Hey everyone,

Can I just say that this past week has felt like a lifetime? And then some? I didn't realize how slow syllabus week was until it was Thursday and we we finally getting into some of the material. I think part of it is because of how little time I have to go off-campus during the week, but also because half of my classes are introductory courses, meaning we won't really get into the "good stuff" until a little bit into the semester.

Overall I feel like my first week was alright. My global politics class is dragging, but I really think that's because the professor has to cover the basics of politics before we can get into the actual "global" part. This is also an intro course, so it makes sense that we're learning the dry material now, because without it I'm sure the course would be much harder to understand and follow along with. 

My science class, oceanography, is also pretty dry. In similar fashion to that of my Global Politics class, we have to learn all about the history of oceanography before we can get into present-day oceanography. Right now we're studying Polynesian travel, which is actually quite interesting. The lab itself seems like it's going to be pretty relaxed, too. The two hour lab meets only once a week, and I'm very thankful for that. 

As far as language classes go, and I'm sure you've all been looking forward to my review of the Chinese class, I would have to say I'm pretty satisfied. Granted, Chinese could be more fun, but I've come to terms with the fact that it isn't Chinese itself that isn't fun, but the way the professor teaches. Again, I've noticed that she isn't employing powerpoint (or notes for that matter) and has just taught orally. I'm hopeful that this semester I'm going to vastly improve, but I'm trying not to think too far ahead. I just need to focus on the present and try and make as fast an improvement as I can--something that is much easier said than done. 

Unlike Chinese, Korean class is a lot of fun! There's only about 11 students in my class, and while it's relatively quiet, I really appreciate the effort the teacher is putting in trying to get us to know one another. The class is about half boys and half girls, and I think we've actually all had prior exposure to Korean before (even if it be through dramas) which could explain how we're all picking up the language so quickly. I also really like the pace of this class; it's been so long since I was in a 100 level language class that I forgot how slow it could be! I have absolutely no complaints about this class. 

My only other class is "China's Political Economy". I had high hopes for this class, I really did, but I'm a little disappointed in the way the class was executed during its first week. The professor could not, or rather, had a very difficult time explaining the course objectives to us and very few students understand what the homework and projects for the semester will be. When she passed out the syllabus, it's worth mentioning that it wasn't a finished copy. Instead, we were given an edited and full-of-corrections syllabus that is extremely difficult to understand. I'll post a picture for reference. 



As you can see, I had to actually go through the syllabus myself and cross out a lot of it just so that I could understand what I was reading. This is actually a very..tame page. There are some pages where there is more annotation than actual information. And not to spoil anything, but I still don't understand what this syllabus is trying to say. I hope to see the professor during her office hours and try and get a better gauge of what she's asking of me, but if she is still not of any help then I'm going to try going to the undergrad advisor and seeing if he's dealt with this before. 

Outside of school my weekend was also pretty eventful! On Saturday I met up with a great family friend, Sara, who took me to hike Koko Head with her. I'm proud to say that it only took me 34 minutes and I only had to stop a few times! When we went hiking it was actually noon, so if you're planning on climbing these steps then I urge you to please go either in the early morning or late evening. You do not want to be doing this when it's 85 degrees and the sun is directly overhead. 

On Sunday the girls and I, plus our neighbor, drove to China Walls to swim. The waves were a little rough, but the water felt great. I jumped from the top wall, thanks to the help of a local, and climbed out with no scrapes or bruises. The views of the island when you're along the edge of it are so beautiful that it was impossible not to ask Tammy if she could take a picture. This was the view to the right of the walls. 


While I do complain about classes, I have to say I'm overwhelmingly grateful to be back here and living with two of my best friends. I'm putting myself out there more than I did last year and trying to do, and see, as much as I can. I can only hope that this year I don't have the Sophomore Slump, and that I'm able to accomplish everything that I want to. 

Until next time,

Aislinn 

Hey everyone!

So my first day has officially ended and I am hours away from starting day two. What better time to start my "First Day" post than now?

My first day looks, at a glance, very rushed. I have 5 classes with breaks of no more than 15 minutes in between them. My first class of the day is "Global Politics". Theres about 50 kids in the class and it seems to be a good group of half freshmen and half upperclassmen. I guess that just leaves me, the only sophomore in the class. 

After that I head over to "Science of the Sea", which is the introductory course to oceanography. This class might just be my biggest one, as the majority of students in this class are either students majoring in OCN or students just trying to get the easy science credit. I fall under the latter. 

Then, with only 15 minutes, I hustle to my third class: Korean 101. This class is supposed to have 20 students in it, but yesterday only about 12 of us showed up. I'm hopeful that this class will be a lot of fun, because the Korean program has a great reputation and I can't imagine the 101 class being too difficult or boring. From what I've been able to see in the previous 101 classes, the students in Korean 101 seem to become very friendly and very close to each other. I think if this happens that I will be able to enjoy Korean a lot more and will be more apt to taking 102. I can only hope that it is better than Chinese.

Next up is just that- Chinese 301. My class is huge, probably pushing the 20 student limit. These students in this class are no joke. Immediately the class is overwhelming and the students are speaking rapid-fire Mandarin. Again, I have a feeling I'm one of the younger students in this class, with only the freshmen who tested into 301 being younger than me. 

Again, these kids are no joke. I can't tell if it's an upperclassmen mindset of needing to know everything, but there is a clear difference in my Chinese level and theirs. I can't help but wonder where I'm lacking, or what they had done differently. Needless to say I am absolutely miserable in this class and am losing sight of why I'm still in this class, if I'm being honest.

With only 10 minutes in this break, and the teacher being known to go over time, I have to actually sprint across campus to make it to my next class. So, with a set of screaming lungs, I made it with a minute to spare to my Oceanography lab. For 2 and a half hours we're supposed to sit in a lab and review what we've learned in class. Thankfully (because my friend and I were starving) he let us out at 2:30 instead of 4:20. 

And here is where you can take a sigh of relief because that was the end of my academic day. After class my friend Hailey and I caught the A bus and went to a Korean restaurant called Ireh. I ordered the garlic chicken and she got the spicy. The food there is amazing, so if you want some good, local Korean food I recommend trying Ireh - located in McCully! 

After a very late lunch Hailey and I went back to campus and I went off to the new "Welina Manoa" event. Manoa advertised that this would be huge and "highlighting more than 85 student groups", but it turned out to be a gathering of a lot of outside food venders seeking student workers. It was nice if you wanted free food, but since I had already eaten I wasn't hungry. So, after sitting with my two roommates for a little bit I left to go to the gym. An hour later we were walking back and getting ready to do homework.

The rest of the night carried on probably how the rest of the semester will- with the 3 of us hanging out in the living room either eating dinner, scrolling through our phones, or doing homework. Sunday night we had a "Movie Night" and watched a Korean horror film called "Train to Busan", so last night was more of a casual one with not much to do. 

I hope that the rest of you are enjoying your first days back! I hope to get more involved this year, so please look forward to that! 

Until next time,

Aislinn

Hey guys!

Hard to believe we're heading back, right? Just like that, three months have passed and we're on our way to starting our second year of college.

I must admit, there is quite a lot to look forward to this year. For one, I'm finally going to be learning Korean. Second, I'm taking political science classes instead of business (something I'm very excited for). And, most surprisingly, this year is most likely going to be my last year taking Chinese. 

Yes, you read that right. This year will most likely be my last year of learning Chinese. 

It's something that I've debated on for quite a while, but I have come to the conclusion that I really don't want to put myself through that kind of pressure. Chinese 201 was an easy-going, laid-back class that was a complete opposite to 202. In a word, I hated 202. More than that, I loathed going to that class. To me, more than just enjoying college, I want to go to college to study something I'm excited to learn more about. I want to go to college and be eager to go to class. I don't want to go to class with my heart racing because I'm absolutely terrified to sit down, I don't want to go to a class where, even with 2 hours of voluntary tutoring, I still don't feel prepared. And I especially don't want to go to a class that I don't want to take. 

In short, these reasons, among others, are some of the reasons why I'm relieved to not be taking Chinese anymore. Fortunately, with the 200 level already completed I have decided to minor in Chinese instead. Minoring in Chinese means that this year will be my last year taking Chinese. From here on out I will just be required to take culture and linguistic classes. I'm sad that the Chinese language program is so cut-throat, but I would rather figure this out sooner than later. If there's an interest, maybe at a later time I can make a post comparing the East Asian Languages at Manoa, to perhaps give incoming students an idea at how each one holds up. While sad, this is not the end of Chinese. I'm still going to study abroad in China and I'm still going to use it as much as I can. With how much work I've put into learning this language I think it would be a shame to stop using it altogether.

Language classes aside, I can't put into words how excited I am to go back! I can't wait to be back with my friends, back in better weather, and back on my little rock. My first year holds so many fond memories that I can't wait to see how much better this year is for me. Quite honestly, I have a really good feeling about this year. I will try to keep finances out of my posts, but at least from a numerical aspect, this year is going to be a lot less stressful. I especially look forward to going out with my friends and not thinking to myself "But if I don't get the drink then I could put the $2.50 towards tuition...".

Speaking of, there has been a slight change of plans on the apartment for next year.

For those curious, I'm going to be living in one of the on-campus apartments. While not as chic (or clean) as the Freshmen Towers, the apartments offer students a chance to live a little more independently than they previously could. I want to stress, however, that there are multiple kinds of rooms and buildings one can choose from. For the sake of my blog, and because this is what I'm most familiar with, I'm going to be sharing what it's like living in the Co-Ed Quad.

Originally there were four of us (myself, Bella, Tammy, and Jade) living in the apartment. However, as fate would have it, Jade is no longer able to return to Manoa. In respect to her, and because it's not my story to share, I won't be sharing the details. Instead, we will be getting a replacement roommate. We're not sure who she/he will be, but I hope that they're someone who is clean, quiet, and polite. 

When this post goes up I will already be on island and unpacking. Please look forward to my next posts! 

Until next time,

Aislinn 

Hey everyone!

My last post was a little..somber. However, it is now May 15th, which means that yesterday grades were submitted and finalized. Because I spent a lot of this semester posting about how stressed and overwhelmed I was, I wanted to come forward and share with everyone my end of the semester report.

Math 100: A

Honors Genetics: A

East Asian Studies: A-

Chinese 202: B

Ahhh!! I am absolutely thrilled with how my grades turned out and have realized that all my handwork was not in vain. Should I now come forward and say I didn't study for Chinese this semester?  

With my grades having turned out the way they did, I am not only on the Dean's List for another semester, but I am also still on track to take Chinese 301, which I will admit, I am not very excited for. However, I am going to use this semester as a guide on how to better my studying habits for the years to come. This semester was not easy, and I am shocked at the grades I was able to receive. Not saying I did bad in these classes all semester, quite the opposite, but I am shocked at how my handwork paid off. 


Ironically this semester was also when I realized that grades are not everything. Realizing, through the rigor and heavy workload that was Chinese 202, that grades were not the end-all-be-all, was something that took quite some time, but was also what I needed to know. In high school grades are a huge part of your academic career, and I would argue that it's not what you accomplish outside of the classroom that matters the most, but how you perform inside the classroom. In college, however, I learned that grades are not the most important thing there is. To me, while I'm attending UH for the academics, I have also come to learn that there are a number of other things that are also important. For example, and you've seen this coming, maintaining a healthy group of friends is important to me. But this is just me. Everyone's case is different, so while the social aspect of college is also important to me, having a job might be important to you. Again, everyone is different. The main takeaway is that grades are not the most important thing in college.

In addition to finding out my grades, I also wanted to share that I decided to change my schedule for next year. I originally registered for: 

Chinese 301, Oceanography, Korean 101, Political Science 150, and Political Science 110. 

I chose these classes because I wanted to a) finish up my gen ed's, and b) try and find another major (hence polysci). However, I felt a little off about my schedule, and when I really thought about it I realized that it came down to Korean. Yes, I have said for months that I wanted to learn Korean. And I meant it. I have wanted to take Korean for a very long time, and having to remove it from my schedule to make room for another class was a little painful.

If there's one thing I hate about language learning, it's putting off learning the language. 

In my case, once again I have had to sacrifice learning Korean, a hobby, mind you, in leu of another class. Here is what my new schedule looks like:

Chinese 301 (no surprise here), Oceanography, Political Science 110, Economics 310, and Accounting 201. 

Now wait a minute- where did these two classes come from and why did I drop Korean for economics, of all classes?

Because I realized that, in the case of PolySci not being something I want to pursue, I needed a backup. And yes, while business is not something I want to pursue, I figured that the least I could do would be try out two of the pre-reqs and, if it turns out I want to pursue an international business degree, I will have taken at least two of the pre-reqs. 

My absolute last case scenario, if both of these turn out to be subjects that don't click, would be communications. I'm not a fan of this major, but I would probably do something along the lines of journalism, as an example. I'm not saying I'm majoring in journalism, but as an example I would try and find an area within communications that I feel fits well with me. As an example, journalism would be that area. 

It has been half a week since returning back to the mainland, and there have been quite a few adjustments to be made (on my part). I've also had to get used to some things, such as the freezing cold temperature that has reduced me to wearing ski socks and snow boots.  I have also had to consider time zones when talking to my friends, as they live all over the country. I have also had to come to terms with the fact that I was wrong; there is nothing to do where I live. No really, without a car I'm honestly SOL. 

Today I plan on going to H-Mart, eating as many Korean waffles as I possibly can, and exploring some more of Denver. For the record, it is currently 45 outside and we're supposed to be getting snow tomorrow. I plan on wearing layers of fleece and hoping I can find my arm warmers. 

I hope everyone is enjoying their time off. I plan to work beginning June 1st, so until then I will be kicking my feet up and enjoying the company of my two cats. 

Until next time,

Aislinn 

Hey guys!

This is a post that I did not want to make, nor did I want to happen. 

Yes, I have officially left Oahu and am back on the mainland. 

It feels very strange. Being the first of my friends to leave made it all the more upsetting. I was fortunate enough to see them all before leaving, and am glad that I was able to move everything to storage, clean my room, and catch my flight, all within 24 hours. 

Looking back on my year, there are quite a few things that stand out to me. One of these things is my overall feeling about Manoa. When I think back to first semester, I think about how I had no regrets. I was able to see much of the island and make many new friends. When I think about second semester, I feel a little regret. I feel like I wasn't able to get around the island as much, which was really just because I was working. However, something I would like to point out is that the friends I made became that much closer to me. I am especially thankful to the times I was able to leave campus and go to new places, such as China Walls or Stairway to Heaven. 

I hate goodbyes, and saying goodbye to my freshmen dorm room, as well as my friends, was not an easy thing to do. Similar to leaving the island for Christmas vacation, the second I got in the shuttle I knew I did not want to leave. Given it's my new home, Oahu has such a special place in my heart that makes it all the much harder to leave. 

My biggest hope is that this summer is an enjoyable and relaxing one. As much as I want to return to campus and see my friends, I know that these next few weeks off will be something I need. From working constantly, to studying nightly, I need this break. As much as it hurts to say goodbye to a place that has grown to be so special to me, I know this is something I can not put off. 

But, as promised, I will now tell you guys which tower I was in. If you remember from one of the very first posts on this blog, I withheld sharing what tower I was in for the sake of privacy. Well, the wait is no longer over. The tower that I called, and will still call, home is: Lokelani. 

Lokelani is a beautiful tower. If you ask anyone on campus what they think about the dorms, you'll soon find that people either love the dorms or hate them. Me personally, I loved them. It's hard to say what exactly I liked about it, but there was something so special about living on campus that I can't explain. There is absolutely nothing else like living on college. I absolutely loved living in such close proximity to my friends, from being in the neighboring building to the girls, to being just floors away from Eric. I loved having such a unique floor, where the girls never showed their faces but the guys invited me to go around the island with them. Yes, my floor was probably what I complained about the most, but knowing what I know and having done what I've done, I would most definitely go through the tedious application process for living on the floor. 

If I've taken anything away from this year, it's how little I knew before coming to college. How little I knew about myself, even. As I leave Oahu and return home, I'm coming back with such a different perspective that it's, in a word, exciting. It's exciting to go back with all the knowledge you've now acquired. 

I know I've been rambling, with no real direction of this post, but I do want to share that unless you've lived on campus, or even been to college, you cannot truly relate to this post. If you are an upcoming college undergrad, get excited! There are tons of things to look forward to, and college in Hawaii is an experience like no other. 

Here are some pictures of the views you get everyday while living in Lokelani. 





In the last two photos, the city in the background is Waikiki. At night, the skyline looks beautiful with it's small, dim yellow dotted lights. 

I hope you enjoyed this (short) post. Enjoy the next two months, everyone! We have all earned it.

Until next year,

Aislinn

Hey guys!

I'm halfway done with my finals, and with the none to take tomorrow I decided to use this time and post about my trip to the Shangri-La, as promised! 

Before I start, I would like to preface that this was only done possible with the Kama'aina Deal. For those of you unfamiliar with either the word or the day, let me explain.

Kama'aina means 'Child of the land'. Typically if you're looking for a "local" discount, you would ask if a shop has a "Kama'aina discount". In similar fashion, some places, like the Shangri La, advertise a Kama'aina Day, where you get free admission if you live in Hawaii. 

After applying for the ticket (what, did you think it was free?) I was notified shortly after that I had been awarded one ticket to the museum during the time of 1:30 pm. I was instructed to check in at the Honolulu Museum of Art no later than 1:15, as shortly after I would be shuttled to Doris Duke's house. After taking the bus (I recommend the 13 to Franky Fresh, then cross the street and take the 1 to the Kalihi Transit Center, but getting off at the Museum) I checked in and wait. In total, there were about 20 of us going to the museum. We were the last tour of the day, as there had also been one at 9:30 and another at 10:30. 

Before arriving to the Shangri-La, all I knew was that Doris Duke had turned her home into an Islamic art museum. In fact, there was actually a short video we were all shown on the way to her house. It was nice at telling us the history of the home, but nothing beat pulling into her driveway, driving past security, and waiting outside her white villa. 

I apologize in advance for the lack of pictures. Turns out you're not allowed to take pictures inside the house, so I was limited to only talking pictures of the outside areas. Here is what I could manage:

Her backyard. This was the view you had if you were facing her bedroom. There was, of course, a guesthouse to the left accompanied by a 30 ft. deep pool.

Up close on the detail of some of her art.

The wall you see immediately following her foyer. The yard behind it has a mural and is where she buried some of her 18 German shepherds.

The view of her backyard adjacent to her patio furniture. I think this angle is absolutely stunning. Whats more- she built this entire plot. Believe it or not but her yard used to actually lead into the ocean.

Sorry if the photos were disappointing. I would have taken more if permitted, but it looks like the interior of the house is kept very hidden. If this is something you're really curious about, I would recommend being on the lookout for what the guide referred to as "a video all about Doris Duke". Apparently just the other day Google flew to her house and filmed an entire something inside, but what that something is I just don't know. 

I hope this gave you a better idea of the Shangri-La museum and inspired you to maybe look into the Kama'aina discounts while you're on island! They're not advertised, but if you ask you'll most certainly find some. 

I have to go study for finals now, talk again soon.

Until next time,

Aislinn

Hey guys!

Wow, has it been a minute!

Is it shocking to anyone else how was have already reached one of my last posts as a freshmen? For those of you have that been reading since the beginning, which is insane because I feel like I just posted that "First Impressions" post about Manoa, congrats! Just like myself, we are a mere week away from being absolutely done with freshmen year. 

I'll spare you all the sappy montage of "favorite moments from the past year" and instead opt for telling you how I've been spending my last few days. 

Let's start with classes.

Since having dropped my sociology class (surprised?) I have been left with closing the semester off with, hopefully, good grades in my four other classes. This week in particular, appropriately titled Dead Week, is when my classes officially ended and one final already completed. 

Similar to the fall semester, the final I had first was my Chinese 202 oral. Exactly like the midterm, we were given 13 different questions to answer individually, and then 3 prompts we have to memorize with a partner. On the day of, the partners would then select a card which would have any one of the prompts on it, and from there we would have to almost act out our script. In my case my partner and I drew card #1, which meant we would be discussing the first prompt, which involved arguing about whether or not we prefer traveling as part of a tour group or alone. (This was material from a previous lesson). 

Overall I think the oral went pretty well. It could have been better, naturally, but I did the best I could and for that I'm glad. 

After Chinese I had a good two hour break before going to my last East Asian class and Honors Genetics. 

And so, in the meantime, I decided to go speak to the Political Science department at UH. Lately I've been wondering if I should either change majors or simply minor in Chinese. 

After talking with the Political Science Undergrad Advisor, I have decided to continue with taking a global politics class in the fall. It's not so much government that interests me, but international relations. By the looks of it, the program has quite a few classes on global law and relations, so hopefully this program will be something that clicks.

After the advising I went to my East Asian class and my Genetics class. 

For our last day of instruction in East Asian, we learned more about North Korea (which our knowledge of, go figure, is very limited) and touched on Taiwan. 

In Genetics we finished up presentations on our 10 page papers. After class the professor announced that he would like to speak to each individual person about their papers, and when it was my turn to speak with him I was shocked at what he told me.

In short, he commended me greatly on my "strong voice" in my scientific paper. He made a point to tell me that my paper was one of the only ones he has read that has had such a unique voice (in his words, "You have a voice that is not often found in scientific papers, simply because it doesn't usually work. However, your style of writing made it so that, interestingly enough, your voice fit very well with your paper. While a scientific paper, reading it did not feel like so. I have never read something like this. It's amazing.") and that I should seriously consider a career in writing. We concluded with me telling him I was thankful for the class and hope to take a class in the future on immunology. 

After class I met up with the girls and went out to dinner with one of their moms. The restaurant, called Sabrina's, is a very small Italian restaurant with big prices. I don't think it matters, but if you plan on going its BYOB, and the wine store is up the road near City Mill. 

After dinner we got boba (again, courtesy of Jade's mom) and called it a night. 

Because the next week is Finals Week, we once again had Thursday and Friday off as time to study. Or, if you're like us, go to the beach. 

My next post will be up soon, but I have homework to do so you will have to wait a bit. 

Until next time,

Aislinn