Although Princeton's PPIA program takes pride in the cultural competency of its participants, I'm sometimes shocked and even saddened when I have to prove the model minority stereotype wrong.
A report by NYU and the College Board also challenges the stereotype that Asian Americas are a homogeneous group of high achievers. Read more here.
Showing posts with label school. Show all posts
Showing posts with label school. Show all posts
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
justice, peace and princeton
I haven't been more compelled to blog while at Princeton than today. One, I've been swamped with so much work (they weren't joking when they said this fellowship was going to be intense, and for good reason), and two, I've been having trouble accessing wifi. But alas, the internet problem is fixed, and after watching "No End in Sight" and speaking with former Director of National Intelligence and Amb. Bob Hutchings, I've got the urge.
Aside from the amount of readings and stats and econ problem sets, I've had it easy. Princeton is like Pleasantville. The city is gorgeous as is the university. There's this sense of community, one of beauty, wealth and security. For example, I feel safe leaving my purse and laptop out when I go to the restroom. With this kind of fortune there's no need to steal. Or so I like to think. After all, the Woodrow Wilson School of Public Policy and International Affairs sits on a multi-million dollar endowment. We've been so privileged as to have all expenses paid including airfare, living and food costs, books, trips to NY, Philly and DC AND we even get a stipend.
And it's funny to think how easily I can blinded by such wealth and security. I mean, I still can't get over the fact that our "Brown Bag Lunches" with guest lecturers are lavish and catered, and since I've been eating with a knife and fork. Lately, I've been thinking about a post-grad swanky loft and lifestyle in SoHo. And then I watch a film like "No End in Sight" and remember why I'm here, and perhaps more importantly, where I want to go. The Iraq war angers and frustrates me, and deeply saddens me when I think of my cousin and best friend from middle school, both of whom are enlisted in the army, along with hundreds and thousands of others. I think about our government, the media, and our many distorted ways of thought and policies that reproduce injustices. And then I think about my privileges, to be here and part of such a phenomenal opportunity, full of resources, and the endless possibilities to do good that lay ahead, and I am so thankful and want to be responsible for working towards a socially-just world. One that recognizes violence is not the answer. One that celebrates respect, difference and dialogue.
Yesterday we had a former JSI participant speak with us, Teddy Warria. He said, "We need to make this place safe for freedom. And we need to make this place safe for diversity." YES. Those were such powerful words. He also said, " When you blaze a trail, make sure you leave a path." And he meant that when you do something well, teach others so that they too can succeed. As an international student, he wrote a book called "New Horizons" as a manual for students in his homeland of Kenya to apply to American universities. I think that's an extremely important lesson in our foreign policy. We've been reading about development and foreign aid policies, and so often the mistake is in giving, practically dumping band-aid solutions rather than investing in sustainable development. The power of education.
Time for dinner! They're taking us out to dinner..Indian! naan and veggie masala. mm.
Aside from the amount of readings and stats and econ problem sets, I've had it easy. Princeton is like Pleasantville. The city is gorgeous as is the university. There's this sense of community, one of beauty, wealth and security. For example, I feel safe leaving my purse and laptop out when I go to the restroom. With this kind of fortune there's no need to steal. Or so I like to think. After all, the Woodrow Wilson School of Public Policy and International Affairs sits on a multi-million dollar endowment. We've been so privileged as to have all expenses paid including airfare, living and food costs, books, trips to NY, Philly and DC AND we even get a stipend.
And it's funny to think how easily I can blinded by such wealth and security. I mean, I still can't get over the fact that our "Brown Bag Lunches" with guest lecturers are lavish and catered, and since I've been eating with a knife and fork. Lately, I've been thinking about a post-grad swanky loft and lifestyle in SoHo. And then I watch a film like "No End in Sight" and remember why I'm here, and perhaps more importantly, where I want to go. The Iraq war angers and frustrates me, and deeply saddens me when I think of my cousin and best friend from middle school, both of whom are enlisted in the army, along with hundreds and thousands of others. I think about our government, the media, and our many distorted ways of thought and policies that reproduce injustices. And then I think about my privileges, to be here and part of such a phenomenal opportunity, full of resources, and the endless possibilities to do good that lay ahead, and I am so thankful and want to be responsible for working towards a socially-just world. One that recognizes violence is not the answer. One that celebrates respect, difference and dialogue.
Yesterday we had a former JSI participant speak with us, Teddy Warria. He said, "We need to make this place safe for freedom. And we need to make this place safe for diversity." YES. Those were such powerful words. He also said, " When you blaze a trail, make sure you leave a path." And he meant that when you do something well, teach others so that they too can succeed. As an international student, he wrote a book called "New Horizons" as a manual for students in his homeland of Kenya to apply to American universities. I think that's an extremely important lesson in our foreign policy. We've been reading about development and foreign aid policies, and so often the mistake is in giving, practically dumping band-aid solutions rather than investing in sustainable development. The power of education.
Time for dinner! They're taking us out to dinner..Indian! naan and veggie masala. mm.
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
what a year it's been..
the following was part of an email from my GSI
the class: International Rural Development: Agriculture, Industry, Development and the Rise of Social Movements (ESPM 165)
professor: eric holt-giménez, executive director of food first
Hey 165ers!
The semester is coming to an end and the workload is almost insane. But we all are realizing how high yielding (non GR!) this course harvest has been, huh? Then it is also time to celebrate!
We thought that it would be great to end our last day of class with a potluck! After all we’ve been talking about the importance of access to good healthy food and how wonderful it is to share this moment with others. So, let’s do it! What we don’t have in funding we might replace with creativity. Leonor will be bringing some nice treats from Food First and you are all invited to bring whatever you want: food, non alcoholic beverages, musical instruments, smiles and life histories. Let’s make it happen! Horizontal decision making process, decentralized power and celebration with food!
ooh i love berkeley.
the class: International Rural Development: Agriculture, Industry, Development and the Rise of Social Movements (ESPM 165)
professor: eric holt-giménez, executive director of food first
Hey 165ers!
The semester is coming to an end and the workload is almost insane. But we all are realizing how high yielding (non GR!) this course harvest has been, huh? Then it is also time to celebrate!
We thought that it would be great to end our last day of class with a potluck! After all we’ve been talking about the importance of access to good healthy food and how wonderful it is to share this moment with others. So, let’s do it! What we don’t have in funding we might replace with creativity. Leonor will be bringing some nice treats from Food First and you are all invited to bring whatever you want: food, non alcoholic beverages, musical instruments, smiles and life histories. Let’s make it happen! Horizontal decision making process, decentralized power and celebration with food!
ooh i love berkeley.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
peace, yo
my youngest sister brittney emailed me to say she's started her own blog and writes in it like it's her journal. sneakily, i tried looking it up but no luck. she said the setting's on 'private.' she's a wise one.
anyhow, i'm finding any thing and every thing to do to avoid my peace and conflict studies theory paper on the iraqi oil and gas law. i'm frustrated by the jargon we're supposed to use--" transformative agency," "critical reflexivity," "hybridization," "cosmopolitanism," "structuration," "counter dialectic," "geopolitical domination"..what does it all mean? it's making this paper more complicated than it should be and judging by all the red squiggly lines on my screen, microsoft word isn't appreciating it either.
anyhow, i'm finding any thing and every thing to do to avoid my peace and conflict studies theory paper on the iraqi oil and gas law. i'm frustrated by the jargon we're supposed to use--" transformative agency," "critical reflexivity," "hybridization," "cosmopolitanism," "structuration," "counter dialectic," "geopolitical domination"..what does it all mean? it's making this paper more complicated than it should be and judging by all the red squiggly lines on my screen, microsoft word isn't appreciating it either.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
basking in good ol berkeley berzerkeley
i'm in berkeley and loving everything about it. wow, to think that the past two years have been the most life-changing and defining years of my life, im so excited to find what's in store here.
i moved into my new place, it's wonderful. the location is perfect, only two blocks from campus, the gym, shattuck and telegraph where all the major shops and eateries are, i can't ask for more. the apartment's great..big kitchen which was probably most important for me when searching for a place and my own room for the first time.
a little preview:
my huge desk..
this is bear territory..
and that 'tis my room! via my macbook photobooth. i would certainly have more pictures had my little sister tiffany rightfully return my digital camera.
anyhow, that's only the beginning of berkeley and how great it is..this past week was welcome week and it was so exciting. i thought twice about going to the chancellor's reception for new students, but decided i had nothing better to do, and i'm so glad i did because i met a handful of really good friends i'm hoping to get to know better, and it's so exciting because at that event i was a small fish in a sea of freshmen, and coi, do they like to swim in schools, all by my lonesome self, i go up to the president of the student body and tell him i'm interested and that i'm a transfer, and then i turn around and there's a group of transfer students and i feel like i'm in heaven. yayy. i was so excited to see other students, like me. hah. silly, but it was very comforting. their names are kathrine, hugo, dennie, beth and frances. we spent the next couple days of welcome week together..holy moly for all the free stuff they like to give away at cal. i think i have enough pens, highlighters, stickies, water bottles and notebooks to last me this school year. oh and there are a bajillion student clubs that i want to join and way too many list-servs that i signed up for, but having gone through them all i think i am most serious about the cooking club and kalx, the radio station on campus..sounds interesting. and surely i'll participate in all that political/social/environmental happenings on campus, that's just a given.
i have to remember to keep focussed on studies and know that i can't possibly do everything although i want to every time. oh, and about working! i'm a work-aholic and ive realized, i got a job as the communications assistant at Berkeley's Boalt School of Law, but turned it down because it's an actual job, which i was really pumped about having discussed the responsibilities, i just know this being my first semester, i should take it easy. bummer. but i did get accept a job as the office assistant for the Academic Senate, and hey it's clerical work, it's brainless but having interned for barbara, it needs to be done. and as my supervisor, terry said, i can save the brains for the studies. i'm liking the job already.
campus is beautiful, so many trees and lawns i'll be cozing with a book or two, and the town is epic. at the farmers market yesterday they had not only trash and recylble bins but compost bins! i'm going to work with the city on getting the same at my apartment complex. hooray. at the flea market, i got a bike for veinticinco dolares! 25 bucks, not too shabby i just need a good lock, and those cost a bit more, but i can't wait to explore more on wheels, the 2wheel kind. i'm so happy, i can't even sleep much because each day there's something new to look forward to, something new to be excited about. at the moment i'm sore but still really happy. i took my first kickboxing class at rsf (our rec sports facilities) and am aching all over. the good-youknowyou'redevelopingmuscles-and gettinginshape kine of sore. it just hurts.
the bay area is also beautiful. so much more to explore. dylan and i went to palomarin in pt. reyes, near bolinas, this really exclusive hippie beach community. we did some hiking and had a picnic at bass lake. i like dylan.
last night was a welcoming night, i hosted my first of what will be many dinner parties. i invited some of my new friends and my old, mariel (from ghs and pcc!) funny, we're all transfers, even my roommates ric and isa. and we cooked a spanish feast, paella and patatas bravas with alioli..oh it was so good and no one knew it was all vegan! even the alioli, typically a mayonaise-base, but i put my magic bullet to work and puréed firm tofu with olive oil and garlic and it tasted so much like the alioli from jaleo, mm garlic, and of course there was red wine to compliment the meal. :)
a little taboo..
and apples to apples, only the funnest game in the world with some seriously silly debating..
good food, music games and best of all, friends. splendid night.
i remember having moved in on my first day here, i was walking that sunday morning on university drive and it occurred to me that i'm in berkeley, and i'm not just here for a visit or a debate tournament or some kickass animal rights conference. i'm here because i'm a cal bear. i'm going to attend berkeley. i'm going to be living here for the next two years of my LIFE. everything i had learned and worked so hard for in the past six years has paid off, all those books about ecofeminism and cases i researched about the united nations that sparked my wanting to go to such a politicaly and socially progressive school like cal with a community so free and freethinking, now i'm here. and i'm party of the community. since high school i've wanted to come to berkely, it was my dream for so long and these past years have paid off for it..i can't ask for more, i'm living my dream.
i moved into my new place, it's wonderful. the location is perfect, only two blocks from campus, the gym, shattuck and telegraph where all the major shops and eateries are, i can't ask for more. the apartment's great..big kitchen which was probably most important for me when searching for a place and my own room for the first time.
a little preview:
my huge desk..
this is bear territory..
and that 'tis my room! via my macbook photobooth. i would certainly have more pictures had my little sister tiffany rightfully return my digital camera.
anyhow, that's only the beginning of berkeley and how great it is..this past week was welcome week and it was so exciting. i thought twice about going to the chancellor's reception for new students, but decided i had nothing better to do, and i'm so glad i did because i met a handful of really good friends i'm hoping to get to know better, and it's so exciting because at that event i was a small fish in a sea of freshmen, and coi, do they like to swim in schools, all by my lonesome self, i go up to the president of the student body and tell him i'm interested and that i'm a transfer, and then i turn around and there's a group of transfer students and i feel like i'm in heaven. yayy. i was so excited to see other students, like me. hah. silly, but it was very comforting. their names are kathrine, hugo, dennie, beth and frances. we spent the next couple days of welcome week together..holy moly for all the free stuff they like to give away at cal. i think i have enough pens, highlighters, stickies, water bottles and notebooks to last me this school year. oh and there are a bajillion student clubs that i want to join and way too many list-servs that i signed up for, but having gone through them all i think i am most serious about the cooking club and kalx, the radio station on campus..sounds interesting. and surely i'll participate in all that political/social/environmental happenings on campus, that's just a given.
i have to remember to keep focussed on studies and know that i can't possibly do everything although i want to every time. oh, and about working! i'm a work-aholic and ive realized, i got a job as the communications assistant at Berkeley's Boalt School of Law, but turned it down because it's an actual job, which i was really pumped about having discussed the responsibilities, i just know this being my first semester, i should take it easy. bummer. but i did get accept a job as the office assistant for the Academic Senate, and hey it's clerical work, it's brainless but having interned for barbara, it needs to be done. and as my supervisor, terry said, i can save the brains for the studies. i'm liking the job already.
campus is beautiful, so many trees and lawns i'll be cozing with a book or two, and the town is epic. at the farmers market yesterday they had not only trash and recylble bins but compost bins! i'm going to work with the city on getting the same at my apartment complex. hooray. at the flea market, i got a bike for veinticinco dolares! 25 bucks, not too shabby i just need a good lock, and those cost a bit more, but i can't wait to explore more on wheels, the 2wheel kind. i'm so happy, i can't even sleep much because each day there's something new to look forward to, something new to be excited about. at the moment i'm sore but still really happy. i took my first kickboxing class at rsf (our rec sports facilities) and am aching all over. the good-youknowyou'redevelopingmuscles-and gettinginshape kine of sore. it just hurts.
the bay area is also beautiful. so much more to explore. dylan and i went to palomarin in pt. reyes, near bolinas, this really exclusive hippie beach community. we did some hiking and had a picnic at bass lake. i like dylan.
last night was a welcoming night, i hosted my first of what will be many dinner parties. i invited some of my new friends and my old, mariel (from ghs and pcc!) funny, we're all transfers, even my roommates ric and isa. and we cooked a spanish feast, paella and patatas bravas with alioli..oh it was so good and no one knew it was all vegan! even the alioli, typically a mayonaise-base, but i put my magic bullet to work and puréed firm tofu with olive oil and garlic and it tasted so much like the alioli from jaleo, mm garlic, and of course there was red wine to compliment the meal. :)
a little taboo..
and apples to apples, only the funnest game in the world with some seriously silly debating..
good food, music games and best of all, friends. splendid night.
i remember having moved in on my first day here, i was walking that sunday morning on university drive and it occurred to me that i'm in berkeley, and i'm not just here for a visit or a debate tournament or some kickass animal rights conference. i'm here because i'm a cal bear. i'm going to attend berkeley. i'm going to be living here for the next two years of my LIFE. everything i had learned and worked so hard for in the past six years has paid off, all those books about ecofeminism and cases i researched about the united nations that sparked my wanting to go to such a politicaly and socially progressive school like cal with a community so free and freethinking, now i'm here. and i'm party of the community. since high school i've wanted to come to berkely, it was my dream for so long and these past years have paid off for it..i can't ask for more, i'm living my dream.
Saturday, June 09, 2007
friday night rambles
i'm a bit exhausted, ready for school to finish. listening to elliot smith's a fond farewell and feeling reminiscent.
what a semester, what a year..what an experience but before i get into that..
i need to finish my papers for eng1c and polisci and ace spanish and soc exams. i'm just rambling..proof of exhaustion.
i want summer to be here. this weekend is going to be fun, lots of writing and coffee.
this friday is commencement, i'll be speaking.. very excited. i'll be able to share my thoughts on my two years at pcc, a place i've come to love. pcc's been great, i can't wait to see what's in store at berkeley. i need some motivation for my papers. and sleep. gnite.
what a semester, what a year..what an experience but before i get into that..
i need to finish my papers for eng1c and polisci and ace spanish and soc exams. i'm just rambling..proof of exhaustion.
i want summer to be here. this weekend is going to be fun, lots of writing and coffee.
this friday is commencement, i'll be speaking.. very excited. i'll be able to share my thoughts on my two years at pcc, a place i've come to love. pcc's been great, i can't wait to see what's in store at berkeley. i need some motivation for my papers. and sleep. gnite.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
borders of diversity
Tommorrow is the big Borders of Diversity Student Conference. It's an annual event sponsored by PCC's English and Languages Departments, where students take lead and speak. Every hour there's a different panel of students who present papers, films, or speeches on behalf of an overarching theme, this year it's "Decolonizing the Mind: Liberating Language and Culture to Create a Just Society."
My English course on environmental ethics was chosen to be the first panel and possibly more exciting, (at least for me) I was chosen to be on the panel! I decided to forgo my paper on land ethics and global warming (both pressing issues of which got me chosen to be a panelist) and instead am going to be bold and try something different, presenting the connections between animals and women in advertisements and the subsequent harmful consequences, much of which was inspired by Carol Adams' The Sexual Politics of Meat.
The keynote speaker of the event is noted author, activist and UC Irvine Professor, Ngugi Wa Thiong’O. His political commentary in his 1977 play Ngaahika Ndeenda (I Will Marry When I Want) provoked the government of Kenya to order his arrest. While in prison, he wrote the first modern novel in his native language of G?k?y?, Caitaani m?tharaba-In? (Devil on the Cross), on toilet paper. He was released a year later and continues to write and lecture. read more.
What daring brilliance.
My English course on environmental ethics was chosen to be the first panel and possibly more exciting, (at least for me) I was chosen to be on the panel! I decided to forgo my paper on land ethics and global warming (both pressing issues of which got me chosen to be a panelist) and instead am going to be bold and try something different, presenting the connections between animals and women in advertisements and the subsequent harmful consequences, much of which was inspired by Carol Adams' The Sexual Politics of Meat.
The keynote speaker of the event is noted author, activist and UC Irvine Professor, Ngugi Wa Thiong’O. His political commentary in his 1977 play Ngaahika Ndeenda (I Will Marry When I Want) provoked the government of Kenya to order his arrest. While in prison, he wrote the first modern novel in his native language of G?k?y?, Caitaani m?tharaba-In? (Devil on the Cross), on toilet paper. He was released a year later and continues to write and lecture. read more.
What daring brilliance.
Thursday, May 03, 2007
this is really for ma and pa
update: i just got my financial-aid award package, and it looks like Berkeley is giving me a full ride. this is tough because it's everything i've wanted and worked so hard for. i've waited for such good news for six years, and for some reason, i'm not as excited as i thought i'd be.
when i told my mom i got into berkeley her initial reaction prompted to ask why i wasted all that money and applied to so many schools if i wanted to go to DC. i was so shocked and hurt i didn't know how to respond.
i know my parents are happy for me, but i wish they would show it more, or even at all. everything is just expected. it's expected that i'll do well in school if i work hard. and it's expected that i'll work hard because my parents have just to put me in school.
i have to say that this makes me bitter. although it's ironic because i just came back from my sociology of the asian american class and i know where my parents are coming from, which i think sometimes makes this situation worse. the fact that i know there's so much struggle between immigrant parents like mine and first-generation children like me, yet can't seem to confront it with my own family. i always fall weak. you wouldn't believe it but i was struggling to keep my composure as i told my mom a "congrats" would have been much more appreciated. immediately after i stormed out of her room so that she wouldn't see my watering eyes.
maybe i'm selfish for wanting to hear my parents say, "connie, we're proud of you." i feel like if i push myself harder and farther i'll get some recognition or that simple approval. then i'd tell myself, "connie, you don't have to keep proving yourself."
i think that's why i'm hoping for that georgetown acceptance. because my parents have never heard of american university and all of their friends' kids have gotten into ucla and usc. so no biggie. but maybe, just maybe an acceptance into an ivy league will make them see different.
who am i kidding? at the same time i just want to shove all of these letters into my dad's face and say HERE. are you happy?! he already expected i'd get in to all of these schools. that wasn't his concern. his concern is that i stay close to home. umm. NO.
never did i think i'd write so negatively but i really had to get some of this out.
when i told my mom i got into berkeley her initial reaction prompted to ask why i wasted all that money and applied to so many schools if i wanted to go to DC. i was so shocked and hurt i didn't know how to respond.
i know my parents are happy for me, but i wish they would show it more, or even at all. everything is just expected. it's expected that i'll do well in school if i work hard. and it's expected that i'll work hard because my parents have just to put me in school.
i have to say that this makes me bitter. although it's ironic because i just came back from my sociology of the asian american class and i know where my parents are coming from, which i think sometimes makes this situation worse. the fact that i know there's so much struggle between immigrant parents like mine and first-generation children like me, yet can't seem to confront it with my own family. i always fall weak. you wouldn't believe it but i was struggling to keep my composure as i told my mom a "congrats" would have been much more appreciated. immediately after i stormed out of her room so that she wouldn't see my watering eyes.
maybe i'm selfish for wanting to hear my parents say, "connie, we're proud of you." i feel like if i push myself harder and farther i'll get some recognition or that simple approval. then i'd tell myself, "connie, you don't have to keep proving yourself."
i think that's why i'm hoping for that georgetown acceptance. because my parents have never heard of american university and all of their friends' kids have gotten into ucla and usc. so no biggie. but maybe, just maybe an acceptance into an ivy league will make them see different.
who am i kidding? at the same time i just want to shove all of these letters into my dad's face and say HERE. are you happy?! he already expected i'd get in to all of these schools. that wasn't his concern. his concern is that i stay close to home. umm. NO.
never did i think i'd write so negatively but i really had to get some of this out.
Monday, April 16, 2007
with regret,
i don't know what to make of the shooting that occurred this morning at Virginia Tech. although marking the other side of the country it feels so close to home. to know that these individuals were students, sons and daughters, classmates, friends, all aspiring to learn and do good.. how does one comprehend such tragedy?
Sending my sincerest thoughts and heartfelt wishes to the family and friends of VT's lost loved ones.
Sending my sincerest thoughts and heartfelt wishes to the family and friends of VT's lost loved ones.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
cha-ching!
American University in DC just sent me a letter explaining that I placed in the top 10% of their transfer applicant pool and has awarded me $40,000 for the span of my undergrad studies (four semesters/two years). That's a huge incentive attend even though I know there will still be much more to pay.
I really want to go to AU. I don't know why I'm so hung up about Georgetown (which is going to cost more). I figure the idea of attending an Ivy League will mean something.
I should just be happy that I have the privilege to obtain a higher education, and in all reality, I know I'll be happy wherever I go.
I really want to go to AU. I don't know why I'm so hung up about Georgetown (which is going to cost more). I figure the idea of attending an Ivy League will mean something.
I should just be happy that I have the privilege to obtain a higher education, and in all reality, I know I'll be happy wherever I go.
"for girls, it's be yourself, and be perfect, too"
I receive daily digests from the N.Y. Times and Washington Post. At the time of subscribing it seemed like a good idea. My editor and poli-sci professor like to send me links to stories I should check out, and then I figured, why not just hear and read about them on my own. But having done so my inbox is inundated with daily headlines and it's sad to say that it's not uncommon for me to just click delete.
Sometimes it's different, like this morning. My friend Amber called to tell me class would be starting an hour late. So with plenty of time on hand and cheerios to devour I came across this article about high school girls striving as all-around over-achievers to obtain admission into America's top colleges while also battling pressure and insecurities.
For Girls, It's Be Yourself, And Be Perfect: read article here.
"If you are free to be everything, you are also expected to be everything. What it comes down to, in this place and time, is that the eternal adolescent search for self is going on at the same time as the quest for the perfect résumé."
Now a sophomore in college I can say that not much has changed.
Sometimes it's different, like this morning. My friend Amber called to tell me class would be starting an hour late. So with plenty of time on hand and cheerios to devour I came across this article about high school girls striving as all-around over-achievers to obtain admission into America's top colleges while also battling pressure and insecurities.
For Girls, It's Be Yourself, And Be Perfect: read article here.
"If you are free to be everything, you are also expected to be everything. What it comes down to, in this place and time, is that the eternal adolescent search for self is going on at the same time as the quest for the perfect résumé."
Now a sophomore in college I can say that not much has changed.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
goodbye winter, hello spring; happy new year
i may be a big nerd but i'm pretty bummed that my winter spanish and english classes are over. i learned so much in the past six weeks, and from really amazing and earnest professors as well. and also, met some really cool classmates. but i suppose i should relish the long weekend ahead because with tuesday comes a whole new semester and hectic schedule.
as it's looking i'm taking: Spanish 2, Political Theory, The U.S. and World Politics, Sociology of the Asian American, Critical Thinking and Argument, Modern Dance and Model UN.. So maybe it is a good idea if I don't think about school for a day or two..
events to look forward to--chinese new year, my aunt terry's baby shower, and a couple of catering events (a wedding and the academy awards!)
is it obvious that i have trouble doing 'nothing'?
gung hei faat choih,
con
as it's looking i'm taking: Spanish 2, Political Theory, The U.S. and World Politics, Sociology of the Asian American, Critical Thinking and Argument, Modern Dance and Model UN.. So maybe it is a good idea if I don't think about school for a day or two..
events to look forward to--chinese new year, my aunt terry's baby shower, and a couple of catering events (a wedding and the academy awards!)
is it obvious that i have trouble doing 'nothing'?
gung hei faat choih,
con
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Monday, January 08, 2007
the joy of new beginnings
It's my second year in college and I still get that first-day-of-school anxiety at the start of every year; this time it's every semester and I'd say more of an excitement. The thought of new beginnings--new classes, professors, classmates, readings, discoveries, crushes. I love 'em. And as usual, I'm loving my classes. This winter I'm taking courses in Spanish and English. We'll see how things go as the weeks progress; I don't know how much I'm going to love being on campus from 7:30 in the morning to 1:30 in the afternoon Mon throughFriday.
But I'm not complaining, I think it's wise to make use of the mornings and of course, only to make room to do other things, like work. Talkin' about new beginnings; today was also the first day of my internship at Senator Barbara Boxer's district office in downtown LA. It was a little surreal being in the Federal Building and being surrounded by people dressed in suits doing who knows what but seemingly something important, hearing the phone ring nonstop, and feeling that DC sentiment all over again. It was amazing. I spent some time answering phone calls and listening to concerned citizens and angry rants. Even though there was a lot of voiced opinions I disagreed with I was so inspired by that person's initiative to call. At least they're doing something! It's funny because as an activist associated with a number of progressive nonprofit organizations, I get these emails urging me to call my representative and occasionally I'll jot the number down but most of the time I just hit delete. Email, OK, I can do that but picking up the phone to call some long-distance number and say what?? is a bit intimidating. Another thing I did was sort through Senator Boxer's mail. This was interesting because I wanted to read every letter she received, and it was a Monday so there were tons! Most of the letters dealt with immigration, the war in Iraq and social security. One person sent the senator a random home photograph, another a Christmas card that read, "Please, don't give our kids coal." The thought and time people put into a little political activism says a lot. People actually care!
Riding the Metro Goldline from Pasadena to Union Station is indeed another highlight of the internship. It gives me time to read, reflect, enjoy beautiful scenery, talk to people..and possibly find my perfect match? Ha! As I boarded the train today I sat across this middle-aged man wearing a security shirt for MSNBC or so I remember. I asked him if he knew how long the walk from Union Station was to the Federal Building. He rambled a little bit, confident of what he was saying but also unsure of the direction he was giving. At the same time he was flipping the cover of some fancy phone, the palm-pilot kind of with email, messaging, camera, all that technical stuff. He told me about how he the guy he was talking to on the ride left it and how he didn't know what to do or how to use the phone. I took hold of the phone, pressed a button and the screen appeared. My initial instinct was to search the phone's address book for a house number and called it. The mom of the owner picked up and seemed worried. I gave her my cell number and reassured her that I'd return the phone as soon as her son called. The man sensed that I knew what to do and thanked me for taking care of it all (even though he's really to thank) and on his way out he stopped and said, "You know what, I think you'll like this guy. He's young, good-looking, seems smart. Maybe you two will hit it off." I laughed, excited and thinking how movie-like the whole situation seemed but at the same time I wasn't going to get excited over nothing so I tried to think of something else on the ride to downtown LA, like how much I was looking forward to getting a call from this boy. ..fast forward a few hours after finally talking to him, the internship, tea at Zephyr, dinner with Jenny, and then I go to drop off the phone at his house, which turns out to be a house I pass almost every day on the way to school. I rang the doorbell (this is around 9pm) and he opens the door, and is really cute. I hand him his phone, he says thanks and I try to spark a little conversation but it's a bit awkward. We shake hands and I drive away.
Jenny was outraged that he didn't give me at least 50 bucks for graciously returning his MDA; I was sad that that would be the end of it. But when I got home I got a call from him. He apologized for not thanking me enough and tried to explain how shocked he was at the fact that someone actually returned his phone. Then he asked if he could take me out to lunch! I know, I know this is so cheesy but I'm really looking forward to it.
But I'm not complaining, I think it's wise to make use of the mornings and of course, only to make room to do other things, like work. Talkin' about new beginnings; today was also the first day of my internship at Senator Barbara Boxer's district office in downtown LA. It was a little surreal being in the Federal Building and being surrounded by people dressed in suits doing who knows what but seemingly something important, hearing the phone ring nonstop, and feeling that DC sentiment all over again. It was amazing. I spent some time answering phone calls and listening to concerned citizens and angry rants. Even though there was a lot of voiced opinions I disagreed with I was so inspired by that person's initiative to call. At least they're doing something! It's funny because as an activist associated with a number of progressive nonprofit organizations, I get these emails urging me to call my representative and occasionally I'll jot the number down but most of the time I just hit delete. Email, OK, I can do that but picking up the phone to call some long-distance number and say what?? is a bit intimidating. Another thing I did was sort through Senator Boxer's mail. This was interesting because I wanted to read every letter she received, and it was a Monday so there were tons! Most of the letters dealt with immigration, the war in Iraq and social security. One person sent the senator a random home photograph, another a Christmas card that read, "Please, don't give our kids coal." The thought and time people put into a little political activism says a lot. People actually care!
Riding the Metro Goldline from Pasadena to Union Station is indeed another highlight of the internship. It gives me time to read, reflect, enjoy beautiful scenery, talk to people..and possibly find my perfect match? Ha! As I boarded the train today I sat across this middle-aged man wearing a security shirt for MSNBC or so I remember. I asked him if he knew how long the walk from Union Station was to the Federal Building. He rambled a little bit, confident of what he was saying but also unsure of the direction he was giving. At the same time he was flipping the cover of some fancy phone, the palm-pilot kind of with email, messaging, camera, all that technical stuff. He told me about how he the guy he was talking to on the ride left it and how he didn't know what to do or how to use the phone. I took hold of the phone, pressed a button and the screen appeared. My initial instinct was to search the phone's address book for a house number and called it. The mom of the owner picked up and seemed worried. I gave her my cell number and reassured her that I'd return the phone as soon as her son called. The man sensed that I knew what to do and thanked me for taking care of it all (even though he's really to thank) and on his way out he stopped and said, "You know what, I think you'll like this guy. He's young, good-looking, seems smart. Maybe you two will hit it off." I laughed, excited and thinking how movie-like the whole situation seemed but at the same time I wasn't going to get excited over nothing so I tried to think of something else on the ride to downtown LA, like how much I was looking forward to getting a call from this boy. ..fast forward a few hours after finally talking to him, the internship, tea at Zephyr, dinner with Jenny, and then I go to drop off the phone at his house, which turns out to be a house I pass almost every day on the way to school. I rang the doorbell (this is around 9pm) and he opens the door, and is really cute. I hand him his phone, he says thanks and I try to spark a little conversation but it's a bit awkward. We shake hands and I drive away.
Jenny was outraged that he didn't give me at least 50 bucks for graciously returning his MDA; I was sad that that would be the end of it. But when I got home I got a call from him. He apologized for not thanking me enough and tried to explain how shocked he was at the fact that someone actually returned his phone. Then he asked if he could take me out to lunch! I know, I know this is so cheesy but I'm really looking forward to it.
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