Alrighty, some things I found important to say. Turkey Break is from November 25 to November 27 plus the weekend. Remember several things about this holiday this year. That despite the financial hardships, despite your scuffles and fights, these people that will hopefully gather around the table with you this Thanksgiving are still your family, whatever that terms means to you. Basically, people who have compassion for you and will be with you to the end. And even if you don't celebrate Thanksgiving, every culture has a celebration of thanks or appreciation for their family. Remember what matters and it's not material things.
On a lighter note this Turkey Break is an opportunity to sleep! I don't know about you but for me MUCH SLEEPING will be going on. It's the snowball effect regarding sleeping in college. You stay up late one day, which means less sleep the next day and then you stay up late another night which causes you to lose more sleep and you get the picture... This break is also to get a hold on things. If you are anything like me and knowing most of you are not freshman this likely isn't the case you seemed to have procrastinated (put off doing things) enough so that you are now occupying your time making up for time you've lost. Relief is soon at hand my friends!
Also, as a reminder, there are some plans being made for trips through Jonathan Triplett such as a ski trip on Winter Break and a hiking trip through the Chicksaw recreation area this coming weekend. If you haven't gotten the email but are interested in either of these things I can get that information to you.
One thing I am passionate about is reading and you can't forget to do that. Even it is just reading a little of the New York Times each day you need to read it. It keeps you informed on what is going on in the world plus it can get you used to the idioms and figurative language of the English language. Plus, if you go into lengthier modes of text then you have a little world you can enter that can take you from the stress and reality of one's own world.
Enough about my rambling on. I said this post was about Turkey Break and the International Showcase. Your blogger here is found. The International Showcase is to be November 17th during the peak lunch hours. Make sure your people know what they are to do tomorrow! It is sure to be fun and for those participating, dress to impress! The International Showcase is hosted in the cafeteria and will showcase various foods from cultures present at OCU. Items and other demonstrations are also present. Unless things have changed, students get to vote on the most appealing, appetizing cuisine this year! So come with empty bellies and a critics eye! :)
Monday, November 16, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
A New Identity: I Have Two Names.
Many international students at OCU have English names, and it seems that they have them for different reasons: for native speakers who ‘can not’ pronunciate their native names and for creating a new identity when they speak a new language. However, some language learners say it is funny to have another name. It depends on the person.
As a matter of fact, a new name means a new identity, speaking a new language. If you have ever tried to learn a foreign language, you might understand how difficult it is to learn a different language. As a Korean who grew up only speaking my native language, it was not easy to learn English, which has a totally different character and sound system. Now, as an English learner who keeps making an effort to be a good English speaker, I would like to say that I call myself Hyejung and Ellie. I have two names: Hyejung, my Korean name and Ellie, my English name.
When I had my very first English conversation class about ten years ago, the native English teacher asked the students to think about an English name. Since I had not thought about an English name- a NEW name - I did not know what I should name myself. Many of my friends had an English name which started with the same consonant of their Korean name. Instead, I wanted to think about my character and who I am as a person. I got an idea when my friend told me I was just like Alice from Alice in Wonderland, who is full of curiosity. I agreed and I picked up the name, but I wanted to make it shorter and sound like two syllables because “Alice” pronounced in Korean is three syllables. I also changed Alice to Ellie because it was the name of my favorite cartoon character at that time.
Sometimes my friends would change their name after a while because they didn’t like it anymore; however, I thought it was strange to change the name because it was a ‘name’ not a ‘nickname’. The more people called me Ellie, the more I developed my new identity. I have been called solely Ellie for about ten years. Now, even many of my Korean friends call me Ellie. Do you also feel like it is YOU when you are called by the new name? Whether it is your ‘original’ name or your ‘new’ name, if you do feel it is you, it is you!
Ellie Kim
TESOL Graduate Student
MSA E-Newsletter Coordinator
As a matter of fact, a new name means a new identity, speaking a new language. If you have ever tried to learn a foreign language, you might understand how difficult it is to learn a different language. As a Korean who grew up only speaking my native language, it was not easy to learn English, which has a totally different character and sound system. Now, as an English learner who keeps making an effort to be a good English speaker, I would like to say that I call myself Hyejung and Ellie. I have two names: Hyejung, my Korean name and Ellie, my English name.
When I had my very first English conversation class about ten years ago, the native English teacher asked the students to think about an English name. Since I had not thought about an English name- a NEW name - I did not know what I should name myself. Many of my friends had an English name which started with the same consonant of their Korean name. Instead, I wanted to think about my character and who I am as a person. I got an idea when my friend told me I was just like Alice from Alice in Wonderland, who is full of curiosity. I agreed and I picked up the name, but I wanted to make it shorter and sound like two syllables because “Alice” pronounced in Korean is three syllables. I also changed Alice to Ellie because it was the name of my favorite cartoon character at that time.
Sometimes my friends would change their name after a while because they didn’t like it anymore; however, I thought it was strange to change the name because it was a ‘name’ not a ‘nickname’. The more people called me Ellie, the more I developed my new identity. I have been called solely Ellie for about ten years. Now, even many of my Korean friends call me Ellie. Do you also feel like it is YOU when you are called by the new name? Whether it is your ‘original’ name or your ‘new’ name, if you do feel it is you, it is you!
Ellie Kim
TESOL Graduate Student
MSA E-Newsletter Coordinator
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
OKC Day Tour
Sometimes we don’t realize we can find a lot of adventures and interesting experiences right here in our daily life, not far away out there. I believe that if we look around a bit more carefully, we will have more of a chance to make our life exciting, have valuable experiences and understand our lives better, which are connected to the surroundings and other people. I believe that it is truly worth spending one day visiting some places near my home. It doesn’t have to be “special exploration”; sometimes I just try to walk along new streets to find some restaurants or cafes. That is an easy way but brings me to a real exploration which makes my life more exciting and fun. Furthermore, if there are some tourist attractions or some events in my town, those can be better to have valuable experiences. I want you to know that whenever you see the chance, take it!
On Sep 12, 2009, I got the chance to make my new life wonderful with good memories and experiences in the USA thanks to Multicultural Student Association at OCU. The date was also an anniversary to celebrate my first month in the USA. As I spent a month in my new life at OCU, everything was absolutely new. Especially, Oklahoma City was a place that I hadn’t heard about before, nor could imagine staying to live and study. So, I was eager to know about my new place, and the OKC Day Tour was a great chance to quench my thirst, for sure!
For ONE day, we had a schedule to go to many great places in Oklahoma City; however, we were not really in a hurry or we weren’t forced to “Go, go, go!” as the group tours usually tell their tourists. It is true that at first I was suspicious that we would not visit all the places on schedule - which seemed like too many places for one day- but we really made it. We went to the following places in OKC: State Capitol, Oklahoma History Center, OKC National Memorial, Lake Hefner for lunch, Museum of Art, Petroleum Club, Myriad Botanical Gardens, and Bricktown Canal.
State Capitol
The best part of the State Capitol was the ceiling—dome-shaped with gorden-colored flowers. The ceiling was surrounded by the pictures which describe the history of Oklahoma, early settlement in the USA, and Indians – their spirits and their lives. The big pictures were hung all around the wall. The pictures showed a variety of Oklahoma scenery and its weather of each season. The famous one – the tornado—looked very scary to me, and also the painted clear deep blue sky and the scenery made me feel like I was there. I liked the Oklahoma sky- the dynamic and energetic characters.
Oklahoma History Center
We were definitely lucky to be there because it had been held in the September festival! We had some hands-on experiences. I tried to make a horse with paper and wooden sticks, I had a virtual fishing – I caught largemouth bass! - I wore a cowboy hat and gun, and especially, I met a Native American wearing his costume and playing a traditional musical instrument. Learning its unique history, I saw lots of the visual exhibits of Oklahoma’s history, spirit and challenges.
OKC National Memorial
Museum of Art
It was one of my favorite places as a person who does appreciate art. First, I was happy that there was an art galley in OKC! Yahoo~ Second, I really wanted to go to the Museum of Art to see the special exhibit, More than Impressionism: Turner to Cezanne, so it was a double pleasure for me to enjoy lots of exhibits. Furthermore, I was impressed by Oklahoma glass art which is famous nationwide in the USA. I will visit the museum next time spending more time to appreciate works of art. Thank you for the great art information, MSA! My spirit will not be drained any longer in OKC.
Petroleum Club
It is a unique place where people are allowed to enter only by group tours or special invitations for a party. I think it might be the highest place in OKC. In Seoul where I come from, we have a tower called Seoul Tower where we can enjoy the whole view of Seoul. The elevator was amazingly speedy to get to the top. At the top of the building, I could see the whole view of Oklahoma City. The weather was a bit cloudy, but I enjoyed seeing the streets, the buildings, and even the cloudy sky.
Myriad Botanical Gardens
I am a “nature-friendly” person. I love trees, plants, flowers and animals. For anyone who likes to see lots of beautiful tropical plants, I highly recommend Myriad Botanical Gardens. In Korea, we don’t have tropical plants. I was amazed by the exotic plants and flowers and also, the decorations on the wall were so pretty; I felt like I was in a magic land. It was raining outside, so unfortunately we couldn’t go to the outdoor gardens. I will go to Myriad Botanical Gardens again.
Bricktown Canal
The OKC Day Tour Trip 2009 was an amazing experience for me. I had a good time learning about Oklahoma and its history, having pure fun and excitement, and making many good friends from many different countries. If you have a flyer about the OKC Day Tour Trip, you should have the time to gain multiple benefits in one day. I am sure you will like it!
Ellie Kim (TESOL Graduate Student)
MSA E-newsletter Coordinator
On Sep 12, 2009, I got the chance to make my new life wonderful with good memories and experiences in the USA thanks to Multicultural Student Association at OCU. The date was also an anniversary to celebrate my first month in the USA. As I spent a month in my new life at OCU, everything was absolutely new. Especially, Oklahoma City was a place that I hadn’t heard about before, nor could imagine staying to live and study. So, I was eager to know about my new place, and the OKC Day Tour was a great chance to quench my thirst, for sure!
For ONE day, we had a schedule to go to many great places in Oklahoma City; however, we were not really in a hurry or we weren’t forced to “Go, go, go!” as the group tours usually tell their tourists. It is true that at first I was suspicious that we would not visit all the places on schedule - which seemed like too many places for one day- but we really made it. We went to the following places in OKC: State Capitol, Oklahoma History Center, OKC National Memorial, Lake Hefner for lunch, Museum of Art, Petroleum Club, Myriad Botanical Gardens, and Bricktown Canal.
State Capitol
The best part of the State Capitol was the ceiling—dome-shaped with gorden-colored flowers. The ceiling was surrounded by the pictures which describe the history of Oklahoma, early settlement in the USA, and Indians – their spirits and their lives. The big pictures were hung all around the wall. The pictures showed a variety of Oklahoma scenery and its weather of each season. The famous one – the tornado—looked very scary to me, and also the painted clear deep blue sky and the scenery made me feel like I was there. I liked the Oklahoma sky- the dynamic and energetic characters.
Oklahoma History Center
We were definitely lucky to be there because it had been held in the September festival! We had some hands-on experiences. I tried to make a horse with paper and wooden sticks, I had a virtual fishing – I caught largemouth bass! - I wore a cowboy hat and gun, and especially, I met a Native American wearing his costume and playing a traditional musical instrument. Learning its unique history, I saw lots of the visual exhibits of Oklahoma’s history, spirit and challenges.
OKC National Memorial
It was very sad and shocking news that I had heard in OKC. I couldn’t believe that bombing happened there. We walked through the gates of time, field of empty chairs and the survivor tree. It started raining when we got there. I prayed for the innocent and for hope.
Lake Hefner for lunch
The OKC board members rocked! I had a good lunch – yummy Chinese lunch with snacks and drinks, enjoying the view of the lake!
Museum of Art
It was one of my favorite places as a person who does appreciate art. First, I was happy that there was an art galley in OKC! Yahoo~ Second, I really wanted to go to the Museum of Art to see the special exhibit, More than Impressionism: Turner to Cezanne, so it was a double pleasure for me to enjoy lots of exhibits. Furthermore, I was impressed by Oklahoma glass art which is famous nationwide in the USA. I will visit the museum next time spending more time to appreciate works of art. Thank you for the great art information, MSA! My spirit will not be drained any longer in OKC.
Petroleum Club
It is a unique place where people are allowed to enter only by group tours or special invitations for a party. I think it might be the highest place in OKC. In Seoul where I come from, we have a tower called Seoul Tower where we can enjoy the whole view of Seoul. The elevator was amazingly speedy to get to the top. At the top of the building, I could see the whole view of Oklahoma City. The weather was a bit cloudy, but I enjoyed seeing the streets, the buildings, and even the cloudy sky.
Myriad Botanical Gardens
I am a “nature-friendly” person. I love trees, plants, flowers and animals. For anyone who likes to see lots of beautiful tropical plants, I highly recommend Myriad Botanical Gardens. In Korea, we don’t have tropical plants. I was amazed by the exotic plants and flowers and also, the decorations on the wall were so pretty; I felt like I was in a magic land. It was raining outside, so unfortunately we couldn’t go to the outdoor gardens. I will go to Myriad Botanical Gardens again.
Bricktown Canal
I was very happy that we have Bricktown in OKC! It was such an exciting and romantic place. The reason why I say “romantic” is because of the Bricktown Canal. I really didn’t know there was such a beautiful canal in Bricktown. Along the stream, there were little paths where couples, families and friends were walking, enjoying the stream and sightseeing. Some places were decorated by pictures that reminded me of old European streets; some places had little waterfalls which were the perfect match with the canal. My favorite part was the huge statues which described chasing and being chased by horse-ridings. It looked so realistic-- urgent faces, traces of the hooves, and carriages; I enjoyed watching them with bated breath.
The OKC Day Tour Trip 2009 was an amazing experience for me. I had a good time learning about Oklahoma and its history, having pure fun and excitement, and making many good friends from many different countries. If you have a flyer about the OKC Day Tour Trip, you should have the time to gain multiple benefits in one day. I am sure you will like it!
Ellie Kim (TESOL Graduate Student)
MSA E-newsletter Coordinator
Korean Culture Day
WHEN: November 11, 2009
WHERE: Great Hall - University Center
WHAT TIME: 12pm - 2pm
WHAT DO WE HAVE: Korean traditional food, culture show, silent auction and door prizes.
ADMISSION: $3 for everybody!!!
COME and CELEBRATE with OCU KOREAN COMMUNITY!!!!
Further information, contact Korean Student Association at jlim.stu2@my.okcu.edu
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