me to have a brief tour of the studio. We three interns and two producers work in the editing room. Across the hallway, there is the video room where had a picture window, through which you can view the beautiful street scene of downtown. After the tour, I was assigned an intern handbook and a work email, that was the time that I started my internship. Every day at 9:30, my colleague Emma, who is also a student in WSP, and I would take the metro for half an hour to TTC's studio. The first time I saw the Tenleytown Station, I was taken aback by its depth. Because of its long history, it looks a bit shabby.

Tenleytown Station

The CVS in my work building.

10:00 is the time to get to the office. If I get up late and don't have time for breakfast, I can head to CVS on the first floor for a snack. I usually spent the morning searching for news stories and posting them on websites and social platforms. There is an hour for lunch. It’s a good time for us to chat and share the latest tidbits we heard. Sometimes we also discuss some breaking news. As for the afternoon, we usually start working at 1:30. The work content varies depending on the weekly broadcasting things. If there's a new women's talk show coming up that week, we'll write newsletters and send them to our subscribers. If there is a panel show for the week, we mainly collect news background materials and write a draft for the host.

Writing interview questions

My work email

I was in charge of writing interview questions for a mental-health interviewee recently and felt my writing skills were improved. Although producers sometimes have to work overtime, interns are allowed to leave at 5:30 PM. At the beginning of February, every time I left the office, the sky was blue and black, and I felt a sense of fulfillment when I looked at the people who came and went after work. Ah, I think this is the happiness of continuous progress towards your goals!

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Making the Most of Your Time Abroad

3/30/2020

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If you are one of the lucky ones who gets the opportunity to study abroad, it’s an adventure to remember. Those who are able to go come back with amazing stories and everlasting experiences. If you are on the fence about studying abroad, here is your sign that you should take a leap and go for it!

There are many study abroad programs available depending on when and where you want to go. With this in mind, here are some ways you can make the most of your time abroad—wherever you end up!

The Italian coast

Make Long-Lasting Friendships
Wherever you end up going, you will probably arrive there with a group of other students who are also studying abroad. It’s likely that you will become good friends who the people who are in the same program as you. By making friends early on, you will get to go through all the experiences, adventures, and moments together. Not only will this help you during your time abroad, but it will also help to create life-long friendships.

San Francisco, USA

Document your Memories
As someone who loves taking pictures and videos, I always make sure I have two-three devices to capture my memories on. It’s a great way to look back on all of the stuff you did, but also share those memories with people back home. While you are abroad, you can also start your own blog and use that as a place to document your memories.

Through photographs, writing and more, you will be able to re-live your experiences and never forget what you experience while being abroad.

Sydney, Australia

Learn about the Culture
No matter where you end up studying abroad, there is so much to learn! For example, each state in the U.S. is different from one another—all fifty have their own culture. Besides historical landmarks, there are many cities and neighborhoods you can explore that are unique in their own way.

By exploring new places, you will learn about a different culture, meet new people and move out from your comfort zone, which is what study abroad is really about!

Venice, Italy

Be Mindful of Your Expenses
Being a college student, you may be on a tight budget. So to prevent wasting all your money on random things, try to budget your spending. It may be helpful to write out how much money you are willing to spend on food, shopping, travel and other expenses.
One popular opinion is that the most worthy thing to spend on is experiences! You can find activities or events that are discounted or even free for students, but don’t feel bad putting the most money aside for your experiences. By doing so, you will save a lot more and spend on the things that really matter.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Go Solo
Being around the same people can get tiring at times. It’s always nice to have some alone time, so if you do get the chance, go out and do some things on your own. You will be surprised as to how much you will view things differently and from your own unique perspective.

Studying abroad is a once in a lifetime experience: if not now, then when? There are so many options out there, surely there is something perfect for everyone—and that means you!

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New Student, New Classroom

3/30/2020

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No matter who or where you are, it’s always hard being the “new” kid at school. It happens to most everyone when they start university, even though there are hundreds of students all starting out in the same boat. However, with a little help, you’ll get through it. If you’re wondering how to be a good student in a new classroom, you’ve come to the right place. Keep on reading!

New Challenges
Studying abroad in a new place will bring forth new challenges and obstacles that you will have to overcome - how to be a good student. So what exactly does that entail? Firstly, since you will be taking many different classes, making friends with those who you sit around will prove to be helpful. For example, if you are sick one day and can’t make it to class, you could ask them for notes to stay up to date.

Pay Attention
Another way to be a good student is to always pay attention. Some people think because they’re in a large class, they don’t need to pay attention because the professor probably won’t notice. However, whether you’re in a large class or not, it doesn’t matter—the material that you’re learning is still important!

If you pay attention, the material you are learning will get easier to understand and you will be able to pass the class without fail. Be sure to take notes, ask questions and participate as much as you can. This will show the professor that you are interested in the material and will help you understand it more too.

Office Hours
Another way to be a great student is by going to office hours. Many professors are available for office hours. This is where you can schedule a time to see them and ask any questions you may have that weren’t answered in class. Take this time to really get to know what your professor is looking for and put your best foot forward. Office hours can really help if you want to get on the professor’s good side. They will see you are taking an extra step to do well in the class and will (hopefully) reward you for it!

Time Management
Any good student knows that managing your time and creating a schedule is a good thing. If you manage your time well, you will have time to enjoy yourself after and make the most of your time abroad. If you know there are certain deadlines you have to meet, try to get those assignments done beforehand and not wait until the last minute. This will ensure you have time for other activities, besides worrying about your work all the time!

Relax!
Another way to be a good student is by making time to relax and de-stress. By doing so, you will feel healthier and be able to concentrate better. Exercising, eating well, and hanging out with friends are all perfect examples of things that will help you de-stress.

Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone
You can be a good student by trying to push yourself out of your comfort zone and communicating your thoughts, ideas, and opinions out loud. It can be scary to speak up in class, especially if you’re new, but the more you do, the more you will feel comfortable and put yourself out there. This way people will get to know you better, and in turn, you may even make more friends!

Trying your best to be a good and thoughtful student in a new environment can be hard, but if you are dedicated and motivated, it will be a breeze. If you pay attention in class, take notes, and learn as much as you can, you will have time for more adventures, activities and making memories while abroad.

Nimah Quadri

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Making the Most of Your College Campus

3/23/2020

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Your time spent in college is a very critical period in your life: it’s the time where you must try to pinpoint what you want to do with the rest of your life. Subsequently, it’s important to focus hard on your studies to achieve the academic goals that will lead to the beginning of a successful career. Between coursework, time spent with friends, and possibly even working at a part time job, life in college can sometimes seem overwhelming. Even with a busy schedule, it’s highly encouraged that you make use of all the activities and resources that your college offers. Through your college, there are endless opportunities for additional education, personal growth, and even fun ways to destress. These opportunities can become available to you by participating in extracurricular activities.

What is an Extracurricular Activity?
In college, any activity outside of what’s included in your normal class schedule is considered an extracurricular activity. It could be a club, a student organization, a sports team, a volunteer group, an activist group, or any other activity sponsored by your college. Your college may offer extracurriculars that relate to your major and career interests. For example, UCLA offers programs geared towards art students through The Hammer Museum. At the same time, extracurriculars can also be purely for fun, such as joining the Cheese Club at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. When it comes to choosing between extracurriculars, the options are endless.

The Hammer Museum

A student activity fair.

Why Should I Care?
If you participate in extracurriculars related to your career, you can supplement your studies with real life experience and develop abilities that’ll help you once you graduate. It’s a wonderful way to add to the skills you’re already practicing in the classroom. Even after you graduate, potential employers may ask during interviews what sort of activities you participated in while you attended college. Being involved on your college campus will make you a more well-rounded individual which will help your career in the long run.
Are you interested in learning a new skill or hobby? Participating in an extracurricular activity is a great way to learn new things from others. For example, if you’ve always wanted to learn how to take care of plants, you could join your university gardening club and learn from fellow students who can teach you all about plants. College is a great time to try new things, and you might end up having a new favorite hobby as a result.
And of course, joining a club or an organization can also be a lot of fun! Doing fun activities that you enjoy is not only a great way to destress between classes, but also a great way to meet new people who share your interests. You just may end up meeting lifelong friends.

You may get asked about your college extracurricular in a job interview.

How Do I Get Involved?
Many colleges hold a student organization fair at the beginning of each semester. At these events, extracurricular organizations set up tables with information about what they do and how you can join. Attending a student organization fair is a great, low-stress way to browse all your different options and ask questions before committing to join. Contact your college’s student affairs office and ask whether there will be any extracurricular fairs coming up. You can also contact your advisor and ask them what types of extracurriculars are available for you to join. Try a couple of them out and decide which ones you like best!

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Beyond the Beaches: the History That Made Hilo

3/23/2020

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It can be easy to look at the stunning landscape of the island of Hawaii and think no further, but Hilo has a rich history that makes it the city it is today. Here are a few of Hilo’s most notable historical moments since the beginning.

First Inhabitants
Hilo began around 1100 AD when its first habitants came from Polynesia. It is thought that the majority of the first residents lived along the Wailuku and Wailoa rivers—many ancient civilizations lived near prominent bodies of water due to its natural role as a lifesource. Here they began fishing and agricultural communities.
Most of the knowledge we have today about ancient Hawaii comes from oral history as there isn’t much archaeological evidence of the area at this time, and it’s from this oral history that we know the name Hilo is said to mean “to twist”.

Sugarcane, once a major part of Hilo's economy.

Sugar Plantations
By the late 1800s, sugar plantations had taken over as a main source of revenue for Hilo. The Hilo Sugar Mill produced 3,500 tons of sugar annually at this time, and the business brought workers all the way from China, Japan, Philippines, Korea, and Portugal to work on sugarcane plantations.
The Chinese immigrants themselves are credited as being the first in Hawaii to refine sugar, and they were the first force to work on the plantations. The workday was exhausting, and all workers were bound by 3- to 5-year contracts.

The 1960 Hilo Tsunami.

The Tsunami warning center in Hilo.

Tsunamis
In April of 1946, a 46-foot-high tsunami created by a 7.8-magniture earthquake near Aleutian Islands hit Hilo and killed 160 people. It was due to this earthquake that the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center was established in 1949 to avoid the destruction that had occurred years earlier without any warning.
Despite this precautionary measure, another tsunami hit on May 22, 1960 that claimed 61 lives. This is allegedly in large part due to people ignoring warning sirens. Many of the low-lying bayfront areas that were newly empty but had previously been occupied were turned into parks or memorials.

Tourism Takes Over
The 1900s saw a rise in tourism in large part due to the island’s active volcanoes as a draw. This was halted by the tsunamis in the mid-1900s, but when the sugar plantations closed during the 1990s a general statewide slump necessitated a strengthened effort for tourism. This was helped by the cultural boom of downtown in the 1980s as several galleries and museums opened.

Hilo Today
The population and tourism have grown in Hilo since the 1900s and these potential setbacks. At 275 days or more of average rain per year, Hilo isn’t the most popular tourist spot in comparison to other Hawaii islands, but their population and tourist-draw continue to grow. Hilo today supports a thriving orchid industry, and its exports include papayas, anthuriums, macadamia nuts, and cattle as well.
The Hilo of today is made by the interesting and at times destructive history that has crafted it into a beautiful, cultural hub for the island.

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Spring has sprung: reasons to love the newest season

3/19/2020

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Out with the cold and in with spring, winter is officially behind us. While idyllic snowfalls and cozy sweaters can be fun, the cold gets exhausting and spring brings a much needed change. Here are four reasons why you should get behind the second season of the year if you aren’t completely sold on spring yet.

There are so many reasons to sing about spring!

Wardrobe Changes
If you’re a fashionista, you already understand the difficulties of dressing for winter. You need to stay warm which means layers and bulky coats. With spring you have an opportunity to switch up your wardrobe.

The warmer weather says goodbye to the extra layers and hello to brighter colors and light jackets. If you don’t care as much about your aesthetic, spring at least brings the opportunity to brave the outdoors in only a sweatshirt and tennis shoes. No more boots to counteract the slush and snow piles.

Shed those winter layers in favor of a light denim jacket.

Longer Days
Winter is dark and cold, but in spring the days begin to stretch longer due to the changing orientation of the Earth’s axis relative to the sun. Those added hours of sunlight can make all the difference for energy levels and outdoor fun. You don’t have to be inside early to counteract the dark nights anymore!

All the Vitamin D the sun transmits will leave you feeling energetic and generally happier. Use it as an opportunity to finally explore an area of town you’ve been putting off because the cold made you lethargic, or perhaps you want to use it to enjoy some public parks. Either way, coming out of work or school to see the sun still shining bright will instantly give you a mood boost.

Longer days = more time to spend at your local park.

Perfect Temperature
Winter is too cold and summer can get too hot, but spring is just perfect. You get to enjoy the sun and longer days without the added heat that can bring you to a sweat. Use this cooler weather to enjoy active outdoor activities that might become strenuous during the summer, or even just use it to enjoy your expansive jacket collection. The breezy, neutral spring weather is where it’s at.

Not to mention, this perfect temperature allows for opening the windows to let the fresh air in! With the plants budding, animals coming out of hibernation, and the sun shining, the air feels alive with energy. Take a deep breath and enjoy the new weather!

It's the perfect temperature for a picnic!

Rain Showers Bring Flowers
Potentially rainy weather might not sound like fun, but the rain spring brings just means new life is growing. By May you will see the colorful new growth the rain ushered in. This weather also offers opportunities to have fun indoors while listening to the soothing soundtrack of raindrops outside your window.

The world under the dew of rain looks vibrant and picturesque. Post up in a coffee shop to get some work done or hang out with friends, but the rain is just another reason to love the new opportunities spring brings with it.

There are plenty of reasons to love spring, even if you just consider it the stepping stone to summer. Think we didn’t catch all the reasons to love the newest season? Shoot us a message telling us why you love spring!