Konichiwa (こにちわ)
By D’Juan McGee
Hello friends and curious readers! Here is another awesome update from yours truly! So far this week our class received three new students from Vietnam, created Japanese flower arrangements with other students from Kansai, attended a disaster prevention seminar and was assigned groups for a major presentation that we will be presenting on February 3.
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On Monday our class talked about want we did over the weekend. I got a chance to visit many shopping malls, book stores and street shops in Osaka. I also hung out with my new friends at their home in Takatsu, Japan. After our mini update the class was split into groups of four students and each had to pick one topic from a list of seven options to present on. My group picked “Amagasaki.” This means we have to do a presentation about the history and culture of the Amagasaki area. Did I mention that the presentation must be in “Nihongo” (Japanese language)? No pressure at all!
The second part of class was spent learning about Japanese flower arrangement. Now I have to admit I have never done a flower arrangement in my life, but this class was very fun. One of the teachers said that my flower arrangement was very pretty and so I donated it to the English lounge at Kansai.
On Tuesday our class attended a disaster prevention seminar. This seminar was very moving because it talked about the Great Hanshin-Awaji (Kobe) earthquake that occurred on Tuesday, January 17, 1995. We saw video footage of the earthquake in action and the devastation that it left behind. I have no personal experience with earthquakes but from what I have learned they can be really devastating if prevention isn’t taken serious. After the seminar my Senseii classmates took many pictures of the items that were recovered from the earthquake.
Well that is all that I have for the moment so until next time Ja mata desu (じゃまたです).
To learn more about the UC MBAL program, visit: www.ucwv.edu/business/mbal
Reunited
by D’Juan McGee
I’m happy to announce that my bag and I were reunited after being separated for three whole days. Though it was a joyous event my bag came back safe it did however suffer some major damages which will require me to buy a new one before my departure back to America.
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Right now the weather is cold and gloomy and it has rained for the last four days with overcast. Apart from the lovely weather and the damaged suitcase, my class at Kansai University is going well. Our homework for this weekend is to take pictures of the places we visited around Japan and then give a four-minute presentation on it in Japanese. For anyone who knows me I can give a presentation with no problem because I can talk all day long. However, giving a presentation in Japanese is very intimidating and will require a lot of work on my part.
Today the International Department hosted a luncheon with a presentation welcoming us again to their University. This was an awesome event because everyone wanted to take a picture with me. During the luncheon a few Japanese students sat down with us and asked us questions in Japanese. Half of the time my answers were “wakarimasen” which means “I don’t understand.”
One thing I have notice among the Asian culture as a whole is their genuine kindness towards other people. Anytime we are doing group work they always making sure Sara Fanger and I know what is going on in class. Sarah is the other American student from California University. Yes, I do hangout with Sarah a lot because she can speak English and her Japanese is really good. I did manage to make it to a wonderful little Ramen noodle restaurant near Kansai University. Ordering food at this place was super easy and you didn’t have to leave a tip because you paid for your food at a vending machine in the front of the restaurant. I know for a fact that we don’t have anything like this in America.
Well I’m off to study Japanese, so until next time “Mata de” (See you Later).
To learn more about the UC MBAL program, visit: www.ucwv.edu/business/mbal
A New Awakening
by D’Juan McGee
Editor’s Note: University of Charleston Master of Business Administration and Leadership (MBAL) student D’Juan McGee recently set off to study abroad at Kansai University in Amagaisaki, Japan. He is blogging about his adventures from across the world for “The UC Experience.”
As I was sitting in the Tacoma-Seattle Airport waiting to board my plane to Japan I looked around the room to see who might be that lucky person sitting next to me on the plane. When I got on the plane I noticed the plane was not full and I would be getting a seat all to myself. Apart from my TV screen going out 1 hour into my flight this was the best 11-hour plane ride I’ve ever experienced. Landing in Osaka was a little traumatizing. Just imagine looking out the window and thinking that your plane is going to land in the water and then all of a sudden “There’s a runway.”
Getting through customs was very easy however getting my bags was a challenge. My greatest fear has always been losing my bags and needless to say one of my bags didn’t make it to Japan that day. Standing there looking puzzled as to why my other bag didn’t show up on the turntable I cautiously approached the Delta customer service and asked them what happened to my other bag. I soon found out my other bag was in Hawaii!! How did it get to Hawaii? I will never know.
The attended assured me that it will arrive in two days and that the airport will personally mail it to Kansai University in Amagaisaki, Japan. After sorting out that I met up with Rina San who was patiently waiting for me at the arrival gate and we headed off to Kansai University. While riding on a bus headed to Osaka I meet a high school student that was learning English and just got back from a study abroad program in Korea. I was very impressed with her English skills.
The University is located in the middle of Amagaisaki behind a huge department store. My first impression of the school was “Wow I would LOVE to attend school here.” The students and staff are very nice and most of them know how to speak English. I love the sound of the bell that signals when classes start and finish. It is a very pleasant sound. Since I missed the orientation day, because of a 10 hour layover in Seattle, I went to meet all of my fellow participants in the program in our first class session.
The class was very intimidating at first because I felt like I step into an advance Japanese class. I slowly begin to notice that some students were very good and some students like me were like a fish out of water. After taking a quick tour around the school I was introduced to a room called the English Lab where you could only speak English. I quickly made friends with everyone in there because I knew that we could help each other with Japanese and English.
My accommodation is amazing. I am staying in Nada Japan which is a 20-minute train ride from Kansai University and there are a lot of foreigners that live in my building. My first night there I was freezing because I didn’t know how to work the heat.
I’m looking forward to all the new things I will be learning here in Japan. So until next time.. Ja mata (See you Later).
To learn more about the UC MBAL program, visit: www.ucwv.edu/business/mbal
Peer Educators at UC
by Mary Beth Romine
The First Year Experience (FYE) for incoming freshmen and transfers at the University of Charleston includes a University 101 class, which helps new students acclimate themselves to life at UC. Within this class there is a mentor and a student assistant otherwise known as a PE, or Peer Educator. Peer Educators are part of the Student Life Department on campus and have the major role of leading incoming freshmen to success throughout their college career.
The 2011-12 UC Peer Educators
A peer educator some may say is a friend, leader, role model, teacher and much more. We guide incoming freshmen into a successful transition from high school to college by teaching them techniques for studying, communication skills, and the use of resources available at UC. We are to help them understand the universities unique learning programs with the LLO’s (Liberal Learning Outcomes) to result in each student having the opportunity to learning your way.
In University 101 and 102 freshmen complete their communication portfolios equivalent to freshmen writing and other universities speech class. It gives them the opportunity to learn the correct way of effectively communicating to their audience and how to organize their thoughts. Also, the class demonstrates ethical thinking and community service activities to help lead students to actively commit to the universities mission statement “to educate each student for a life of productive work, enlightened living and community involvement.”
The Peer Education Program not only helps incoming freshmen with the transition but it also helps us as PE’s to stay actively involved with the campus and mission we wish to fulfill. You have a different set of students every year, a great variety of personalities and traits that you get to teach and handle. This experience lets upperclassmen stay in tune with campus activities and builds relationships and networking opportunities within UC with different faculty members and new students. It’s always a pleasure to service others and make a student’s experience here at UC positive and more efficient.
Fulfilling a Dream
by John Barker
Once, long ago, there was a young boy with a passion for books. He couldn’t get enough of them. As an excuse to spend his life reading, the young boy decided he would become an English professor; it didn’t matter what it would take.
When the time came for college, the boy expectedly chose to major in English, and it would forever change his life. He had only wanted to read, but the more time he spent around his love, the more he understood it. Reading was a way to identify with other cultures, other time periods, other perspective, through a unique and beautiful medium: language. What started as n excuse became a dedication, and the boy truly understood what it meant to be an English major. Fin.
While life is, unfortunately, not so fairy tale, being an English major is a lot like my little story. I love books, and so it only seemed natural to make it my major. But as I ventured deeper into this world, I came to understand the major, and what it really meant. One of my greatest dreams has always been to be an English professor, and due to my careful consideration,
I’m on the road to making it happen. I won’t lie, it isn’t the most secure of career paths. However, if you are willing to put the work in, you can really make a career out of it. “Work?” Haha, of course work. If you’re considering this, I know I don’t have to tell you that. No matter what anyone says, English is just as respectable a major as any other one, so long as you have the foresight. Professor, editor, newspaper manager, they are all necessary professions that many people neglect. They are pertinent, however. As for whom you’ll be gaining your knowledge from, they are great people. Considering the dedication it takes to immerse yourself in literature daily, you know you are in for an enjoyable experience when you walk into class. As we all know, though, hearing about something is just never the same.
Try out the major at the University of Charleston, and see for yourself. You might be in for a surprise.
To find out more about the English program at UC, as well as other great majors, visit: ucwv.edu/majors/
Finding the Perfect College by Fate
by Bethany Ramos
I was 17 years old, sitting in my college prep 101 class searching for which colleges I planned on applying to. One thing I knew for sure is that I was getting out of the small town in Newark, N.Y. Although it is not far from the big city of Rochester and I am thoroughly proud to be a New Yorker I knew I needed the ultimate college experience, completely living my own life far away from home.
During my senior year I attended the Rochester College Fair with my class and was overwhelmed by all the schools trying to recruit perspective students. While at the fair I stopped at the typical booths, such as, St. Lawrence University, Syracuse and SUNY schools, but then I decided to not follow the crowd and stop at some of the smaller booths. To be completely honest I cannot even recall some of the college’s names but one in particular booth stood out at me. There was one admissions representative standing at a booth who looked enthusiastic and approachable, so I pursued the school she was trying to promote.
If you haven’t figured it out, she was promoting the University of Charleston. She told me about various intern opportunities in Charleston, W.Va., and since I strived to be a lawyer it seemed like the perfect fit. I told my mom about my college fair experience and was able to narrow down my applications to five schools. The only out-of-state school I applied to was UC. Even though my mom wasn’t exactly thrilled about the idea we decided it was best for me to visit every campus to ensure I wanted to apply there. A couple months later, we were on our way to West Virginia for the first time.
All in all, I am now a current student at UC and couldn’t be happier with the choice I made two years ago to attend an out-of-state school. Besides the fact that this campus made me feel comfortable and was surrounded by a culture totally opposite of what I was used to, I knew I would always wonder ‘what if’ had I not come here.
Since my decision to attend the University of Charleston, I have had to adapt to many cultural differences. Although I still totally believe in mountain men and obtain a fear of them I have learned to embrace the unique culture of this ‘wild and wonderful’ state. The friends I have gained through my experience so far entertain me with their West Virginian slang and their overall perspective on the way I grew up. Our opposing backgrounds, I do believe, is what brings us closer and broadens our horizons to appreciate different ways of life. I would not take back any moment that I have lived out through this experience and I look forward to every moment yet to come.
To learn more about UC, visit: www.ucwv.edu/Admissions
Life beyond the college years
by Amy McClellan, ’05
Hello everyone!
I can’t believe it has been almost seven years since I graduated from the University of Charleston. I will always be grateful for the experiences that I had at UC and the friendships I made along the way. While “learning my way” at UC I had amazing opportunities that helped make me the person I am today.
Last year, I accepted my dream position working in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Abu Dhabi is a peaceful city situated on the Arabian Gulf many, many miles from UC. How did I end up in the Middle East? Well, let me start in the beginning…
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I owe many thanks to Marc Trocchio, my high school guidance counselor, and fellow alum for encouraging me to apply to the University of Charleston. At first I thought he was crazy! Me? A city girl from Long Island moving to West Virginia? Well, I went to UC to visit and fell in love. I loved the size of the campus, the location, the education program, and the professors. I was ecstatic to find out that I had been accepted as an involvement scholar. When I look back at my college years they have absolutely helped shape me into the person I am today. I had amazing internship experiences, leadership opportunities, and met so many important people that continue to be a huge part of my life.
After college, I intended to move back home and start searching for a job. Turns out, the job market for teachers in New York was not exactly great at the time. A friend from college called and told me that his school in Tampa, Florida was hiring teachers. I interviewed, accepted a position and moved to Florida two weeks later. After three years, I decided to go back to school to get my master’s degree in Educational Leadership. Working full time and going to school full time was brutal, but I managed to squeeze in a trip to Europe to visit another friend from college. I had such an amazing time that I decided to look for an overseas position for the following school year. I wanted to see more of the world and just couldn’t afford it on my current salary. I started looking for jobs, weighed my options, went through a lengthy interview process and finally signed a contract to work for the government of Abu Dhabi. The day after I completed graduate school, I boarded a plane headed to the desert.
The best part about living in Abu Dhabi is its close proximity to so many amazing countries. In the past two years I have been to England, France, Greece, Turkey, Spain, Ethiopia, Cambodia, Oman, Thailand, and Egypt. I could write pages and pages about all of these places but will limit myself to telling you about one particular experience in an African country that captured my heart.
Addis Ababa is a city in the beautiful country of Ethiopia, where I was fortunate enough to spend one of my holiday breaks volunteering at a children’s home and learning center. For a school that lacked so many resources, including electricity in the classrooms, the students were still challenged with an excellent curriculum and were fluent in two languages. More importantly, they LOVED being at school! While at the learning center, I worked closely with the teachers, leading workshops on classroom management strategies and curriculum development. The teachers were amazing but my favorite part of this trip was getting to know the children. It was such a humbling experience for me, and left me with memories that always put a smile on my face. I think about those children often and hope to return one day to see them again.
While in Ethiopia, I was able to take a day trip to Wenchi Crater Lake. As we left the city of Addis Ababa and headed out into the countryside, I was blown away by the simple beauty that surrounded me. As we drove many hours along a bumpy dirt road, we passed through villages where all of the homes were built of sticks and mud, villages where people have never heard of computers, washing machines, televisions or microwaves. When you grow up in a western society it is easy for forget that other cultures throughout the world still live this way. I have seen photos and read stories about Ethiopia and other places like it, but there is something very surreal and fascinating about seeing these areas with your own eyes. If you ever get the chance to visit a place like Ethiopia, I highly recommend taking it!
People always want to know what I plan on doing next. As for the immediate future, I will continue working and living in Abu Dhabi. I am leaving for India in a few days and will be traveling to Nepal in March. Eventually, I would like to teach education classes at the college level. My elementary education professors at UC had a lasting impact on my life and I hope to do the same for teacher candidates someday. But for now, I am extremely happy floating around the world learning about different cultures with my eyes wide open.
For more information on the UC education program, visit: www.ucwv.edu/majors/education/
What it Means To Be A Political Science Major
by Hajar Jouglaf
They say, “…College is the beginning of the rest of your life.” So, what are you going to do with your life? Many students feel pressured to choose a college major before they arrive in college, while others are quiet unsure of what they wish to pursue. Fortunately, I came into college knowing what major I belonged in.
As I was growing up, my parents encouraged me to pursue a successful career I would enjoy having. They have never dictated which field I should go into but rather encouraged my siblings and I to explore all subjects. I determined I would like to work for the United Nations one day. I started to explore what I steps I needed to take in order to reach my life-long goal. As I researched, I realized I need to be in the government /political science sector. I wanted to be an international affairs lawyer.
I was providential enough to come into the University of Charleston cognizant of what major I wanted to be in: political science. Due to my illustrious interest in politics and government, I knew I was going to be challenged and content in this social science field. At first, my advisor asked about my goals and how a political science degree would help me achieve them. As I discussed the desire to be a lawyer, she informed me about the “fast track program.” She said most studious political science majors choose the fast track program, where they will finish their degree in three years. Then, they will further their education by attending law school or graduate school. This was the perfect opportunity to save money and time.
As a freshman, to be a political science major means to be involved. Since most political science freshman courses are not extremely difficult, they will leave you time to double major, take part in extracurricular activities or intern. Personally, I challenged myself by taking more than 19 credit hours (the maximum for most freshman) last year. In addition, I was able to fulfill my internship requirements for my major by interning with Organizing for America. Despite the extra load in hours and the internship, I still had time to enjoy dinners and other school events with my friends. As a political science major, freshman year was eventful and amusing. Although, I cannot say the same for my sophomore year.
First semester of sophomore year is one of stress and success! I decided I would like to overload on hours, take up executive board positions in organizations, work and be a Peer Educator. This year, my semester is extremely hectic and barely allows for fun. My classes have become rigorous, challenging and exigent, thus I am applying more critical thinking skills in order to be prepared for law school. The meticulous academic course combined with leadership roles have made this semester tremendously productive.
Overall, the political science major is one that will require extensive dedication but will result in academically satisfying results. I love to further my knowledge on political issues. The professors connect historical and contemporary events in order to help analyze current situations and discuss solutions to them. It is a major for future world leaders and problem solvers, which is why I am delighted to work with a brilliant faculty and motivated students everyday.
For more information on the UC political science program, visit: http://www.ucwv.edu/majors/political_science/
How to Get Through Finals
by Kelsey Martin
It’s that time of year again. The weather is getting colder, the possibility of snow is in the air, and UC students are running rampant across campus trying to get final projects and studying for exams done before they head home for the holidays. 
As a communications student, I don’t have many finals, but final projects are definitely in abundance this semester: two huge 5-minute PowerPoint videos, one Photoshop project, a student film, two presentations, a 10-page paper, and of course two of your standard final exams. Throw in a 15-hour work week in between all these assignments and you have yourself a stress sandwich. Of course with everything that is going on, problems will arise, but it’s up to you to decide whether you’re going to succumb or succeed. So, what do you do?
Dealing with Stress 101:
1.) Stock up on Vitamin C. I know when I become stressed, my immune system is the first to go. With such much on your plate, you can’t afford to get sick at such a crucial time in the semester. My best advice is to buy as much orange juice as possible. It wouldn’t hurt to take a daily vitamin, as well. If you don’t like orange juice, then get a vitamin that is packed with B and C vitamins.
2.) Avoid energy drinks. Sure, they have enough caffeine to give you that boost that you need, but it’s not for the long haul. Unless you chug energy drink after energy drink, which is highly dangerous, the “energy” will only last for a bit, until you’ll crash.
3.) Sleep. I know, I know. Sleep? For a college student? I’m one of those night owls that finds it impossible to sleep at night, too. But really, if you don’t sleep, then there’s no point in following step 1 or 2, because you’re going to get sick and crash, anyway. Pulling an all-nighter to finish that paper that you waited until last minute to do isn’t a very good idea. Instead try to get to sleep early, then you can wake up early and finish it in the morning. Which leads me to step 4…
4.) Create a schedule of everything you need to do. Time management can either be your best friend or your worst enemy. It reminds you of absolutely everything you need to do, so it might cause you to freak out just a little. On the other hand, if you make a schedule of everything you need to do – homework, studying, meetings, work, etc. – you’ll be more organized and prepared to manage your time.
5.) Set aside time for yourself. Most importantly is to make time for yourself. Sitting at your desk looking over notes or writing a paper for hours will get the job done, but it can also drive you crazy. When you make your schedule, set some time aside for yourself. Even if it’s just 15 minutes to watch some TV, read a book, or do your nails, it’ll help you relax and take a little pressure off your shoulders.
Follow these steps and you’re golden. Go forth and conquer, my friends.
Finding My Way
by Lynnse Spencer
During my time here at the University of Charleston, I have grown from a girl, to a young woman. UC has helped shaped me into an active community helper, a studious bookworm, and a better athlete.
Lynnse Spencer
When I first showed up on campus, and throughout my freshman year, I took on the task of a major of athletic training and two sports: cross-country and track. Over the next semester I had decided that Athletic Training and cross-country were not for me (this is completely normal when you are first exploring the aspects of college; what you like, what you don’t like, what you want to be).
My advisor was great in helping me to decide which path was best for me and which major would better help me in the future since I was wanting to attend veterinarian school. I ended up becoming a biology major, which was a great choice. The professors in my program are knowledgeable, personable and help to make your experience the best it can be. UC’s biology program is one of the best in the state and is designed to help students to graduate with a 99 percent chance of job placing in the field. If you like science, the human body or plants I would highly suggest taking this route in your college career!
Athletics was a huge reason I came to the University of Charleston. Playing a sport and having college classes is no walk in the park, however. Running track here has been like having a job. We work hard at what we do, but the outcomes are so rewarding. I have met so many new people and have made great friends. The best part though, is getting to wear that jersey as you run around the track in a race! You’re representing a college, and one of the best.
So, if you’re looking for a “small community” feel with a relaxing atmosphere then the University of Charleston is for you. Have fun deciding on colleges, and keep us at the top of your list!
