帰国・・・。昨日、ぶじに帰国いたしました。たくさんの荷物をかかえた長旅でした。しばらくは実家でゆっくりして、今月の末には上京しようと思っています。ひとまずご報告まで。
Yesterday, I got back to my home in Japan finally in safe and sound. It was a long travel, and my huge baggage caused lots of troubles. I am going to stay at my home for a while, and by the end of this month, I am going to go to Tokyo. I had a great time at Coe, and I thank to all of the people who took care of me.
An Impression of a Movie: Million Dollar Baby.That was a really tough movie to see. There窶冱 no doubt that this movie got the Academy Award.
Focusing on the technical aspect, director did a really good job on the use of lighting. In this movie, light and its shade talk a lot. It tells us hidden emotion and actor窶冱 expression.
I don窶冲 know if I could talk about this movie. This movie left me something uneasy.
It窶冱 not just a story of a woman boxing fighter. There窶冱 a love, there窶冱 a life and death, there窶冱 nothing for her but work as a waitress at the restaurant. Time is passing just to serve meals and wash dishes. Her family was also unfortunate. There seems to be no hope for her but winning the fight.
These ideas are depicted well through the lives of two protagonists.
I cannot judge if it was a right choice for her to get realized her will. Maybe it窶冱 not a kind of thing that should be judged.
I窶冦 sure it is a great movie and worth to see it. But it is also highly controversial, tough and hard; I call it Academy quality.
(written in the airplane to Nagoya)
Departure.My study abroad is coming to an end. I won't be back to teh circumstance that I use English, especially which I need to use English at any moment. I have gradually been realizing that the importance and signicicance of that circumstance, coming to the airport where many Japanese peoeple are. Time flies. It's passed so fast. It's hard to believe.
Due to the excessively heavy my baggage, I caused some troubles, and I feel so sorry for Aaron who is the best friend at Coe and gave me a ride today. I couldn't thank him any more. I was expecting the impressive moment of leaving, however, since i was so worried about my heavy bags, i didn't have any time to cry.
When the airplane was taking off, i remembered the very first day of this study. It's been a long time. Then, I was thinking of the people whom I met here and the events that I had. For me, now, every moment was important and special.
Packing...I am now packing my stuff. I leave here tomorrow at 8am. I want to give many thanks to all of the people who have taken care of me. I had a really great time here. Experiences here will definitely contribute to my future career and my life.
How To Keep in Touch With English.Today was also the last day to see Barbara here. I visited her office and thanked her for having me this year.
Again, it was a very unexpected meeting to see her here. I got to know ESL program when I was a high school student. I read a book written by Professor Kitamura who taught at Coe once in the past. He talks about how the ESL program here is nice, and I decided to come here during the college life. But after getting into Waseda, I forgot about Coe that I read in the book, and I, actually, had other choices to study abroad. The reasons I finally chose here were different from the professor窶冱 recommendation.
When I visit Barbara窶冱 house for the first time, I found the very book that I had read in my high school days. Rereading the book, I found some familiar names; I realized that this college was the college that Professor Kitamura had introduced for the first time. It was a totally coincidence. I didn窶冲 expect this encountering.
Although Professor Kitamura has already passed away, I want to give him huge thanks. I cannot help feeling that everything that happens in my life is somehow related to one another at some point.
I asked her one important question: English skills after getting back to Japan. She gave me some practical advice; I can read newspaper in English, listen to the internet radio, write my journal in English and also make some international student friends with at Waseda. Whether my English is going to be improved after this study is totally up to me, she added. Yes, I understand that very much. I have several living experience after the studying abroad; the first one is Australia in spring 2004, and the other is the last winter. The last winter vacation, I didn窶冲 really keep English, partly because I will be back to the States one month later. I know it is very hard to keep in touch with foreign language in my mother country. I need a very very strong will to do it.
I asked the same question to John Chaimov since he is the chair of the Foreign Language department. He said, 窶廬 hate to say that, but your English skill would stop at this point.窶� He told me that his skill in German was the highest when he was a college student. Since then, even though he teaches German, his skill has been getting worse and worse. I understand that as well. I will not have such a good environment to speak English ever in my life.
I don窶冲 know how much effort I will make. I want to keep this level in Japan too, but laziness will prevent me from studying English, especially I don窶冲 really have to use English to live in Japan. Probably, this is going to be the hardest challenge rather than getting out of my country. But I will, I will study.
The Last Happy Days.The stay here is left just one more week finally. Every event and moment, I cannot help feeling that it is the last time to do something.
Today was the last day of AACE program, which I have been involved with throughout the year at Polk Elementary school as a volunteer worker. Since I got to the school kind of late today, I couldn窶冲 really see their performance that they have been working on during the semester such as dancing or playing. But it seemed to be really nice.
I have memorized most of the student窶冱 name and got to be very friendly with most of them. I was told previously that one of the purposes of this volunteer work is to give an image or a role model to the students, especially who have an economical difficulty to achieve the higher education or who don窶冲 have any college student figure around them. I am not sure if my presence has helped the students form the future dream or positive image of their life (or maybe they don窶冲 seriously think of it at this point); however, we have definitely enjoyed playing and reading, or just being together. I, at last, didn窶冲 tell them that today was the last day of my attendance to the program (probably they believe that I will come back here after the summer, for that matter, it is better not to tell them about it because it just makes some of them sad).
One of my concerns that I have observed in this school through the attendance of the program was the diversity education in the elementary school. As I mentioned previous entries, there are diverse students in this school in terms of their color of the skin, and my concern is that if they are separated or segregated against their color of the skin when they play or study. Based on my experience and observation up to now, my answer would be that they, the second graders, don窶冲 really care such kind of tiny element of her/his personality. It even sounds silly to make such argument when I think about their life. They are doing very well regardless of their color of the skin.
What makes things better is the attitude of the teacher, Mrs. Tory. She doesn窶冲 segregate students at any moment during her class for any reason. She treats children completely fair regardless of their gender or color of the skin. This seems to be easy, but actually, it cannot be done in an easy way; teacher has to care about their feeling which is different from one another, especially their emotions is unstable. In this respect, I think Mrs. Tory is a great teacher. Every teacher has to be her quality.
I believe that this diversity education contributes to the construction of the more equalized society. Children will grow up without any prejudices or biases, and this consciousness does change the society, suppose that the majority forms the public opinion. I think this education should spread all over the United States and the world, and then, the unnecessary discrimination in schools would extinct in the future. On my way to back to the college, these ideas were wandering in my mind.
Story of a Professor at Coe #2.I have been involved with the various activities of the student organization, Coe Alliance, here since the very beginning of this year. I went to the Gay Day at Adventure Land, I attended the Big Gay Conference, and I also helped the Pride Week. In addition to these big events, I attended most of the meetings and helped events as one of the members. Originally, Coe Alliance is the organization for GLBTQ/Straight people and their allies; therefore, most of the events are related to gay or other sexuality issues.
In these various events, I think we have achieved our goal at least to some extent: to raise campus awareness of gender or GLBT issues. Regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, we can share the feelings and the troubles that the gay people are faced. However, I have been wondering if this thesis is really true. Suppose I am a straight, is it really helpful or persuasive to speak up and talk about the gay rights stuff? It seemed to me that it doesn窶冲 really help them since I do enjoy the privileges that I have as a straight person in this society. I don窶冲 have to worry about anything that gay people worry about, and this makes my argument unpersuasive.
(Note: I am not going to discuss the definition, distinction or difference between gay and straight because it doesn窶冲 matter when I help the activity or attend the events, or it is nearly impossible to define one窶冱 definition of sexual presence.)
Today, I talked to one professor whom I have been taken care of since the beginning of this study in order to find an answer for this question. He is the chair of the foreign language department and teaches German. He also teaches gender studies and is one of the advisors for Coe Alliance. His name is John Chaimov.
Our discussion lasted one-hour long and talked about various stuff; I cannot even remember some detailed points. But I am so inspired and encouraged by this discussion. (I was kind of expecting him to encourage me though :))
What I got from the talking was that just to be supportive or to share the problem will be the great help for the gay people. Some might reject it, but not all the people will reject; rather, they do welcome my understanding, and they still need more help even though I am not the person who does experience the troubles.
This point is related to the concept of the 窶廣lly窶� that is not really heard in Japan. Ally is a kind of supporter, but it sounds to me more friendly than the supporter. (Since Professor John gave me a handout which is written by Coe Alliance a few years ago, I am going to study the conception of ally.)
I founded the gender studies club at Waseda, but our main purpose is to find a friend who can talk about gender or study gender issues. Of course, we are not going to deny being an ally or to be unsupportive to the other organization, but we are not really ready to be an ally. Studying gender is an object of the club, and for that matter, GLBT people also could be the object. (It also could be exploitative for them because straight people will not ever be an object of the study.) Therefore, Coe Alliance and my gender studies club are rather different although it looks like similar organization.
John showed me some directions how I can act to promote and raise the awareness in Japan. Despite the fact that I have been involved with the gender studies stuff for two or three years in Japan, I have just a few openly GLBT friends. On the other hand, I have got to know more than 10 GLBT friends here just within one year. Situation is very different. We discussed what causes this difference, and reached to the agreement that it is probably the cultural differences between our countries. Generally speaking, traditional Japanese culture tends to emphasize the 窶徃roupness,窶� that is it is in favor of the same quality or homogeneity. American culture is more individualistic; thus, it makes people more independent, and since nobody cares about others, coming out becomes much easier. (I know it is very difficult for some though.) Therefore, John suggested me that it is going to be very small step that I should take in order to improve the comfortable environment for gay people in Japan. But it is still great step, he added. Maybe I can expand the network of the student organization or link their each activity.
It was so nice to get to know him. He is so generous and kind. Maybe I should have taken his class. (Or maybe I can write to him in Germany, not English.) Even though I haven窶冲 been involved with his class, I got to know him very well and friendly. I think it is the very advantage of the small college. The atmosphere here enables us to make friends even with the professor! I am so glad to get to know him and have some discussions with him today.
The Last Dinner.Today, I had a dinner with my host family. Since September the time when we had met for the first time, we have exchanged many times and had dinner together several times. This time would be the last time to see at least in the States. Maybe they will visit Japan in the future since they have never been there even though they have hosted several Japanese students, my host mother Carolyn said.
They have had me taken to various restaurants such as a Japanese restaurant or Texas style restaurant. Sometimes it was with their friends. I recall that most of the dinners were steak. In addition, each of them was not inexpensive; these are not the restaurant where the students could go. Every time it was so tasty, and sometimes I had some drinks (today was the fine wine). I窶冦 just grateful for it.
Not only the dinners, but also we have enjoyed some political conversation. Since we share the same interests such as the President Bush, presidential election, foreign policy, social security and so on, we discussed these things a lot. It sounds difficult and just hard to keep the conversation, but it窶冱 not really true.
I asked them a question; why did they decide to host Japanese students? Since I have had a great experience here with them, I am very interested in hosting some international students in the future in Japan. My host father, John, said that they just wanted to help the students out, especially who might have some problems or difficulties to stay or get along with the study here. They have hosted many Japanese students for 15 or 20 years, and some of them are still keeping in touch with them. I thought it is a quite wonderful and respectful idea. I would definitely like to host some international student in the future as they did.
Since today is going to be the last meeting, we talked about my experience this year here. Needless to say, I have experienced a big political event: presidential election. I think I came to the United States at very good timing. A series of events were just interesting. Also, in the academic arena, I got interested in religion. This is kind of connected to the politics, especially the class that I took during the Spring Term. To attend worship with them was also a good experience in terms of the religious practice. In addition to these topics, we talked about our daily stuff. The first time we met, I remember that we were not really able to have a conversation smoothly, but today, I still made some grammatical mistakes, I didn窶冲 really feel any obstacles to talk or state my opinion. It is partly because we have been getting to know each other well, so that relationship makes us much easier to talk. In addition, I would like to affirm that this is also the outcome of this year窶冱 stay; speaking skill has also very much improved, especially compared to the first several month. Thanks to all those who have spoken to me.
When we arrived at the college, Carolyn gave me a hug. I was about to cry. We promised to keep in touch in the future. It was so nice to be given an opportunity to get to know each other during this study, and it is also nice to have kept a relationship until now considering that some of the students didn窶冲 really meet with their host families. Host family and home staying were the one of the necessary elements for me. I look forward to getting the letters from them and sending to them, and hopefully, if possible, I would like to see them again in Japan.
Dinner Party.I am sure that today窶冱 dinner was one of the most wonderful and gorgeous dinner that I have had since I came here; we, the Japanese students who are taking May Term, were invited to the dinner party at our faculty advisor, Barbara Drexler窶冱 house. We had various foods, and some of them were cooked by the students. Some cooked Japanese food. It is the third time to be invited to the dinner, but it is always fun.
Going to the teacher窶冱 house and having a dinner is kind of hard to imagine in Japan. If it is just one time maybe by accident, it could happen, but she has invited us several times. Even some of my friends and I stayed one night at her house. Those kinds of thing never happen probably in my college. (Instead, we usually go to trip for several days with professor.)
We talked various topics. There were over 10 people, but everybody had some chances to talk. Today was one nice stimuli of boring weekend.
Jewish Identity in a Greek World.During this term, I am taking 窶廱ewish Identity in a Greek World窶� class. It does sound so interesting to me, and over 15 students are taking; however, due to a lot of readings, some of the students have already dropped this class. It is actually hard class, and some of my classmates also told me so too. Basically, I agree with them; I think it is hard, but at the same time, I still think it is interesting.
What we deal with in the class is the Jewish literature, most of which is written during the before century era, and in addition, all of them constitute the Old Testament Apocrypha. Therefore, descriptions are quite confusing time to time. Weird event happens a lot. I am not really familiar to these biblical texts, and the contexts often have certain kinds of connotation which is just impossible to guess, so I don窶冲 really understand what is going on. However, it seems to me that I am not only the student who is not familiar to this subject, so the class sessions are usually very helpful to understand the text and the history.
I got to know one of the students in the class, Kevin, who is a graduating senior, so this is his last class at Coe. Somehow, we got to know each other and had some conversations during the lunch time. (I didn窶冲 really expect this kind of experience during this term, but it is good to see him.)
He is majoring in religion, and religion major student this year was just him only. It is not difficult to imagine since religion seems to be no longer very much important to our life especially for younger generation. Some would be interested in, but it doesn窶冲 make someone decided to study as a college major. But he is different. He once talked to me that his concern has been always religion. Now that it is very understandable for me. Religion is important. As I had studied at Religion and World Politics class, religion influences people窶冱 mental life in to the depth and ultimately shapes culture. I don窶冲 know if this logic works in Japan, but it is true in the most parts of the world. He is now currently looking for a job at the church, and he wants to work for some religious institutions in the future.
Today was the first exam for the Jewish Identity in a Greek World class.
Yesterday, he invited me to study together for the Friday exam. Since I went to the movie on Thursday, I couldn窶冲 start studying early, so I thought it wouldn窶冲 work. However, fortunately, when I went to Hickok Hall to study, he was there, and we could get the study started. He suggested me to go to the restaurant to study where the religion major students usually go to, and I thought it was a nice idea, we went to the restaurant.
We talked a lot. But it was not a one-side discussion. Since he didn窶冲 really attend the class so far, or he did attend some classes, but he was often late, he didn窶冲 really follow the class, so I explained the teacher窶冱 idea or contents and points of the text to him often. In addition, he didn窶冲 seem to have done homework promptly, so I explained the answers of the discussion questions to him. However, once he got the main idea of the class session or text, he quickly learned it and explained it to me. That was just so great.
The professor also gave us a study guide and possible questions for the exam, and our study followed the professor窶冱 directions. However, even though his explanation was so great, and definitely it is the outcome of his five years study at Coe as a religion major student, I was a just bad student; I had a really hard time to understand the main point of the answers correctly. He was kindly and patience enough to bear and answer my out-pointed questions many times. Since I wasn窶冲 able to understand his explanation and asked many questions, this discussion, which had started around 1230am, lasted until 6am in the same restaurant. Both of us didn窶冲 fall asleep at all.
Then, we moved to the coffee shop, Brewed Awakenings, which is very near to Coe. The discussion finally ended at 8am. We just found out that it was impossible to think since both of us were so sleepy. I was kind of worried about oversleeping when I went to bed at 830am because the exam was supposed to start at 10am. I was also worried about him since he doesn窶冲 seem to be a person who is good at getting up early. However, we both were able to get up at time and take the exam.
It wasn窶冲 easy actually. But greatly thanks to Kevin窶冱 help, I could figure the point of the question out and answer most of the question. It will not be a bad score. So maybe we should stay up all the night every Friday and get the better grade:) Although that made me so tired, I am sure that was a really good experience, and I deeply appreciate his help.
Star Wars Marathon.Today, my roommate, Ben, my friend, Yoichi and myself watched the movie Star Wars Episode I together in my room. Since we are going to see Star Wars Episode III tomorrow which is going to be newly released tomorrow all over the States, and I haven窶冲 seen any of the episodes of Star Wars, I needed to see it beforehand.
Ben is so excited for the new episode and so familiar with the Star Wars stuff. He explains me the story or characters a lot, and it is very helpful. Because I have been so informed, I also became looking forward to seeing the new one.
This time, I just want to talk about the extent of the understanding of the movie in terms of the language since we are getting to the end of this one-year study; we are supposed to have improved the language skills such as listening or vocabulary.
Even though I watched the movie with the subtitles, the first-came-out vocabulary is still vague for me, and sometimes it makes more difficult for me to follow the movie. However, as I watched the Episode I, I found that, interestingly, the particular vocabulary that they used became so familiar to me. This is because there is a queen, there is a Senate, there are a lot of indefinite creatures, and there are a number of different kinds of words. For example, the queen was called Her Majesty or Your Highness in the movie, and if I wasn窶冲 familiar to this expression, it was most likely that I got confused (although I can skip it). But thanks to the kingdom of Jordan which I did an extensive research over the course of the Spring Semester, such kind of expressions was so familiar to me. (Jordan is a constitutional monarchy, so they have a king and a queen.) I was about to laugh when I heard these expressions, and at the same time, I was so glad because it was actually the first time to hear such expression in the real.
It seems to me that the every experience that I have had so far does contribute to my understanding of the movie. I wish I could follow the story tomorrow.
Bowling with 2nd Graders.Today I went to the volunteer work at Polk Elementary school. It has been a quite long time to visit there since I had worked last time. (I think it was February.) As I presumed, most of the students didn窶冲 remember my name, and I was asked 窶忤ho are you?窶� many times. That was kind of funny though, they remembered me as soon as I answered and began to play with me.
Today was a special activity day; we went to bowling! We were so excited for it. It was the second time to go there for me, but for some students, it was the first time for their life. Yeah, that must be true because they are second graders, just 7 or 8 years old. But they were doing very well. Thanks to the bumpers, nobody got garter. Instead, surprisingly, many students got strikes, and they got so much excited. (I got one strike too :)) Our teacher, Mrs. Tory, also played very well (and her dance was so nice).
Since we had to leave there at 530pm, we didn窶冲 have much time to finish one game, but it was so amusing, and at the same time, I was so overwhelmed students窶� energy; they didn窶冲 stop playing with me.
Even though I hadn窶冲 expected bowling today, I went to work really good day. I am going to visit the school at least once a week, hopefully more than once during this month.
Moving out to the New roomToday I moved to the new room. Since there is just one dormitory and the apartments are going to open during the May term, all the residents of the other residence halls need to move to the designated dormitory.
My former roommate left already, and he is going to study in France during the May term, so I asked one of my friends to live with just this month. His name is Ben. Ben and I were both in the Concert Choir throughout the year, and then, we got to know each other in the class. His major is music, and Asian studies is his minor. (He was in the Collage.) He is studying Japanese and visited Japan several times, so he is so familiar to Japanese stuff. He wants to study abroad in Japan some time during his college life, and in the future, he desires to live in Japan. We sometimes had some conversation in Japanese.
We are going to spend just one month together, but it is going to be lots of fun. I will enjoy the last one month of my stay here.
Commencement.The graduation ceremony, commencement, took place today. Like the Baccalaureate, it was so impressive, and lots of people, most of those were the families of the graduates, came to attend. Program was presided by the President of Coe College, James R. Phifer, Ph.D, and the music was performed by the Coe College Concert Band.
One of the main parts of this ceremony is the commencement address. The speaker was invited from Coe alumni who had graduated from Coe in 1968 and now is serving to the United States Navy as a Chaplain. Since he is a Rabbi, much part of his speech was about Hebrew Scripture, Jewish Teachings and other religious stuff. But it was so interesting.
First of all, yesterday窶冱 speaker was also the preacher, Reverend, from the different religion from today窶冱 one; however, although the context or the material that they used were quite different, their idea was based on the multicultural perspective. Jewish traditional looks quite exclusive, I know it is incorrect since I studied it from the readings at the politics class, and many people have such kind of stereotype, but his speaking taught us that the Judaism also recognizes the diversity of the human existence.
He explained it citing the Hebrew Scripture and Jewish teaching. According to him, since we were created in the image of God, and we live in the image of God; therefore, our existence represents the image of God, as it is clear when we see the world today, it is diversified. Although the Scripture doesn窶冲 really mention that how the world should be for the people, he reads it that since God trusted us, God left us the world and expects us to build the better world.
I also realized the importance of the religious aspect of our lives and its influence. I know some of the students and faculty members are Jewish, and since the speaker was one of the greatest Rabbis in the United States, his preaching should have a certain kind of special importance to them. And, I assume that it is consistent with the situation of the Middle East conflict which I had been working on through the semester. Religion should be taken into the consideration (and this is the final conclusion of the class).
After the speech, President Phifer conferred the degree of Bachelor and Master to the students. There are over 200 seniors from various majors. Each student called their names and got to the stage. It was surprising to me that the President of the College gave the diploma to the students one by one with shaking hands. A graduate wore the gown and special cap for the ceremony; its dress was so nice different from the Japanese style. Faculties also wore the gown and cap.
After giving some presentation of the gift and award, we sung the song Coe Loyalty which I learned at the Choir class. Most of the people didn窶冲 seem to know the song, so it sounded not so great, I like the song though. (And it reminds me of a bunch of Waseda窶冱 nationalistic songs.)
Then, the ceremony was over. Graduates and faculties recessed and scattered on the quad to see the parents, professors and other students. I also went to see some graduates to take pictures including my tutor for the politics class and an international student from Syria. We talked a little, took pictures and promised to keep in touch. My tutor is going to Japan this summer to teach English, and Syrian student is going back to his country after May term.
I was kind of being empathetic to the seniors today as well. Since I wasn窶冲 able to attend my fellow classmates窶� commencement in Japan because of this studying abroad, by attending the ceremony here today, I got to know the atmosphere of the graduation. During the ceremony, sometimes I imagined that how my graduation would be, which is supposed to be in 2 years. Then, I realized that I haven窶冲 really had personalized education like here in Japan. Seniors today seemed to be happy to see the professors who have taken care of them, and it is not the only one professor that the seniors were looked after. Some are double major, and most have major and minor; they have several professors to greet. In addition, the scale of class is much smaller than in Japan, so the relationships have become so close and friendly, and which is just hard to imagine at my home college. It is just so envious for me. I have got to know several professors just in this one year, and of course, I need to greet them when I leave here. I believe it is the fruit of the personalized liberal arts education, and I think it is the ideal college education. I prefer this college especially in this respect. I wonder if I could have the same impression as here I have got when I leave Waseda. I am not going to judge the superiority of the college. Rather, I am so glad to be given an opportunity to experience the two different, completely different, college lives.
The life here is left just one month. I will enjoy it, and what is more, I want to study hard more.
Baccalaureate.2004-05 academic year is coming to an end. We finished final exams, and most of the students have already left including my roommate.
Today we had the Baccalaureate. It is the religious recognition of students窶� graduation here.
(Another graduation ceremony called Commencement will be held tomorrow.) The ceremony took place at the Sinclair Auditorium. It was like the worship in church; there were some anthems, hymns, worships and the sermon. I attended as a member of the Coe College Concert Choir, and we performed some religious songs. Some of the songs were conducted by the music major students. It was a so impressive ceremony.
I was so encouraged and enlightened by the speaker at the sermon. He was talking about the significance of the education mentioning the number of the people who can afford to go to universities and colleges in the United States. He emphasized that the students, in the real society, should make good use of the knowledge that has gotten during the college life, and from the religious perspective, taking advantage of their own experiences is in the same vein as the compassion that the Scripture and the God taught us.
Not only was the content of his speech noticeable, but he is also outstandingly a good speaker; he didn窶冲 seem to have used any papers, although speech was long. His sermon reminded me of the Martin Luther King Jr.窶冱 famous speech, and I felt he kind of intentionally performed in that way. He was getting enthusiastic more and more with the speech going on, and speaking was also getting faster and faster. However, his good point was that his speaking was still clear; it wasn窶冲 difficult to follow even for me. After the speech, applause did last for a long time. We were about to do standing ovation.
Since most of the students I have got to know here are first-year or sophomore, I don窶冲 really know any of seniors. However, although we have been in different colleges, seniors here and I have gone through the exactly same four years. I was kind of being empathetic.
When we were first year, we witnessed the September 11 terror attacks, and it had changed the world so dramatically. In addition to that, Afghanistan or Iraq etc, political stuff will be endless to mention. While Coe students have studied much harder than I do, my activities outside the class was so productive, and I窶冦 confident about that. I need to study hard as they have done in next two years. But I am sure that we both have had great days in this four-year life.
Congratulations seniors, and I hope we will play important roles in the future society.
Final Week.I have had extremely busy days since the Pride Week ended. I had a presentation and some response papers in the World Politics class; I had a quiz in the Human Sexuality class; I had an essay for the African American History class; and I had another essay for the World Politics class. Each due was so complicated that it was hard to organize the schedule, and in addition, the last two essays were the same due, which was actually today, that was just too bad. Preparation for the presentation took me a so long time; I had been working on it for a few weeks. Quiz was as hard as usual. Essays were unbelievable; I had to finish writing two different essays by the same day, and needless to say, I had to stay up all the night last night. Not only last night, but also have I spent so many nights at the computer lab.
However, such a hard semester is almost coming to an end; we are getting into the Final week. I have just one exam and one essay left. I hope the rest of the stuff that I have to do will be going well with the plenty of sleep and brilliant ideas.
Flunk Day.Today was the Flunk Day. This is the day that the college officially provides alcohol drinks with students and that every student looks forward to. At 5am, a group of senior students ran around the residence halls and shouted 窶廬t窶冱 Flunk Day!窶� with hitting each room窶冱 door. I was actually awake at that time since I had been doing my homework. After that, I fell asleep so I don窶冲 know what happened exactly, but according to the email that had sent out to all the students, the party seemed to have started at 10am on the quad. And, of course, all the classes have been cancelled.
This event is just unbelievable, and it won窶冲 happen in Japanese colleges.
Since the day of Flunk Day is decided by a few member of the Student Senate in secretly, almost nobody can project when it is. It could happen when an important event is planned, and today was not an exception; a lecture presentation was planned and was carried out. The lecture presentation was about Holocaust survival. I was planning to attend it, but since today was Flunk Day, I didn窶冲 go. I don窶冲 know how many students attended the lecture, and I guess many students made a similar decision to me. (I can easily imagine that the number of participants was very small.)
My faculty advisor told me that there is a big debate whether this event should be abolished every year. I am sure this topic is also so debatable. I have no idea on it. I actually enjoyed drinking.
However, not all the students got drunk; some of my friends seemed to have studied almost all the day. If today was not the Flunk Day, I would have studied all the day because I am supposed to give a presentation on next Tuesday. But since the class was cancelled, the date is also postponed. I am really lucky! That窶冱 the reason I decided to drink today; in fact, I decided not to drink and haven窶冲 had any alcohol drinks since this January. I drank some cups of beer. Even though I didn窶冲 like the taste of the beer, I really enjoyed drinking with my friends.
The event is still going on. But since I窶冦 kind of hangover, I will go to bed soon.
Pride Week; National Day of Silence.Wednesday was the National Day of Silence. This is a nation-wide event supported by a number of LGBT organizations and their allies in the States. The purpose of this day is, interestingly, to break the silence. The state of silence is that since it is so hard for LGBT people to speak up/come out their gender identity or sexual orientation in this heterosexual society, their existence won't be known; we are not hearing any voices of them. One of the ways to end this silence is to break this silence.
I think it could be hard for some people to come out, but the heterosexual society should be responsible for the silence, so I think I should do something to end the silence. I definitely owe some of the responsibilities. (And you could say Japanese society is too silent to hear voices.)
The Coe Alliance also participated in the event. Some of the students who had signed up for the participation wore the card, and they were not allowed to speak anything until 4pm. Many students signed up regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity. The card explains the idea of the Day of Silence, which is in order to understand the situation that LGBT people are placed or faced in our daily life; they are not allowed to tell the truth very often.
At 4pm, we gathered on the quad and rang the Victory Bell for 130 times. I did it too. It is said that 10 percent of the community will be GLBT people, and there are approximately 1300 students; therefore, the number of times that the bell sounded shows the estimated LGBT students number at Coe. Considering from my experience here so far, most of the LGBT people here still keep silence. Even though there is an organization that supports LGBT people here, that fact shows this community is not ready for those who haven窶冲 spoken up and come out. I hope the sound of the bell (it is not a victory though) breaks the silence and lets the heterosexuals know the existence and LGBT窶冱 voices.
Pride Week; Freedom to Marry Day.Tuesday was the freedom to marry day. We collected the signature of students for the petitions. Those petitions will be sent to Iowan Senators, Congressperson and the President of the United States. In this country, freedom to marry just means same-sex marriage, and this is first-class political issue right now. It is, unfortunately, a highly debatable topic. (And maybe it is unfortunately too, this kind of discussion hasn窶冲 really started in Japan.)
Therefore, some of the students seemed to be really unwillingly to sign their names. I had no idea if I should have tried to persuade them or discuss it. We collected over 70 students窶� signatures for each form at last. I don窶冲 know if it is a big number. But I believe that the action per se is important even though there is a possibility that the Constitution will be amended.
One of my gay friends told me that this is the first amendment that limits our rights or freedom in the long history of constitution. I strongly oppose a series of movement that supports the amendment. As long as the amendment goes through the due process under the law, it can be said that it is legitimate even though the amendment limits the human rights. Democracy could work in that way as the history of civil rights movement or Hitler show. However, it is hard to understand why the marriages should be defined. However, I think what the gay people want is just a silence. Nobody wants to intervene in own personal life. That should be most important.
Pride Week; Hate Crime Awareness Day.This week the Coe Alliance sponsored the Pride Week. Every day we have some events regarding sexual minorities��� rights. A series of entries of this week are the report of the event and my impression of it.
Today, Monday, was hate crime awareness day. A number of people have been killed because of their gender identity or sexual orientation in the United States. In memory of these victims, we put so many tombstones around the quad. It was just hard to ignore. (I really regret that I forgot to take a picture of them.) Every tombstone describes each victim���s history. Some were shot to death because they were gay. Some were refused treatment by doctors because they were transgendered. Both the victims and the perpetrators are really wide ranged. One of my friends told me that 1, 239 hate crimes based on their sexual orientation were reported in 2003. But this is just only the number of crimes that were reported, and it does not include crimes based on gender identity. Therefore, there definitely more people have been killed. That is just a tragedy. Something has to be done in order to stop these tragedies, or at least the number should be reduced. Today and this week will provide lots of chances to think of it.
The Spring Concert.After the spring ahead, today we had a really beautiful sunny spring warm day. It was so comfortable to stay outside. Many students came and gathered in the quad out of their dorms. Some of them were playing Frisbee, some of them were reading books, and some of them were just talking. They looked really enjoying the daylight. I was studying though.
On such a beautiful day, we, the Coe College Concert Choir, had the Spring Concert today. Like the last concert we had during the fall semester, many people both from the campus and from the outside of the campus came to see us. Some of my friends also came to see us. (I always make sure who come to the concert when I am on the stage time to time.) It was held at the Sinclair Auditorium.
We performed a bunch of songs: Bach, Mendelssohn, Africana, French and Spanish. Some are comparatively easy, some are fairly difficult. This time, we memorized some of them. We didn窶冲 memorize any songs last time, so many of us couldn窶冲 really look at the conductor during the performance. It is just not good. However, since we could sing without music, we were able to focus on the conductor窶冱 sign more. I think it was very helpful to generate the integration of the each part of the choir.
The concert was ended without any difficulty. Although I made some mistakes, especially non-English songs were difficult, overall I think it was a good concert.
Most of our events have finished. (We are going to sing at the Baccalaureate.) For me, through the year, it was always hard to read the music, and in addition, especially during the Spring Term, it was so hard to keep attending at the class promptly. I think I have many tardies. (It would probably affect my grading. Oops.) But this class gave me a new perspective and wonderful experiences. I am so glad to have joined in the concert choir during this study.
An Important Note!Tomorrow, time is going to be changed; the daylight saving time is starting. Tomorrow's early morning 2am is going to be 3am. It is called Spring Ahead. (When the time was changed in the late October, it was called Fall Back.) Yes, we are going to lose an important hour to sleep.
I heard it is good for the environment or economy. I am not sure if Japan should bring in the summer time system. I think we did introduce it for a long time ago, but it failed at that time. (I think it was before the WWII.) Time to time, it seems to be discussed on the political arena. My impression is that it is confusing for a while after the time is changed, but soon we forget about the change. If it is really good for our environment, I think it is worthwhile thinking about the changing.
Anyway, it is so sad to lose an hour to sleep (or maybe study) more.
Presidential Ball.Today, the Presidential Ball was held at the campus. It is the social dance party. It is a typical western style dancing party, thus, people danced such as swing or waltz along with the good music. Students, faculties and alumnus seemed to have come.
Of course, I didn窶冲 dance. Let me tell you some reasons. First of all, I need a partner. Secondly, I am not good at that kind of thing. But it was interesting to see the people dancing. Some looked so nice. For many people, this kind of party seems to be so popular.
The Coe College Jazz Band also played some music. Unlike the concert held at the auditorium, this time sounds much more lively. I think it is because the atmosphere was so fitting to the music.
I tried to take some pictures, but it was so dark to take a picture, so I couldn窶冲. Not so many people came than I had expected.
I have been busy with doing an essay which deals with the Arab-Israel conflict. I am supposed to give a presentation about Jordan and the conflict. That seems to be so difficult, but at the same time, I am kind of excited. An adequate preparation will make a big success. So, I窶况e got to study.
Ah.This diary is so clever. Nothing will be displayed if I don't post any comments over a week. I am still troubled with the homework. I have a quiz on next Monday. I have a big paper by next Tuesday. I have lots of stuff to read, memorize and write. This weekend is going to be hard more than usual. Uh...
A Tutor for the African American History class.Since I have been doing not well in some classes which I am taking in this semester, I asked the Academic Achievement Program office to assign me tutors for these classes. One of those classes is the African American History in the US class.
My tutor窶冱 name is Pete. His major is history, and the majority of his study is Asian history including Japan, Korea and China. I thought we could share some opinions on that kind of matters since I was also interested in history greatly.
We are going to meet twice a week regularly. During the each session, he makes sure if I do the homework. In case I have any questions on the homework, I can ask him. Then, it will be a good preparation for the next class.
I am now studying the plantation life in the antebellum south. (The term antebellum is the terminology oftentimes used in this class. Please look it up in your dictionary.) Studying itself is not difficult to understand, and I am willing to study all of the stuff, but I could not have devoted much time on this class; I didn窶冲 really do the homework for the classes.
So far, we have had a meeting twice. I am always surprised at his knowledge. He knows everything about African American History, even though this field is not his main concern. Most of the time of the past meetings was spent by his lecture of the American history or slave窶冱 story. That was just so great.
If I am asked to explain something which I am supposed to have learned so far, I think I cannot answer any questions as he does. I think it is partially because the different of the system of the classes or college. I might be good at some parts of the study that I have done, but not the whole parts, therefore, I cannot be a tutor. The professors in Japan just expect us to study voluntarily, but professors here kind of make us study, and some students who can afford to study more would be expected to be more voluntarily like my professor for this class gave me books. That means I am expected to study more. But I believe all the college students should be like him since I got a credit of that class. I should have, too. Considering it, he is a so great and smart student.
Thanks to his help, I started to try to spend more time to do the homework for this class, and I got a sense of better understanding of the topics. I am really eager to keep this pace, and I want to ask some questions that make him surprised some time.
Collage.Today, I watched the Collage show performed by the music major students. The Collage consists of a dozens of singers and a band. It is one of the classes that is offered by the music department. They just went to New York City to perform couple of shows during the Spring Break. Some of my friends joined in. Today窶冱 concert was the last concert of this academic year. Not only did the students but also many those who concerned or live around here come to see the show.
It was a really great show. It was actually third time to see them; however, this time was the best that I have ever seen. I felt that they definitely have been getting better and better. Songs, performances were much better than before, and in addition, a bunch of soloists were outstanding. They are so good singers. Most of them are taking Concert Choir class, and needless to say, they are the most reliable students in that class too. I thought I could have practiced the piano or something so that I am good at music and especially singing. I am really not good at it. But I have a kind of ambition that the time when I got much older than now, I want to begin to learn the piano. I am not sure if it will be really realized, but I want to. I look forward to it.
Why Did I purchase some Condoms?Some of the readers would be confused since suddenly a kind of strange topic showed up. The last entry that I talked about condom was for the class, Human Sexuality. Every student had to do some researches regarding sexuality such as going to adult shop or comparing the popular magazines in terms of gender or analyzing a movie in terms of the sexual relationships, and we had to give a presentation on it. My topic was to purchase some condoms and observe the shoppers or the store; thus, I went to the convenience store which is located nearby the college, and bought some condoms. My presentation was also so successful. Students laughed a lot. That was so funny for me too. It was really good experience.
A Story about Condoms.I went to the HandiMart to buy some condoms in the evening. It was around 7pm. There were few people in the store. I found the condoms in the second aisle. There are various kinds of medicines, notebooks, pens, and other grocery stuff besides condoms.
They have six different kinds of condoms: non-lubricated, lubricated, large size lubricated, shared sensation lubricated, ultra ribbed lubricated and spermicidal lubricant. The packages are not really easy to figure it out that is the condom; thus, I assume that children or those who are not interested in cannot find those. Prices range $1.69, $2.09 and $2.49 for three of each. It is not expensive. Non lubricated one is the cheapest and ultra ribbed lubricated one is the most expensive.
In order to get the real information, I asked an employee several questions.
My first question was how many times people come to buy the condoms. I assumed that it will not so often. He answered two or three times a day, and they usually come in the late evening like 2 am. According to the employee, ages who come to buy those are quite various; kids like 10 years old come to purchase, and at the same time, elderly like 70 years old also come to buy from anywhere around the States. But most kids seem to be ashamed of and hesitate to buy condoms, he added. Since I wondered how he feels about buying condoms, I frankly asked him. He just said it is great. He seemed to evaluate it very positively.
When I was paying money, one old man, probably around 50, who was in line for the register told me (since I had 6 packs of condoms), 窶弸ou are playing around!窶� It was so funny for me and totally fine by me, but I explained him and cashier that I am doing a research on condoms. They seemed to understand it, but I think his words show the honest reaction for the condoms among the everyday people. It definitely has some negative connotations. Using condoms should be considered positively rather than not using them, but some still think it somewhat not good or not necessary.
In comparison with the situation in Japan, the condoms are sold in the convenience stores in the same isle as the groceries. Prices are mostly the same or kind of cheaper in the United States. However, we cannot find various types of condoms; we probably could see just one or two kinds of condoms in the convenience store. It was kind of interesting and surprising to me that I could get six different kinds of condoms.
When I worked as a cashier at one convenience store in Japan, quite few times people came to buy it in spite of the fact that I was working at the night time. Basically, I didn窶冲 care what kinds of people bought it. What I needed to do is just to get money from the shopper; however, since most of them came to buy as a couple, I sometimes speculated something about their relationships unnecessarily just for the jokes for conversation.
I also sometimes join in the free condoms campaign at Coe. Every Friday, one of the student organizations which my friend participated in gives out the condoms to students for free. The organization itself works to promote and get sexual awareness on campus. Since it takes place at the very front of the cafeteria, and almost all the students see it, this activity is quite well-known on campus. But their reactions vary from one another; some are willing to take one or two, some just ignore us, some take more than five or ten very happily. It is so funny to watch their reactions. What is seen commonly in their behavior is that they show curiosity and laugh mockingly at the sight of us. We also give out some special condoms: the flavored condoms. I had never heard of it in Japan, and I have never used it before, so I don窶冲 know how it feels actually. There are so many various flavors such as banana, strawberry, lavender, and so on. This kind of activity will be so strange and difficult to carry out in Japanese colleges because most people would consider that it should be done secretly or they might hate to be witnessed getting condoms. I have no idea if I should do this in Japan. One American student pointed out that it is interesting that people don窶冲 hesitate to purchase the condoms in the convenience store; on the other hand, people don窶冲 get condoms in publicly on college campus. I totally agree with that. Maybe I would feel in the same way. It was interesting.
Second half of the Spring Semester.Spring Break was over. My break was so insufficient that I finally couldn窶冲 finish most of the homework that I planned to do. But I did finish some stuff which is not supposed to do such as maintenance of my website or reading that is not homework.
Today, right after the Spring Break, I had a quiz at the Human Sexuality class. Since my score so far was not good enough to get a better grade, I needed to study a lot and I had planned to study a lot during the break. However, as you know, I didn窶冲 really study about it during the break. Therefore, I stayed up all the night today to study. I didn窶冲 understand why I stayed up all the night despite the fact that I stayed here entire the break. As a result, I was about to fall asleep during the test, and I don窶冲 know for sure if I could make it.
In addition, I have to write response paper by tomorrow which is also that I was supposed to get done during the break. It was for the Religion and World Politics class. Topic of this time is about Bosnia or Herzegovina or Kosovo or Serbia. Using Japanese to get basic information is not necessary bad otherwise I get confused more and more. (First of all, I didn窶冲 know where they are on the globe.) I did look for some useful information in Japanese; however it was still difficult to figure it out what has happened there. Lots of events have happened, lots of people have been concerned and lots of opinions I could see. Since these are correlated each other, I had to spend much time to read and understand the assigned book. (I haven窶冲 read the whole book though.) But thanks to my struggle both in Japanese and in English, not only did I get basic knowledge about it, but also I understand the etiology, the key players, the important issues and what makes problem complicated. What I need to do is to finish my response paper by tomorrow.
Most of my friends have been to somewhere in the course of the break. Those who went to Florida and Mexico have got sunburned. It was just funny to see them. The second half of the spring semester has started. That means my stay here is also gradually getting to the end. It probably needs to be more productive and I need to work on it.
Aichi Expo.I just witnessed the TV commercial of Aichi Expo on CNN channel. I was so surprised. I didn't understand the detail, but it seemed to emphasize the technique both old manufacturing and new mechanics. It was unexpected. I don窶冲 know if it is really an effective ad since it is so late night. In EST, it is going to be 3am. But I didn窶冲 think Aichi Expo was trying to be global.
In the course of Spring Break.Since I haven窶冲 been able to concentrate on doing homework, I took a day off today, and spent a so relaxed day. I stayed up until very late last night, and I was awake until late morning. Then I fell asleep, and I have slept until 5pm. What an unproductive day! But I think I could take a rest freed from homework. In addition, I watched the movie I like: Spider-man 2.
It was the second time to see it, I watched it before coming here, but it was so amusing, impressive and interesting. A friend of mine from Chicago told me that some parts of the movie were taken in Chicago, and I could see it. I guess the train-fighting scene was the one. It reminds me of the scenery of Chicago. I was impressed by the scene that I was impressed last time again. As I mentioned in my essay, I still think that the second one is better. (See http://schneider.cside.com/essays/spider_man.htm)
Today was a good holiday. I have to get back to my homework tomorrow, but I think I could refresh today, and I will get them done as planned.
Spring Break on campus.It窶冱 going to be Spring Recess. Most students are either going back to their home or traveling somewhere else. My roommate is going to Colorado. Many Japanese students are also traveling around. Some are going to Florida where the most popular place to go among college students, some are going to New York and some are going to Canada.
But some are staying here like me. I could go somewhere, but I decided not to travel because I am worried about homework. I have had tons of homework since the semester started and I have been so troubled with that almost all the time. I stayed up all the night definitely once a week or sometimes twice a week because I had to read textbook or write a response paper. It was so hard. That窶冱 the main reason I couldn窶冲 have kept this diary everyday this semester so far. If I travel somewhere, it窶冱 going to be entire the break, 9 days, therefore, I won窶冲 have any time to do my homework. In addition, there is a strong possibility that I will have very difficult time to deal with the homework after the break. Since I have been in hard work most of this semester, I can easily imagine that the same thing would happen for the rest of the semester. Hence, as for me, staying here is not totally negative. I will get some homework done.
Since I got enough free time to ponder something, I have been thinking about something unproductive. It might be a good time to reflect myself. This break would be a good relaxing time.
Story of a Professor at Coe.Last Wednesday, I watched a video during the African American History class. After the class, the professor called couple of students窶� name. I was also called. That class was right after the second exam, so I thought I did so badly in that test, and he probably would make some suggestions or give some advices me. I was asked to come to his office. I thought definitely it will be something about the test. However, something unexpected happened; he gave me some books! It was totally unexpected.
I thought that I should borrow it and get him back maybe after the break, so I asked him if I can I borrow those books. However, he answered 窶弋his is for you.窶� I was so surprised. I just told him that I thank him for it at that time.
I always underline or write something when I read English book; therefore, if it is someone窶冱 or library窶冱 book, I shouldn窶冲 do that. The way of reading will be so different. Since I am worried about in case I misunderstood or misinterpreted what he said, I today asked the professor again if he really gave me those books. His answer was yes, and I told him that I was so grateful, and that kind of thing never happens in Japanese big university. (I am not going to mention any specific university窶冱 name anyway. It is just in general.) He said he sometimes gives students books when he gets them and it is proper to study.
The books are about 窶廣ffirmative Action窶� which is a kind of special help provided by the government for certain group of people like women or African Americans. I asked the professor to help me get some information about it by making a list of recommended books and articles before, since this topic is going to be my thesis. I never asked him to give me books. It encourages me to study more and more. Maybe I should ask some questions on it after finishing reading.
These kinds of incidents do make me realize the difference of the scale of the college. There are 50 thousand people in my home college; on the other hand, there are just 1500 people in this college. Atmosphere is so friendly and I can have more close relationship with both students and professors. Class is held one teacher and 10 or 15 students at most. In addition, teachers assign lots of homework every time; therefore, we should have good relationship even though we cannot do well at the test or for paper. I don窶冲 know Japanese universities and colleges should be like here. Some of my Japanese friends think in that way. But when I think of my variety of activities outside of the classroom at my university, since teachers in Japan didn窶冲 assign many homework (maybe we were expected to study voluntarily), I could participate in the clubs so actively. But lots of homework won窶冲 allow me to do that. There are lots of things I can do during the fruitful four years. Both could be the choice, and I chose the Japanese way. Since many things are totally different from my college, the experience here will be so profitable for me.
March has started.Today I got good news; my sister passed the exam for the college. Since last year she couldn窶冲 get into the preferred school, she decided to study one more year and spent a really hard time. But now, it has ended. Both she and I go to the same college, so we are going to live together. That was kind of unexpected news, but I am really excited about it. My study will be finished by this June, then, first I am going to get back to my hometown by way of the new international airport which has opened last month. Staying relaxed life at my hometown, I will start to live in Tokyo again.
I have lots of desires and plans to carry out after this study. Since I have been so busy just to finish my homework everyday since this semester started, I frequently think about some happy stuff in order to escape from the reality. One of them is job hunting. I will start it some time around this fall and hopefully finish it before the next summer. Although I have some preferences and ambitions, I don窶冲 know what kind of field is more fitting to me. I will figure it out during the process of recruitment. I also need to wrap up my college life in order to persuade why I am suitable for that occupation. My experience in a number of clubs or classes and seminar could be one of the good sources. This study abroad experience should be a useful one either. What I now have to do is to live a productive life here as possible as I can. Then, the outcome should be my most desired one.
It窶冱 been a long time to create an entry here. Since today I don窶冲 have any big homework to finish, I could take time to write. We are having Spring Break from this weekend. I am not going to travel somewhere as most of the students do. I will enough time to get the homework done or enough time to take a rest or enough time to ponder various topics.
77th Academy Awards.Despite the fact that I have an exam for African American History class tomorrow, I am now watching a TV show, the 77th annual Academy Awards. It is really impressive and at the same time amusing. I guess it is also a very historical moment for those who concerned.
I have got interested in movies since I came to the States. It is because in some classes the movies were used as one of the materials for study. I wasn窶冲 really interested in it when I was in Japan. But I found that there are so many elements or issues to discuss in one movie through the class experiences. It would be artistic one, it also changes depend on the ability of the actors, topics or themes might be the most important, or the times or places would greatly affect the movie, and the point of view of the director would be a big point to understand the movie. I just want to say that movies are so interesting!
I want to keep this perspective after getting back to Japan. I think there must be good movies to see. I would like to be just not to tell the preference, but would like to evaluate or make some comments on it. Now, we are getting to the leading actor part. Let's see it.
The Vagina Monologues.Today, I went to see the show 窶弖agina Monologues.窶� It is a series of events that take place around the Valentine窶冱 Day in order to keep women and girls from the violence. This show is performed all over the United States and some other countries by not only college students but also other professional organizations. It has passed four years since this show started here at Coe. All the cast, 20 actresses, were female students. Their majors vary from one another; some are music or theater, some are English or education. After the over three -month preparation, today was the first day of three-day performance.
It was a so impressive show. The actresses told their monologues one after another. Although I don窶冲 really remember each of the stories exactly, overall I enjoyed the show. Topics were so broad; they dealt with almost all the discussion regarding to the vagina; rape during the war, sex-workers, an inerasable experience, educational process inside the family, date rape and female genital mutilation. Some were so depressed and miserable stories. Some sounded like full of love.
I expected that the very last story would be a tragic one, since that kind of story gave us such an impact that we could realize the seriousness of the problem. Contrary to my expectation, it wasn窶冲 tragedy, but it was about the procreation. I felt that I kind of figured it out what the director wanted to say after the last monologue; vagina is not an object of any sexual exploitation, but it should be like, say, a kind of the symbol of the profound activity that finally gives a birth to a new baby. Through the some monologues that dealt with the unfair or undesired, it seemed to me that it emphasizes the women窶冱 rights or choice.
A friend of mine who came here at Coe as an international student two years ago (and she also joined in this production) recommended it to me. After her study in the United States, she wanted to introduce the production into Japanese college, I actually talked about that once with her, but we couldn窶冲 do it at last. Two years later, I came here and saw the show which deeply impressed her. I was deeply impressed as well. If the same show is performed in Japanese college, it would definitely create a new certain kind movement. I don窶冲 know exactly what will be, but I think it is important to get awareness of the sexual matters at the college, because, frankly speaking, having sexual intercourse becomes more popular among college students. In addition, sometimes it could cause the date rape or unwanted pregnancy. This remarkably impressive show will urge the audience to reconsider their vaginal and sexual experience. It might be something that is needed to build the mutual respective society.
V-Day: Until the Violence Stops
http://www.vday.org/
What a Drag!Today we, Coe Alliance, sponsored one of the biggest events on campus; Drag Show. This year's theme was "Valentine's Day: What a Drag!" Therefore, the decoration was also Valentine's day like; lots of heart-shaped stuff and pink or red stuff. I am a member of the club, so I helped setting up the stage and other decorations.
The show started at 9pm. It was a hilarious, it was a surprisingly funny show. All the casts are supposed to dress up in a opposite sex fashion. But It was not serious, but funny. Most of them were students, but some of them were professional (since we needed to warm up the atmosphere), a friend of mine told me. Needless to say, professional's performance was so good, it was like I was watching a TV show, but the students performed really well. My conversation partner, Gen, also performed with some of his friends. They were so good. Their dance was pretty well, and in addition, funny performance made the audience laugh so many times.
We also collected the donations during this show. There was a cash bar for those who are eligible to drink alcohol, and the benefits all will be donated. In addition, lots of audience came up to the stage during the performance and gave one dollar bills to the performers. However, it is the Drag Show. They don't give it in an usual way; they jammed bills into performers' bra. It was so funny. Since most of the "female" performers are "men," their boobs are fake, thus, it arouse lots of laughter. I also gave a one dollar bill. All the money will be donated to the organization, United Action for Youth, which supports the GLBTQ people.
In the United States, the GLBTQ people are relatively well known and accepted; they have a certain position. However, we can hardly see this kind of show in Japanese college; they are hidden in Japan. It is a significant difference and I want to evaluate the situation in the United States highly. I think it is a healthy environment for all the people. But I was wondering how today's audience, especially those who are not interested in gender or sexuality studies, watched and felt it. Curiosity will be no problem, just to have fun for Saturday night will be also no problem as a reason that they came here. But if they think it strange and regard it as different or weird, I would say that is a wrong idea. Certainly, this kind of show tends to emphasize the differences of position or behavior between the GLBTQ people and the others, but if they don't emphasize it, "the others" will never see the GLBTQ people. But this is a difficult problem. It is a staged fight.
Although I had some different impression, overall I enjoyed the show. I laughed at the performance a lot. If I had a chance, maybe next year, I would like to perform on the stage.
(The show ended at 11pm, but I helped cleaning up the caf, so I am staying up still now. I will soon go to bed, I am sleepy.)
Remember the Titans.Today, I watched a movie; Remember the Titans in the Kesler Auditorium. This event is brought by the history club in honor of the African American History month. In the United States, February is called African American History month because former President Abraham Lincoln was born in February. (I learned it in the African American History class.) Therefore, there are many events during this month. Some TV networks issued special programs that deal with the slavery history or Revolution War, the professor mentioned in the class. I am so happy to encounter this kind of event, which fits to my best concerned issue, during my stay in the United States.
Until the 1960s, the public schools in the United States were separated depending on the students窶� race; African Americans go to the black school, other white Americans go to the white school. However, by the 1970s, all the schools were integrated; all the students go to the same school regardless of their races. This movie describes the process of integration of the schools, especially, it focuses on the integration of the football team named Titans. It happened in Virginia State, which is known for the harsh treatment for African Americans.
My impression was, basically, the movie was so impressive and really good story. At first, they had many troubles and hard time to get along with, but after the two-week camp, they finally overcame the prejudice against races and built a good relationship. Not only that, they won the championship at last. What is more, this is based on the true story; each student completely got rid of the obstacles in their mind. This is what I have focused on; this is an ideal figure of school. But this occurs only in the football team. Once they got out of the crowd of friendly fellows, they face the severe reality. The movie describes the first day of the integration school; many protesters gathered outside the school with many signboards. In addition, many white students don窶冲 accept and try to understand the other African American students; they sometimes had fights. I thought this kind of discrimination should be emphasized more.
One thing that I need to mention is that American football is a basically men窶冱 world. Therefore, women窶冱 role was just to cheer them up and to be a girlfriend and most of the people in the movie were male. It was rather unacceptable. Other features, not only for gender issues but also racial issues such as African Americans like to sing every time, were also specialized much. (But I am going to ignore these since it is a movie.)
Overall, I enjoyed the movie. It was interesting. This story should be remembered for those who discriminated against or still have the prejudice.
It's Snowing!!(Oh, gush... Since I haven't written any articles this month, nothing appears on this page. I need to write something...)
I have been really busy in these days. I stayed up all the night yesterday, and I think I have to do that one more time this week. One of my classes, Religion and World Politics, is so hard. We not only deal with the complicated topics, but also we are supposed to read some scholarly articles and hand in response writing at least once every week. In most cases, the articles are so long and difficult to read, that means it contains many terminology, thus, it takes me long time to read, it is like several days.
I feel kind of guilty that I couldn't have kept this diary often and published the news letter last week. Although I do have many topics to write such as Iraqi election, the state of the union, events that took place around me, I cannnot take enough time to write it down. I asked my faculty advisor to check my journal regularly so that I can keep it more often. In addition, I still make some gramatical mistakes, so I asked her to correct it at the same time. She will encourage me to write, and then, I will be urged to write it. I don't know it works for me, but I want to take an advantage of this good opportunity.
(It is snowing now. Although it is cold, negative 3 degree Celsius, it is so beautiful.)
Osaka Japanese Restaurant with Hostfamily.Today, my hostfamily invited me to the Osaka Japanese stake restaurant. We have exchanged email so many times since we met last time in last September. We talked about election, politics, Bush or Kerry, Christmas break, New Year窶冱 holiday and so on. It was actually second time to see each other, but we had lots of topics to talk. But today, we went to an informal meeting with those who go to the same church at the restaurant.
It was a really interesting and amusing restaurant. Atmosphere was kind of combined; there was a Sushi counter like Japanese traditional restaurant, but on the other side, there was a bar counter like typical American bar. Some waiter looked Japanese (or Asian) American. But I am sure that they didn窶冲 learn Japanese language because some Japanese character was incorrect unfortunately.
In addition, they serve so many Japanese stuff; Sushi or Edamame or Sake. Since we arrived earlier a little, we had some food as appetizer. I ordered Sashimi style Tuna and Japanese Asahi beer. (I could order either Nigiri or Sashimi style.) Both tasted so good. It was as if I were in Japan. But interestingly, my hostmother, Carolyn, told me that she didn窶冲 want to taste Sashimi since it is raw material. She worried about if she got cold or disease. That actually made me laugh. Although I wondered the freshness of those fishes, nobody cares about it in Japan. My hostfather, John, told me that it is delivered by air and there is a market in Cedar Rapids that deals with marine stuff.
Anyway, I really enjoyed Japanese taste after 2 weeks absence.
Then, we moved to the party room. There were two Teppan in the room. It was like Okonomiyaki shop. People, about 15 or more, gathered in the room and John introduced me to them. Some of them had some experiences or traveled in Japan. My hostfamily haven窶冲 visited Japan yet, but they went to China in October for three weeks. They had tons of pictures! Hearing their story was so amusing. They visited Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong and many other places. I saw some pictures of Great Walls or the Forbidden City or the Yangtze River (for readers in Japan; these places are really famous in Japan as well).
After ordering the main dishes, the chef came. This restaurant is known for chef窶冱 unique performance. He first cooked fried rice. He threw the egg in the air with using spatula lightly and broke it, then, made scrambled egg. In addition, he cut the scrambled egg into some parts and fed us by throwing it using spatula to our mouth. I was so amazed. I missed catching it twice, but at last, I could make it. It was outstandingly cool!
I ordered chicken and salmon combo as a main dish. He burned both salmon and chicken in an exaggerated way, then, cut it, and gave it to me. Since I could eat it while it is so hot, it was so good. Although it was far from the Japanese cooking way or Japanese taste, I enjoyed the dinner.
We talked about various topics. I told the troubles that I had experienced during the return trip to the States. I was asked Japanese cultures or customs many times. We enjoyed the differences from eating manners to politics or religion. Since people who came here today are all comparatively religious people; they go to church every week; they do blessing before having the meal, I was asked about Buddhism or temple in comparison with the Christianity and church. But, in fact, I couldn窶冲 explain these cultural topics well. I wish I could have explained about Japan or Buddhism more.
Overall, we had a really good dinner. Good Japanese food, amusing chef窶冱 performance, and conversations were all lots of fun. I promised to see each other in some time next month with my hostfamily. This time we concentrated on the dinner relatively, so next time I would like to talk more our concerned issues.
Volunteer Work at Polk Elementary School.Today, I went to the Polk elementary school. I visit there every Thursday during this term. Today窶冱 visit was the second time of this year. Last week I saw the students almost after the one-month absence, but, happily enough for me, they all remembered me. Some of them asked me to cuddle. That made me smile.
Thursday is the club day. Students belong to various clubs and each club has an activity about one hour. I today joined in the art club and made posters for the 窶弃olk Spirit Day.窶�
I was surprised at students窶� creative thinking. At the beginning of the club, the teacher gave them some instructions, and after that, students started to drawing pictures on the paper. They seemed to try to do anything that they thought they can do. Unlike mine, their posters were full of un-stereotypical figures. They didn窶冲 take the structure or some other elements into account at all; but that makes picture outstandingly great. I also made some posters but mine was less attractive. In addition, occasionally some of them helped me.
After the club, we had a reading time. Each student took their favorite books and started to read by themselves. I listened to their readings. But one student, Kobi, asked me to read. I actually hesitated about it since I worried about my pronunciation. But at last I did it. He sometimes corrected my pronunciation. It might look kind of strange, but I enjoyed reading.
At the end of the today窶冱 class, our teacher Ms. Tory got angry since the student didn窶冲 listen to her attention and her class became the last class to get on the school bus. Today was actually worse, so noisy than usual. I felt it in the same way. But I love the students. Some times they are naughty, but the other time they are so nice and smart. It is one of my favorite times that I have once a week.
Saturday Night Live.I am watching the Saturday Night Live show tonight as well. This week窶冱 one is also so amusing. I have expected the parody of the inauguration; then, they performed really good one. Contrary to my expectation, it focused on two Bush窶冱 daughters, and it slightly criticized the President from the view point of his family. But it was hilarious.
In addition to the first comedy, other shows or news reports were also so interesting. This time was not so political. They perform brand-new shows every week with featuring one famous actor. It窶冱 going to be one of my favorite programs. Since lots of homework has made me anxious so much, this program gives me the biggest relief of the entire week.
The outside temperature is going to be considerably cold. Especially in the Midwest and Northeast area of the United States, snowstorm and blizzard are coming. As long as I could see from the TV, it seems to be snowing a lot in New York. Because I seldom go out in these days, watching snowing and taking pictures are lots of fun. It is kind of unusual for me to see snow. And, I am looking forward to going to ski someday.
Inauguration Day.Today is the inauguration day; Bush窶冱 second term starts today.
I watched the inauguration with NBC, one of the United States窶� major networks.
It is really well-organized event. The band were marching the music and singers performed patriotic songs. Mass audience came to see.
Many famous people like John Kerry, former President Clinton, only one African American Senator Obama, California Governor Schwarzenegger, former Secretary of States Powell and so on appeared on the TV. It was so interesting to watch carefully.
According to the report, the security was unusually tight. Air space restriction had been announced more extensive than usual. In addition, I could see the severe security some time from some parts of the TV program. They need tickets to get into and the security check is strict as usual. Bulletproof glass also equipped to the stage. Overall, according to the report, it cost 40 million dollars.
It snowed just 2 inches yesterday in Washington D.C. The weather was fine compared to the four years ago, but it looked really so cold.
Around 12pm EST, Vice President and the President Swearing-in for the second term putting their hands on the Bible. The inaugural address has started.
What was most impressive in his inaugural address was the following words; 窶彳xpansion of the freedom to all the world.窶� We could see his strong desire for the success of the election in Iraq and I think he implied next his target in it, maybe Iran or North Korea. As expected, he emphasized freedom and liberty. Time to time audience applauded. In addition, he declared that the United States will 窶徭eek and support the democracy and end the tyranny of our world.窶� 窶弋here is no justice without freedom. There is no human right without liberty. Liberty will come to those who believe it,窶� he stated confidently. According to him, freedom is an 窶廣merica窶冱 ideal.窶� Then, he pledged that he will 窶徃o forward with confidence for freedom permanent hope of humankind.窶�
While I strongly disagree with his statement, it was a considerably impressive moment.
Speaking of my English skills, I once used the inaugural address for English study for years ago, but I could hardly understand at that time even though it was the written text. I remember I gave up reading it soon. But now I could understand many parts of the speech just listening to it. It is, needless to say, a remarkable great progress. This four or five months窶� experience greatly contributed to the progress.
In the afternoon they had a parade. According to the ABC report, there hundreds of thousands of protesters came and demonstrated their message with signboards. It is almost the same situation as the four years ago. Some said 窶廸o War,窶� the other said 窶廝ush is Guilty.窶� 5 people were arrested. Amazingly, the demonstrators brought hundreds of fake coffins to the Capitol Hill. So far, some 1300 United States窶� soldiers have been killed in Iraq. These coffins show that the clear disapproval for the Iraq war.
However, Bush窶冱 inauguration parade was held without any troubles. In addition, the President Bush got off his limo on the way to the White House and walked for a while. His last inauguration parade was really unusual as the movie Fahrenheit 9/11 pointed out. Many people most of them are protesters were resisting to his inauguration; this traditional walking was cancelled maybe for security reasons.
Even though I don窶冲 have any good expectations for next four years, it was a great ceremony. I have experienced and enjoyed so many political events so far; presidential rallies, Election Day, and today窶冱 Inauguration. All of there were really historical moments. I came to the United States really good timing.
Busy with New Semester.I have had really busy days. Lots of homework especially reading was so hard to have done. It seems to be easy for American student or if I were in Japan and used Japanese texts I would feel it easy. It takes me a long time to have done. Hum. In addition, in these days, somehow I couldn窶冲 concentrate on the study. I did attend every class and did finish all homework though. It was hard. I think I need more sleep or relaxing time.
TV programs on Saturday Night.Today I spent most of the night with watching NBC TV.
The first program was a special concert titled 窶彡oncert of hope.窶� It was sponsored by the Red Cross in the United States, and it aimed to help the Tsunami victims in South Asian countries.
It is an amazing concert. A number of famous musicians showed up and performed their songs one after another. Stevie Wonder, Eric Clapton, Elton John or other famous singers played. They believe the power of the music; it will give relax and hope for the victims. In addition, many famous movie stars, like Brad Pitt, Robert De niro or Leonardo Dicaprio, were receiving the phone call for donation. (Unfortunately, I am not good at famous stars, so I cannot remember who was there. But I am sure that many great stars were there. )
Auction was also held. A mug signed by all the celebrities was sold 25 dollars. A phone that is also signed by stars was sold 3 thousand dollars. All the money that was donated tonight will be used for the victims under the responsibility of the Red Cross.
Time to time detailed reports about Tsunami was brought. I realized that it was a really devastating disaster. It changed the coast line. Millions of lives were washed away. They lost everything. It was a very well-organized and enlightening program.
While I was taking a shower, they broadcast the local news. This channel, KWWL, was just for Iowa State. I could see the detailed whether forecast and news for this region.
Then, the next program had started. It was the 窶彜aturday Night Live.窶� It was extremely amusing. Surprisingly, it is a live program (started at 1030pm CST).
It started with a comedy which makes fun of the President. That was hilarious. There were three comedians, and each played a role as the former President Bush, the former President Clinton and the current President Bush. Not only did they imitate their behavior in a funny and silly way, but also their lines were really well-considered and serious. It wasn窶冲 joking. They seemed to try to criticize the administration.
Although it is a popular comedy show, most of the program was really political. It dealt with Martin Luther King窶冱 day which is on next Monday, Tsunami donation, recent polls, government announcement or something. It makes fun of all of these in a 窶徘ositive窶� way. These are not sarcastic, but really acceptable.
One other show that dealt with the economics was amazingly interesting. Comedians were dressed in the real bills. One was the dollar. The others were Euro, Peso, Pound and, in addition, Yen. All of the bills are bigger than a dollar. Then, they were teasing the dollar. It obviously implies the economical power balance of the world. Dollars had an enormous power on the economics in the past; however, the order changes gradually. Euro or Pound or Peso or Yen are getting more power. (But actually I thought Yuan will have more power than Yen.) This show describes a real economical situation. That was just amazing.
I窶况e heard of the program窶冱 name before, but it was first time to see it. I窶况e never thought such a good funny program. In addition, we can窶冲 find this kind of program in Japan. There are some comedy shows, but they are not criticizing the society.
Although I couldn窶冲 do my homework, it was a really good chance to see the American popular culture. In addition, I always watch CNN Headline since it is broadcast 24 hours. It is very convenient to gather information about both international and the United States affairs. However, it sometimes could be boring; it just repeats the same news. I used to continue to watch it at any times but I need to change the channel, maybe. NBC or abc provides us with more interesting and amusing programs. I won窶冲 have any chance to see those American programs in Japan as I experienced this winter break, so I should enjoy those while I am staying here.
Racial Violence in the United States.Today I attended the lecture presentation brought by history club. It was entitled 窶弩hy did ordinary people lynch? Racial violence in the United States.窶� The lecturer is from Texas. His experience in hometown is deeply related to his career and research. He could see the all kinds of violence in central Texas, he said.
One picture that enlightened him was presented at the beginning of the lecture. It was the picture of public lynching of one person. 15 thousand people including doctors or lawyers or women were watching it. However, here is a serious question; why and how did they think it acceptable? It was a lynching. But nobody tried to stop it.
According to his view, 窶徂istorical memories窶� are deeply related to the racial violence. Revolution could be a memory, or war between the United States and Mexico could be too. It has local contexts either. All these elements correlate each other, then, it causes the violence. In addition, it passed from generation to generation with a particular interpretation.
He concluded his presentation with the following words; race still divides America. Race works as a barrier of the society. Lynching is still important memory for African Americans, but at the same time, historical memories are also important for the white.
Although the lecture was so difficult for me, his last words were impressive. In his words, lynching is a 窶忻icious racial hate crime.窶� One scene that came up to my mind; a suspicious thief was shot and killed by white police officers. He was black. It could be considered racial violence. If a suspicious was a white, there is a strong possibility that he wasn窶冲 killed in the first place. I think the chances to see this situation is decreasing, but it still exists in this society. It seems me that his lecture implies that the racial violence is a difficulty and potential problem in this society.
A friend from Syrian.I窶冦 still so overwhelmed to the atmosphere of the classes although our faculty advisor told us not to be overwhelmed. In their words, everybody in the class including the American students would feel the same way, so we don窶冲 have to worry about the homework or discussions. However, unlike the last semester, there are few friends to rely on. I need to find them.
In some classes, I will study what I studied in Japan such as gender or sexuality, but on the other hand, in other classes, I will study more difficult issues such as religion or world politics. Even though I had studied it briefly in Japan, it窶冱 going to be pretty hard. Thinking of exam or essays, I feel so nervous.
I窶况e got to know one new friend from Syrian in the politics class. He is the first person from Arab I窶况e met in my life. He is 26 years old. He has graduated several colleges so far, and he is going to work after this semester in Syria as an international businessman. What was interesting was that he got angry with the professor窶冱 words about Syria, he told me after the class. The professor said that in Syria people still haven窶冲 got the freedom of the religion. In fact, it is a totally misunderstanding. Although most people believe in Islam, some people are Christian in Syrian. They have a freedom, they have several choices. But I didn窶冲 know that fact either. We tend to have particular biases against the Islamic country especially in terms of the freedom; we tend to think people don窶冲 have any free rights in those countries. But it was not true. We will get to know a lot about Islam in the course of this class from his words or homework. It would be an exceptional experience.
New Semeser has started.(I could get my baggages at Coe without any troubles on Tuesday.)
Spring semester has started. In the course of this term, I am taking several regular courses; African American Studies, Religion and World Politics, Human Sexuality and Concert Choir (I will drop the religion class this semester since three-course is hard enough for me.). Unlike the last semester, I don窶冲 have to get up early everyday, so I have had really comfortable days so far. What is the hardest thing is that the classes are held every two days. That means I have to finish my homework within one or two days. In addition, the amount of the homework is kind of hard for me. I have been assigned lots of readings. I am not good at reading generally, but what is different is that I can read what I like to read. For example, like African American Studies, I have wanted to study this field – I came here to study African American – so even if the amount is large, I could keep my curiosity and interests. I can read 20 or 30 pages with lots of joy. I think that is a really happy thing.
It is my honest impression of the new semester. I would like to keep up my own pace, then, I would like to spend a productive semester.
Travel to the United States; Narita to Chicago.Finally, I left Japan. I met many friends and family, talked and discussed a lot. I窶冦 pretty sure that I had a good productive vacation. I was so encouraged and I really appreciate their welcoming. Plenty of memories, experiences, talking and discussions came up my mind although I didn窶冲 shed tears this time.
I have to change my domination language in my brain into English gradually since I窶况e rather got used to use Japanese in all the aspect of the life. While some troubles and problems happened, overall I had a safe travel.
First trouble happened at Narita. Some of my friends gave me a ride to the airport. We watched airplanes and had a dinner. Since we missed each other so much, we were together as long as possible. We took some pictures and shook hands each other, then, said good-bye just before getting into the security check. I actually was about to cry. It was an impressive moment.
However, since I had a scissors in the backpack, the officer told me to take it out and not to bring it inside the aircraft. Therefore, I got back to the insecure side with the officer and looked for my friends in order to give it to them. Fortunately, I could find them. I handed it to them and went back to the secure side, then, rushed for the immigration. At the immigration, I heard someone called my name. I did go through the procedure immediately, then, ran to the gate. It was just 10 minutes to take off. I was the last person who boarded. At last, the plane took off in safe.
Second trouble happened at San Jose International Airport. It is the first airport to enter the States, so all the non-residents visitor had to be checked their passport and other documents. There were so many people from Japan, but the officer who checked it was only one. It was inefficient at all. In addition, it took us lots of time. Some people including me had to transfer to the connecting flight. They were worried about the delay. I was, too. At last, I managed to pass the control, and I could get on the plane on time. But actually, they extended the departure time. This delay caused serious another big problem at Chicago later.
The biggest third trouble happened at Chicago. My baggage didn窶冲 come out to the carousel. That made me extremely disappointed. I窶况e never experienced this kind of troubles before. I think the delay of the passport control at San Jose caused the problem. My two baggages have been missing. I waited these for a long time. At last, I asked the baggage desk to make sure what is going on my baggages. According to the officer, my baggages weren窶冲 carried to Chicago, and it will send here tomorrow. I told her that I have to leave here tomorrow窶冱 morning. Then, she offered me to send it to my college and I was convinced.
But it was too bad. I was extremely shocked. I didn窶冲 take a bath for several days, so I wanted to do it tonight. But I cannot do it since I don窶冲 have any clothes to change. In addition, there is a possibility that I can窶冲 get it tomorrow because the mail room at college doesn窶冲 open during the vacation. It is really annoying. Hum.
Today窶冱 hostel is the one that I used one month ago when I headed to Japan. It is really cheap, just 20 dollars, but it is actually not good to sleep – the bed is so hard. But I think I can sleep well this time since I am so tired both physically and mentally.
Unproductive Holidays.My life has become less complicated. Waking up in the morning, watching TV, reading newspapers, taking a nap, reading books, sending emails, having meals regularly, going to bed etc窶ｦ That窶冱 all what I do in these three days. It could be said that I am relaxing too much. It is not productive. I believe that the holidays should be unproductive though. In addition, I have had really usual New Year holidays. Today I watched one of the most famous and popular road races in Japan; Hakone. It is two days race; the first day runners start Tokyo to Hakone, then, the second day runners come back to Tokyo. Although it is five-hour long TV program on each day, I watched all of them. It was like 11 hours. That was fun. But it would be unproductive.
Some would say that I have been doing nothing but relaxing. Actually and unfortunately, it cannot be helped agreeing them for me. Moreover, I don窶冲 have to do every household because my mom will do. I do know it is a wrong idea. This idea has supported the violation of the women窶冱 rights. However, since my mom tells me that I don窶冲 have to do that, I tend to depend on this structure. I am trying to help cooking, but she doesn窶冲 need it.
I am wondering how my colleagues who came to Coe together are doing. I guess most of them are traveling somewhere in the United States. I talked to one of them this morning through the messenger. He is in North Carolina with his friend. My friend who belongs to the swimming team is in Hawaii as a part of the club activity. Some are in New York or Chicago or Washington D.C. Then, I am in Japan.
I am really looking forward to hearing their stories that they had during the vacation. I believe they have had kind of unusual/amusing/unexpected experiences.
I will also travel around the States after the next semester. My dad recommended me to go New Orleans since he felt atypical American tastes there. I don窶冲 know if it is still true, it was some 20 or 30 years ago, but it is not a bad idea to go there, because New Orleans could be a final destination; my plan is to go Bill Clinton窶冱 Presidential Library, Arkansas, then, visit the King Center, Georgia.
I would like to come to the states as a work again in the future, so I might not visit big cities like New York or Los Angels; I will visit there definitely within the decades. I窶况e got excited to think about my plan after the semester. Needless to say, in order to have a good travel, I should spend a productive unregretful semester first of all. Hence, I will justify the values of this unproductive vacation. It is necessary to have a good semester.
新年のごあいさつ。新年あけましておめでとうございます。
昨年はいよいよ大学も四年目をむかえました。年初から多くの同級生が就職活動にはげみ、次々と進路を決めていく中で、ぼくは夏からの留学にむけて、オーストラリアへの短期留学と授業とで、せっせと英語を勉強していました。大学のお友だちは、文字通り世界へ日本へいろいろなところにちらばっていくようで、彼らの活躍を聞くのは楽しみである一方、会う機会が減っていくことはさみしくもあります。
ぼくは夏からアメリカへ留学していました。（年末年始は実家に帰ってきています。）はじめはなかなか新しい環境になれるのが大変ではありましたが、授業やサークルでお友だちがだんだんとできるようになり、同時に、英語にも自信が出てきて、余裕が出てきたなあ、というところで、12月をむかえ、学期を終えました。留学中に一時帰国するのは、本来はあまりよいことではないのですが（したがって後輩にはすすめません）、さまざまな事情を勘案した上で帰ることに決めました。（詳しくはhttp://schneider.cside.com/weblog/archives/000121.htmlを参照。）
今学期の勉強は、政治・公民権運動・ジェンダー・宗教がキーワードでした。
政治面は、いうまでもなく大統領選挙です。大統領候補の演説会など、大学の内外で開かれる選挙関連のイベントにはできるだけ参加し、また、授業でもアメリカの政治について議論をする機会がありました。アメリカ大統領はいままですべて「白人」の「男性」でしたが、そのことを指摘して、それ以外の集団やグループに属する人々が大統領になれる可能性を論じたレポートも書きました。（詳しくはhttp://schneider.cside.com/essays/nonwhite_president.htmを参照。）
公民権運動は留学先でもっとも勉強したかった内容でした。自分の問題意識との関連で、「異人種間の結婚を禁じた法律」について（ずいぶんマニアックですが（苦笑））勉強をしました。州と時代によって人種の定義が異なっていることを指摘した上で、人種を定義することと純粋な人種の神話について論じました。（詳しくはhttp://schneider.cside.com/essays/intermarriage.htmを参照。）
ジェンダーの勉強は日本での問題意識を維持し、その視点からアメリカ社会を見るいい機会となりました。学期を通じて一番仲よくなった友だちはゲイであることを公言して大学生活を送っています。また、ゲイが主人公であるテレビドラマ（シットコム）も大変人気があり、概して、セクシュアルマイノリティーに寛容である社会であるように感じました。（もちろん宗教的な理由もかかわっていると考えられるヘイトクライムが多く起きている事実も見逃せないところではあります。）（詳しくはhttp://schneider.cside.com/essays/gays_and_media.htmを参照。）
この点に関連して、今学期の勉強の中で新しく得た視点が宗教です。政治から日常生活の細かなところまでいたるところに宗教、特にキリスト教の影響を見ることができました。自分自身の体験もふまえ、宗教とはいったい何なのか、なぜ人々の思想や行動までに大きな影響を持つのか、強い興味を持ちました。
このように勉強面は大変充実していました。大学に入ってからもっともよく勉強した学期のひとつであったことはまちがいないでしょう（苦笑）
また、学期をつうじて、ウェブログ上に日記をほぼ毎日のペースで更新していました。「アメリカ留学体験記」というほどの大それたものではありませんが、ぼくの生活の一端を知っていただけるかと思います。（宿題になっていたこともあり、すべて英語で書いています。そんなにむずかしいことは書いていません（苦笑））
そんななか、昨年のいつからか、メールマガジンの発行とホームページの更新が滞っておりました。昨年の前半は、英語の勉強とサークルでいっぱいいっぱいになり、まもなくアメリカに留学。何の連絡もよこさずに、ふじたはいったいなにをやってるんだ、とひさしぶりにホームページを見たら全部英語になっていた・・・という声（苦情）を、多くの方からいただき、このたび、新しい年の幕開けに合わせて、日本語の方も英語の方にもご覧いただけるようなページに作り変えました。このウェブログもひさしぶりの日本語による更新となりました。本年も、昨年同様ホームページをご覧いただき、たまにはコメントをいただけるとそれが大きなはげみとなります。どうぞよろしくお願いいたします。
２００５年がみなさまにとってよい年でありますよう心よりお祈りしております。
Relaxed Year-end Holidays.I have got back to my hometown.
I had productive days in Tokyo with my nice friends. I had had many parties since I arrived in Japan. I talked and drank a lot with them. As I expected, they gave me much new information and different perspectives. It is a good preparation for the next semester. I was encouraged and motivated strongly.
However, due to lots of parties, I have been unable to study English. It might be said that I have enjoyed the vacation too much. And what is worse, I couldn窶冲 keep my journal here in English. Occasionally, I did study English, but it is not enough. Important thing is to keep working on it.
Then, I would like to state my duties here again.
I should read newspapers both in English and in Japanese. I should read books in English which I brought from the States. I should watch movies in English which my roommate lent me. Above all, I should keep my journals here in English.
These are what should I do during the vacation. I might be good at taking a good rest, so I should study more at the same time.
4-month Absense.5 days have passed since I got back to Japan. Every night I met many friends and drank, talked a lot. I have had really good time with them.
Honestly, it is very different to talk face by face. I had exchanged emails with some of them. We talked various issues and discussed or I asked their opinions to go back to Japan. Opinions varied from each other; some agreed, but others didn窶冲. But finally and happily for me, they welcomed my decision.
I had so many new good experiences for these four months. But not only me, they, all of my friends, experienced something and I could see their some changes or advancements. Talks with them encouraged me a lot, too.
I will stay at Tokyo for one more week and I have some plans to see my friends.
Going back to Japan; from Chicago to Tokyo.I got up at quarter to 7am. I was so relieved since I was able to get up as I planned. In addition, I couldn窶冲 sleep well last night, so I was worried about the early-morning get up. I had a breakfast, beagle and coffee, for free. And then, I left the hostel.
It was also the cold morning. In order to go to the airport inexpensively, taking subway/train is a proper way. Like the commuter train in Tokyo, many people get on the subway in the downtown of Chicago. I arrived at the airport without any difficulty. I got a ticket and head to the security check. As you may know, the security check in the United States is 窶忖nnecessarily.窶� It was really annoying. I had to take out my lap top from my packed bag, take off the jacket and shoes. As I expected, I was not allowed to go through the gate; my belt alarmed. It took me long time to pass it. It was so troublesome. While I was waiting for boarding, I saw many familiar faces; I realized that I go back to Japan truly. During the flight, I enjoyed talking with my neighbor; a pretty girl from Malaysia. She is five years old. Somehow she got interested in me, and asked many questions. It was so nice to have a conversation with her. She sometimes corrected my English. Also, I read a book, since I didn窶冲 feel sleepy, I could read it a lot. The book was the official reader of the movie Fahrenheit 9/11. I really enjoyed it.
I would like to state my goal/duty during this stay in Japan.
First of all, I will keep studying English. Journals should be written in English. I will try to read book/newspaper definitely once a day. If I could think in English, that would be good.
Secondly, I have to get motivated by talking to lots of people; in seminar or club and with other friends. Not only do I tell my own experience, but also I will try to discuss anything and get inspired.
Then, I take a rest. This would be the most important. Finally, I will get ready to the next semester. Enjoy Japan! This is a vacation. The airplane is landing. Although it is unexpected stay, I hope this vacation would be good break.
Going back to Japan; travel to Chicago.The day has come; I leave here to Japan. Some of my friends go back to their country after this semester. Medelaine and Christina were one of them from Germany. I wrote a message on their notebook. Then, I promised to visit Germany in 2006 when the world cup is held in the country.
It is a really cold day. It was almost 0 degree Celsius. I walked to the bus terminal at the downtown from college. At the bus terminal, I met a friend, Jessica. She was also on her way to her home in Chicago. She helped me occasionally. I enjoyed the five-hour long trip.
We arrived at Chicago on time; 740pm. Then, I said good-bye to Jessica and head for the subway station. Actually, this was my third visit; thus, I didn窶冲 have any difficulties to get to the hostel. The hostel was nearby the college, so the atmosphere was so safety; many dormitories were there. After taking shower, I went to bed soon.
Night time Chicago was kind of scary city for me. Even though there were many lights enough to walk on the street, I couldn窶冲 help feel somewhat uncomfortable. I think it comes from just unfamiliar feeling; I spent most of four months in the safety friendly campus. There was no threat. Therefore, I haven窶冲 experienced survival 窶徨eal America.窶� In this sense, the traveling must be a good experience. (Going to the college in big city is one of the good ideas.) After the next term, I should travel around the United States.
The day before Departure.Thank you for those who checked this journal out regularly. I will leave here Cedar Rapids on Tuesday, Dec 14th. And then, I will spend one night at Chicago. On Wednesday, Dec 15th, I will leave the United States. I will arrive in Tokyo on Thursday, Dec 16th. (The flight schedules are below.) Therefore, my diary will stop for a while. In Tokyo, I will 窶徼ravel窶� some my nice friends窶� house, so I don窶冲 think I can keep my diary everyday. When I go back to my hometown, I can do that definitely. But most of my schedules haven窶冲 been decided yet. (If you are interested in, please let me know.)
Hum窶ｦ It is unbelievably cold now. It is about 10 past two o窶冂lock. It should be warm afternoon. However, it is minus 6 degree Celsius. Incredible! Although I can see the sun, I can see it snowing at the same time. I am supposed to go out and buy something in this afternoon but since it is too cold to go out, I won窶冲 go out any more.
Here is my schedules.
12/14
Cedar Rapids - Davenport - Chicago (by Trailways bus)
2pm - 345pm/415pm - 740pm
12/15
Chicago - Narita (by American Airlines 153)
11am - 320pm (12/16 in Japan)
1/10
Narita - San Jose (by American Airlines 128)
6pm - 955am
San Jose - Chicago (by American Airlines 1820)
1150am - 610pm
1/11
Chicago - Cedar Rapids
My decision.I have been thinking about going back to Japan during this break for a long time; it's like one month. At first, it was a bad joke for me, but gradually it became realistic. In these days, I was seriously troubled about it. I asked my family, my faculty advisor, my friends both here and in Japan if it is good. Some people agreed with the idea of going back to Japan, but others didn窶冲. However, I have decided to go back to Japan during the winter vacation. I would like to discuss both advantage and disadvantage of it in today窶冱 diary.
The main issues will be the followings; English skills, friends both in the United States and in Japan, and the cost.
First of all, going back to Japan is definitely not good for my English. If I go back to Japan, I will have fewer chances to use every English skill. I do have to try to keep my own pace under the non-English circumstance. It is going to be rather hard. That will make my English skills bad even though I have made continuous efforts for the improvements whole the semester.
In addition, I won窶冲 see my friends here again in the future. It is a good chance to visit American family. Of course, it surely works for my English, especially my bad speaking skill.
Originally, I came here as a one-year student. Thus, I was supposed to have said 窶徃ood-bye窶� to my friends in Japan. I don窶冲 have to see them now again.
Finally, it will cost too much. It is different; it is not as convenient as go back to my hometown from Tokyo as I did many times in Japan.
Instead of going back to Japan, I should travel around the United States. I won窶冲 have any chances to travel whole one month. It will give me many 窶徭urvival窶� experiences such as making a reservation at the hostel or taking a taxi, train, bus. Using English in practical situation must be helpful.
On the other hand, going back to Japan will be good refreshment for me. Especially, seeing and talking to my fellow classmates will enlighten and encourage me to study more. They like to discuss everything. Through the discussion, I can make sure my own way and I can modify it if it was wrong. I would like to know what was going on in Japan in this four month; in addition, I can hear their comments on it. These information and experiences will be definitely helpful for my further study in next semester.
Not only do I meet my friends, I will go back to my hometown; see my family. It will be good relaxed vacation. I have been tired since I came here. I want to take a rest and I can do it in Japan.
Even though I won窶冲 speak English, I can read, listen, and write in English. Thanks to the Internet, I can get lots of latest information from anywhere in English. Some TV companies in Japan translate their news into English. By hearing these programs, I can practice the listening skills. I can do the same thing through the Internet, too. Writing is, needless to say, easy. I will keep my journal here in English everyday. I will have much time to do it in Japan.
In addition, the cost will be the same as the traveling; just 657 USD.
Both reasons are really persuasive for me. I am also pretty sure that regardless of my decision, I will have a good 窶彷ruitful窶� vacation. However, until recently, I had a plan to visit my roommates窶� home, so I almost decided that I won窶冲 go back to Japan. But for several his unavoidable reasons, I cannot go to his house. This is the biggest reason why I decided to go back to Japan. I will definitely keep studying in Japan in order not to excuse of my bad English after the vacation. I swear it. Bye America! See you guys again!!
Small Night Concert.Today窶冱 evening, Gen, my conversation buddy, and I went to the concert. It was held in the small hall in the downtown, Cedar Rapids. Two musicians played many folk or country songs. There is a bunch of people; some are students, some are families, some are older. It was really relaxed atmosphere. I really enjoyed it. (It cost just 4 dollars!)
Since I play the guitar, I focused on their guitar technique. Both were amazingly good. The first musician was obviously influenced by the blues music. In addition, according to Gen窶冱 observation, he imitated Elvis Presley窶冱 behavior. Thus, his music was kind of mixed of these all. That was interesting.
More interestingly, the attitudes towards the music/concert of the both performers showed the contrast; they are actually very different musician. We talked about it after the concert. The first man was trying to amuse the audience. He talked funny stories in between the music many times. Some of his songs were also funny; lyrics made us laugh. His emphasis was on the audience.
On the other hand, second musician seemed not to try to make the audience laugh. It is true his story was interesting to listen to, but it seemed not on purpose. Rather, he enjoyed playing the guitar himself. Some of the songs were instrumental. But his technique was superior. (Unfortunately, due to the amplifier窶冱 bad quality, the sound was unclear.) Many of us was attracted his guitar play. I think his emphasis was also on the audience, but the way was rather different.
Surely both of them enjoyed the concert. Of course, we, the audience, enjoyed the concert too. I wonder and worried about Gen窶冱 coming finals. Despite the fact that he has a lot of exams this week, he invited me. I really appreciate it.
Volunteer with 4th grade students.Today, I went to the Polk school. This is my fourth time visit. Most of the 2nd grade students already know me; in addition, they are really friendly recently. However, today窶冱 volunteer was with the 4th grade students. Since 4th grade was the first time for me, it was kind of difficult and different work. Sometimes I had hardships to communicate with.
There are several reasons. It is true that they are still childish, but everybody has a strong opinion and tries to do anything on their own way. They are matured compared to 2nd grade students. It seemed to me that they didn窶冲 need my help.
There was one teacher, and I was supposed to help him. I think I should have helped teacher more actively. He looked troubled sometimes with 窶彭isobedient窶� and 窶從aughty窶� children. But I was at a loss actually. I had no idea what to do at that time. They seemed not to be interested in me, a college student from Japan. I could hardly talk to the students for a while.
I thought his teaching style is rather different from the 2nd grade one. He sometimes says strictly/shows angry feelings directly in order to make students do something. However, students became obediently comparatively soon and then started to work. In second grade class, one teacher seldom gets angry, the other teacher gets angry soon. But she doesn窶冲 scold strictly. It is well-balanced team teaching. Under the two teachers, I help some students, three or four people, do something. Even though I don窶冲 try to help them, they come to me and ask something about the work; in addition, they talk to me or ask me something about Japan. It seemed to me that the students窶� attitude was also slightly different.
Experiencing other classes would be good thing, but as for me, I cannot help feel difficulties. It could be my English. It could be my personality. I am not going to blame the students. It was my fault. Although it was good for me to get to know other class, it was hard and difficult.
Reviewing the Fall Term.Today was the last day for classes in this semester. We are going to have a final week. Since tomorrow is the 窶徨eading day,窶� finals begin day after tomorrow. Reading day is a kind of study day, so that we won窶冲 have any classes. But now, I am in the ESL courses, so we have tests tomorrow.
Let us review this semester. I arrived here on August and started to study. In early September, I asked my teacher to assign more homework, then, my life had changed; it was going to become hard. Sometimes I was really upset. I can remember many times I went to bed at the late night. It was like four or five o窶冂lock in the morning. In addition, there are two computer rooms that open 24/7. I stayed up all the night there twice, just twice; the one was, I just remembered, my birthday窶冱 night; the other was this Monday; I was working on my portfolio. Every class starts at 930am, so that it was getting harder for me as the semester going. Many times I didn窶冲 have a breakfast. (In addition, it continues still now.)
Through the semester, I studied the multiculturalism and the United States. I learned American Dream, Civil Rights Movement, racism in the United States, some gender issues. In addition, in the other classes, I studied the pronunciation, presentation, and grammar skills. In Asian Literature class, I read some Japanese novels in English, watched some movies that deal with the intercultural issues. Concert Choir was a good experience though it was kind of hard for me. Overall, I think I did better work than the life at Waseda in terms of the classes. (I did lots of and various 窶徘rojects窶� at Waseda outside the classroom. It is considered more important at Waseda.)
In my impression, my writing skill really improved much more than any other skills. Since I have kept this diary almost every day, I got to know many expressions, words. I got used to writing in English. I am not reluctant to write something in English totally. I became able to write faster than before. Writing diary used to take lots of time, but now, I could write an article at least 30 minutes or more, at most half and an hour; it used to take two hours, this is a great progress.
However, other skills are not great compared to the writing. Especially, speaking is worst. It is supposed to be the easiest, but I disagree with this opinion. I don窶冲 understand why it is difficult for me, but I do believe it is just the lack of the practices. I have to talk more with roommate, friends, and teachers. I would like to focus on my speaking skills as possible as I can in the next semester.
For the next term, I will continue this kind of or much harder work through the semester. My classes are; Religion and World Politics, Belief and Unbelief, Human Sexuality, Concert Choir, and African American Literature. Four courses sound too much. I don窶冲 know what will happen. I would like to do my best as I did in this semester.
The Christmas Convocation.-Due to the mass homework, my diary had completely stopped. But it starts again today.-
Today, I attended the Christmas Convocation at college. Convocation is kind of a ceremony. Usually, that means the ceremony for the entrance/graduation in college, but this time, it is for the Christmas. As the Concert Choir performed at the installation of the new college chaplain, the other chorus class, Women窶冱 Chorale, sang several times during the ceremony. Some of my classmates joined in the chorale.
It was held at the well and beautifully decorated Sinclair Auditorium. The convocation took place in accordance with the usual manners of the worship. Like the real worship in church, organist, brass ensemble and chorale played solemn music. We, the audience, also sang some carols. (I wonder the difference of the words. At the worship in church, ordinary it would be called hymn. In addition, we have to confess something. But we didn窶冲 do it today.) We listened to a bunch of songs and lessons. Some students and faculties talked at the lessons. (In church, it would be called sermon.)
The atmosphere was impressively solemn regardless of my faith. I hardly experienced this kind of ceremony in Japan. Originally, this college started in order to educate Christians, so that we have many chances to touch these traditional religious events in particular seasons. I have learned Christianity in practice many times since I came here. (I think I went to church and attended the worship more than I go to the Buddhism temples in Japan.) It is good cultural and religious experience. Tomorrow, I am going to attend the Jewish ceremony for Christmas.
Writing Workshop; Extra.Today, I attended the writing workshop. Today窶冱 speaker was Yi Yun Li, from China. She came to the United States in 1996, now she is teaching writing at University of Iowa.
At first, she read a story 窶廢xtra,窶� published in 2003 on the magazine 窶弋he New Yorker.窶�
Here is my summary; an old woman, 51, left the company which she worked for a long time. Since she had nothing to do for the rest of her life, in accordance with her friend窶冱 advice, she got married to an old sick widower. However, because his disease was Alzheimer, he sometimes forgets everything. When she tried to take a bath with him, he doesn窶冲 recognize her as his wife and told 窶弩ho are you?窶� After taking bath, unfortunately, he died by accident. Thanks to his relatives, she was able to get new job; dorm mother at a private school. Many 窶徨ich窶� children go to there, so that her life became well off. In addition, she fell in love with a 6-year old boy. She did everything for him and enjoyed life with him. But he, at last, doesn窶冲 like her anymore because of the trouble concerning stealing socks. She tried to fix the relationship, but she couldn窶冲; she could not meet his 窶彿mpossible窶� request. Finally, she was fired. She still keeps the socks that remind her of the memories with boys.
After the author窶冱 reading, the question time was provided. She was originally a native speaker of Chinese, but she came to the States to get a PhD degree. She took some classes and learned the writing. Her teacher encouraged her to writing, then, she started to work as a writer. Now, she has a writing class at the University of Iowa.
Her fiction story is totally based on her 窶彿magination.窶� So does this story. Most of the information that told in this story emanate from her imagination, she said. However, she also writes non-fiction story. It is based on her own life or experience. She, as a writer, focuses on how does she tell the story and move the audience. She seemed to make a distinction between these two.
She also talked about revising the essay. This essay mainly consists of two parts; marriage and school. However, originally there was an episode of heroine in between. But the editor of the magazine pointed out that it doesn窶冲 窶彷it窶� to those two, so that she got rid of it. The concept of 窶彷it窶� seemed to be important to me.
According to her experience, her first language of writing is English. That was kind of surprising for me. Although she still thinks in Chinese many times and speaks Chinese to her husband, once she starts to write something in English, the thoughts come up to her mind in English. She doesn窶冲 translate Chinese into English most of the time. Certainly, I have had this kind of experience since I came here occasionally. It is hard to explain, but the words or phrases occur to me suddenly. However, this is still sort of difficult for me. I thought continuous thinking would contribute to the fluent writing or speaking. As her experience of the second language of English was a good implication for me.
Rescue Political Prisoners!窶弩ould you sign your signature on our petition?窶�
Today, I joined in the signature campaign as a part of the activity of the Amnesty International. Amnesty International is based on the grass-roots activity. We usually write a letter to the dictators to ask him to stop the human rights violations. But today, in order to promote the recognition of the problem, we set the table in front of the cafeteria and appealed it for the students. We had three different types of petitions; two of those are about releasing political prisoner in Myanmar, the other is for the protection of the gay rights in Honduras. These will be sent to the dictators and urge them to stop the violation against fundamental human rights.
We had it both lunch time and dinner time; it was just two or three hours, but we got great many numbers of signatures. It would show the high interests for these issues among the students. I sometimes explained what we are doing for. Most students showed us their understanding and acceptance and were willingly to have signed their name.
I was thinking about if we do the same thing in Japan, how many people will sign the petition. Although there are many students at Waseda, the number of students might be not as many as here. In my case, I will make sure if the organization is authorized or not. It sounds silly, but I think it is inevitable in Japan.
Faculty advisor, John Chaimov, said to me that these petitions will definitely be sent to the dictators, but the dictators will send it to the shredder soon without checking it out. Unfortunately, I cannot deny his opinion and I do think so. Our efforts could be meaningless. However, wouldn窶冲 it really make any senses? I don窶冲 think so. Here is a famous and impressive saying on the broacher for the Amnesty International. It is kind of long, but I would like you to introduce it. "When the first two hundred letters came, the guards gave me back my clothes. Then the next two hundred letters came, and the prison director came to see me. When the next pile of letters arrived, the director got in touch with his superior. The letters kept coming and coming: three thousand of them. The President was informed. The letters still kept arriving, and the President called the prison and told them to let me go." (A released prisoner of conscience from the Dominican Republic.)
One individual doesn窶冲 have any big powers, however, once these individual powers are gathered, it becomes a great significant power. The activity itself does make sense. Signing petition doesn窶冲 take much time, just 10 or 20 seconds. Why don窶冲 you do it?
Homestay Weekend; the second day.The second day, we got up so late, it was 11:30am. Then, we had a branch. Two of us, Takashi and Shinji, had much more homework, so they went back to college earlier. Rest of us, Saori and I, visited a kind of old village near here. It is called 窶廣mana colonies.窶� They originally moved from German to New York City, but they loved countryside life, then, moved to Iowa. Some of them have really fundamental thinking; they rejected to use electricity. They live in near Iowa City and still continue this lifestyle. But the people in Amana colonies are really modernized. This district is designated National Historical Landscape, so that many tourists came to see some German cultural stuff. Barbara explained to us in detail. We watched the houses from the car. Architectures are kind of old fashioned, but it was so beautiful. When they change the color of the house, they have to have a meeting to maintain the 窶彙eautiful窶� town scenery, she told us. We also walked around the cemetery. Unlike the Japanese cemetery, they are buried in died order not with their family. Most of the last name seemed to emanate from Germany. Each gravestone was the same figure. In this sense, they are really equal, my teacher added. That was interesting place. After that, we saw the Christmas tree house and souvenir shop. Then, we left the town, got back to Coe.
Overall, we had a really good weekend. Not only did we talk a lot, we enjoyed staying; cooking, dinner, playing cards. Most of the students, including Japanese exchange students, went somewhere interesting whole the week. It is true that I envy them, but I am sure I had an enjoyable, relaxed, fun week as much as they had even though I didn窶冲 go away from here, Cedar Rapids.
Next usual busy week will start tomorrow again.
Homestay Weekend; the first day.The first day, I visited my teacher Robert and Barbara Drexler窶冱 house. Not only did most American students go back to their home, but also most Japanese students visited their host family or friends and traveled somewhere else during this week. But some of us have stayed here most of the week, so that my teachers invited us to their house. Saori, Shinji, Takashi and I visited.
We left Coe at 4:30pm. Then, we had a conversation about study or plan or something. At the dinner we had vegetables, salmon, and Japanese rice. I helped Barbara cook a little. In addition, we had a chocolate cake as a dessert. All of them were so good.
After that, we played the cards. We introduced Japanese game, rich and poor, and American game, hearts, each other. Although 窶徂earts窶� is little bit complicated, I enjoyed it. We also played 窶廛oubt.窶� Surprisingly, it was common between Japan and America. We played it again and again for a while. Our 窶徇atches窶� are really fun.
As you see, we didn窶冲 do anything special; just talking, cooking dinner, and playing cards. But I enjoyed all of those.
What I was thinking about is that it is unbelievable to play cards with my teachers in Japan. I am not going to criticize my professor. He likes to discuss with students even though they disagree with his opinion. But he is busy person. He has a lot of works such as lecture presentation or writing books and articles for the newspapers besides the classes in college. Thus, it would be impossible to invite us to his home, have a dinner, discuss, and play cards. In addition, we said jokes so much each other all the time. Atmosphere here was rather friendly. I have never said jokes to my professor in Japan. I think my classmates and I are getting along well with my professor, but the atmosphere is somewhat different. Of course, I like both my professors. One of the factors of the difference might be the size of college; there are 窶徼oo many窶� students at Waseda. That broadens the distance between the faculties and students. It is the biggest advantage of this college. We had a really good time tonight.
I found one book in the bookshelves. That book was incredibly the one that I had read when I was a high school student. The author, Professor Kitamura, had taught African American Literature at Coe in the past. He introduced Coe窶冱 ESL in this book. Of course, I didn窶冲 know about Coe College at that time, but I learned about the difference of English education between the United States and Japan, ESL program, and how to study English from this book. I think I was sophomore then, but the book influenced for my way of thinking and my point of view for English. Then, I decided to study abroad after I go to the college. Waseda has so many exchange student agreements with other colleges. Coe is also one of them. I came here mostly by chance although the TOEFL score, my interests, and some conditions were related to. Then, I found the book in my teacher窶冱 house. What a coincidence! I could hardly believe it. Shinji and Takashi was introduced Coe by Professor Kitamura when they were high school students. They were the last students whom the Professor Kitamura sent to here. I was so delighted to come across this book again here. I borrowed this book from my teacher, then, I would like to reread it.
Thanksgiving Day.Today, I visited the professor窶冱 house. He is teaching Germany and Gender Studies at Coe. His house is nearby the college. His name is John. One of my friends, Ayush, from Nepal and I went there together. John seemed to have invited many students, especially those who live far from here, but the guests were just us. It was kind of small party. This party is based on his experience. When he was a college student in California, his professor also invited him as he does today. Thanksgiving holidays are just 5 days holidays, therefore for some students, it is sometimes annoying to go back home. It will cost so much, it will take so much time. As you know, the same thing happens in Japan. Some of my friends live in Southern part of Japan, Kyushu, seldom go back to their hometown. If they use an airplane, it costs some 40 thousand yen. That窶冱 a lot of money. Staying apartment is so reasonable for them instead of flying back to hometown. (If I now try to go back to Japan, it would cost at least 70 to 80 hundreds yen.)
The party started around 5pm. Since he is a vegetarian, we didn窶冲 have any 窶徂uge窶� turkeys. (According to him, they usually have a 窶徂uge窶� turkey at Thanksgiving dinner.) It was kind of untraditional Thanksgiving. But it was lots of fun. We had pumpkin souse, avocado, free-meet something and so on, in addition, we had a good wine. These tasted so good. It no longer does matter if he was a vegetarian or not, we enjoyed dinner.
After that, we played ping pong at the basement. Ayush was really good at it and so was John. But I was not. They played rallies many times. I tried to continue rallies, but my ball hit the ceiling often, so it didn窶冲 do it so long time. We had some matches, but every time I lost. They are good player.
Then, we went up stairs again and drink wine and brandy. The brandy was so strong but it smelled and tasted so good.
We had lots of conversation. We talked various things. That was fun. In my view, his life style was not typical and different from anyone who I met so far. It seemed that he doesn窶冲 watch TV. He goes to school by walking. He lives with a cat. (His house was kind of massy though.) It looked really comfortable and relaxed life. I thought his generous, kind, and great personality might come from this life style.
Movies Festival.The Thanksgiving holidays start today. Most students go somewhere during this five-day holiday. My roommate left here to Mexico on Saturday, the other friend went back to his home. Some Japanese friends visit friends窶� house, others travel somewhere.
However, I don窶冲 go anywhere except for the Thanksgiving Day. One of the faculties who I got to know since I came here invited me for Thanksgiving dinner. He is an advisor for the club and teaching Gender Studies and Germany here. He is a vegetarian, so that it will be kind of 窶忖ntraditional窶� thanksgiving dinner. (Usually, people have turkey for thanksgiving dinner.) But I am really looking forward to visiting him.
Only three Japanese students won窶冲 leave here, so our ESL teacher also invited us to her house on weekend. Thanksgiving Day is November 25th. Only this day and weekend, I have schedules. Most of the time will be free. It will be a good rest and relaxing time.
(I had a plan to visit my host family, but they are going to meet cousins and daughter in somewhere in the United States, so I cannot visit them this time. Generally, during the Thanksgiving, all cousins or families will gather and have a big dinner. It is like Obon or New Year窶冱 holidays in Japan.)
However, not only will the students take a rest, but also whole the campus will take a rest. Therefore, library or cafeteria will close during the holidays. No matter how I have much time, I cannot spend it efficiently without the library. Thinking about good use of time, one of my friends suggested me to watch movies. Yes, we can check out the videotapes or videodiscs from the library. Usually, the number of them is limited, but here, it is not limited. 窶廣s many as you desire,窶� the librarian said to me. I borrowed 8 movies; 窶廴y Fair Lady,窶� 窶弃retty Woman,窶� 窶廣ll about my mother,窶� 窶廩edwig,窶� 窶弋he Pianist窶� (in Japan, this movie has a different title; the pianist at the war), 窶彝un Lora Run,窶� 窶�8 Mile,窶� and 窶彜pider-man.窶� Most of them are the recommendation by my friend, because I don窶冲 watch movies so much in Japan. (Do you know which movies are my choices?) I am going to write impressions for these movies each time. I will report on this diary. I think I have much time to do that.
Tonight, I will watch 窶弃retty Woman.窶� I am excited to see all these movies during this holiday.
Discussion over the pop can.Every student at Coe has an email address. Some of the students send an email to all the students in order to ask for their lost, homework, or to do survey, to inform the event. We receive this kind of emails 20 to 30 everyday. Thus, these are called 窶徇ass emails.窶� It is sometimes annoying. Deleting these needless emails became one of the tasks that I have to do everyday. Today is also the day that I got mass emails. But I found some emails are really interesting. It was about 窶徘atriotism and pop can.窶� They sometimes have a discussion using emails.
The discussion was going on in this way; one student pointed out that one of the famous beverage companies printed the word 窶忖nder God窶� on their products. This drink is so popular in the United States that the student said it is not good to declare the religious and patriotic idea on their products. It could offend someone. Then, the mail sender suggested us to boycott on buying their products. (The words 窶忖nder God窶� can be considered taken from the pledge of Allegiance. Or it reminds many people in the United States of the pledge. (The whole sentence of the pledge is below this article.) It is kind of religious.)
After this email, one student responded. It says the pop can has just two words, so that it doesn窶冲 matter. It might be taken from the pledge, but 窶彿t is not a big deal,窶� the sender said.
Then, another student objected that this is 窶徭till big deal.窶� According to the email, it is apparently taken from the pledge and everybody knows it, so it is a big problem.
Furthermore, one student replied it. It discusses that the word 窶忖nder God窶� is not in the original pledge, but it added during the cold war. Thus, the mail said it cannot be a big problem, in addition, this is just printed on the 窶徭oda can.窶�
After all, one email concluded this discussion. It said it was just a rumor for the company. There is no evidence that the company printed these words on their products. Then, the mass emails had ended.
Although it was a completely misunderstanding discussion, I enjoyed reading these mails and surprised at their quick response. Also, I am interested in the contents of the discussion; religion in the United States. In this country, it sounds like me that the company forces people to 窶彙elong窶� to the one religion; Christianity. The constitution gave citizens the freedom of religion, but it is said that the freedom within the Christianity. There is no choice except for the Christianity. 窶弑nofficial窶� national anthem 窶廨od Bless America窶� could be one of the good examples. It assumes that all the people in 窶廣merica窶� believe god.
In Japan, this kind of problem cannot be happened. Suppose it happens, nobody would care about it. Generally speaking, people in Japan are not religious. We celebrate (not celebrate, just take a rest as one of the holidays, but some would celebrate) Christmas, New Year窶冱 Day, Independent day, and Emperor窶冱 birthday regardless of their religious belief. I think I am a Buddhist, but I don窶冲 care so much about going to shrine or church, I think I prefer to go the temple, but basically I don窶冲 care.
This different phenomenon is really interesting for me. I think it is good strategy to understand the religion in order to take part in this big community 窶弑nited States.窶� I would like to work more.
The Pledge of Allegiance
I pledge Allegiance to the flag
of the United States of America
and to the Republic for which it stands,
one nation, under God, indivisible,
with Liberty and Justice for all.
The difference of Manners.Today, I had a dinner with my conversation partner, Gen. We went to the Chinese restaurant nearby the college. That restaurant is pretty popular among the students, especially for Japanese students. This is because they might feel something familiar to, or nostalgia for better Asian food. It was my third time to come there, but every time I ordered the same thing; chicken and cashew nut with fried rice. Actually, it tastes not very good, but better than cafeteria. We cannot have any food on Sunday evening, so that we have to go somewhere else. It was this restaurant that we met for the first time.
We talked about difference of manners.
He ordered soup and chicken with rice. He likes it, and recommended me to try it. Then, I tried to sip the soup. I knew it is considered rude, so I asked him how he thinks about this way. He said it is considered rude in formal situation although he doesn窶冲 care about it. In addition, I always lift the dishes when I have 窶彷amiliar窶� food. (I usually don窶冲 eat in this way in the cafeteria.) But it is also not good manner, he said. I still believe it is convenient way to eat something though.
Using chopsticks is getting less familiar to me, but he is really good at using chopsticks. Last year, he spent one month in China, then, he learned how to use it.
It is reasonable (around seven dollars), but the amount of food that served here is always too much for me. I kept the rest of it, and I will eat in the midnight.
Coe College Concert Choir Fall Concert 2004.I still feel pain on my shoulder and feet.
The fall concert was over. I have been remembering the four-times-a-week hard class and additional private lessons with the professor. A number of times I practiced, then, still sometimes made mistakes though, I did this time the best. I am so tired.
The auditorium was full of audience. At last, we received huge standing ovation. It was so impressive.
We performed 12 songs. It was about one hour. All of the things went as planned.
What is good for me joining in this class was that I haven窶冲 been so familiar with music before taking this class. Not only did I get to know the Latin songs or spirituals or Mozart, but also the experience gave me a new perspective. My idea towards the music was changed. At the first class, the professor taught us that the music should be understood by texts, pitches, and rhythms. All these points correlate each other, and then, one music is constructed. All these make the harmony. All music has a historical background, composer窶冱 idea, and melody. We can know these through performing the music. This is really great. Some of the songs were written long long time ago but we can sing them and understand the idea. Music is kind of common language. It is still hard for me to read the music though, I thought learning music is a great thing, it is a heavy duty.
We are going to have Christmas concert next month. In addition, we will have some concerts next semester too. That makes me excited. I really want to say to thank you for those who came to see the concert and the professor Falk who gave me a chance to join in the concert choir. It will be one of the good and precious memories at Coe.
Christmas Tree Fair.I went to the Polk elementary school as a volunteer today. Although one week has passed since my first visit, every student remembered my name and face. I was really delighted. Kobi, a student who always held my hands, ran to me as soon as he found me.
Today, we went to the U.S. cellular center to see the Christmas trees. There were so many curious trees in the arena. We saw each tree carefully and exchanged our 窶徙pinions.窶� Not only were they decorated colorfully, but also some of them were decorated with dolls or models. They were really beautiful. The most funny one was decorated with the many vegetables. My favorite one was the pink tree. It was lighted up in pink and branches were also colored pink. It was so pretty. I observed it with girls (I didn窶冲 ask their name though), they also looked interested in it.
Santa was on the photo corner. Many children enjoyed talking with him (not taking photos, it cost three dollars). Some of students made toys in the children corner. Kobi was there and made a ball. He showed me in the bus on the way to school. It was well made.
Next week is Thanksgiving holidays. I will go to school after the holiday just two weeks later. I had a really good time today as well.
TOEFL practice test.We had a practice TOEFL test today. My score was bad before I came here; just around 500. It was the least score that is required for studying abroad. But it has passed three month since I came here. More or less, my English skills might make a progress. Today窶冱 practice test was a good chance to know my weak/strong points.
Two-hour long test was kind of hard, but my impression was 窶徇uch better and well-done.窶� Still some problems could be found, but my skills have steadily been getting better.
The score was 526. Listening and reading were not good. But it is enough to take regular courses. I was relieved a little. We are going to take a real test next month again. I would like to work for the test more.
"The Untold Story"Today, I attended a lecture presentation by a photojournalist Val Mazzenga who won the Pulitzer Prize several times. The title was 窶弋he Untold Story.窶� He worked in a newspaper company, Chicago Tribune. As a photographer, he has had many unusual experiences. He has a rather different point of view. The lecture was like a presentation; the audience saw the hundreds of pictures which he has taken so far.
According to him, there are four important keys for our life; Attitude, Determination, Anticipation, Preparation, Teeny. Photographer should be creative and courageous, in addition, should be always ready to go.
We saw many wartime窶冱 pictures.
One of them was in Afghanistan. It was taken in 1978, Russian invaded the country. Although Taliban soldiers and guerrillas defeated Russia at last, one thirds of the population became refugees. Destroyed village, they didn窶冲 have any places to live. Because of the ground mines, many people lost their legs. I saw these "lost legs" – but I can imagine easily – pictures.
Another one is in Sudan, entitled 窶廝arefoot Doctor.窶� There are hundreds of thousands of refugees in the country. Then, a young doctor came to help people. Surprisingly, she was just 16 years old. She came to Sudan right after her graduation from the nursing school. I saw pictures that she is helping children.
The most incredible story was the mass murder by a cult leader. I think I have heard of this story long time ago, but it was still brand-new information for me. Some of the readers might know this incident. It happens in November 1978 in Guyana, South America. It seems to be called Jonestown. 913 people were killed by poison, shooting drugs, and guns.
I saw a picture which is taken from the helicopter. At first, I couldn窶冲 figure out what was going on that picture. But at last, I found there were great many dead bodies on the ground. It was unbelievable scenery. Trying to look the picture carefully, I can see many human bodies. I thought I won窶冲 see that picture never again.
In addition to the wartime pictures, we saw many 窶徘eaceful窶� pictures such as sports or his travel around the world.
In the end of the lecture, he suggested us students to try to 窶徇ake a difference,窶� then said, 窶弋he world will find you.窶� His advice was impressive.
Just we talked about the 窶忤orld peace窶� in the discussion class today. However, the lecture and his experience told me that our discussion was, after all, only the 窶彭esk theory.窶� Well, I am not going to deny the importance of the theories. But the reality is rather different. Photojournalist must be a tough and deadly job. I know one Japanese photojournalist died somewhere in the world, might be in Cambodia, by the ground mine when he was trying to take pictures. Taking this story into account, what the lecturer said was realistic and persuasive. The world peace should be considered globally, but not for the big or strong countries, but for the comparatively small or less-power countries. As the "main" history shows, these countries were always the objects of the exploitation. That shouldn窶冲 be repeated. His point of view and the title 窶忖ntold history窶� seemed to imply that we should remember the people who are forced to live in poverty and war. These stories tend to be forgotten from the world. In this sense, I got a good perspective today. I would like to try to make use of it in the future.
For more information, visit the website below.
http://www.valmazzenga.com/
Strengthening my muscles.It is getting colder here. I heard the news that some parts in the United States have already snowed. Yes, winter is definitely coming. I am really excited to have this season, because I can go skiing. But unfortunately, two years ago, when I was in the racing ski team, I got injured; I broke my left knee窶冱 ligament. Then, I stopped racing ski. But skiing is still big fun for me. I窶冦 really looking forward to going skiing every winter.
Skiing safely, I have to strengthen my upper leg窶冱 muscle to support my knee. Today, one of my friends Fredy, from Germany, taught me how to do exercise my muscle at gym. His major is English and Physical Education.
I learned 6 different kinds of exercises. Some were quite difficult, others were comparatively easy. (If possible, I would like to explain all of those, but it is hard to explain without using pictures.) He recommended me to do easy exercise everyday or twice a day. On the other hand, difficult exercises which using machines should be twice a week, he told me. One interesting exercise was 窶忤alking exercise.窶� It was not just walking, but I have to walk slowly in a kind of funny way; using and weighing muscles during walking. It really looks strange, but it is good for my muscles, he emphasized. Also, I did know some of the exercises using machines. I learned it during the rehabilitation in the hospital right after the 窶彗ccident窶�.
The most important thing for the exercise is to keep going. Practice does make perfect muscles for skiing, in my case. I would like to do keep exercising for safe and enjoyable ski trip.
How to be a good leader.Can I become a good leader? Originally, I was not good at being leader but good at supportive position (and I still believe it though). But so far, I was expected to be a leader by surroundings many times. In fact, I was a president in four clubs at Waseda when I was a junior. But I didn窶冲 hate it, far from that, I enjoyed the 窶徘residential life.窶� It was busy though, I had a really good time.
However, it doesn窶冲 mean that I am good at being a leader. Although the environment might have made me a good leader, I still doubt if I should be a leader. Today, I would like to talk about the leadership analysis, then, I will judge if I am a good at being a leader or not.
According to Bale窶冱 analysis, there are several elements to be a good leader in a small group. I would like to explain myself comparing with my conversation partner, Gen. We rated the score for each question.
First of all, to get the group窶冱 task done, the leader should be good at giving information and asking for information. Giving information is to explain, summarize, and to make suggestions. Both of us are good at these skills (7). On the other hand, both are not good at asking for information. Comparatively, I am good at asking for details or clarification (6), but using hypothetical question is difficult for me (4). Sometimes no other examples come up my mind when I try to explain something. Gen is good at hypothetical questions (7), on the contrast. I agree with him, he is really good at telling stories and explaining something anytime.
Secondly, to hold the group together as a group, the leader should be good at reinforcing something to members.
From the positive viewpoints, the leader is expected to encourage members. To accomplish this goal, the leader should acknowledge the individual concerns, clarify the disagreement among the members, and recognize the individual contributions to the group. I am good at acknowledgement (6) and recognition (5), but not good at clarification (4). Gen is good at clarification (6) and acknowledgement (5), but not good at recognition (4). Clarification will be important because disagreement among the small group could raise a fatal misunderstanding. The leader is also required praising members saying something positive such as good job or good idea. But I am not so good at saying these (5). Gen also told me the same thing (6).
On the other hand, from the negative viewpoints, sometimes it is needed for leaders to set rules, chastise violations, enforce limits or standards. Basically, I don窶冲 like negatives, especially when I am a leader. I always try to think everything positive. If something negative comes up my mind, I hardly tell it to someone else. Therefore, it cannot be helped to rate these lower. I rated all 4. This means if it is needed to do something negative, I will do it. Gen feels it almost the same way. But when it is necessary, he will set understandable rules (6), enforce standards (7). He doesn窶冲 like to chastise violations (5) and enforce limits (1). He rarely does it otherwise it is needed.
As I talked above, to be a leader, it is necessary for me to learn how to hold the group together as a group both positively and negatively. Praising members are good way, preventing the conflicts could be necessary, sometimes setting rules or enforcing limits would be a good strategy. It might be important to do negatives even if I don窶冲 like as a good leader. Both of us don窶冲 like to be a leader, but if we had a chance to be a leader, I would like to care about these points, and then, I want to try to be a good leader.
Volunteer Work at an Elementary School.Today, I went to the Polk elementary school as a volunteer worker. This school is located nearby the college, just 5 minutes by walking. The numbers of enrollment are about 200 to 300. It is rather small.
I attended the after school program. I helped 2nd grade students. They are about 7 years old. They were so cheerful and energetic.
At first, we had cookies and milk. I was asked many questions about everything curious to them. One of the students knows other languages such as French or Spanish, then, asked me something in these languages. It was really surprising. I was also asked about Japanese language. 窶廩ow do you say girlfriend in Japanese?窶� As soon as I answered the question, they memorized it, and then, tried to speak using new words. It was really amazing.
After that, we went out to the playground. We played for a while. Even though today was a kind of windy day, children played so energetically. Running around the ground, playing kick ball, basketball things like that. Not only was I exhausted, but also they looked tired. But their energy was endless. One of the children always held my hands and tried to take me somewhere. He held my hands almost all the time. He was so cute. His name was Cody.
After getting back to the class room, then, students read books by themselves. I listened to his reading. Somehow, I focused on his pronunciation, way of reading and vocabulary. Needless to say, their pronunciation was perfect. Also, he sometimes skipped the words or replacing the phrases. But he seemed to understand the contexts. His reading speed was faster (probably than I do.) Some words seemed to be new for him, he asked me sometimes. He read two books. One is about the dog, the other was the relationship between brother and sister.
One of the students窶� mothers came to class and gave a presentation. She brought many vegetables and talked using a book. The story was about the vegetables and a girl. A girl was very picky about food. She won窶冲 eat any vegetables. At last, she found it is not good for health, she become to try to eat vegetables. (In fact, I didn窶冲 understand the story exactly.) I thought the mother was a good speaker. She often asked children many easy questions, so that keep their attention to her. That was good strategy. After reading the book, we had some vegetables which some students might not like such as cucumber, green pepper, celery, carrot, broccoli, and radish. It was taste good. My neighbor, Cody, looked picky. He likes celery or carrot, but he didn窶冲 eat green pepper and cucumber. I suggested him to eat, but he didn窶冲. So, I ate his broccoli and green pepper.
After that, the time to go back their home came. Cody asked me 窶忱ou should come here everyday.窶� That made me really happy. I promised him to come to school every Friday.
Actually, it was the first time for me to experience volunteer work. It was just playing or talking with children. But this experience made me think. This school is located urban area, so many of them have some kind of difficulty or problem economically. (Especially, the district around the college is most impoverished area in Cedar Rapids.) Most children don窶冲 have any 窶徨ole model窶� for the future. I thought the existence of me would contribute to their thinking way. I strongly hope they will be able to have a dream for future and realize it.
Students were ethnically diversity; Some looked black, some looked half, some looked white. But regardless of the color of the skin, they play together well, they fight each other. They all seemed to be good friends.
There was an impressive poster on the wall. 5 children hold hands each other and smiled; their color of the skin and hair are different from each other. An ideal world was there. That窶冱 what I was looking for. We can make friends with each other regardless of the origin. Children here will be raised non-prejudicially. Yeah, I was so impressed.
All of them were really good students. They are not so much 窶從aughty.窶� I had lots of fun playing with them. I am looking forward to seeing them again.
Multicultural Fair.Today, we Japanese students attended the Multicultural fair at Mount Mercy College, located nearby Coe. This fair is held annually and every year Japanese students join in from Coe. The fair was very international and multicultural; many students from overseas such as Czech, Italy, India, Greek, Japan, and United States.
We introduced some Japanese representative culture; Yukata, Onigiri, Calligraphy, and Origami. I was in the Origami booth. We made cranes, jumping-frogs, stars, boxes, and ball. All of these are pretty familiar for us. I have no idea if the Origami is Japanese original culture. But many people from many other countries looked interested in our booth. Especially, complicated ball, it was made of 12 pieces of Origami parts, was really popular among both children and adults. We made tens of those balls. I also had some quick orders; I made many jumping-frogs right after the order. It was kind of hard, but really fun.
After all, we were comparatively busy whole the time. But Calligraphy seemed to be the busiest. Although there were 5 or 6 students who write Chinese Character, more people came than the expectation and made long line to get their Kanji-name. I got my Hiragana name. It is really good. That will be my name tag on the door.
Breaking News.According to the report brought by Aljazeera, the Palestinian President Yasir Arafat has died. Middle East affairs will be more confusing. The choice of next leader will be significant issue.
CNN.com
http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/meast/11/10/arafat.obit/index.html
Spring Semester.Now I窶冦 thinking about the next term registration. In this semester, I am in the ESL course, but next semester, we can take regular courses. Usually, students take 4 or 3 courses different from Japan. (I have some friends taking 5, 6 or 7 courses. That will be extremely hard. That窶冱 amazing! )
My purpose of this studying abroad is to study Multicultural Studies. Now I am working on it. Then, during the next semester, I will take 4 courses.
First of all, I want to focus on more specific issues over the Multicultural Studies. I will take 窶廣frican American Studies窶� course. In this course, I am going to study about African American and the United States. I think it will be kind of history class. It is not easy to study this course in college in Japan. This is one of the reasons why I came here.
I窶冦 also interested in political science. Fortunately, Coe College offers me proper course; "Religion and World Politics.窶� Religion influences so much on the politics especially in the United States. It is very different from Japan. Sounds really interesting.
In addition, I will take 窶廩uman Sexuality窶� class. As the title shows, in this course, I am going to study sexuality and gender. This course belongs to the Nurse department. That will give me a new perspective.
Furthermore, I will continue the choir class next semester. This course is different from others. I will get 0.30 credits in this course; others are 1.00 credit. These are all related to my concern or major.
Now, I窶冦 thinking about adding one more one-credit class.
I have already studied gender before I came here, but continuing study gender in English sounds really interesting. There are two courses about gender studies.
Or taking one more political science course is also attractive. Studying ancient political theory sounds interesting. But it seems to be hard to me, because this class is entirely new field for me.
Also, adding one more religion class about New Testament sounds rather exciting.
I have to choose only one course from above. I will talk about registration with my advisor tomorrow. But I haven窶冲 decided yet.
Hum窶ｦ I can imagine easily that I will be much busier than now in next semester. But it doesn窶冲 matter. I am really looking forward to attending these classes. Do you have any good idea or suggestion for taking classes?
White Ribbon Campaign.Today, I attended a lecture sponsored by one of the clubs on campus Men Against Sexual Assault. The lecturer was the founder of the international White Ribbon Campaign, Michael Kaufman. The purpose of this campaign is to end violence towards women. The most serious problem, especially for us college student, is the 窶彭ate rape.窶� He talked over an hour about the reality and the causes of the sexual assault, and then argued what can be done to stop it. Because the topic was familiar to me, it was a really exciting, interesting, understandable and persuasive lecture. Most of the audience was male.
First of all, he discussed the cause of the problem. According to his opinion, the main cause is the 窶徇en窶冱 domination.窶� In other words, the inequality between male and female create the problems. He quoted the slavery as an example. Slavery is obviously beneficial for whites. Whites don窶冲 have to do particular kinds of jobs because the slaves would do it instead. To maintain and control the slavery, white people have to have a power; they need to be violent.
The same goes to the gender inequality. For instance, there is much stuff that the husband doesn窶冲 have to do in daily life such as household work; household work is supposed to be a women窶冱 job. Besides, the husband has a certain kinds of power; in this case, husband窶冱 job is to earn money a lot for family. Resisting to husband could be a fatal problem for house wife; it is inevitable to much depend on her husband. Then, 窶廴en窶冱 domination窶� is constructed. Apparently, this works men窶冱 advantage. In addition, it contributes to building the male-predominant hierarchy in the society.
Next, he gave three key words to understand the causes.
The first one is the men窶冱 power in the society. Needless to say, it is obvious. Just being a male will be great advantages in many aspects and in many fields of the life in this society both in the United States and in Japan.
Second key is men窶冱 privileges. By privilege, he pointed out the men窶冱 窶彿nvisible窶� advantage. For example, if you are a woman, you have to worry about the safety when you walk the street all the time. But men don窶冲 have to care about it, because there is less possibility to be involved with a crime. This is the privilege that male has.
The last key is the permission of violence for women. Most of the sexual assault is the personal matter, so that we usually don窶冲 police different from other crimes. That gives male a permission to commit a sexual assault secretly. The secrecy makes the problem more difficult to solve.
These all three causes correlate each other and develop the sexual assault, he added.
To think about the solution, we have to know about the pressure of the socially created gender. In his opinion, during the process of the socialization, boys learn the imaginary figure of the ideal 窶徨eal man.窶� The 窶徨eal man窶� should be powerful, strong or whatever. Many boys try to be the 窶徨eal man,窶� but at the same time, it put pressure on boys; the fear of not being the 窶徨eal man.窶� However, living up to the social expectation, boys have to pretend the 窶徨eal man.窶� In terms of the sexual assault, violence will be the proof of the 窶徨eal man窶�; to show the strength, the 窶徨eal man窶� need to be violent occasionally. This process is called 窶彡ompensatory mechanism.窶� This mechanism causes the violence towards the women. In addition, the 窶徨eal tough man窶� is supposed to avoid showing his emotion, thus, the massive pressure explodes as violence. This is quite serious problem.
The lecturer mentioned one important question at the end of the presentation. 窶弩hat can we do窶� to solve or end the sexual assault against women? Basically, giving supports that women need and stopping violence towards the women are necessary. But that will be not enough. The reason is here why he founded the white ribbon campaign. I also got a white ribbon today and now wear it. To wear the ribbon means a 窶徘ublic pledge.窶� It shows own opinion or idea for the other people. Not only that, I owe a kind of duty; I have to try to speak and challenge others. I need to talk about the sexual assault to other students and try to get awareness. It sounds hard. But as long as I wear the white ribbon, I have an obligation. That is the purpose of this campaign.
Getting back from Chicago Conference.This evening, I got back to Coe from Chicago. I had many valuable experiences, got new information, learned and pondered about sex/sexuality and church through this weekend. I also had some questions. Now I'm writing a report about this weekend. This conference will be the starting point of my religion study. I had really good time at Chicago.
Chicago Conference; gays and church.Attention!
From Nov. 4th to 7th, I will visit Chicago again. This time is not the travel, but the study. The main theme of study is 窶徃ays in church.窶� I will attend the conference, worship, and special services with some students and the Chaplain of Coe College.
According to the invitation, the title of the conference is "Made in the Image of God: Thinking Theologically About Sex." Many churches think homosexuality is a sin. On the other hand, some ministers are openly gay. Is this a contradiction? How does the Bible say? We are going to study the relationship between homosexuality and Christianity. It sounds heavy duty, but I窶冦 really interested in. I would like to report about this conference on this site. See you soon.
Election Update #12.Swing state Ohio went to the Republican; Bush got 274 votes. Bush won the election. Kerry conceded the lost. Iowa and New Mexico haven't decided yet.
I'm really disappointed, depressed. The world doesn't make any difference compared to 4 years ago. Nevertheless it will be worse. Hum. Anyway, I hope this election was taken place in fair condition. I hope any illegal or wrong votes or action didn窶冲 happen in this election.
Election Update #11.Good morning. Amazingly, the outcome is still undecided. But I have to go to the classes. So, I would like to report lator.
Election Update #10.It is still undecided... Wisconsin goes to Kerry. Just three state were left; Ohio, New Mexico, and Iowa. Bush 254; Kerry 252. 32 electoral votes are left.
I'm sleepy. I'm going to bed.
Election Update #9.Bush got Nevada. Bush 254; Kerry 242.
Election Update #8.Kerry got 242, Bush got 249 so far. They are in really close race. Just five states were left. Ohio hasn窶冲 been decided yet.
Election Update #7.Interestingly and surprisingly, Fox TV has already reported that the Ohio state had gone to the President Bush. On the other hand, CNN discuss the provisional ballot and military ballot. According to the Secretary of State, these will be counted after 11 days of the Election Day. It is difficult to predict the influence of these votes. CNN seemed to try to look for the way somehow for the Democrats to win in this state. Kerry got 211 votes so far.
Election Update #6.Alaska vote closed. Alaska goes to the President Bush, according to the CNN projection. All the state had done the vote. All I have to do is to just wait the counting.
The most crucial state is Ohio. Ohio has 20 electoral votes. If the Republican takes it, they got 269 votes. Then, the Democrats must win all the other states. Even if the Democrats got all the other electoral votes, they can get 269 votes; the same as the Republican. I am not sure the follow procedure. But anyway, if Ohio goes to the President Bush, it will be very difficult for John Kerry to win this election.
Election Update #5.So far, Bush got 246, Kerry got 195. Ohio will be the key state; Ohio has 20 electoral votes. But Republican is likely to win. That will be fatal for the Democrats.
Election Update #4.Most of the results are seemed expected. But still there many states are left unclear. Bush got 234 votes.
Election Update #3.As predicted, Kerry got California vote! But Bush is still leading. Bush 197: Kerry 188.
Election Update #2.So far, the President Bush is leading the race. Bush get 193 votes, and Kerry gets 112 votes.
Election Update #1.Up to now, 19 states had already ended the voting. Because of the time difference, the result is revealed gradually. That窶冱 really exciting. Bush got 102 electoral votes, on the other hand, Kerry got 77 electoral votes. Iowa will be closing at 10 o窶冂lock.
Election Day.窶廩ave you voted?窶�
Today was the Election Day. I heard this conversation many times every where in the campus. I was also asked that question even though I don窶冲 have the citizenship. The polling place was opened two weeks ago on the campus, so one of my friends voted for Kerry at that time. Somehow, I was glad to hear the conversation concerned the election.
Today窶冱 newspaper The Des Moines Register said 窶廬t窶冱 up to you窶� in the headline. Iowa is one of the swing states, so that the future really depends on the people in Iowa. That was good saying.
The newspaper also suggests going to vote with twenty reasons. One of the amusing reasons why people should vote was 窶廝ecause, for some strange reasons, it just makes you feel good.窶� I have already voted for three times in Japan. I certainly felt good after the vote. I guess the feeling that I contributed to the society and fulfilled the duty makes me happy regardless of the outcome. That was persuasive.
In today窶冱 diary, I would like to report the situation 窶徘lay-by-play窶� with watching CNN. The diary will be updated time to time.
So far, Kerry leads 11 votes in the electoral vote; Kerry 77 to Bush 66. 270 electoral votes are needed to win the presidency.
Going into November.Monday is the hardest day throughout the week. I have five classes. I didn窶冲 sleep so much last night, so it was expected that today would be much harder than usual. But in the third period class Concert Choir, the incident happened. It was really unexpected; the professor treated us to the pizzas. (I didn窶冲 have a breakfast today, so it was a good lunch for me.) Since the Homecoming concert had finished without any troubles and it evaluated highly by many audiences, I guess he intended to show students the thankfulness for the last concert and the encouragement for the rest of the two concerts. I really want to say to him 窶徼hank you.窶� It strengthened my motivation. I want to work more.
Now, the Election Day is coming at last. Many people are really looking forward to seeing the result with holding their breath. I am also the one who is excited. In every meaning, this election will decide the way not only for the United States but also for the world. Each voter should recognize the fact that the United States has a great influence for the world. I will watch the TV tomorrow from the beginning of the counting report.
P.S. Check the news below out!! Yuta Tabuse became the first Japanese NBA player!! That窶冱 amazing!! I was really pleased!!
http://mdn.mainichi.co.jp/news/20041102p2a00m0sp009000c.html
Halloween.Today, our teacher invited our class to her house to have a dinner and to see the Halloween. It was for the first time for me to see the actual Halloween. I remember one scene deals with the Halloween in the movie E.T. Most of the readers does know this movie and remember the scene. But today, I saw many kids disguised as scary (but lovely) costumes. It was like a movie. It was really interesting experience.
Kids came to the house as the movie described and asked 窶徼rick or treat窶�? We gave candies children. Some children took many candies, so that at last just one candy was left in the bowl. Many children came, some were with their parents. They all were really cute.
My teacher strongly supports Democrats, so that she carved the letters 窶廳erry窶� in pumpkin窶冱 mouth. That was really funny.
For dinner, we had Sushi, Japanese rice with curry, salad, and pumpkin pies for dessert. These dishes were really good. These reminded me of Japanese food that I have missed for a long time. We talked about classes, homework, election, Japanese food, whatever. We had really good time.
The origin of Halloween is surprisingly not well-known. I asked American friends many times, but nobody answered accurately. I also don窶冲 know well about that. It seemed to be one of the "funny" events through the year especially for children. They looked like really enjoying the Halooween. We don't have this kind of event in Japan, it was a sort of envious for me.
Homecoming Dance Party.Today was a really cold day.
I went to see the American football game Coe against Loras College. It was held in the Clark Field. I got to know the complicated rules, so I could understand what was going on the field to some extent. But it was too cold to see the game, so I gave up watching just one quarter. I don窶冲 know which team won at last. Many graduates came to see the game in spite of the cold climate.
After that, I saw a movie Fahrenheit 9/11 in my room. And then, I had a dinner. After taking a nap, I changed the clothes to go to the homecoming dance party. It was one of the main events of the homecoming day.
The party was held at the Crown Plaza Hotel. Every attendant dressed up, so that they looked so sharp and beautiful. The hall was much larger than I had thought. Hundreds of people came. Free food and some drinks were served. It started at 9:30pm, and ended 1am.
The dance party was entirely new experience for me. The 窶廣merican style窶� party was overwhelming. Everyone danced with music all the time. One of my American friends told me that this kind of party was 窶徨eally popular窶� in the United States. Although he said he didn窶冲 like to dance, he danced so well. On the other hand, I wasn窶冲 able to dance much. Eventually, I couldn窶冲 get used to the atmosphere, so I talked with my friends or had some drinks almost all of the time. Some of my Japanese friends seemed to enjoy dancing.
Anyway, I enjoyed the Homecoming week. Unlike the Waseda窶冱 homecoming day, the events were held over the weekend, so that both students and graduates were able to enjoy the events with spending long time. (In Waseda, we have only one day for the homecoming despite many graduates come back to the campus from all over the Japan.) That seemed to me one of the big advantages. I will be the alumni both Waseda and Coe. I窶冦 really looking forward to seeing my old friends after the study in both colleges.
Fahrenheit 9/11.I saw one of the 窶徇ust-see窶� movies of this year – 窶廡ahrenheit 9/11.窶� It was really interesting.
According to the movie, the beginning of the 窶徇istakes窶� was the 2000 election. The movie started at this point. The Democrat candidate Al Gore was supposed to have won the presidency, but it was denied by the Supreme Court. Then, George. W. Bush became the President. The movie emphasized that this was the really exceptional incident with showing the protest action in the inaugural day.
The director Michael Moore too much focused on the fault of the President Bush. The president didn窶冲 work as a president, so the movie implied it was the one of the causes of the Sept. 11th terror.
I窶冦 also interested in the Patriot act; a horrible law which limited the freedom. In addition, one congressman said that they didn窶冲 discuss the law in the congress. I can understand the reason, but it is still unbelievable.
The conclusion seemed to me that people in the United States should take a responsibility for themselves. Regardless of their own opinion, it is assumed that who selected the current president is the voters eventually. The apathy should be blamed.
This movie became very popular in the Untied States. Many people have seen it. It criticized the President Bush completely, so I wondered who will vote for the Republican after watching this movie. Over ten thousand Iraqi civilians have died since the war started. Over one thousand U.S. soldiers have died. The movie seemed to emphasize that the war was carried out based on Bush's self-interest. The terror was able to prevent, the movie said. Officials claimed that there was a connection between Iraq and the terror and Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction. Until recently, it was believed that there was a connection and the regime had weapons. But last month, it was proved that there was no connection and no evidence. The President insisted that there 窶忤as窶� a connection. But obviously there was no connection when the terror happened. It will work badly for the Bush administration in the election. In the vice presidential debate, John Edwards also repeatedly criticized it.
Nobody cannot tell what will happen in this election. Some problems about election machine have already reported. I am excited, but I would like to watch the situation carefully.
Homecoming Showcase Concert.This weekend is homecoming. Tonight we the Coe College Concert Choir had a concert. It started 7pm at Sinclair Auditorium. This concert was one of the goals of the class, and I was really looking forward to this concert. Not only did we perform, but also other groups such as Women窶冱 Chorale, Collage, Jazz Band, Concert Band, and Symphony Orchestra Strings played. The hall was full of audiences, and most of them seemed to be graduates.
We performed four songs; two Spanish songs, one Latin song, and one spiritual. These songs were not easy to learn. Especially I am not good at reading music. As I talked before in this diary, the professor gave Ken and me private lessons once a week. These lessons enabled us to keep up with the classes. It was so helpful.
It was very regrettable that I made some mistakes, but overall we were able to perform well. Other groups also did good job. The performance of collage was attractive, jazz band played nice songs. The 2 hour passed so quickly.
At the finale, all of the performers gathered on the stage, and played three songs together. It was really great, impressive experience. Singers sang powerful. Orchestra and band played so well. Audiences were standing, and applauded.
One of the songs which we performed together was the college song. Waseda窶冱 college song is well-known in Japan, and I once loved it, of course, still I like it. Coe窶冱 college song is also good. The title is 窶廬 want to go back to Coe again.窶� Music is cheerful, words are amusing. This song will remind graduates of their student life.
The concert choir is one of the classes, but given some chances to perform officially. Today was the one of the chances. We are going to have two more concerts in this year. Learning music is never to be easy for me. But the specific goal strengthens my motivation. I am really glad to take this course, and I want to work more.
A FRESH START FOR AMERICA.Today, I went to the rally with John Kerry 窶廣 Fresh Start For America窶� in the U.S. Cellular Center, Cedar Rapids. This is the third time that the Democrats nominees come to Cedar Rapids. (Republican came here twice.) I went to see John Edwards last time. At first it was supposed that John Kerry came, but he wasn窶冲 able to come because of his illness. I said in this diary Kerry should come here again; it realized today. Iowa is one of the swing states, so both nominees think Iowa important, and manage to try to get seven electoral votes. My teacher said the State of Iowa is seldom considered highly in the election, and added it is very unusual and exceptional situation. But as for me, it is crucial experience. I窶冦 really glad to come to the United States this year, and come to here.
In the center, I could see great many people. There ware two or three times more people than the vice-president nominee came. Jon Bon Jovi performed some songs before the speech. Then, John Kerry appeared with his wife. All the audience stood, and applauded. The challenger Democrats shook hands with many people, and then started to talk. (Actually, at first, his wife Teresa Heinz Kerry spoke.)
His speech was so persuasive. Not only did criticize the President Bush, but also he explained his plan, and suggested his good way with using specific numbers. He was a good speaker. He used palm cards effectively, and talked to the audience with gestures. He spoke not so fast, I could hear his speech, and figure out roughly. His explanation seemed to be good enough to convince audience. But the contents were a kind of similar to the previous presidential debates. Critically speaking, there was no new information, it was just the repetition as usual. But overall, he did a good job. To come here and to see the people would be important. I still don窶冲 know if the people in Iowa states vote for Kerry, but this speech will work well for Kerry.
On the way to college, I got a very important question. One Coe student asked me how the people in Japan think about this presidential election. Do they support Bush or not? Japanese Prime minister strongly supports George. W. Bush, but personally, I do support the Democrats, and I want them to win the election even though I don窶冲 have a right to vote. But I don窶冲 know the general atmosphere toward the election in Japan. I wasn窶冲 able to answer the question. I haven窶冲 thought about that. That was interesting, perspective question. I can窶冲 imagine how the Japanese government decide the policy if the Democrats win the election. It might urge the government to change the direction in many fields especially and most importantly in Iraq. I had no idea. If you have any good idea or opinion, please let me know. Let us talk about the election.
Nov. 2nd is the day. Just 6 days were left. I窶冦 really looking forward to seeing the result of that. 窶�12 hours decide 4 years.窶�
MIYA MATSURI - Miya festival.During this weekend, one big traditional festival was held in my hometown. Usually, I don窶冲 remember about the festival when I am in Tokyo, but I don窶冲 know the reason, I strongly remember the memories concerned festival now. I was a drum player, I drunk a lot, I sung many songs, performed something窶ｦ I would like to join the festival definitely next year. That will be great fun.
Preparation for the earthquakes.I heard some big earthquakes hit Niigata, northern-western Japan. Many people were injured, have to evacuate to the shelter still now.
On the other hand, in the United States, especially here, Midwest of the States, seldom have earthquakes. Unbelievably, the most recent one was over 20 years ago. Most of the earthquakes in the United States occur in California, West Coast.
Most people in Japan are ready to have a big earthquake anytime, anywhere. About 10 years ago, one big earthquake occurred in Kobe, western Japan. People know the importance of the preparation, and recognize it does work well for any unpredicted disasters. My family already has emergency provisions. My hometown, Tokai district in central Japan, has been said that enormous earthquakes will happen in 10 or more years. The earthquake does occur all of sudden. The horror experience is beyond description. Good preparation is definitely helpful and useful, it is obvious.
Class Visit.Today, I visited one regular course class. Now I am in the English as a Second Language course, so I don窶冲 take any regular courses except for the Asian lit class. But in the next term, I will take 3 or 4 courses, today was a kind of inspection of the class. I visited the African American Literature class.
The topic was a black woman poet, Gwendolyn Brooks. The professor taught about her history, books, and poems. He read some poems at the latter part of the class. It was 80-minute lecture, it was so long. I got much information.
Because most of the time the professor lectured, and in addition, he seldom asked questions, some students got bored, looked sleepy. They took notes, marked the textbook occasionally. There were 15 students.
Most information was brand new for me, so sometimes it was difficult to figure out what the teacher talked about. But it seemed interesting. To think about the racism from another aspect gave me new perspective. I need to know more about the poetry or literature to understand the lecture. I will take the African American in the United States class next semester.
Difficulty of Speaking out.The new optional discussion class has started today. We already have many English classes, but the chances to discuss in English are limited in the class. For one thing, we have to study not only discussion but other skills such as writing or reading. The other, there are many people in the class to have a discussion class. At Coe, over 15 to 20 students will be considered big class. As I talked before, we are at most 25 students in the class, but the average is about 15 students. So, anyway, it is not suitable for discussion. On the other hand, in this optional class, there are only 4 students and 1 faculty. This is unbelievably small. Each student is able to state own opinion freely. It will be the best circumstance to have a discussion.
Today, we talked about the suicide in Japan. Last week, a curious incident happened. Nine people, who haven窶冲 met before each other, committed a suicide together in the car using the charcoal stoves. This type of suicide is relatively well-known in Japan. People get to know each other through the Internet, and go somewhere just to kill themselves.
We, at first, talked about the cause of the extremely high suicide rate in Japan, and then, discussed the countermeasure. One of the causes would be the mental illness, but in Japan, people are reluctant to go to the mental hospital, because of the prejudice against the patients.
There are few schools have a counselor for the students; it is not so common still now. This is because it's very difficult to get a counselor窶冱 license in Japan. It requires having a master degree, and passing the examination. We had talked about something like above for 50 minutes.
One thing I felt through this class is that I have a difficulty to jump into the discussion. In other words, it needs a lot of energy for me to take part in the discussion with interrupting someone窶冱 speaking. I always look for a chance to speak out, but the argue flows somewhere else before I join it. Eventually, I listen to the others窶� speaking almost all the time. My teacher also noticed I didn窶冲 talk so much.
As for me, the purpose of the optional class is to solve this problem. I guess I cannot say anything in the class with English-speaking students. I want to try to say something, hopefully good opinions, in this class every time.
Troubles With Bush.Today, I attended the 窶彿ssue dinner,窶� which is coordinated by the college, invite a famous speaker and listen to a small lecture, and then have a dinner with other attended students or faculties. Today was the second issue dinner for this year, the guest was Leonard Pitts who is known for as a Pulitzer Prize columnist, and the title was 窶徼roubles with Bush,窶� it sounds really humorous and amusing. Certainly, the lecture was really interesting.
He talked about the problem of his personality.
Anybody will surely make some mistakes, even he/she is the president, but the president Bush doesn窶冲 care about the mistakes, and go through it. Leonard Pitts emphasized that as for the president Bush the facts don窶冲 matter, it is inconvenient for him. The president ordered 窶彷ind the connection to Iraq and terror,窶� after the Sept. 11th terror, ignoring the reports. It should be "find the facts," but the connection. In addition, the president forgot about the weapons of mass destruction, and then, invaded to Iraq. According to Pitts's point of view, we didn窶冲 have to look the terror or the war in Afghanistan or Iraq. But, most people in the United States didn窶冲 understand it, and believed what the president said.
As you know in this example, the president doesn窶冲 care about the facts, and make things worse, his own opinion or will are in the first place. The prized columnist talked gently. His statement is very direct and honest, so sometimes it sounds a kind of exaggeration, but at the same time, it is so persuasive. In this respect, he is very smart person.
The topic changed to the Iraq. According to his analysis, there are two Iraqs. The one is good, peaceful image. President Bush said the situation in Iraq became much better, and he was optimistic to succeed. The president created this good image. But, on the other hand, the other Iraq is bad aspect. Still now, as many journalists reported, suicide bomber or insurgent attacks somewhere in Iraq everyday. It hardly believes that the U.S. Army had won the Iraq war. In addition, many people, both soldiers and civilians, died everyday. Bush insists always they are doing well, but the reality is unthinkably bad.
In his conclusion, Bush窶冱 inability to learn from his mistakes made the world worse, and Bush doesn窶冲 admit his mistakes he had made before. This had people in the United States paid over 1100 lives of American soldiers, he added. It is horrible.
After his lecture, I had a dinner with other attendants. I sat next to my professor for Asian Literature class, Mr. Rob Drexler, and talked about abortion (I don窶冲 remember the reason, is it related to his lecture?), especially I was interested in the different view for it between in the United States and in Japan. Abortion is very popular, well, not popular, it is incorrect, but many people are willing, I mean many people do not too much hesitate, to have an operation compared to the United States. Well, but this saying still lacks the correctness, but the statistical date shows that the abortion rate in Japan is much higher than other countries. It is 窶徙dd,窶� the professor said. For one thing, people in Japan are generally not religious. But in the United States, some specific political people think it as murder, I think it will be related to the religion. Anyway, the abortion is one of the most concerned issues also in this election.
This event gave me chances to ponder about many discussions. I was really convinced of his argue. Originally, I don窶冲 support president Bush, but I didn窶冲 have any effective argument to persuade Republican people. Today窶冱 lecture was, in that sense as well, indispensable experience.
Call it Democracy.Today, I saw a movie 窶廚all it Democracy,窶� that deals with the problems which actually happened in the last presidential election. In Florida, the votes weren窶冲 counted correctly, and as a result of the recount, different nominee was elected, in addition, the federal Supreme Court ruled it legitimate. People have a doubt about the decision, and when counting the votes, some seemed to be not counted, after all, it was recounted, as a result, the other president was elected, who was George. W. Bush. It was completely unthinkable story.
In this movie, the discussions were held about a kind of 窶忖nusual窶� issues. It is natural that every vote will be counted correctly. But, people talking about the voting system, voting machines, discrimination against race, instead of the political issues which ordinary is regarded as important. I doubted why does such a ridiculous accident happen?
The first problem was the complicated voting card system. In some states, the punching card is still used, but it is very confusing. It is sometimes very difficult to tell which candidate the one vote. It is really easily to lead people to misunderstanding. But, the voting system is not an important problem in Japan. I have voted for three times so far. In Japanese election, we write the name of the candidate by handwriting. In this system, actually some doubtful votes will be seen, because of the bad handwriting, and it makes the officer confused, but it, in many cases, doesn窶冲 matter. This is because the gap between the candidates is obvious. If all the doubtful or unclear votes would be counted, it doesn窶冲 influence the result of the election. That窶冱 why this problem looks ridiculous for me.
The second problem was the discrimination against race. It is also ridiculous, but serious; some black American voters were refused to vote in Florida. In the federal law, people who have a criminal record at some extent don窶冲 have a right to vote, but in Florida, this rule was applied in an inappropriate way. The attention that tells people he/she doesn窶冲 have a right sent many people even those who have a right, and in addition, most of them were black Americans. In the movie, this situation was described in comparison to the civil rights act. Black Americans managed to get the voting right as a result of the civil rights movement in the 1960s, but the situation was like before then. It is obviously the discrimination against race. One of the reasons that black Americans votes were unfavorable is that most of them supported the Democrats. Floridian Republican, and the governor is brother of the president, doesn窶冲 like it, and that窶冱 made them recount the votes. Anyway, it is unbelievably anachronism discussion.
In the reflection of these problems, the absentee ballots became really popular in all over the states. The number of people using the absentee ballots is increasing. Many people recognize the problems that happened in the last election, and don窶冲 want to repeat the 窶彷ault窶� again. But in Iowa, some of absentee ballots were rejected because of the defect of the application. I have no idea if the problem would influence the result of the election, because the number of the votes those were rejected was not large, 400 to 600 hundreds voters. Of course I know the importance of this problem, it is not the problem of the number of the people, but the problem of the system.
As I talked in this diary in the past, the most important, and serious problem is the vote rate. In the United States, it is also not high; about 40 to 50 percent. If it were much higher, at least 60 percent, it won窶冲 cause any problems, because the gap will be desperate. Nobody can claim the result. It is not necessary to recount the votes. It should be the ideal of the democracy.
Think about the prostitution.It was completely unbelievable, terrible tragedy. But I can easily imagine the story was based on the truth. I want to hardly believe it.
I saw a movie, Lilja 4-ever, as a part of the activity of the Amnesty International. The movie deals with the problem over the prostitution.
A Russian girl, 16-year-old, was broken up the relationship as parents by her mother, so that she doesn窶冲 have any money to make a living. At last, she decided to sell her body; work as a prostitute.
In the latter part of the movie, she went to Sweden, and she supposed to live there with hers boyfriend, but in fact, she was deceived, she had to work as a prostitute again, it was entirely unexpected incident for her. In this case, an agent controlled her life. He guaranteed at the lowest expense such as foods and an apartment room for her. But I guess, she didn窶冲 get any money from him. She was like in jail; shut in a room all the time except for going out for the work.
The same thing must happen in Japan. More and more people came to Japan to work as a prostitute, many of them are from South East Asia. Some are forced, some are willingly. But it cannot be justified by any reason. It窶冱 exploitation, it窶冱 slavery.
What can I say, what can I do, what should I do窶ｦ These questions were always in my mind.
I have been thinking about the solution. I still don窶冲 have any good idea, well, but suppose the inequality of gender caused the prostitution, I mean the female gender is controlled by the male gender, because of the imbalance of the power, to solve this problem, it should rely on the education and social security. By maintaining the minimum standards of the life, providing the chances to receive equal, good education, it will make people and the society more peaceful.
Anyway, it was good movie, but not fun. If I were asked whether I recommend, I would be at a loss how to answer. It was serious movie. We couldn窶冲 say anything for a while after watching this movie. But the reality is more serious.
http://www.viff.org/viff02/filmguide/filmnote.php?FCode=LILJA
The Last Presidential Debate.Note. This diary is so long. This is a just summary of the presidential debate. It will be not so interesting. If you have enough time, please read it.
The last presidential debate took place at the Arizona state university today. I watched two presidential debates and one vice-presidential debate so far, these all were really interesting. The followings are the summary of the third presidential debate. Both were the same red ties. Today窶冱 main topic was about the domestic issues.
The first question was about the international affairs. The moderator asked the Democratic nominee if the world could be safer than now. He answered yes, and added that the current administration made 窶彭eadly窶� mistakes about Afghanistan war. He pressed that the president couldn窶冲 find Osama Bin Laden, and pointed out that the administration outsourced the jobs which should have been supplied by the American. On the other hand, the president Bush refuted that argument, and affirmed it was exaggeration. He made desperate efforts, and used comprehensive strategies to win the war. These discussions were not new experience for me at all. They just repeated the same opinion as they insisted on at the former debates.
The next question was comparatively late problem; flu vaccine. I don窶冲 know about that problem in detail, but the president looked confusing as well, answered something after a silence. The Massachusetts Senator affirmed that it is the proof of the wrong health care system. He said it doesn窶冲 work well; great many people lost health insurance under the Bush administration. He added he has a much better plan to secure the insurance. The president opposed that John Kerry窶冱 statement was a just complaint, and criticized that his plan will not work well.
Next, they talked about the economic security. The question was; if the government doesn窶冲 raise tax, the price goes up, then, how to keep the stability of the price. Senator Kerry affirmed he can do it exactly, he mentioned the job-loss. According to his argue, 1 billion jobs were lost, and he will do 窶忖naffordable窶� tax-cut. He said he will fight for American workers. On the contrast, the president Bush said the Senator voted 98 times to raise tax quoting the voting record. He accused the Senator窶冱 plan that will reduce the deficit. He, at first talked about the jobs, but gradually changed the topic to the education. I doubt if he is a good speaker.
Then, the moderator asked the president if the homosexual is the choice. The president answered he doesn窶冲 know, but said every person has a dignity to protect. He mentioned the marriage, and said it should be between men and women, the amendment will define the marriage. But the Massachusetts Senator stated it is not choice, and mentioned the vice president窶冱 daughter. I think it was good strategy, because the attitudes against the issue are rather different between Bush and Cheney. He also believes that the marriage should be between men and women, but he said it is not necessary to revise the constitution.
The next topic was the abortion that bothered both at the last debate. Senator Kerry said he would respect the choice to have an abortion, but disagree it, because he grew up as a catholic. But he said he will support women窶冱 choice. The president Bush seemed to hesitate to answer, but said at last, to protect the child窶冱 life, and to avoid the abortion, it has to have an alternative way. According to him, it is to promote the hospitality. I don窶冲 think it will be the alternative. Abortion should be the choice, and never to be banned. The cause of the abortion will be the economical reason; it would be the disadvantage to have an 窶忖nexpected窶� child, so to support mother economically will be the solution.
Then, they discussed the health care system. Senator Kerry explained his plan. He said his plan is simple, and people just choose it, and the plan will cover every child, give good enough for all. He stated it will work well, not poor plan, emphasized that the government doesn窶冲 force the plan. But the president quoted a report that analyzes the Kerry窶冱 plan, and said it will cost 1.9 million. He said it will be poor quality, and it is much better to continue the current plan for next four years.
Next topic was the ban of weapons. The president didn窶冲 sign the revision, because it terrifies the civil life by the crimes. On the other hand, the Senator supports the 2nd amendment, and said if people could buy the guns easily, it would be less safe. It would not cause good result.
The moderator asked about the affirmative action. Senator Kerry said there is still discrimination against gender or race. President Bush said he made an aggressive effort to educate people, and spent many budget to make many children learn.
The last question was a kind of funny question; what learned from your wife. President answered that to listen to the people, and to stand up for the aim. The Senator learned that to keep him honest.
In the closing statement, John Kerry said in this election we are going to be tested how we will be able to unite each other more. Americans are needed stronger leader ship, and to create jobs, guarantee the health care for all, and realize the equality. 窶弩e can do better,窶� he added. 窶彜tronger at home, respected in the world,窶� he conclude. George. W. Bush said he wants to continue next four years to make health care more affordable, pursue the enemy, and make peaceful world, hopeful America.
According to some recent polls, the approval rate is mostly even. They are having a really good race. It is still difficult to predict the result. I strongly hope the Democrats to win the election, but the situation is more complicated, there is no question who would win at last. It makes me really exciting.
The Rehearsal.Today窶冱 choir class took place in the Auditorium hall, which is the same hall as our concert will be held. The hall was not so large, capacity would be about 200 to 300 people. It was a part of the rehearsal, but it was so exciting.
So far we practiced a bunch of songs. Today, we reviewed the whole songs. Some were really comfortable to sing, such as spiritual songs, but others were still difficult such as Mozart or other classical songs. The concert is Oct. 24th, so just two weeks left. I realized so much that I have to work more.
Yesterday, some friend in the class and I went to the tuxedo shop. A number of clothes were exhibited, these all were really 窶彡ool.窶� I heard we are going to buy second-hand tuxedo, but the clerk measured me for my tuxedo. It would cost about 100 dollars or more. I don窶冲 know in detail, but anyway, I have never experienced such a formal concert, so that I am really excited.
Note. From tomorrow, Oct. 9th to 12th is the Fall Break. I am going to visit Chicago with International club until 11th.
On the way to shopping.It was a warm evening, around 5pm, the sun was going to set. We headed to the shopping mall to buy a tuxedo for our concert. My friend drove the car, we had an enjoyable conversation. We came to an intersection on the midst of the gentle slope. The signal turned red, then, we stopped. But, all of sudden, an accident happened. A car behind us bumped into us! What an accident! It was completely unexpected. I couldn窶冲 figure out what has happened then.
According to my friends窶� analysis, at first, the behind car bumped into the rear of us, then, we moved forward. This shock made us strike to the front car, as a result, we lifted the front car, which was Cadillac, looked so expensive, a little.
Fortunately, it was not a big accident, nobody injured. But I was so surprised, it was incredible. Above all, we couldn窶冲 go to the shopping, that was too bad.
Because I don窶冲 have a license, it was also the first time to experience the car accident. I don窶冲 know if it is a good experience or not, but my friend, Takashi, said to me that I can describe it as a culture shock, and 窶弸ou are enjoying the American life.窶�
Certainly, it would be an irreplaceable experience, that's why, I wrote about it here.
Second-hand shop.Cedar Rapids is the second largest cities in the State of Iowa. My college is located to comparatively central area of the city, so that we can go to have a dinner for some restaurants, or to buy something for supermarkets without any difficulties. We can go by walking to the most area. Today, I will introduce you to an interesting shop.
The shop sells second-hand goods. There are mass clothes, furniture, shoes, and other commodities. It seems popular, because many people are in the shop always.
I bought some clothes at the last time; a sweater shirt, a T-shirt, and a long sleeved shirt. To buy three clothes, it cost only 10 dollars. It is incredibly cheap.
Today, I bought tens of pens, which were sold in a cup. But it was only 1 dollar in spite of a number of pens. Usually, I regard these pens as bad quality, but most pens are quite good for writing. This is also unbelievable.
It is true that the quality of the goods is not always better. But the cheap price is very attractive, especially, I am not picky about the clothes, so I will have more chances to go to the shop.
This Week.The diary was completely stopped this week. It is partly because this week was really hard for me. I had much homework such as an essay, a presentation, classes, meetings, readings. In addition, I got a cold, so that I couldn窶冲 have enough energy to keep this journal. I still have a headache and coughs, but it comes to an end of the week, it is firmly getting better. I will try to keep good way of life. Today窶冱 diary is the brief summary of this week.
On Monday, I had a reception party for the new international students. About 40 to 50 international came here to study this year from various countries, but most of the attendants were Japanese students. Some of the faculties and other students came, and after having some conversation and food, ceremony started.
At first, on behalf of the faculty, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty made a speech. It was so impressive. He said that to know the different culture, to make friends with someone here, and to speak second language, will be indispensable experience for our life. These kinds of new experiences will open up our possibilities more.
So far, I focused on too much about English, and I didn窶冲 enjoy the life in the United States so much. It is because I came here to study English. But it should not be the only purpose of this study. Not only do study in the class room, but also are there many good chances to know about the United States. I thought I should get the most out of everything as possible as I can.
Tuesday and Wednesday passed so fast to attend the class and do homework, the preparation for the discussion.
Thursday was my 22nd birthday. Many people celebrated me, it was so impressive. In the class, we had a discussion over the stereotype of the African American people. I devoted this week for the preparation of this class to make it chairperson jobs.
At first, I felt so nervous. I had to lead the discussion, but I couldn窶冲 speak out the words, it was so bad. But gradually, I got accustomed to the role, and in addition, my fellow classmates state the opinion freely one after another. It was really good help for me. The teacher also helped me. I had some unexpected sudden questions or unexpected answers, but overall, I was able to have done the role well. I want to try again.
In the evening, I watched the presidential debate with my friend, Masato. It was not the discussion, but the debate. Therefore, both stated own opinion in accordance with the tight rules of the debate. It started at 8pm, broadcasted all over the United States, and many people watched it. It is a big difference. In Japan, it is true that the political leader窶冱 have a debate, and it is broadcasted all over the Japan, but it is daytime, and in addition, only very few people watch it such as college students. I once watched it, but it was so boring. This would be one of the reasons that the people in Japan lost their interests about the politics. The presidential debate is held three times by the election. Today窶冱 topic was foreign policy and homeland security. They mainly talked about the Iraq, Afghanistan, war on terror, and North Korea. The debate made us more clear the difference of both opinions. It was really interesting, although English was somewhat difficult. (I watched it with the subtitle. It was very helpful.) After that, I wrote the impression of the debate as an assignment.
On Friday, in the 1st period of the class, we had a presentation. The topic was an important event or experience that I have had until now. I introduced my part-time job. I talked about the payment, difficult and easy aspects, and the lessons that I learned from the job. I was the first person to make a presentation, so that I felt so nervous, but I could do it better. Other students talked about the travel, volunteer work, part-time job, or homestay. It was interesting.
In the evening, I watched the movie with my conversation partner and some friends. The movie was 窶廴ean Girl,窶� which was a story of one high school窶冱 students. It was amusing. We watched with the English subtitles, so I could figure out most of the contents.
In weekend, I spent time to do homework. It was good rest for next week.
Breaking News!I heard the mountain somewhere in the United States erupted.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/fc?cid=34&tmpl=fc&in=Science&cat=Earthquakes_and_Volcanoes
Weekend at home staying.Taka, my friend, and I spent this weekend in home stay. Our host family was John and Carolyn Schmidt. We had very good weekend.
On Saturday, we met each other at Coe, and then, we headed to home, it was about 10-minute drive.
First, we went to the noodle restaurant for lunch. I had 窶廱apanese Spicy Udon Noodle窶�. But it was quite different from Japanese one. Unlike Udon, there were no soup, in addition, it was a little bit spicy. I used chopsticks to eat, but most people in the United States don窶冲 use chopsticks to eat this kind of noodle, so I wondered how they eat the noodle by using folk or spoon. It seemed to me so difficult. Anyway, it tasted so good.
After lunch, we drove to freeway, and went to the presidential museum by way of Cornell College, Mt. Vernon. There was only one person who became the president from Iowa State. Whose name was Herbert Hoover.
He was born in Iowa, at first, then moved to Oregon, and then, went to the Stanford University in California. He graduated with a degree in Geology. He worked, first, in Australia as a mining engineer, and then, moved to China. After that, he worked for public service. He seemed to be respected as a humanitarian. Especially, the activities during World War 1st and the Secretary of Commerce were evaluated highly. That experience made he won the presidency in 1928.
However, unfortunately, after 8 months of his inauguration, the Great Depression stroke the whole country. He made an enormous effort to relieve the distress, but it was not enough. As a result, he lost to Flanklin.D,Roosevelt in the next election.
He is not popular in Japan at all, it was first time for me to hear his name. But he seemed to be a good president. We saw his born place either. It was very interesting, I studied a lot.
I heard every president has such kind of museum. It is managed by the government as a National Historic Site, for one thing, the main purpose of the museum is the research. It also might be a big difference from Japan.
After leaving the museum, we once got home, and then, went to the restaurant to have a supper. It was very nice restaurant, and it was also very expensive. I had two bottles of beer, and big stake. It was so delicious, really good. It would be the best dinner I had since I came here.
Afterwards, we went to the concert which was presented by Cedar Rapids Symphony. It took place at a large, elegant hall located the downtown. They played 3 kinds of classical music. The conductor performed excellently, and the pianist was superior though he looked so young. It was indescribably good concert. After the concert, we got home.
Host family treated us so kind.
They are interested in the politics, so we talked about the presidential election, the U.S. government, foreign policy for Japan, in addition, hurricane named Jeanne (pronounced jean) which coming up next and typhoon, sports etc. We could share the same opinion that is to support Democrats, we criticized the president Bush many times. It was interesting, and at the same time, it was good study for me.
Sunday, the second day for our stay. I got up at 8am, and then, had a breakfast. It was very relaxed breakfast. I read a newspaper.
After that, we went to the church. I have a friend who believes in Christianity in Japan, but it was first time for me to go to church. I felt a little bit nervous at first, but the atmosphere was not only solemnity but also friendly, I could get accustomed to that mood soon.
The worship started with the music of the pipe organ. It was so impressive. I didn窶冲 know what the each ritual means, but we prayed, sang choir songs, confessed, read the article from the bible, and listened to the lecture. In the lecture, the Reverend talked about 窶弩ealth and Worth窶�. That seemed to be a lesson about compatibility of the money and faith.
On the way to home, we dropped in the fast food shop, and take the lunch out. We had a lunch with watching the football game. You know, in Japan, American football is not so popular. Although I have a friend, who plays football in Japan, and I have once watched the game in Japan, but I didn窶冲 think it interesting then, my friend also said it was not fun until you know the rules. But host father prefer to watch the game, so that I asked him about the complicated rules. He taught me every part of the game very kindly during watching TV. I studied a lot. Thankfully, I understood most basic rules. I became interested in. Because the football is most popular sport in the United States, it will make my stay here more enjoyable.
Then, Taka went to watch the movie, but I was not so interested in the movie, so that went to the other church with family. They have a lesson for Choir music there. I just listened to the music, but it was amusing. Like my teacher at Coe, their teacher was also very enthusiastic. There were about 20 people. They will go to the Italy to have a concert in the future. It was surprising. Their song was good.
After getting back to the home, host father made us dinner. Different from my family, dad usually cook, it was splendid. He cooked steamed rice with curry flavor and stake with some boiled vegetables, it tasted so good.
After dinner, host mother brought the world atlas. We looked for our home town. Ordinary, my home town, Gamagori city, cannot be found in the map, but fortunately, we could find it. It was somewhat amazing. She underlined the city. They said to us that someday they want to visit to Japan. They are going to travel to China next October for 3 weeks.
The time came, we had to go back to the college. Host father took us to the college. It was only two-day stay, it passed so fast. I had many enjoyable memorable experiences. I hope to see them again, and talk more about the politics.
Workshop on homophobia.Today, I attended the workshop that dealt with homophobia held by Robin Ochs, who is a bisexual activist. She got married at May 17th, the day when the same-sex marriage was legalized in Massachusetts. It was first time for me to see a person who is a bisexual and got married.
I realized that the influence of the legalization was much bigger than I had thought. Some people still wondered and thought it strange about same-sex couple, and some of them bravely asked her why she get married to woman. But, in such case, she became able to assert confidently that she got married, and this was because they loved each other. It would be unacceptable for most people if it wasn窶冲 legalized.
There were about 20 people. At first, we listened to the lecture. She told us many stories about homophobia. It was surprising that murders took place because of the homophobia in the United States. For one thing, religion is influenced on the consciousness of the people. Some people I got to know since I came here were Catholic. Most of them seem to be opposed to the same-sex marriage for religious reason, so that the murder took place. (But I don窶冲 know in detail, so I would like to research more about that.)
After the lecture, we made groups by 2 people, and talked over personal experience about homophobia each other. And then, we all shared some stories. We discussed the misunderstanding, prejudice, and how to overcome it. Many ideas were presented.
What I learned in this workshop is that I still have a prejudice. In fact, sometimes I would tend to think of a person with prejudice just looking him/her. However, I never show the other people my bias, so nobody notice it. I know it is wrong. I have a prejudice just in my mind. I hate it. I want to get rid of it. I vowed it in front of the all students. Not only did I, but also every participant promised something he/she wants to do to stop the homophobia. Many students mentioned that to educate other people is most important. Talking about this workshop with friends would be a better way, or educating myself would also be better way. Anyway, to get awareness of the people is the beginning, I reconfirmed it.
Rally with John Edwards.I went to the rally with John Kelly held at U.S. Cellular Center, Cedar Rapids, today.
Iowa State has 7 votes. According to the poll, Bush and Kerry are very close. Both got nearly 50 percent of the approval rating. So, this visit would affect the result in Iowa States.
However, not so many people came, because at first, the president nominee John Kerry was supposed to come here, but he had a problem with his throat. The vice president nominee John Edwards came instead. According to the newspaper, requests of the ticket were about 5000, but the attendance was only 2500.
I heard this news last night. It must have made people disappointed. It was obviously less people that when the president Bush came to Cedar Rapids in early September. In my opinion, he should have come here. It can be regarded as the Democrats think of Iowa not so highly.
In the center, I saw various kinds of signboards here. Laborer, veterans, women, and other organizations had own signboards to support Kerry. I brought some signboard as souvenirs.
I knew speech starts at 6pm, but my friends and I went there in advance, at 4pm.
At 5pm, all the audience stood, and then singer sang the National Anthem. After that, the governor of Iowa State made a speech.
Around 6:30pm, John Edwards appeared at last. The audience stood and applauded. Although I saw him from the 2nd floor, he looked so handsome.
He was a good speaker.
First of all, he didn窶冲 use any papers to have a speech. That was amazing. For one thing, he was a lawyer, so he stood trial many times. This experience made him good speaker. My friend, Gen, said it was because he made lots of speeches in the same contents. Certainly, it is true, he have been to most part of the United States, and has a meeting many times, but in contrast, Geroge.W.Bush has a paper when he has a speech. It could be said a big difference. Second, he made efficient eye contact some times, my teacher pointed out. Eye contact is one of the most important things when making speeches. I am not good at making eye contact, so his speech was good example for me.
I couldn窶冲 figure out the contents of the speech at all until I read newspaper. According to the report, he talked about the Iraqi affairs, health care and Medicare occasionally with criticizing the Bush administration.
While his speech, the audience held up own signboard, and yelled something. I was overwhelmed so much that I couldn窶冲 shout any words out. I also couldn窶冲 understand what Edwards said at all until I read newspaper, for one thing, we couldn窶冲 hear clear voice because of the microphone窶冱 problem. In addition, he talked so fast. According to the report, he talked about the Iraqi affairs, health care and Medicare occasionally with criticizing the Bush administration. If I could figure out the contents of the speech, it must have been much more interesting. It was regrettable, but anyway, it was so exciting experience.
Field Trip.Today was a day of field trip. We went to the Effigy Mounds National Park. This park is located along the Mississippi river, border of Iowa State and the southern part of Wisconsin State. It took 2 or 3 hours to go to. Our teacher took us.
First, we went to the Pikes Peak State Park to have a lunch. The scenery was so beautiful. We could see the Mississippi river and dense forest.
After leaving there, we went to the Effigy National park. We watched the introduction movie first, and then, one of the guides gave us an explanation.
Mounds are an American Indian窶冱 ruins. We have similar mounds in Japan either. But Effigy mounds were very amusing shapes. Some looked like bears, others were like birds. Knives and hammers made of stones were excavated.
According to the explanation, details about the mounds are still unknown.
It is said that people started to live here 12000 years ago, and then, 3000 years ago, they started to build the mounds. Today, we can see the mounds created about 1400 years ago. This might be a religious site or ceremonial site.
But 750 years ago, the cultural transition made them stop creating mounds; they began to farming.
And then, Europeans came around 1600s, and large number of people moved there until 1840s. Most of the mounds were destroyed. Now about 1000 mounds survived.
We took a walk around the mounds and mountain. The scenery was rally beautiful. Mississippi River was magnificent.
It is important to know about the American Indian life because the United States is not only a country for the immigrants but for the indigenous people. Lots of American Indian must have lived there. However, many people had ignored the fact. We should know and respect their culture or lifestyles more.
Chinese Music Concert.Today, I went to the Chinese conservatory music concert held at the Sinclair Auditorium.
As for me, it was typical Chinese traditional music, but it was so nice. They were six instrument players and two singers. They had five types of instruments. Some were a kind of strings, the other was like a guitar, and another was like a flute. Singers were Soprano and Tenor.
First of all, their technique was superior. It was beyond description. Stringers played emotionally and passionately. Singers sang a song exceptionally beautiful voice, sometimes showed attractive gestures. It was so great, so wonderful.
In the encore, they played various cymbals, it was so funny. As if the cymbals were talking. It would be amazing for the audience because the way of using instruments seemed to be quite different from the western way.
It was an unusual experience that I could hear the Chinese music here in the U.S., but it was so special experience.
Concert Choir.It is still difficult, but it窶冱 surely getting better.
Surprisingly, today, I can afford to sing songs with thinking about words, and feeling it enjoyable. It is a big progress. Today窶冱 class was so fun. It is partly because I recorded the class on tape each time, so that I could practice anywhere, I could keep up with the class.
We, Coe College Concert Choir, have a concert in late October. It makes me really exciting. We practiced various kinds of songs, and are going to sing many songs. Particulary, I love spiritual songs. We learned two spiritual songs. One is 窶廣in窶�-a that Good News窶�, and the other is 窶廣in窶冲 got Time to Die窶�. Both seem to be famous in the United States.
After the class, I talked to my new friend, Doug, he is Tenor and also very good singer. I told him that the class is difficult for me, I can窶冲 vocalize each note. Then, he taught me how to sing and then lent me a software. This software brought me dramatic change in my way of practice. To input the music in this program, it starts to play the music automatically. It enables me to practice myself so easily. It must be helpful.
When I couldn窶冲 sing songs well, I felt so bad, sometimes I didn窶冲 want to attend the class. However, now, especially today, I feel really better. I wanted to sing more. I am really looking forward to the concert.
Recap;
Coe College Concert Choir Fall 2004
October 24, D-K Auditorium 3:30-5:00pm
We are going to sing窶ｦ Spanish songs, Folk English songs, Germany songs, Mozart with Orchestra, and Spirituals.
Sunday.Today, I got up at 9am. Fatigue has totally overcome because of the good sleep.
I had a branch during the morning, and then, went to the library. I have stayed here, the basement of the library, for 11 hours until now. It is unbelievable, but most assignment had finished already. I wrote some diaries and some essays, this was my homework, searched on the Internet, and responded emails. I am so tired.
I want to go back to my room, and drink as soon as possible, because busiest day starts again tomorrow.
"Gay Day" at the Adventureland.Today, I went to the Adventureland, in Des Moines, with my club, Coe Alliance.
To go to Des Moines from here, Cedar Rapids, it takes two hours by car. My friend drove us to there. Highway in the United States is for free different from Japan, that窶冱 why it is called free way. There is no mountain in Iowa, we could see the large corn fields over on the horizon.
After 2-hour drive, we got to the Adventureland. Many guests came today, most of them were families. The park was comparatively big.
Actually, I don窶冲 like roller coaster or such kind of rides. But there were so many 窶徭uch kind of rides窶�. It was horrified me.
At first, we got a ride on 窶�The Sidewinder窶�. It was extremely scarey as the pictures below shows. It went back and forth, and at the same time, up and down with rotation. It repeated unnatural movement so many times that I couldn窶冲 open my eyes. After getting off, I couldn窶冲 walk straight, I lost my control. I won窶冲 ride never again.
I screamed so loudly again and again in Japanese. My friends wondered what I said in Japanese. I just said 窶彜top it窶� or 窶廬 don窶冲 wanna ride窶� (but in fact, both are the almost same translation. Do you know how I screamed?). I was so upset. I realized after the ride this kind of movement was completely unacceptable for me.
Next, we rode 窶�The Raging River窶�. It was a kind of splash down. It was so scarely as well. Not only did it rotate, but also I got wet.
I felt dizzy and a headache after the ride.
And then, we went to 窶�The Outlaw窶�. This was a kind of roller coaster, but it is unusual one; it was made of woods. One of my friends called it 窶彷licker窶�. It shook continuously during the ride. It was exceedingly scarely. It seemed to me that the ride lasted so long time. The situation was critical.
After the ride, I felt nausea, so sick. I took a rest. My friend made me drink some water, and gave me frozen yogurt and popcorn. I was sitting on the chair for a while, then, gradually my condition was getting better.
We went to other rides after that, but all of these seemed to me hard to ride, so I didn窶冲 get on anymore. 窶弋he Outlaw窶� defeated me completely窶ｦ
For dinner, we went to the Italian restaurant. We had salad, bread, ravioli, macaroni and chocolate cake. It was more luxurious dinner than usual. It tasted so good.
Although all rides scared me, I had a very good day.
In fact, the 窶廨ay Day窶� was held at the Adventureland. We and other concerned people, about 20 to 30, made up a group, and then, we entered the park in a special price.
I saw many stereotypical families in the park, on the contrary, I didn窶冲 see any gay and lesbian couples besides us. This implies that the minorities still remain unknown to the public despite the minorities definitely exist in our society. They are always ignored, treated as if they were not there or they are abnormal. It is a big problem of our society. It has to be built more generous society for sexuality. As a result, discrimination against gender or sexuality will reduce. This is one of my ideals. I hope such society will be realized.
Ivan "pummels" Florida.The hurricane Ivan, at last, came to the United States. But it became much weaker than it battered the Caribbean countries.
According to the report, the situations are summarized as followings.
At least 20 U.S. people have been killed, destroyed lots of buildings although they prepared for the disaster; the hurricane was too strong. Ivan became a tropical storm soon after coming ashore. It poured with 15 inches (385mm) rain, and created the 10 to 16 feet large waves. The wind reduced its strengths to 130-mph. 1.2 million residents evacuated to the shelter in New Orleans State.
I always get information reading newspaper and from the Internet. It is interesting that the usage of the word in these materials. For example, today窶冱 newspaper said 窶廬van pummels Florida窶冱 Panhandle窶�. The word 窶徘ummel窶� is defined as to hit someone or something many times quickly with your fists (Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English Third Edition, 1995). In this case, it should be interpreted Ivan hit people or building in Florida many times quickly. Usually, the subject should be human, but it could be the hurricane. The same thing happens to the other words such as batter, assault, and pound.
It is sometimes troublesome to look up each word in the dictionary, but to know the meaning of each word is enables me to imagine the situation more clearly and specifically. The words 窶彙atter窶� or 窶徘ummel窶� tell me how the storm hit Florida.
As you know, only to read the newspaper or to watch TV is to be a chance to study English for me. I have been in such circumstance everyday since I came here. It is still difficult to talk or think in English, but I don窶冲 feel reluctant to read or write in English so much. These skills would be getting better. The first one month has passed so quickly...
For further information, visit the Yahoo! News below. You will see the power of the hurricane in these photos.
Yahoo! News; Slideshows - Hurricane and Tropical Storms.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?g=events/ts/080304tropicalweathe&tmpl=sl&e=1",750,580
P.S. I heard the Mount Asama erupted, and volcanic ash sprinkled over Tokyo. It was not big or hot news in the United States. It was treated as one of the world news. Anywhere on the earth always exposed to the danger窶ｦ
Amnesty International.Today, I went to the meeting. The club was Amnesty International. At my home, Amnesty also has a chapter, my friends belong to, and I have been interested in the activity.
7 students came to the meeting. The main purpose of the group is to get campus awareness, especially about human right or women窶冱 right issues. To achieve this goal, we will invite speakers to have a lecture presentation.
We are going to have some other activities.
The first one is letter writing. This activity is just to write a letter, but it is very important. Various kind of the violence still occurs in the world. To help to solve these problems, we send a letter for the concerned person.
I will join some specific groups based on my interests. I am now interested in women窶冱 rights, death penalty, and human rights abuses in the United States. I will join the groups which discuss such problems.
Amnesty club is going to cooperate with other organizations such as Coe Alliance. This is because both clubs have the same kind of the awareness of the issues.
Interestingly, I had similar experience at home; Gender studies society and Amnesty International Waseda chapter had the study conference together. It was completely by chance.
I窶冦 really glad to be able to get involved with this club. I would like to participate in activities positively, and get to know more about the United States.
Conversation Partner.I have a 窶彡onversation buddy窶�. This is my private English teacher who is native speaker of English. Our instructor had us coordinated to mainly study conversational English.
At first, applicants and Japanese students filled out the application form when we signed up. In that form, there are some questions for 窶徇atchmaking窶�; hobbies, clubs, classes, interests, or foods. I wrote about my experiences that studying gender, and founded the club, don窶冲 like to eat marine foods, like to go ski, traveled some countries.
About one week later, the teacher introduced me a partner. My partner窶冱 name is Gen. We had met before at the club meeting, but didn窶冲 know each other then. We both are interested in the gender studies, he takes gender studies course in this semester, and I have been studying it, so that teacher decided to make us meet each other.
Let me introduce you to my partner.
He is a sophomore. He is from Philadelphia, very far from here.
First of all, he prefers to learn languages. He had studied Spanish, French in high school, in addition, in college, has studied Ancient Greek and Latin. It is unbelievable for me, it is enough hard to study only English. (In fact, I have to study German after getting back to home. It is embarrassing.)
His parents were from Hungary, but they stopped to speak Hungarian at home when he was a child, so he can窶冲 speak Hungarian. He said he wants to go to Hungary someday, so he will study Hungarian again.
He also takes so many courses in this semester; Philosophy, Fiction Writing, Logic, Latin... He has classes from 9:30am until 4pm everyday. Besides, he belongs to the Coe Cosmos which is a club publishing the newspaper once a week. Furthermore, he wanted to be a conversation partner窶ｦ
As you see, my partner is quite active person. But I was also such kind of person when I was a freshman and sophomore. I went to the any kind of events which took place at college, attended the various sorts of clubs, and took lots of class, some of them were voluntary, of course, studied a lot. Finally, I founded the club. During continuing such a hard life, I found 窶徇y way窶� which is the way I should go and pursuit through the whole life. In my case, it was the gender studies. I decided it when I was sophomore, in the latter semester.
He has lots of interests, and not decided the major yet. He will find the way sooner or later.
We are going to meet every dinner as possible as we can. Otherwise I will speak Japanese with friends. I want to have a discussion with him someday.
My daily life.Today, I would like to talk about my daily life, here at Coe.
Around 8am
Get up and change clothes, then, go to cafeteria to have a 窶徂ot窶� breakfast. If I got up late, I would miss the 窶徂ot窶� breakfast, and I should have a continental breakfast which is not hot like cereals or fruits. I always read newspaper with eating.
9:30am to 10:50am. 1st period class starts.
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday are the oral presentation class. We study both presentation and grammar for TOEFL test. 9 students are there.
Tuesday and Thursday are the Asian Literature class. All the Waseda students and some American students take this class. We talk about cultural differences from each point of view. This class is credit course. Over 20 students are there.
11am to 11:50am. 2nd period class starts.
We have the Reading/Writing Workshop class everyday. This class is also credit course. We study the Multicultural Studies. About 10 students are there.
By the way, I usually say 窶徘eople in the United States窶� instead of the 窶徘eople in America窶�. Do you know the reason or the differences?
When you say 窶廣merica窶�, it is undoubtedly believed that it means the United States of America. But, in the world, there are some other American countries; Canada is located in the North America, Costa Rica is in the Central America, Argentina is a country that in the South America. As you see, there are lots of American countries. If you say people in America, first of all, you have to make sure which part of the America that people came from.
I learned this distinction from the textbook used in that class. The textbook is 窶彝ereading America窶�. 窶彝ereading窶� means reconsidering. The United States has the biggest influence on the world. But at the same time, it also has several dark aspects such as discrimination against ethnic or race. We are going to reveal such unknown 窶廣merica窶� in this class. This is my specialty, so it is exciting.
Noon to 12:50pm. 3rd period class starts.
I have the Concert Choir class in this period with my friend Ken. As I wrote about this class before in this diary, it is a sort of hard class. There are about 40 or 50 people, because students are divided into the four parts, which are Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass. I am bass. We have a private lesson once a week.
When I sing songs in this class, I always think about my elder sister who had practiced the piano for a long time. She can read the music without any difficulties. Although I became getting used to singing in this class, I can窶冲 read the music, so it makes me feel nervous always. But if she would in the class, she would attend happily, and enjoy singing. It can be imagined easily. Most of the students taking this class are such kind of person as I see. It is surprising for me.
Around 1pm.
Have a lunch.
2pm to 2:50pm. 5th period class starts.
All the Waseda students, 19 students, have the seminar class. In this class, we are going to study about the learning style in the college class. Most classes are held in the small scale, so it will be different from the Japanese class inevitably. We learn how to use the power point effectively, how to have a discussion or something like that.
3pm to 3:50pm. 6th period class starts.
On Monday, I have the pronunciation class. This class is the smallest, there are only 8 students. Instructor corrects the pronunciation for each student.
I realized that I am not good at pronunciation in this class. Sometimes I can窶冲 make myself understood because my bad pronounce even when I talk to my roommate.
Today, we studied the differences of the 窶徭hip窶� and 窶徭ip. It sounds easy, but actually, it wasn窶冲 easy, it was hard, it was confusing. I know these differences in technically, but I couldn窶冲 make a distinction in practical at all. It needs more work.
On Wednesday, Ken and I have a private lesson for choir class. I wrote about that in this diary. Professor always teaches us so kindly.
After the class, I usually go to the library, and study until the dinner. But sometimes, especially when I feel tired, I would take a nap in my room.
5pm to 6 or 7pm
Dinner time.
After dinner, I go to the library to study, and keep studying there until the closing time, which is midnight. It is extremely helpful for doing the assignment. Japanese library should follow this example. Now, I am in the library. Some students, not a lot, are still studying.
1am
Usually go to bed after taking shower. Sometimes drink beer. The time depends on the amount of homework, day, and my feelings.
You might be astonished at my well-regulated life. The biggest difference from my life in Japan is the meal. I have definitely 3 meals everyday. It is amazing! Besides, all meals are for free (actually, it was paid in advance). But it is going to get fat. Someday, it may need to have some exercises...
Hurricane and typhoon.Every summer, we have big typhoons many times in Japan. This year was also no exception, a lot of typhoons strike Japanese island, and many people had died, I heard.
In my seminar at home, we have an excursion twice a year. This summer they went to Okinawa, southern islands of Japan. At first, it was planned for four days, but at that time, a strong typhoon was hitting the islands, so airplanes were canceled. Reluctantly, it was shortened for three days.
However, around Central America, strong hurricanes come every year.
In these days, Florida was damaged by the hurricane. Now, another hurricane is coming.
Interestingly, each hurricane has its own name. Last time, the 窶廡rances窶� came, and next, the "Ivan" (pronounced 窶彳ye-van窶�) is coming. Now Ivan is in the Caribbean Sea, but headed for Cuba and the United States.
Ivan seems to be rather strong. According to the report, the situation can be summarized as the followings.
At least 44 people have been killed already, destroyed lots of houses. Over 11,000 people have evacuated to the shelter. Enormous wave broke the shore. 40 roads in Jamaica have been blocked. At large, it recorded 165-mph wind (that equals to 73.3 meters per second wind, it is incredible!).
Hurricane doesn窶冲 come to Iowa, but storm or tornado will come someday. I won窶冲 experience the strength of it, but it will be surely a hallowing memory.
The followings are helpful to understand Ivan and the geographic around Central America.
---Whether News
http://weather.yahoo.com/img/carib_websattropir_440_mdy_y.jpg.html
---Map
http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-577544-map_of_caribbean-i
3rd year of Sept. 11.Today, in the morning, I attended the special event on campus. That was ringing the bell in memory of the terror attack窶冱 victims, the attack happened three years ago. Students and faculties were gathered in front of the victory bell (which is in the campus, but I don窶冲 know much about that bell), and each rang the bell at 9:11am. Every cities, universities, and colleges seemed to have had this kind of ceremony at the same time. The bell resounded over the campus.
When the terror attack occurred, I was traveling Thailand with a friend. I watched TV in the hotel. It was incredible. I thought it must be a Hollywood movie. I was not interested in the politics or international affairs then, so I didn窶冲 understand the reason why the attack happened. It was first time to hear about Al Qaeda or Bin Laden. However, since then, I had interests, studied a lot, now that I can explain the causes of the terror. With ringing the bell, I thought about the casualties. Almost all the people didn窶冲 predict that incident. It was absolute tragedy.
According to the poll taken by the Aljazeela.net, 73 percent of the voters don窶冲 think that the United States won the 窶忤ar on terror窶�. As I pointed out in this diary in April, the war was still lasting until then since the war started in Mar 2003. The result indicates that the war hasn窶冲 ended yet. The fact that many people, both soldiers and civilians in Iraq were dead until now describes the United States get bogged down in the war.
Democrats insist that the president confused Al Qaeda with Iraq. It will be true. There were no weapons of mass destruction. This misunderstanding should be blamed. Over 1000 U.S. soldiers have died until now. It may be the time to bring the troops back to home.
After the lunch, I went to a football game and watched with my friend. It was Coe against St.Thomas University. The game took place at the Clark Field, lots of people came. Although it was fun, because the rules are so complicated, I often didn窶冲 understand what has happened, when the audience applauded.
The 2nd quarter ended, then, we went to the racquet center to take a rest. First we were going to take a short rest, but it was so comfortable that we stayed there until dinner time. We talked a lot. At last, no one said to go to watch the game again, so I don窶冲 know the result of the game.
Having had the dinner, I went to buy beers with another friend. Beers are not expensive here in the United States. It was about thirteen dollars for thirty cans. It is true that the taste is inferior to the Japanese beer, but it is unbelievable price. For one thing, it may be the difference of the tax system, but I don窶冲 know in detail.
It was the peaceful day for me. I hope anyone in the world will be able to enjoy such days in the future.
Presidential election.Since I was old enough to vote, I had three elections in Japan.
However in the United States, to have a right to vote, not only have to be a citizen (have a citizenship), over 18 years old but also other lots of detailed regulations.
Here, at Coe, some students are not residents of Iowa State, so if such students want to vote, they have to change the resident窶冱 registration. And then, most of the students live in dormitory, so they are going to use absentee ballot. Today, I helped the part of this procedure. But actually it was not helping, just looking and talking.
It was a part of the club activity. It promotes students to support Democrats, and at last, it will lead to the victory against Republican.
But, in fact, I don窶冲 know about the both party窶冱 opinion, especially in detail. Both are taking negative campaign, and sometimes they are also talking about tiny argument such as the prizes of the Vietnam War or exaggerated advertisement.
The most important and serious problem is the vote rate. In the United States, it is not so much high, but it is low; 48 percent. Only 48 percent. It is similar situation to Japan. But it is more serious because the U.S. has a great influence in the world. Lots of people died in Iraq, it hit 1000 toll since the war started. (Surprisingly, 窶廝ush lies thousand died窶� was realized.) Also in Afghanistan, many people died. Japanese government was influenced these wars, they are trying to change the constitution. It is the proof how the United States have a great power for the world.
Anyway, I want to get to know more about the election, especially about the political issues, or opinions of both side. I didn窶冲 read newspaper in such point of view because it seemed difficult, especially understanding opinions in English.
I feel strongly happy because I am able to watch the important election at here, in the United States. Everyday I hear the news about election. Atmosphere and attitude are entirely different from Japan. It will be a precious experience.
What kind of person I am?Notes! Today窶冱 diary is too long because it is an assignment. Vocabulary may be more difficult than usual, but construction will be much easier to understand. It will be a good practice how to skim the paragraph and how to deal with the unknown words. These skills may be useful and helpful for the examinations. So, anyway, if you have enough time please read it.
I had an interesting test in the seminar class. The test tells me my characteristics, especially my learning style. In generally, I don窶冲 like this kind of exam, because it tends to describe me as a typical person. (I窶冦 not a typical person!) But this test really fitted into my experience. It was reliable, I think. So this time, let me introduce some of the results and analysis.
According to the results, learner窶冱 characteristics can be divided into four aspects.
The first one is extraverted/introverted learner. It means how I get energy when I study. I was an introverted learner. The introverted learner prefers to work alone, thinks things through, and has a longer attention span.
I agree with these all features. I hate noise, especially when I am studying. I don窶冲 like to talk even with my friends. I also like to think deeply. Consider any possibilities, evaluate it, and then choose the best one. It will be also related to my plan. I have long-term plan always, not only the life time plan but also weekly or daily schedule. I am trying to think all the stuffs in the long span.
Next is sensing/intuitive learner. It means how I get information. I was an intuitive leaner. According to the direction, the intuitive learner likes hidden meaning or possibilities, is oriented toward the future, works with bursts of energy, and likes to solve new problems.
These are also acceptable for me. I always search for hidden meanings because I think things deeply. I have a dream for the future, I take action for that dream almost all the times. Of course, I often get excited to study something I like. But actually, I don窶冲 like to solve new problems, because I am not creative. But sometimes that mind is needed to solve new kind of problem. Under such a situation, I always overcome with the passion or enthusiasm.
The third characteristic is thinking/feeling learner. It means how I think the balance of studying and relationship. I was a feeling learner. The feeling learner needs approval and support, examines human values and motives, needs to feel helpful, is motivated by other people, likes harmony, is relationship-oriented.
Almost all the traits fit to me. I often depend on someone窶冱 advice otherwise I feel nervous. I pay attention to the other窶冱 behaviors, and guess how they think of me. One of the most important values for me is the contribution. I feel comfortable to be a helpful person. That窶冱 why I like harmony, I want to keep good relationship. On the other hand, I am competitive. If other person made lots of effort more than I, I will work hard to exceed others.
The last one is judging/perceptive learner. It stands for how I continue to study. I was a judging learner. The judging learner prefers a plan, a known system of grading, clear accountability, and perseveres.
I don窶冲 know it is fortunately or not, but these are also well describing my personality. I like to follow the plans, it is more dependable if it is already known. I sometimes feel nervous if I didn窶冲 take any responsibilities when I have to be blamed. Perseveres means endurance, to try to do something harder in spite of the difficulties. Sometimes I want to be stoic.
As you see, there are some contradictions.
For instance, according to the analysis, I like to work alone, but on the other hand, I rely on others to support me, prefer the harmonious relationships. Another example, I like to try new problems, but also like to follow the known system or plan.
Those ideas conflict each other, but all of them are my characteristics, my unaltered personality. It is not unnatural that contradictions exist at the same time, because human being is not such a simple creatures, but so complicated. In that sense, this test is superior to others. Most of the tests I had in the past were extremely simplified personal characters. But personality cannot be described simply.
This test was highly persuasive. It was a good chance for me to reflect myself.
Holiday.Today was a holiday, Labor day.
There not so many people on the campus. Library had closed until afternoon, so I spend almost all the day in my room. Some of the students went back to their hometown. My roommate may also be the one, I think. He might be in his hometown, Chicago, but I窶冦 not sure, so anyway, I was alone, did my homework, and searched something on the Internet.
If I were in Japan, I would go back to my hometown, because the entire classes end in Friday afternoon, and no class in Saturday, and then, Monday is a holiday. It will be a sort of long vacation.
Monday is the hardest day in the week. I have no idea that is good for me or not. But anyway, I had a good rest. The week starts tomorrow again.
Canoe trip.This weekend, I went to the canoe trip as a part of the event of the international club.
About 30 people went to the trip, many of them are from Japan, but others from Korea, Nepal, China, and also the United States.
First of all, we rode on a bus, and headed somewhere near Cedar Rapids, it took about 1 hour. Then, arrived at the accommodations. We changed clothes, and left bags there, soon went to the river by bus again.
After getting to the riverside, we made the group for 2 or 3 students, and then, finished checking in. We got on the canoe.
The river was comparatively wide, but quite shallow. We ran aground many times. Not only that, we turned over at the very beginning of the canoeing. It was entirely unexpected incident (and somehow it occurred at relatively deep part).
Weather condition was good, clear sky, temperature was also comfortable. There are many people enjoyed canoe besides us. But it took so long time, 2 or 3 hours. We gradually got bored and, in addition, felt so tired that stopped paddling at last. When I looked up the sky, birds were flying, there are scattered clouds. Dense forest was also beautiful. Time passed so slowly.
Finally, we arrived at the destination. All of us were tired, then, went back to the accommodations.
Afterwards, I played cards with some friends, took shower, and had dinner. Then, played cards again, it was so fun. Also played Monopoly.
We talked a lot, of course in English even with the Japanese students. Only to playing cards, there were various people, it was multinational. English was the common language. It was exciting. But, regrettably, I couldn窶冲 have much conversation, I thought I had to work more to improve English. Anyway, it was fruitful weekend, I enjoyed much.
Protest action.President Bush came to Cedar Rapids today. I went to the protest action, which against Republican, with my friends.
The speech was taken place at the big park, but we didn���t have tickets, so we couldn���t get into the park. We stood outside the park, at the intersection, and appealed not to support Mr. Bush with signboard.
There were many people, most of them seemed to be Democrats, but the opinions were different from each other. Some were against the war, but others, on the contrary, supported war (most of them insisted to bring the troops back). In addition, somebody asserted ���marriage for all���. This issue is still unsolved. Certainly the president opposed to gay marriage, but not all the Democrats, John Kerry also opposed I think, agree to reserve this right.
When the speech came to an end, we started to walk for the entrance of the park, and then, we shouted it out for the park again and again such as ���Drop Bush, not Bomb���, ���Bush lies thousand dies���, or ���4 more months��� (It means that if the President Bush loses next election, he will resign at most 4 months. It is one of the ironies for the Republicans. They demand ���4 more years��� on the contrary.). Some of protesters were arrested as disturbance.
Although we couldn���t see the president (just heard his voice), it was quite interesting. I have read newspaper in English since I was in Australia and in Japan as well, because I have been interested in the presidential election originally. I have read many articles before coming here and also have continued to reading since I came here. I have gained lots of knowledge about the campaign. However, not only was this knowledge helpful and useful, but I realized that the situation I guessed from the newspaper was exceedingly different. It was just guessing. Reality was enthusiastic and exciting. For instance, some veterans support the Democrats, but others don���t, they support Republicans. I saw both position of the signboard. Though I knew about that problem through the newspaper, it became much more realistic.
It was really valuable experience. If I had a next chance by the election, I would like to participate in the speech.
Reconsider "Kill Bill".We had already watched 3 movies as a part of the Asian Literature class. Some were full of biases as I pointed out last week, others were much more acceptable. All the students wrote an Impression in the last class. Today, we received the paper with professor's comments.
That urged me to reconsider about my view point of movies.
When I wrote about "Kill Bill" in this diary, I complained too much, and I affirmed it was entirely unacceptable. In addition, other two movies, Lost in Translation and Tampopo, were much better, persuasive, I mentioned.
However, according to the comment, in the movies, it is most important to show something different from the reality. Because directors are trying to challenge the reality.
It was impressive. I asserted " It was exaggeration! It was unacceptable!" many times. But it was not the reality, but the movie. It might be meaningless to simply describe the real daily life. It never to be unnatural that the movies try to do different things.
Although "Kill Bill" is still difficult to accept for me, I admit that it was good attempt. To give unusual experience to the audience will be one of the most crucial element of the movie.
Private lesson: Choir class.Today, Ken and I had a private lesson for choir class. Classes have passed for 2 weeks, but it is still difficult to read the music and vocalizing. Prof. Falk made us lessons in his office hour.
The lesson was about 1 hour. He taught us so kindly. When I couldn窶冲 sing at all, he politely told me how to sing again and again. We practiced 3 songs. My skill improved steadily.
It was amazing that one instructor spare 1 hour for 2 students. At Waseda, it might not be impossible to have such lesson although we don窶冲 have music department. There are too many students. On the other hand, here at Coe, 1 teacher will have 12 students on the average. It is not difficult for teacher to memorize every student. Actually, almost every professor has already known my name and face, therefore, it enables them to teach more carefully. This is a great advantage.
We will have some concerts during this term. When I think about it, I窶冦 getting excited.
Defeat Bush!!Today, I went to another meeting. That club is a new club, founded this year, and treats political issues. At present, we are talking about how to 窶彭efeat窶� Bush for the presidential election.
It seems that we are going to do various activities for the election.
First of all, on next Friday, George.W.Bush will visit Iowa as a part of his campaign, so we take part in the protest action. I don窶冲 know what to do specifically, but it looks like interesting.
Next, we are going to collect student窶冱 signatures for vote. If some conditions are fulfilled, we can have a polling place on campus, I heard.
Members spoke English too fast to listen. I couldn窶冲 follow them, above is the just part of the talking. We must have had more issues for campaign, but I窶冦 not sure.
Anyway, I am looking forward to next Friday.
Let's get involved.Today, I went to the club meeting, the club is “Coe Alliance”. That club is one of the clubs that deals with issues of gender and sexuality. They have an educational purpose.
There are about 20 students and a faculty advisor.
It was friendly, familiar atmosphere, each member looks like feel comfortable.
First, we had self-introduction, and then, we talked about what we are going to do through this year. There are several big events such as gay day, conference, shows…etc.
We are going to meet once a week.
It is a big difference. In my club, at home, we had meeting or conference at least, at least twice a week. We made disparate effort to keep new members staying in our club such as making contact frequently, inviting parties, lunches, and dinners many times, sometimes going to trip or camp, and of course, we have study conference a lot.
The important point is how to make them feel satisfaction or enjoyment. So that we have lots of various activities.
On the other hand, alliance members are going to meet only once a week. It is partly because Coe is a small college, so we have a lot of chances to see each other, yet it is less opportunity to see, I think, although we will have some big events. It seemed that we are not going to have any study conferences.
However, good atmosphere attracted me much. I want to have a good relationship with them more, get to know more each other. I am looking forward to taking part in all of these events.
Sunday.I spent today almost doing homework at the library. It is so helpful that library is open until midnight.
I was so tired…
I’m going to go to bed…
Busy week will start again tomorrow.
My father is a "Lawyer".The first busiest week ended today.
When I had small party with my Japanese friends, drinking some beers in my room, some of my roommate窶冱 friends came in, and had a conversation.
I was asked my father's job. I answered he is a lawyer. They astonished, furthermore, they asked me whether my father earn a lot of money. I said no, and told them some of lawyers in Japan make lots of money, but others and my father doesn't. Brian pointed out in the U.S. lawyers earn really richly.
Actually, my father is lawyer, but he is solicitor.
There are two types of lawyer in English, especially in Britain; barrister and solicitor. Barrister is 窶彗 lawyer in Britain who can argue cases in the higher courts窶�, on the other hand, solicitor is defined as 窶彗 type of lawyer who gives advice, does the necessary work when property is bought or sold, and defends people, especially in the lower courts of law窶�.
In that conversation, lawyer meant barrister who speaks in court.
In the states, lawyer is classified as attorney and counselor. Attorney is 窶彗 lawyer窶� in American English, on the contrary, counselor is 窶徭omeone whose job is to help and support people with problems窶�. In this definition, counselor is not specified as a lawyer, but I don窶冲 know whether both names are popular, how to be used. They didn窶冲 mention that differences, they may not know the classification.
Anyway, my father is a solicitor.
In Japan, there are various types of solicitors, but each has own specialty such as labor, insurance, inheritance, registration, or maritime affairs. My father is good at immigration and naturalization, maritime affairs, and inheritance. However, precisely speaking, my father is a kind of solicitor, but he cannot speak in any court. This is Japanese extremely complicated classification, most of the solicitors in Japan cannot go to any court. They mainly work in their own office or go to government and municipal office. Some 窶徭olicitors窶� also work as a 窶彡ounselor窶�. Uncommonly my father has a task in English, but he doesn窶冲 have any proper name in English, so he couldn窶冲 help calling himself solicitor.
I realized again these differences, it is interesting. Regrettably, I couldn窶冲 explain above those in conversation. I have to work more.
Classes are going well.Since the classes have started, I have had busy, fruitful days. During this week, I went through lots of new experiences.
I took 3 courses, multicultural studies, Asian literature, and Concert Choir, and also signed up some additional English classes. Most classes take place in the morning.
All the classes assigned us homework every times, so we have to study something from the textbooks or handouts everyday. It is still hard duty for me, but I have to keep going. It will be the best way to improve my skills.
I enjoy myself everyday. Something that makes me surprise such as the quantity of the assignment or the conversation with roommate or friends happens everyday. It is so interesting.
Tomorrow is Friday, and weekend is coming. We happily have no plan in this weekend. I want to spend a day comfortably.
Watched "Kill Bill".I watched today the movie 窶廳ill Bill窶� part of the Asian Literature class. About 25 students in this class, most of them are from Japan, and the other from United States. We discuss difference of the culture each other from each view; how the Japanese people think American people, and vice versa.
窶廳ill Bill窶� is one of the examples of the difference of the viewpoint, professor said. The story was made by Americans, and it describes the revenge.
However, that movie itself was completely unacceptable.
The last scene was, for example, in the Japanese big banquet hall. But such hall no longer exists in modern Japan. Then, a lot of murders took place, it really harmed me. Actors chopped man窶冱 arms, legs, neck using Japanese sword in the fighting. Most of them seemed to be made by computer graphics, injuries suffered from pain with crying. It was extremely grotesque.
I didn窶冲 understand what was the author wanted to say wholly. Audience will accept an exaggerated image of Japan such as people live in Japan still have sword, and use it, there are many modern samurai people. It is not cultural difference, but misunderstanding. It was thoroughly unpleasant movie.
Semeser has started.Today was a first day of the fall semester, classes started.
I had 5 classes, it was so busy day. We were assigned homework in 3 classes.
It was a big difference, we seldom had any assignments at Waseda.
For one thing, it is because the difference of the number of the students. There are so many students at Waseda, so it is not easy to check every assignment for instructors. On the other hand, in this small college, 1 faculty has 12 students in the average. Every class takes place in a small scale, atmosphere is warm and familiar.
Class system also is different. At Coe, we ordinary have 3 or 4 classes every week on the same subject. On the contrary, at home we have a weekly schedule through one year. Most of the classes are to be held once a week. In addition, we are able to take many courses – over 10 courses compared to Coe.
Students in Japan are expected to study voluntary. We are supposed to learn 3 hours for each 90-minute class every week. But many people ignore this rule, I was also the one of them at Waseda.
As opposed to Japanese students, students in America compelled to study hard. Lots of homework is assigned in every class. They have to learn several hours inevitably.
It reminds me of my high school days. In those times, I had lots of homework. But to get into college is not compulsion, all of us came here at own will, this is an important difference. Therefore, students should work much harder.
Anyway, assignments that we had today are not so easy. However, I guess homework we are going to have through this term will be getting more difficult as the days pass. Today is just a beginning. We may have terrible homework someday.
But this was I had expected. I came here to study English. The goal is clear. We have to keep going.
Dragon boat race.We had the 窶廛ragon boat race窶� today. We, the exchange students, and the freshmen made teams, and competed.
Dragon boat is a kind of canoe, originally it comes from China, decorated like a Dragon. 9 people get on the boat on each side, and each rows at the same time, same pace. Timing is everything, so the leader beats the drum in order to make sure the pace. It looks easy, but actually, it窶冱 not so easy. Timing will not goes simultaneously.
It was taken place in a lake, about 10 teams participated in.
When the starting whistle blew, we started to row. The start is most important, it needs to speed up quickly.
When it came to the latter half, we were getting so tired, but we had to keep going, because the rival team has to be getting tired as well. Although we lost all 6 races, it was so fun.
We played volleyball in the spare time. I enjoyed very much, and was so sunburned.
After getting back to the college, we had the dinner party. The winner was prized.
I feel so sleepy now, so tired. Fall term starts tomorrow.
Eventful Saturday.Today, we had some big events.
In the morning, until 2pm, we participated in Community Services which is a kind of volunteer activity. We picked up trashes around the college. Because Coe is a small community college, it is important to get in touch with people living in this district, and contribute to the community.
After that, we had a meeting, and then, had a BBQ dinner in the quad.
Tonight we had a show. The show is the 窶弋alent show窶�. All the freshmen joined, we also joined, and we have to play something. We played structure exercise which is known in Japan as a 窶廳UMITAISOU窶�, it is peculiar to Japanese schools. The audience applauded us. We felt at ease hearing big hands. The performance succeeded.
Afterward, we had ice creams, and talked a lot. And then, we had a small party in my room (my roommate was out). We have a conversation to get rid of own stress. Everyone seemed to have some kinds of stresses, some needs more time to become used to the new life here.
Tomorrow, we are going to take part in the Dragon boat race. I窶冦 looking forward to what is going to happen tomorrow. (8/22 4:00)
The last day of the orientation week.Today, we finished orientation week.
In the morning, we had a workshop for international students and their roommates. Brian was out when I was going out, so I attended by myself. First, each student introduced each other in front of the crowd, and then, studied how to spend good dormitory life. To be comfortable each other, we should have a conversation interactively, and keep flowing, never to be afraid. I thought it is important, not to be afraid, because when I have a conversation with someone else speaking English, occasionally I felt somewhat uneasiness, worrying about my own ability to talk with him or her, whether I can make myself understood though I would like to speak to. It's difficult. It needs more experience.
After the orientation, we had a class which studies Asian literature and history. All the ESL students take this class, and some American students who are interested in Asia also attend. Professor spoke Japanese time to time, some American students did as well, but the lecture mainly will be held in English. Anyway, I'm looking forward to the class.
Before we went to lunch, I dropped in a computer room to check e-mail from instructor. When I was going out the room, one of my friends talked to the teacher who teaches Mathematical Science. He told us how to think mathematically using Pizza. He talked a lot, my friends convinced, looked like had an interest, but it was quite difficult for me.
I had lunch with Brian's friends.
Then, we, Ken and I, had an audition for registration, Concert Choir. Ken has a nice voice, he was a singer in the band. He passed audition easily, but I, in contrast, passed conditionally. I had some problems with reading music, I can't vocalize the scores or notes not so well. If the teacher, Marc, and I both feel comfortable after the one week lesson, I may participate in. The class takes place 4 times a week.
After the audition, we had some free time, so Ken made me some lessons using the piano. We practiced vocalizing, especially, how to sing each notes accurately. I learned relativity of each signals, it will be helpful for vocalizing.
We had more free time, so went to the gym, for training muscles, especially for me, it means a preparation for the winter. I would like to go to ski. There are no mountains near here, but in northern part of Iowa, there are some ski resorts, friend of mine said.
Afterward, I got back to my room, and then, fell asleep. I just wanted to take a nap, but eventually, I had slept for 3 hours. I missed the dinner, so regrettable. That窶冱 why I can stay up until late today. We went to bowling center after the meeting. It窶冱 been a long time for me, but I could get good score, it was so fun.
In the weekend, we are going to have some big events, then, next week, the study starts. (08/21 3:30)
Many chances we have been provided.Today, I had a lot of time.
In the morning, first I checked e-mails and went to the laundry. We, students live in dormitory, can use the washer freely. But it was different from the one that I used in Japan. Although there are directions, I was at a loss, I didn't understand how to use it. Then, one of the student came in, and used it, so I just imiteted him. I did it. (There are also some dryers we can use. )
Afterward, I fixed my bed. And then, went to lunch. I have conversations in English with Japanese friend about music.
It is a big difference that we never speak English when I was in Australia last spring. But here, we speak English even there are no English speaking students. Now, I admit using poor English, partly it is because the classes haven't started, but I believe practice makes perfect. Someday, we will be able to talk in English with everybody else.
In the afternoon, we participated in an activity "scavenger hunt". This means that we had to get stamps from somewhere else around the campus. The places where we visited are the library, shops, restaurants, offices, and so on. We walked, talked a lot. It was fun, good activity.
And then, we had a orientation, had dinner. After that, I got the result of the test. Result was not good. Instructor pointed out that I need to learn more about basic skills to write an essay. Anyway, I shall keep up with other students.
In addition, I signed up one music class, Concert Choir. Tomorrow, I have an audition. I'm looking forward to the class.
The room is quiet now because Brian has taken off, he said he will not come back until tomorrow.
I realized today that I have many chances and way to spend fruitful days here. Getting involved with the Japanese friends is the one of the ways, making friends with the international students is also good, to get along well with the roommate and his friends shall be good, joining some kinds of the club will be better way.
It is similar to the occasion when I was a freshman at Waseda, there are also so much ways to choose. I should decide soon because I may not stay here over a year. College teachers and staffs provided a lot of information with us in this week, these are so helpful. I would like to find the way sooner.
Various people in the college.Today, I came across a lot of students, and made a lot of friends.
When I had a breakfast with my Japanese friend, one student spoke to me in English suddenly. I was a little bit astonished, but tried to talk with him. He is a freshman, from India. I told him we from Japan, to study English, and asked some questions about India where I wanted to visit. It was not long time that we talked, but we had good time.
Next, during lunch time, my Japanese friend窶冱 neighbor came to have lunch with us. He was with his fiance. He like to play musical instruments, he can play electronic guitar, piano etc. I said I also can play the guitar, I play acoustic guitar, and tell him my friend, come here with me, can play trumpet, he likes jazz music. He knows some Japanese words, he was interesting.
After some orientations, we went for shopping to buy some supplies. And then, I had dinner with Japanese friends. We had conversation in English, we talked about own major in Japan, concerns, dreams, then, one non-Japanese student sat down opposite side. The reason why we spoke English is to make friendely atmosphere to get involved easily for strangers. But he didn't join us, then, another my friend came. He spoke to him, sitting opposite, and, on the contrary, we were got involved. He came from German, lives in the same dormitory.
Further more, my friends and I went for watching a play about alcoholic. It was interesting, funny, and really easy to understand how the alcohol drink is dangerous although the speed they spoke was difficult to follow.
After that play, when I got to my room, some of Brian's friends came, and drank. Brian gave me an American beer, Bud Light, and we had small drinking party. Alcohol is permitted only in the private room. Brian and I went out to buy more beers and alcohol. It's much cheaper in America than in Japan, but it seems to be lighter. We talked about many things, they asked me how I feel America, American beer, this school, and so on. They are now going to the Casino.
Today was a wonderful day. It is necessary to be positive, I realized again.
The first day.Today, we had a writing test. It was essay writing, I wrote 2 types of essays, the one was discussion over the homelessness and the other was the introduction of my experience with using map. In addition, I made some comments for the essay. These were a little bit difficult, hard for the first day. The result will be marked and be reflected the registration for class.
In the afternoon, we had some orientations. Teachers told us our schedule, important information, and how to use the facilities.
We met other international students. About 40 people came to study here from German, Nepal, India, French, Korea, and Japan. Japanese student was the majority. We have entirely different background, but we can talk and communicate each other in English. It is amazing!!
After the orientation, we played kickball鐚�in Japanese we call it "kickbase"鐚�. It was fun. And then, we had a dinner.
I'm now enjoyed the Internet, replying to your E-mail鐚�thank you for your mails!!鐚�. That's all for today. The study, coe experience has started.
See you！いよいよやってきた出発の日。すべての手続きと準備は遅滞なく終えた。夢に向かっての第一歩をついにふみだす。それでもやはり、親しい人と、家族と、もうしばらくは会うことができないと思うと、涙が止まらなかった。実り多き、そして長い長い一年が始まろうとしている。
飛行機が離陸しても、しばらくはあれこれ思い出しては涙、涙をくり返していた。本を読んだり、寝たり、ぼーっとしたり・・・だんだんとそれがおさまってくるころには、長い10時間あまりのフライトが終わろうとしていた。
大きく新しいMinneapolis-St.Paul International Airportで、先月から始まった指紋と顔写真の電子認証による入国手続きを済ませ、飛行機を乗り換える。約3時間の待ち時間はずっと本を読んでいた。
日本時間は17日の未明。こちらは16日の午後。きつい時差ぼけに悩まされつつも、1時間の短いフライトののちに、ついにCedar Rapidsに到着した。だだっ広い農地に囲まれたちいさな空港だ。イメージしていたとおりのアメリカの田舎だった。
空港には大学のプログラム担当者Joanneが迎えにきてくれていて、そのまま大学へ連れて行ってくれた。Wendy'sの大きなハンバーガーを晩ごはんにしながら、簡単なオリエンテーションをうけた。寮のルームメートはBrian。
まったく新しいところから始まる生活も、親切にしてくれる彼らと話しているうちに、やっていく自信がでてきた。別れのつらさも乗り越えられるような気がした。
気がかりなのは、Brianの荷物の多さだが（それでも彼は多くないと主張しているが）、もっともっとBrianや他の学生とたくさん話をしたいと感じている。英語の勉強しかすることがない環境だからこそ、がんばりたい。
「初心」表明演説。アメリカへの出発をいよいよ明後日に控え、大学に入って以来、ずっと夢見ていた留学が、いよいよ現実のものとなろうとしている。ここで留学前の決意と新鮮な気持ちを書きとどめておきたい。
留学先では、英語English as a second language（ESL）と並行して、多文化主義Multicurtural studiesを勉強する。
英語については、一年間でどの程度まで力を伸ばせるか、不安な点はあるものの、さしあたり目標としては、旅行ができて、なんとか日常生活が送れる程度から、さらに使いこなせるように、自分の意見が主張できる程度まで、しっかりと勉強して身につけてきたいと思う。
また、多文化主義Multicurtural studiesとは、平たく言えば、民族差別や人種差別についての勉強である。
興味を持ったきっかけはジェンダーの視点である。すなわち、社会的な「性」であるところのジェンダー（社会の中での「男性」と「女性」の区別）が暴力性をもち、差別につながっていること、そしてそれが実は恣意的に構築されたものであることを学んだが、この視点をさらに広げていくと、「民族Ethnicity」や「人種Race」も同様に、作られたものであることに気づく。そもそも同じ人間であるにもかかわらず、肌の色や脳の大きさなどがことさらに差異化され強調されることによって、民族や人種の差が作られ、優劣が主張されてきた。アメリカでは特に、時代や地域によって異なる境界が、法律や裁判によって作られていた（具体的には、入国や市民権、政治と政策に大きく関わっている）。こうした区別が人々の意識に浸透し、差別が起きている。
こうした、理論的なところだけでなく、アメリカに行って、自分がマイノリティの一員となることによっても、実際に差別の現場にふれ、差別を身をもって感じてきたいと思っている。
それから楽しみなのは、11月の大統領選である。アメリカ一国の今後を左右するだけでなく、日本と世界の命運もかかった選挙である。ブッシュかケリーか、その影響ははかりしれないほど大きい。選挙に向けての、その熱を感じてきたい。
新しい環境で始まる生活への期待と不安が交錯する中で、日常で英語を使う現実感こそないものの、しばらくはアテネオリンピックの話題で盛り上がることだろう。選手の活躍がルームメイトとの話すきっかけとなるとよいと思う。
大学に入って、実にいろいろな人に出会った。仲のいい友だちの中には、もうしばらく、ずっとしばらく会えないであろう人もいる。後輩にも少なくとも、半年から一年間は会うことはできない。この大学生活で関わったいろいろな人に、「がんばってこい」「お見送り」「追い出し」イベントを企画してもらった。大変感謝している。
多くのみなさまのはげましと応援を受け、その大きな期待に応えられるよう、精一杯がんばってきたい。そして一年後、ひとまわりふたまわり大きくなって帰ってくることをここに固く約束をして、行ってまいります！
＊なお、留学先での様子は、随時ブログにのせますので、どうぞご覧ください。