Now that I have a week of classes under my belt I can talk a little more freely about it. The classes are just giant lectures most of the tutorials starts in weeks 2 and 3 so I'm still waiting to attend those. I'm more interested to see how the tutorials are and assignments. I'm slightly worried about the assignments I don't exactly know what they want. I'm hoping my professors will give us more detail on what they like, but I have a feeling that won't be happening. I'm going to give it my best shot and I still have to buy 3 more books, which is depleting my funds unfortunately.
I did have this mishap with my Corporate Finance class. Supposedly their corporate finance class and ours are different. The one here is like our Managerial Finance course or FIRE 371 for you SCSU people and Advanced Corporate Finance is the same as our Corporate Finance. I had to find a new class and go to the International Office and talk to the study abroad people to show to them that I have already taken the class. Once she agreed I was able to sign up for a different class nothing that I was really interested, because there was another prerequisite that she didn't know if I met or not. I ended up getting into International Finance, which is fine I'll live. I was worried at first, because the tutorials that were available overlapped a lecture I had earlier in the day, so I sent an e-mail to the professor asking if I could squeeze into a later one. He replied with a no and that I should keep my eye open for spots that may emerge. Well, that sucks is pretty much what I was thinking and I looked for a new class to take that would fit my schedule better. I found Sustainable Investing and this was the class I was referring to earlier that I needed another class as a prerequisite. The lady didn't know and told me to e-mail the professor of the class with the description of the class I had taken at SCSU and see if it was suitable. To sum it up the professor never e-mailed me back and luckily a tutorial opened up for my International Finance class. Even thought one spot did open up it now overlapped the tutorial to a different class; I took the tutorial anyway and was able to move the tutorial of my other class to an earlier time and now my schedule is complete. What does suck though is that I've missed the first lecture for my new class, we'll see how that goes. All in all it was a headache of epic proportions, thankfully it is over and I can finally focus on school.
Now on to my normal life here or what is left of it. Our whole floor went to the movie Unkown in Southbank last night and it was actually pretty good. Tonight I think we are all going to The Vic, but we'll see one of the guys talked about going to this backpackers bar, maybe I'll end up there. I don't have classes tomorrow, so I'll spend the day buying my last few books and doing some homework that has been assigned to me. Cheers!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
What was anticipated
So, I've finally came across someone that simply despises me; not for who I am but from where I come from. I have to say it has taken me by surprise, it's not exactly someone you'd expect. I'm perplexed, surprised, astonished, bewildered, anything you could possibly think of. I mean I would never categorize a whole population based on stereotypes. I've only tied to be nice and talk, yet I've been denied and bashed every time I've came in contact with the person.
This is really puzzling to be honest, I've always viewed myself as an open minded individual; where I put prejudices and stereotypes behind me to truly embrace an individual. So, when I come across someone so ignorant as to only follow the stereotypes then it puzzles me how one could live your life. To me only the uneducated make irrational decisions about other without meeting someone. I would never hate all Iranians or North Koreans; sure we have differences but almost always is because of the media bias. If you aren't willing to get to know someone because of where they are from then I have deep sympathy for you.
This is a situation that I have expected to come across; did I know how I would react, no I didn't. How have I reacted? I've maintained my sense of pride and compassion,. I won't stoop to the level that some of us have and throw hatred out there. I will leave my arms open in hope that one day they will see that we aren't all the way TV portrays us. In reality everyone should have a chance, different opinions, ideas, religions, cultures, should be embraced not hated. We are all people, here for the same purpose.
What my government does does now reflect who I am as a person, if you can't accept that fact and only see me for what America does then I'm sorry for you. If some how you have been done wrong by the U.S.A. then I apologize; remember it wasn't me, I didn't do it. Don't hate me for what my country did. If you want to hate me, hate me for what I've done as an individual . That is the only fair way, we aren't all perfect nor should someone ever expect us to be. We are humans prone to make mistakes, what differentiates us from others is how we react.
This may be my first experience, I doubt it will be my last. We aren't exactly the most beloved country in the world, but everyone should separate government and the citizens. We all deserve fair chances and that is all I'm asking for, a fair chance. If I've wronged you in away, then tell me. I didn't come here to anger individuals, I've came here to embrace the cultures and mold myself into a better person.
I don't want to be the stereotype, I'm not who you see on the TV shows. I came here to break the stereotype that was given to me. I'm not a stupid American, I'm intelligent, driven, hardworking and here to make a difference. If you stereotype us all you miss out on a generation that is accepting of others open to change and willing to make a difference in the world. To me that is foolish; we aren't your enemy I never did anything to you why punish someone for something they have no control over.
My words of wisdom:
Be who you want to be, don't hesitate, don't second guess, we live once take, advantage of every opportunity you have and give everyone a chance. You'd be surprised by the people you meet and where they are from, don't let stereotypes cloud your judgement of a whole society. You don't just miss out on all those wonderful people and the culture they are willing to share with you, but also the lessons you could learn. Life is a learning experience, not a challenge; embrace it and roll with the punches, you'd be surprised by what you discover.
This is really puzzling to be honest, I've always viewed myself as an open minded individual; where I put prejudices and stereotypes behind me to truly embrace an individual. So, when I come across someone so ignorant as to only follow the stereotypes then it puzzles me how one could live your life. To me only the uneducated make irrational decisions about other without meeting someone. I would never hate all Iranians or North Koreans; sure we have differences but almost always is because of the media bias. If you aren't willing to get to know someone because of where they are from then I have deep sympathy for you.
This is a situation that I have expected to come across; did I know how I would react, no I didn't. How have I reacted? I've maintained my sense of pride and compassion,. I won't stoop to the level that some of us have and throw hatred out there. I will leave my arms open in hope that one day they will see that we aren't all the way TV portrays us. In reality everyone should have a chance, different opinions, ideas, religions, cultures, should be embraced not hated. We are all people, here for the same purpose.
What my government does does now reflect who I am as a person, if you can't accept that fact and only see me for what America does then I'm sorry for you. If some how you have been done wrong by the U.S.A. then I apologize; remember it wasn't me, I didn't do it. Don't hate me for what my country did. If you want to hate me, hate me for what I've done as an individual . That is the only fair way, we aren't all perfect nor should someone ever expect us to be. We are humans prone to make mistakes, what differentiates us from others is how we react.
This may be my first experience, I doubt it will be my last. We aren't exactly the most beloved country in the world, but everyone should separate government and the citizens. We all deserve fair chances and that is all I'm asking for, a fair chance. If I've wronged you in away, then tell me. I didn't come here to anger individuals, I've came here to embrace the cultures and mold myself into a better person.
I don't want to be the stereotype, I'm not who you see on the TV shows. I came here to break the stereotype that was given to me. I'm not a stupid American, I'm intelligent, driven, hardworking and here to make a difference. If you stereotype us all you miss out on a generation that is accepting of others open to change and willing to make a difference in the world. To me that is foolish; we aren't your enemy I never did anything to you why punish someone for something they have no control over.
My words of wisdom:
Be who you want to be, don't hesitate, don't second guess, we live once take, advantage of every opportunity you have and give everyone a chance. You'd be surprised by the people you meet and where they are from, don't let stereotypes cloud your judgement of a whole society. You don't just miss out on all those wonderful people and the culture they are willing to share with you, but also the lessons you could learn. Life is a learning experience, not a challenge; embrace it and roll with the punches, you'd be surprised by what you discover.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
End of O-Week
O-Week officially ends tonight, kind of sad. We have a formal dinner in a couple of hours at an unknown location; most likely somewhere good, hopefully a place with kangaroo; I still want to try it. Last night our bar on campus opened, called the Uni Bar. Jim Beam was sponsoring it, which to me is pretty cool since I doubt they would ever sponsor an event at my school. They gave away free stuff and I got a pair of sunglasses, a singlet and a hat. It was pretty awesome if you ask me. Tomorrow classes finally start and my nice little 3 month vacation is over. No more partying time to focus on some school work, which sounds good to me. I've actually kind of missed going to class; ironic right? I still need to buy books, which I plan on doing tomorrow they recommended we wait until after out first lecture to see if we actually need a book. I'll buy them any most likely I just like to be prepared and it gives me something to read to help study.
So, I got really sunburned after the day at Gold Coast and I'm finally starting to turn tan. I've pretty much put aloe vera on at least 5 times a day and it has lead to me not peeling; at least not yet. Wet n Wild was also pretty fun yesterday. One thing did suck and that was that a couple of rides were closed. We ate dinner at Little Singapore and it was pretty good for the most part.
We have a formal dinner tonight, so I'll make sure I'll blog about it and classes tomorrow.
So, I got really sunburned after the day at Gold Coast and I'm finally starting to turn tan. I've pretty much put aloe vera on at least 5 times a day and it has lead to me not peeling; at least not yet. Wet n Wild was also pretty fun yesterday. One thing did suck and that was that a couple of rides were closed. We ate dinner at Little Singapore and it was pretty good for the most part.
We have a formal dinner tonight, so I'll make sure I'll blog about it and classes tomorrow.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Differences
We had a pub crawl yesterday for part of O-Week it was pretty fun like everything here is. I haven't really talked about the differences I've experienced, so I thought I should spend some time doing that. First off, it is a lot like America and I didn't experience a lot of culture shock if any. That might be due to me being extremely independent, maybe it'll hit me later or something.
It's been interesting trying to adjust to the lingo here, I think I'm starting to get the hang of it. Oh, and the coins, they have 1 and 2 dollar coins instead of notes; I always have a ton of coins now it's slightly annoying. The bus pass is pretty neat here you get this Go card and you swipe it when you get on and swipe when you get off and are charged for how long you are on it. Now SCSU needs to take a page from the Australia's universities, we have such a garbage orientation it's embarrassing. You do so many fun things here that help everyone get to know each other way more; it's so helpful in meeting new friends and just getting to know your floor better. My Australian university is always renovating and building new buildings to keep the campus up to date and to attract new students. A whole week of orientation is actually a great idea!
I'm excited for classes to start on Monday, I missed this orientation that was during the week so I have to go to it again on Wednesday, o well. I have to run now I'll write again later tonight probably.
It's been interesting trying to adjust to the lingo here, I think I'm starting to get the hang of it. Oh, and the coins, they have 1 and 2 dollar coins instead of notes; I always have a ton of coins now it's slightly annoying. The bus pass is pretty neat here you get this Go card and you swipe it when you get on and swipe when you get off and are charged for how long you are on it. Now SCSU needs to take a page from the Australia's universities, we have such a garbage orientation it's embarrassing. You do so many fun things here that help everyone get to know each other way more; it's so helpful in meeting new friends and just getting to know your floor better. My Australian university is always renovating and building new buildings to keep the campus up to date and to attract new students. A whole week of orientation is actually a great idea!
I'm excited for classes to start on Monday, I missed this orientation that was during the week so I have to go to it again on Wednesday, o well. I have to run now I'll write again later tonight probably.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Scavenger Hunt
Today we did the scavenger hunt, which was designed to get us more acquainted with the city. It was scorching hot out so I was like dying with every step; I'm talking 90 degrees with 100% humidity. We started out on Queens Street which is the big shopping area for Brisbane and eventually made our way to South Bank. We had to do some crazy tasks and stuff like switch t-shirts with a stranger, kiss a stranger, ride a cannon, act like a kangaroo, take a picture of buns in a bakery, and crazy things like that. I was literally trying to stay in any place that was shade or A/C, I mean come on I'm from Minnesota I don't deal with this heat.
After that we got food and played this game called bowls, which is kind of like bocce ball except that the balls are weights an you roll it on this turf stuff; needless to say I wasn't to good at it. The food here is AMAZING though, I don't think I've had a meal where I was displeased. I'm more excited for tomorrow when we have our toga party! I will have to admit it is a little weird having the RA's encouraging us to drink, but hey it's college. We also have a market day tomorrow (I mentioned it earlier). I'm anxious to get free stuff from it so my room won't be so plain. I also did my laundry finally and I have quite a few clothes, but I still want to go shopping. They have a little different style then we do in America so why not try to blend in. I just wish things were so damn expensive, but I'll live.
Tomorrow is the awesome toga party I'll post another update about that and the rest of the festivities later. I'm pretty tired tonight it has been a long day, I mean I was woken up by a megaphone. What is this Van Wilder? Maybe....
After that we got food and played this game called bowls, which is kind of like bocce ball except that the balls are weights an you roll it on this turf stuff; needless to say I wasn't to good at it. The food here is AMAZING though, I don't think I've had a meal where I was displeased. I'm more excited for tomorrow when we have our toga party! I will have to admit it is a little weird having the RA's encouraging us to drink, but hey it's college. We also have a market day tomorrow (I mentioned it earlier). I'm anxious to get free stuff from it so my room won't be so plain. I also did my laundry finally and I have quite a few clothes, but I still want to go shopping. They have a little different style then we do in America so why not try to blend in. I just wish things were so damn expensive, but I'll live.
Tomorrow is the awesome toga party I'll post another update about that and the rest of the festivities later. I'm pretty tired tonight it has been a long day, I mean I was woken up by a megaphone. What is this Van Wilder? Maybe....
Saturday, February 19, 2011
O-Week has started
So, people finally moved in yesterday and it made things so much better. I met a bunch of Aussies, which was exactly what I've been waiting for. It's actually pretty ridiculously hot, so I've bought 2 fans and have them on full bore to try to keep me modestly cool. There is supposed to be a heat wave tomorrow and it'll get up to 40 Celsius, I might die. I also bought an alarm clock and some water.
Funny story, I was shaving the other night and my razor died, so when I went to charge it it got fried. I had a half shaved beard and no shaving cream, tragedy. Luckily Mara brought over some woman shaving cream and I was able to finish the deed. I ended up going to the mall the next day and getting a new electric razor and shaving cream in case something terrible happens again, but I'm hoping for the best.
Besides that we started O-Week yesterday and had a couple activities like tea brunch, BBQ, floor meeting/icebreaker and not to mention speed dating. Today we have to make flags and then are playing capture the flag tonight. Tomorrow we have a scavenger hunt of Brisbane and then laser tag at night; I'm pretty excited for the scavenger hunt it should be quite fun and I get to explore the city more. Then on Tuesday we have a Market Day which is like Main Street at SCSU. Tuesday night is what we are all looking forward to we have a toga party which is the first night that we can drink on campus, it'll be crazy. Wednesday is a pretty chill day nothing to special and on Thursday we are going to the Gold Coast and then have a pub crawl in the afternoon which should be a lot of fun if it's like the last one we did in Cairns. Friday we have Jello wrestling and a eating challenge should be pretty interesting. Saturday we have a water park at the Gold Coast and then the bar on campus opens, which they call the Uni Bar. Sunday is just a hangout day and then we start class on Monday; I can't wait.
Funny story, I was shaving the other night and my razor died, so when I went to charge it it got fried. I had a half shaved beard and no shaving cream, tragedy. Luckily Mara brought over some woman shaving cream and I was able to finish the deed. I ended up going to the mall the next day and getting a new electric razor and shaving cream in case something terrible happens again, but I'm hoping for the best.
Besides that we started O-Week yesterday and had a couple activities like tea brunch, BBQ, floor meeting/icebreaker and not to mention speed dating. Today we have to make flags and then are playing capture the flag tonight. Tomorrow we have a scavenger hunt of Brisbane and then laser tag at night; I'm pretty excited for the scavenger hunt it should be quite fun and I get to explore the city more. Then on Tuesday we have a Market Day which is like Main Street at SCSU. Tuesday night is what we are all looking forward to we have a toga party which is the first night that we can drink on campus, it'll be crazy. Wednesday is a pretty chill day nothing to special and on Thursday we are going to the Gold Coast and then have a pub crawl in the afternoon which should be a lot of fun if it's like the last one we did in Cairns. Friday we have Jello wrestling and a eating challenge should be pretty interesting. Saturday we have a water park at the Gold Coast and then the bar on campus opens, which they call the Uni Bar. Sunday is just a hangout day and then we start class on Monday; I can't wait.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Finally at Griffith
Sorry for not being able to get on anytime sooner. I've had a hectic week and finally have Internet so I can continue blogging about this unforgettable experience. The question is where do I start, so much has happened in the last week it is unbelievable. I'm absolutely in love with this place everyone is so friendly. The first week I stayed in Cairns, which is really just full of tourists, but fun nonetheless.
The Great Barrier Reef is truly AMAZING!!! That was by far the highlight of my time here. I was able to snorkel and scuba dive it. It is a whole different world down there it is hard to come up with words that actually describe it; just so surreal. I also did some volunteer work planting trees and a local farm/nature preserve. I was also able to see the rainforest and had a duck boat tour which was interesting. Oh yeah we did a party bus/pub crawl deal and it was a great time, I had so much fun. I'll leave out the juicy details since my parents and such and reading this, sorry.
I just got to campus on Thursday, which was Wednesday for you guys. The campus is bigger than SCSU and has a lot of wildlife on it. It's crazy how the animals just roam around and get within a foot of you. I'll take pictures of some when I can and when I see more. My feet are pretty shredded from all the walking I've done in the last week. I'm finally staying in tonight for the first time since I've arrived; we've had some pretty crazy experiences to say the least.
Now about today, I did some shopping got some school supplies, shampoo, body wash, deodorant, Tim Tam, and the other guys got their phones finally. That made things more simple since we are able to just communicate that way instead of setting a time and a place to meet. I'm really enjoying it here and using a night for reflection is probably for the best. I'll leave this one at that talk to you all again tomorrow.
The Great Barrier Reef is truly AMAZING!!! That was by far the highlight of my time here. I was able to snorkel and scuba dive it. It is a whole different world down there it is hard to come up with words that actually describe it; just so surreal. I also did some volunteer work planting trees and a local farm/nature preserve. I was also able to see the rainforest and had a duck boat tour which was interesting. Oh yeah we did a party bus/pub crawl deal and it was a great time, I had so much fun. I'll leave out the juicy details since my parents and such and reading this, sorry.
I just got to campus on Thursday, which was Wednesday for you guys. The campus is bigger than SCSU and has a lot of wildlife on it. It's crazy how the animals just roam around and get within a foot of you. I'll take pictures of some when I can and when I see more. My feet are pretty shredded from all the walking I've done in the last week. I'm finally staying in tonight for the first time since I've arrived; we've had some pretty crazy experiences to say the least.
Now about today, I did some shopping got some school supplies, shampoo, body wash, deodorant, Tim Tam, and the other guys got their phones finally. That made things more simple since we are able to just communicate that way instead of setting a time and a place to meet. I'm really enjoying it here and using a night for reflection is probably for the best. I'll leave this one at that talk to you all again tomorrow.
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