My very 1st writing

When I just came to America, I didn't have any knowledge about computers. So, of course, I didn't know that Microsoft word existed. I had to type up and save the assignment as email drafts until I met Microsoft word. Whenever I received writing assignments, it was just so inconvenient. Well, this means that I still do have the very first drafts from 10/6/2009. It was from my first term at my college in the United States = the beginning of my international life.
My first essay assignment was to write a letter to my landlord. I am sure there were some scenarios to it, but I, unfortunately, don't remember. Before I came to the US, English was my least least least favorite subject. I almost failed all the English classes in my high school. I couldn't communicate well with people who didn't speak Japanese (of course). My first host family in Australia must have had a hard time hosting me for 14 days. Thank you very much to my Australian host family and sister (I don't think they are reading my blog though). Well, it is just another story of my international life.

Anyway, 

let me share my first writing assignments with you all!

Dear landload.

Hello. This is Vivian. I have stay this accommo

Landload... ... oh landload, it's unfinished.

Dear landload.

Hello. This is Vivian. I have stay this accommodation with my family for several weeks.

Inhabitants who live in here are so kind include you, even though we are from different country and can't speak Eenglish well. We are happy to feel that we can use to stay here step by step.

We feel comfortable without one thing.

It is air-conditioners. I  am wondering that air-conditioners are broken by some thing. It is comming soon on winter.

Would you mind fixing or checking these air-conditioner before starting on winter.

Regard,

Vivi

Obviously, I couldn't speak Eenglish well. Although my family & I felt so comfortable without one thing, I am asking "landload" to fix that. noooo!! Someone! Stop meee!!

I just remember that the assignment was too hard for me. Especially, it's because I had never asked anyone for a help. It's really not my thing to ask someone for a help. So, I basically didn't know how to ask others to do something for me to begin with. Plus, I had to write the assignments in English. Yes, it took forever to complete it... I couldn't ask for a help from the ESL teacher or friends. Even if I did, I'm sure I couldn't explain this simple reason of why I can't do the assignment well.

Seriously,

international students & people who learn different languages..

Don't give up!

It feels so weird that I can see all of the mistakes now although I did't see anything then. I used to have a lot more confidence, so I am sure I thought this assignment was perfect at the time. (-_-)

It's kinda funny for me to look back my international life. 

Maybe, I should share other drafts as well on my blog.

Until then,

Smile

:)

Group Work : First REAL Fair

I have been taking a leadership class. This class requires us to help an organization. The good thing is that I am not alone; I am with my group members. BUT I'm not gonna lie. Group works are always not easy. There are many different types of people in the world. Of course, there will be problems and difficulties with them and also with myself. On top of that, we have to achieve the tasks and goals that professors and organizations expect us to do together. However, I always learn something very valuable and helpful for me and my future. We can easily apply materials that we are learning in the class. We can meet new people and get to know the different types of people. Because we need to go through many things in a short period of time, OUR time and work become very important and very memorable. There are many pros and cons. I, personally, like it even though it's not easy at all. It's definitely an effective way for me to learn things.

This term is just awesome.

We have been doing many things! Especially, some members are very motivated about what we do for the organization and the class. They do wonderful work!! I have been involving many wonderful opportunities and experiences because of that. We could have picked very simple and easy work, but we didn't. We do two fundraising, create first newsletter from nothing, make a power point, and create & host a huge event for this organization. Each member has their own tasks. I'm mainly working on newsletter, fundraising, and a part of the event. Seriously, those amount of work that we have to do for the organization... our trust for other members and communication between members are SUPER important. It is NOT easy to do that! but... oh my gosh! I just love this team. I don't know how many things I could learn from my team and these opportunities.

This is such a valuable experience.

So, we just finished a part of the projects for this organization. It was a huge part of the projects as well. The fair. It's not a small tiny scale; it was an entire school scale. Many organizations at school involved. Many faculty members and students helped us out. Many students were able to learn about those organizations. I am still overwhelmed. Although I should talk about specific things of what we did there, I honestly don't know what to tell you. It was a great opportunity!

If you want to be an international student in the US, "group work" is something that you have to do in school. I still have a hard time doing "group work" even though I have been an international student for long enough. What I do to motivate myself is to think "I can learn million things from group work." It's all depending on you. How you think about "group work" matters. If you are open to do things with your group and work hard with them, you will definitely learn many many many things and skills. You can't learn those things and apply them to your life if you are just sitting in the class and do nothing. Don't be shy! Ask for help if you need. Everyone will help you out. This will help you to create good connections and lead you to be successful as a team! This is actually what I learned this term from this group so far. hehe This term hasn't ended yet. I am very thrilled to learn many more!

Great work, everyone!

smile
:)