It's hard...

Today in our speaking class, we had an opportunity to do the presentation. There are 3 groups with different topics. The first group (Denny, I, Herve, and Kyyas) presented about cuisine diversity. We talked more about the influence of culture, local ethnic, ingredients availability, religion could effect the food. The second group (Elrica, Gibril, Rizal, and Jorge) explained about "3-weeks in NY in the eye of Fulbrighters" which was so interested especially when it came to personal experience about the program. The presentation successfully represented what I think personally to the program.

The last group (Babafemi, Eduardo, and Fika) brought more academic topic to the class, which for me personally it's hard to prepared it in a short time. They talked about the impact of Automobile to society. The contents were  good; moreover, they gave me the new information about automobile that I did not get it in my formal education in transportation engineering. For instance, how cars and art are related. After seeing the presentation, I could say that art plays the important role to attract people to use public transportation as a substitute mode to reduce the bad impacts of using private vehicles.

So, why I wrote "It's hard" at the beginning???
Well, I'll say that:
It's tough to make a good comment and how to criticize in a good way. I admitted that I didn't do very well in presenting my disagreement to my friends. But, honestly, I don't have any bad intention in doing so. What crossed in my mind was how I tried to give them a suggestion for their next presentation. I asked to Fika and also Prof. Ellaine about the way I response. They said that I need to lower my tone a little bit and also try to say the good thing before telling the bad.

I agreed with what they said. It was a really good suggestion for me. I am trying; however, It's still hard. I grew up in the environment where you must speak loudly or the wind from the sea will blow your voice. I grew up in the family in which you have to tell the truth (either good or bad) directly. I interacted and getting involved more in engineering major that taught me to see every thing more objectively. So, that's why maybe I look more quite because I am still trying to adjust to this kind of environment, when people need to be more interactive.

So, deeply from my heart I say "Sorry for every body".
Thanks

The Chinese Building on St. John’s Queens Campus

We have been stayed in St. John’s Queens Campus a week now. This is a very beautiful campus with a strong international atmosphere. I have noticed that staffs work in St. John’s and students study in St. John’s are very diversity who are from all over the world. Of course I saw quite a lot Chinese students, but in this blog I am going to talk about the Chinese Building in the Queens Campus.

It is a typical ancient style Chinese building named “Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall”. Some of you keep asking me who this person was and how do I pronounce the name. I struggled, because “Sun Yat Sen” are not Mandarin, I couldn’t pronounce it properly nor tell my classmates who he/she is. Until last Friday, I checked online, I have the answer now! “Sun Yat Sen” was “a Chinese revolutionary and first president and founding father of the Republic of China” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun_Yat-sen). The spell of “Sun Yat Sen” is in Cantonese which is the one of the Chinese languages I am not familiar with. The 

Mandarin (which is the official language in China) spell of his name will be “Sun Zhong Shan”. However, there is one thing in common that is we put surname in front of first names. So “Sun” is his surname and “Yat Sen” or “Zhong Shan” are his first names. The same as my name, people in China call me “REN Xing”, not really “Xing REN” :P. Back to the “Sun Yat Sen Menorial Hall”, I felt so great to see a traditional Chinese building in St. John’s University Campus where I attend the Pre-Academic Program with all other Fulbrighters! One thing I noticed that the two stone lions both have the same balls under their paws (Picture a). 

Picture a

However, sometimes, people try to distinguish two lions by giving them a ball and a cub to differentiate the lion and the lioness (Picture b).

Picture b (source from: http://t3.baidu.com/it/u=2508262137,218212112&fm=0&gp=0.jpg)

Do you see the differences? There are more to see in China! All of you are more than welcome to China, I will be a good guide ^_^!

Some thoughts...

To be honest, for some reason it's just very hard to start writing about something right now. There are probably too many thoughts in my mind...

It's hard to believe that there are only 3 days left - and this is when we all only started knowing each other a little bit better. Just a coulple of days ago we were sitting with my roomates in the suite and discussing some very general things, and suddenly - I don't remember how and why - we started talking about Palestine and about what's really happening on the ground, how people leave, what kind of problems they face on a daily basis and so on. After Luna's explanations I started thinking about the whole situation in a different way, and I've realised how important are those kind of conversations for me as a future Policy Maker. This is just one of the examples that came to my mind. I have so many new thoughts, and so many more questions to ask each of you. I'm sure, though, that it's not the end, and that we all will stay connected in one way or another.

Anyway, I'm looking forward for the coming 3 days of enjoying the conversations with all of you and life in NY - we just have to make this time memorable!!! Don't you think so?  

Life will never be the same again...

Time flies....moments in a rush...we can't stop anything....and only snapshots run on my screen making the whole film of the last two weeks...I am an optimistic person- but here I say: I WISH IT WERE YESTERDAY, HEY!
I remember the well-trodden road to Kyiv...I wanted to leave the bus at the first stop and run away to my comfortable and cosy place where I have been living for so long. It's difficult to face new challenges, to accept changes when you have established already your life-family, students, old friends, nice job - what else?! The thoughts were ahead of time....Then airport -flight -Kyiv-Munchen; Munchen-New York- it took an amount of time!!! The first pleasant event-I met my future friend, roommate- Olenka Sadovnik for the first time in the terminal. Now I feel I have  known you, my dear Olenka, for ages!!!!
Here we are- Manhattan-St. John's Campus-new people. Are they Fulbrighters???? These young people are scholars who got this acknowledged scholarship???!!!Hats off!!! Later Daniel (our favourite group leader from new York) will say the same: " I didn't expect you all will be so young, funny and active" (perhaps they expected old experienced scholars with briefcases full of books and researches?????!!!!)
Feelings...I never expected we can become such close friends in no time!!! Some people became so dear and close...they are a part of my heart...now...it's painful to separate...but I know nice perspectives are ahead of each of us...and we will meet...sure- and let it be Florida, Massachusetts, California, Texas...Ukraine, Russia, Mexico, Germany, Africa, whatever....our roads will cross again...I know they willllllllllllll! But as the song says : LIFE WILL NEVER BE THE SAME AGAIN...without you-my dear friends-FULBRIGHTERS! I am not pessimistic -rather realistic- life will be different, diverse, bright, splashy, harmonious, -but not the same-only sweet memories and snapshots will prove-it was not a dream at all!!!! And I am happy I was and am here with you! I will always keep you all in my heart!!!FOREVER!

Saint St. John's

        Although I have been here for few days, I loved this place. St. John's. A great place.  Kind welcome. Hospitality, the fist and unexpected impression that I felt. Everyone is nice here.
        Well organized schedule. Thanks to our lecturers. This is a great lesson for me. Great appreciation. Hope, the lectures we took will be a springboard for our future academic success.
        Tolerance, which is stereotype for many countries, nations, organizations. Here, all religions, all countries, all people are respected. This is what I have seen at St. John's.
        Delicious cuisine. Every day new taste, new choice. Respect to those who fast, respect to those who are vegetarians. This is equality. This is empathy.
        Fulbrighters, You made my St. John's life FULL&BRIGHT. I even do not want to leave you all and this place as well. Alas. I will miss you too much. Come on, Osman. No pessimism. You still have three days and enjoy your life and assignments :) Everything will be pretty pretty amazing (Eduardo Corral).       

      

Just a few couple days left...

Ok. "Speechless". Maybe this is a word which can describe how's our feeling today,  in the last week of our Pre-Ac. All of us will be separated and leave St.John's to our academic program. Just a few ouple days left... 2 weeks sometimes is not enough to know each other, but most of us can feel: this is our home, our family. Some of us will still be together later as we have the same university, but most of us will feel the same feeling as we came here for the first time.  We have to start everything from the beginning; know the place, introduce ourselves, make networking and maybe..feel alone. Whatever our condition later, most of us must be agreed that actually in the deep of our heart, it shouts: "I won't leave this lovely condition!"

Today..one of our friend will be leaving, since he will have an orientation in his university. And, we can feel the saddest thing: to say good bye. No, we don't like to say "good bye", we prefer to say: "See you later.." The same thing we felt when we leave our American family yesterday: Hopefully we will have the chance to meet each other again. Because it is hard to separate after having a lovely time together, after we have been "clicked" each other. Remembering the hardest part of our life: when we have to say good bye to our loved ones, our family before leaving our country..to get our dream in the US. And it will happen again. Here, in Queens..on August 17..

Hopefully we will not cry when we leave then. And hide the sad thing when we have a farewell then. Even though I am crying writing this post..but trying hard to ensure : we still have a few couple of days..we still have a time to be together.

Instead of saying: "Just a couple of days left..", Let's say: "There is still a couple of days.."
Until the time is through..,to say: "See you later.."

I love to be together with you here,
Dear Fellow Fulbrighters.
May be we're not having breakfast, lunch and dinner together.
Since some of us having our fasting.
Maybe we just have a little time together.
But,
We can't deny..: This is our "home".
Even it is far away from our trully home.. in our country.
Thank you so much for such all the lovely things.. Dear Fulbrighters!

Hope to meet you again in other Fulbright Programs...
in other conditions.
Hope we can still keep in touch later. :)


Big Hug and Love,
~Fika


Fika Tri Anggraini, MD.
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine,
Andalas University. Padang. West Sumatera. Indonesia.
6.15 a.m. Ramadhan 25th, 1433 H.
St.John's University, Queens Campuss. 302 Suite, R3.. 









------------------------
Footnote:
The pictures were taken from:
1. http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X4urZ0NSMNA/Tn1tUpuEeUI/AAAAAAAAAck/kWWj4FdYJ1I/s1600/3.jpg
2.http://us.123rf.com/400wm/400/400/rikke/rikke1011/rikke101100001/8265033-sign-with-the-words-see-you-later.jpg

Getting to know my roomie!

Isn't ironic how we're departing in couple of days and I'm still getting to know one of my roomies! Oh yes! I have shared the first room back in Manhattan Campus with two ladies, Elrica and Ella. I got the chance to talk to El from day one and we got along kind of immediately, but there is this mysterious thing about Ella that we didn't see her that much when we where there. She seemed to be the kind of quite peaceful person. It was fine with me, but being in Queens campus and sharing the room with her again and not being able to communicate with her was kind of weird and sad to me. I got two more new roommates, beautiful Aneta and Sasha from Russia. And I believe we're all enjoying sharing the same place!

Here is the thing though, I got the chance to talk to Ella today, the first convo in which we both communicated. She became an aunti for the very first time couple of days ago and I had no idea about it (She didn't tell me, but I read her blog :) ) Yet, the thing she told me about is that her name is not Ella, but it's Noor-Layla! (Light of the night)! I loved the name, but I was like when were you planning to tell me so!

She offered me a delicious chocolate cookie made by her mom! That was so sweet of her, I must have asked her to offer me one each time we talk! We're running out of time here!!!!

The good thing is that we finally agreed to talk more often, it is never too late, right? I like she's my roomie though, maybe she does not know so but I feel comfortable when she's around in the room! How weird this feeling is, we rarely talk and we don't know much about each other, yet I kind of feel safe that she's my roomie!

Looking at the positive side, I am glad we got the chance to mingle! At least I will make sure now to keep in touch with her, and to know her better! She'd better do the same :)

New phase without family…new encounters.

The last few weeks before leaving for the Fulbright Pre-academic Program at St John's University, New York City saw me running around like a headless chicken that the day of departure was on me sooner than I had thought. The first thing I did after waking up on the day was to thank God for securing me a place in the 2012-2014 Fulbright group, then I looked around my room to take everything in as I knew I would not be waking up in it again in the near future, maybe never.

I had heard my siblings talk about doing a mini breakfast as a family farewell for me, but I was simply blown away at the effort they had made just to see me off. Even though I could not 'properly' sit at the dinner table and be part of the now-turned-to-brunch gathering that was done specially for me, my heart just melted at how much everyone had woken up earlier than usual, gotten out of their way to make special dishes and even set the table, something we do not do often in my house. It is a pity that despite the brunch having been prepared especially for me, I could not sit with everyone to eat...this is because when I travel, I am never ready until i exit the house, sometimes wonder whether this is the case with everyone else…

I must admit I was still in a daze when family and I huddled into the cars and made our way to the airport; it was not until we arrived at the airport that it dawned on me that I was leaving family and friends for two years! While queuing for the departure formalities, I was pleasantly surprised to see two of my friends, one with her daughters - and I just felt tears welling up in my eyes at the love I felt from their presence.

Once my luggage was checked in, my friends, family and I went to a kiosk and whiled the time away while waiting for my 'boarding call'. Being a very diverse, liberal and open-minded bunch that always jokes together, my family and I are never out of stuff to talk about. Everyone is usually somewhere out there pursuing their dreams, which is probably why I had thought it would not be very hard to say goodbye to them, I mean, we had never all stayed under one roof for more than a week ever since I can remember, but I was so wrong…As boarding time drew closer, it only took my elder sister's reminder of 'ok, five minutes before boarding', and I felt hot tears sting my eyes, again. I must admit I am generally a strong person, but at that point, I was so overcome by emotions that I could not hold it in; I went around hugging all that came to see me off, first, my friends, then family. Having saved my mother for last, I walked over to her and gave her the longest, tightest hug I had ever given her in my entire life. At that instant, my heart filled with immense gratitude at the thought of how the woman had sacrificed a lot just so that my siblings and I could have the most fulfilling life possible. I could not fight the thought that if I could be just half of the things she is, then I would be the greatest sibling, friend, child and mother possible.

As I disappeared into the boarding area whilst waving goodbye to my family, I could not stop thinking about how a new phase of my life has begun. I mean, I was leaving behind all that I have always known for almost three decades behind and plunging into the ‘unknown’. But I must admit it was a bitter-sweet moment as I believed great things awaited me from then forth, and nothing gave me more comfort than knowing that my family will be with me always, no matter the distance. They have equipped me with enough to help me survive anywhere, enough to help me do anything I put my mind into as well as be the best I can be in life. And so far, those teachings have done nothing but the best for me; in the few weeks I have been in New York, USA, I continue to learn, meet great people and most importantly, I do not forget to count my blessings as well as appreciate the people in my life every chance I get. Like they say; ‘What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.’ -Pericles. So the onus is on us with regards to how we want to impact the lives of those whose paths cross with ours, be it family, friends or otherwise.

Family seeing me off at the Airport

American Subway!!

When I came to New York, I was so excited not only because I’m a Fulbright student, but also because this is my first trip outside my country. As our first week was in Manhattan, we (me and my friends) decided to enjoy every moment and to discover this amazing city. It was possible to go to many places at the same night by using public transportation: the subway!

However, it was difficult for me, in the beginning, to understand the subway map. As if directions were written in an unknown language. I spent the first days asking my friends: how they know exactly which station is the right one? What does it mean 5 avenue/ 42 street? Why the C train and not the B train? Etc.

Asking questions is the best way to learn. At the end of that week, I tried to go out with some Fulbright students who do not know how to use the map to see if I really understand the system. And, guess what; I did it J Even yesterday, I was alone and it was easy to come back to Queens from Manhattan after visiting some places. 

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

It has been two weeks since we started this program . we all had our expectations and so did our teachers . I have tried to look around and see how responsive we are to the program . Though , we all have areas in which we need improvement , I'm impressed to see how responsive we are to the program ; doing assignment , posting blogs , participating to various activities , it is just amazing how we have responded to the program.
However, let not rely on our achievement and forget about the most important thing at stake; english refinement . Let us keep the same pace and get better each and every day because the more responsive we are to the program , the more benefit we will get out of it . We have come a long way and each day moves us closer to the finish line .

The strange feeling of being at "home"

It's strange to feel comfortable in a place that is not “yours”. I’ve been living in the city of New York for thirteen days now, but I got the strange sensation of belonging here in some way. The food, the culture, even the water here feels and tastes different than the one I used to drink at home; but for some reason, none of this seems to bother me.

Every time I wake up in the morning, I breathe with familiarity the thin air that surrounds me. Six Thirty a.m. in the morning every day. Turn the alarm clock off, take a shower, dress, take a breakfast in the cafeteria, go to class. Smile.

I wonder if it’s easy to create a habit to walk life with ease without feeling guilty for what you have left behind. Or it’s just a defense mechanism? To be honest, I don’t really know. 

It feels just right, to see the metro lights passing by. Break your neck, trying to find the highest point of every skyscraper in the city. The sound of every dialect mixed to create an ominous anthem for life. Finally the feel of having absolute control of life with the most precise steering wheel and the best pair of brakes ever created. Just in case.

I guess, It must be just an early stage of my trip to a distant and unknown place that soon will be replaced with more human feelings, such as: deception, loneliness or even boredom but for now, I’m a happy robot...

...Even though, I miss Tacos with Salsa.

-Eduardo –TLaloC- Corral

A beauty from home

Queens, Sunday August 8 2012

"A beauty was born today!" a text from my sister. Then she sent me a picture,

She is our Shakilla ramadhani -the first grand daughter of my parents. More than 1000 miles away from home, She successfully makes me smile. Her red lips, smooth cheek, nose, eyes tell me that She won after competing millions of other baby-to-be. She reminds me that we were born as a winner. Seeing her drives me to think how great the God is. Why? Because God gives you a second chance to be a better man. God gives you the time to be a mother which is the most wonderful role in this large opera. God gives you the time to be the best father in the world.
 "Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?" (Ar Rahman : 13)

Big hug and kiss from aunty!

A new city. Just a different part

New York City is as diverse that it is difficult, after been living a week in Manhattan that Queens is still part of the New York City. A place that it is not just a blending of cultures, but also offers a variety of environments (even beach environment, but we will talk about that in the next post).

Queens is a suburban place, far from the emotions of the metropolis. Maybe a more real place if we talk about housing, it is plenty of residences… a good place to live, to raise children; strategically located if you want to avoid students face distractions all the time: good point for St. Johns.

When the pre-academic program was designed, apparently was not taken into account that moving from Manhattan to Queens is not the same that moving from Queens to Manhattan, especially for a group of young people. The reverse effect could have been totally different in the last order, even when the experience would be exactly the same.

Now, at night, I am watching one of the campus gardens from my window, lightened by the moon. It looks beautiful, but the strong artificial lights from Manhattan are missing.

The First Two Weeks in NY

Time goes really fast, I cannot believe that I have been in the United State for two weeks already! I am really impressed how good American people are, but sometimes, I cannot work out why some other things work or happen here.

High efficiency. I am amazed how fast I passed through the US Board and how quickly I get a new bank account in New York. Documents checking, essential questions being asking, getting things done and moving to the next one are the steps happened in New York and these all have been done in a fast and professional way.

Commercial. Another feeling I got strongly since I was here is the Americans never let any opportunities go to make money and to advertise themselves. For example, I even need to pay $5 to use trolleys in the airport, which does not often happen in other airports. Another example is that American Flats are everywhere, such as on the top of houses, painted on buses and underground trains and on T-shirts. What a good way to advertise American image.

Friendliness. I have been told Americans are very friendly, and yes, they are! Every time I/we asked for directions, people who were taking the underground, walking on the street always gave us the directions very patiently. I am really impressed.

However, here “but” comes -- we had different experience when we asked the people who works at the station. They are the ones working in the station and should help people to take the correct train. However, we haven’t met any patient train officer yet. I don’t really get this.

Another little thing confuses me is the traffic sign. In New York, the white little man means you are ok to go, the flushing red hand still means you can go. In China, the only color of traffic sign for pedestrian to go is green. I guess different places using different colors but having the same meaning partially reflect the cultural differences.

Overall, I enjoyed the time in New York. There are a lot of things to do and places to visit. I am so looking forward to experiencing as much as I can in US!

A morning in Manhattan!

On my first weekend in New York, I was out all Saturday evening, then stayed up all night long mingling with my Fulbright colleagues and also doing assignments, so by the time it was 7:00 AM, I was already exhausted and cannot wait to get into bed, but instead, I had to get dressed and meet my mother who made it to New York city just to say goodbye before she leaves the States back to Palestine, I surely wouldn’t have missed that opportunity. I left Manhattan Campus around 9:00 AM alone myself for the first time in the States, heading to the 5^th Avenue. I was kind of worried but also excited to go by public transportation all by myself. I used google map to know the optimal direction, made sure to write it down and I took it from there!

It was one of the hot and cloudy days, which I cannot tell whether it is going to rain or it will get even hotter.  I started walking and crossed the first intersection when  I suddenly saw an old man taking off his pants in the middle of the street, I was kind of confused as this is not a normal act in my country and was not sure if it is so in the States. Anyhow, on my way to Fulton Subway station which was the one I was supposed to head to, I was asked couple of times for directions by random people and I had this huge smile on my face for being able to direct them easily! Oh yes, I was very proud of myself. Those who tried getting on trains with me can tell how horrible I am with the directions! I consider this an  achievement for me!

I was walking knowing I am getting closer to Fulton Station when I suddenly  saw policemen here and there asking us to walk the other way round as there was a dead body on the street, he seemed like a homeless guy in his 40s, that was the first real shock I face here, because from where I come from, Palestine, I have seen people being shot and killed by Israelis infront of my eyes, but I would never see in my country a dead body of someone who lost his/her life for hunger or cold. This scene distracted me to the extent that I suddenly found myself near South Park! I had to turn back as I really had no idea what other nearby stations can get me to my next destination!

After almost an hour, I managed to make it safely to the 5^th Avenue, I start walking with my mother and sister as we got to Lexington Avenue to find the various booths selling anything we can imagine! I was amazingly surprised with the atmosphere, the music, people, the booths and the dance! That was a nice walk which had fueled me back with the positive energy needed. By the time it was 14:00 I had to say the goodbyes to mom and headed back to the campus to the begin Queens Experience! 

Moving to Queen's Campus

As we first came to the United States, we were supposed to be in Manhattan camps of St. John’s University for a week. It was the best place I have ever been to.  St. John’s campus is located in a very close distance to the World Trade Center. I could go to any part of Manhattan easily by taking the subway.

Some of the students including me were observing the holy month of Ramadan. We were fasting during the day. It was easy for us, because we had enough foods and a special table with Halal foods for Muslim Students. The guy responsible for the dining hall, Martin, was very friendly with everyone. We were supposed to go in the evenings and take food for our dinner and as well as take box food for our midnight supper.

Before moving to Queens campus. Susan Peterson,  told us that Cristina will be our focal point there. When I reached Queens Campus. I first went to Conference Services office. I asked for Cristina, they told us that they don’t know any Cristina. I was so surprised after hearing that.

The same day in the evening I along with other Muslim students went to the Dining Hall. The receptionist told us to meet the manager.  When I talked to him about our situation that we need to have boxed meal. He went inside and brought everyone a small packet which had on Fish Sandwich, one apple, potato chips and one bottle water. I asked him to give me two because I may need it during the midnight. He answered that they could not provide us more water. We have to survive on ONE bottle water in 24hrs. I was so depressed after hearing that, and wished to go back to Manhattan. 

Learning With Fun

Since I was in the primary school, I noticed that teachers have different way to deliver the information to students. The most important way was making jokes. I still remember how kids loved those teachers  and their classes; On the other hand, they were just afraid from teachers with frown faces.

It doesn't mattar if the teacher waste three minutes to let the students be happy, ready, and even excited to receive the information.

That's what I have found here in St. John's University; all the fucalty mermbers have the sense of humor.
I hope I will find the same thing at Florida Institute of Technology, where I'm going to be after this enjoyable Pre- Academic.

Best Services: Smile and Greet!

Thanks God, we're so happy to have a very great experience in the first week of our Fubright Pre-Academic Program in St.John's University Manhattan Campus..this is the time that we have to leave the lovely environment in Manhattan City. We'll miss it much!

I just remembered about best services that have given to us in Manhattan campuss which make us feel we're in own home. We are so happy for that, it was not only from the lecturer but also from the other staffs: security, graduate students, people helps us in the kitchen, and all of the people there.

So many things that I can learn, the most important thing that may be I just have found it for the first time in my life: people always greet each other and smile..I think this is  a good habit that we can implement in our daily life. It will make our life easier and happier, won't it? :))

I also remembered when the first time I sent an email to Ms.Sue Peterson asking about the food for Ramadhan, should we cook it or not and the other questions...I am very surprised knowing that there will be a special food for Ramadhan. Wow, I was too afraid about my Ramadhan's food, and found then I got more than I have expected. That's very nice of you...all of St.John's Faculty and staffs! Nice to meet you all....!^^

 Memory in the kitchen: remember how bright Martin's smile and his services to all of us? That's nice, isn't it?

A visit to the Museum of Modern Arts (MoMA)…the learning and self - discovery continues. (August 3rd 2012 Fulbright excursion)

One of the activities planned for the 2012 group of Fulbright students doing their pre-academic program at St John’s University, New York City was a visit to the Museum of Modern Arts (MoMa) in the city. As we gathered around the St. Johns atrium getting ready to leave one of the graduate students, Elizabeth, who was also our group leader, asked me; ‘Are you excited about the Museum?’. And my response was an unpretentious ‘not really, I have never been interested in Museums actually’. Little did I know that was to change in a few minutes.

I thought my take on museums was confirmed the moment we stepped into the first ‘room’ of the ‘many roomed’ museum with many floors-or at least I thought it was confirmed. This is because the first work of art we looked at was a collection of drawings that could have easily passed for some kindergarten work arranged on one section of the wall. There were about 100 pieces drawn on a simple A4 paper with pencil, and framed, nothing artistic really, o r so I thought, until a fellow ‘Fulbrighter’, an artist (Felipe Eduardo Corral Sobrevilla), explained this important piece of information to me, not in so many words though, that; ‘for one to understand art, they have to appreciate the situation, emotions and the story behind the artist’s work’. On directing us towards the A4 sized write-up, that I was later to note that was placed next to every picture (with the relevant information of course) , explaining the story/circumstances behind the picture and all that it depicts, I knew that the way I view art from then onwards will never be the same. Each write-up described what the artwork (i.e. picture, sculpture, media) was all about, when it was made, what inspired the artist to come up with the piece, etc. One look at the write-up of the drawings with the kindergarten feel and my view on art changed at that very minute, for the positive, and I can officially say I have one more thing in my ‘bucket list’; to explore as many museums and art galleries, as well as exhibitions as much as I can because not only the energy and emotion that goes behind the pieces is admirable, it is also educational and can teach one a lot of things they might have never thought of before, art can actually help one look at the world in a totally knew way that can make them a better person, make them impact the next person’s life in a better way, etc.

The one particular piece that really sunk me deep into the world of art was a collection of videos on a lot of screens propped against the wall that had a lonesome old man doing nothing interesting, or so it seemed. In one monitor, he would be sitting by a desk, writing; in the other he would be in a bathtub, whilst the other would show his unmade bed, etc. uninteresting, right? Well, wrong. One look at the ‘write-up’ and I got to learn that the videos were a collection that the old man recorded in the last days of his life. He had just returned from a rehabilitation process as he was an alcohol addict, and his reasons for recording the video was to try and give people an insight of the world of the lonely so that they appreciate what goes on in their world. So, during this experience, not only did I get to appreciate art and museums in a way I would have never imagined, I also got to look at the world in a different way as far as understanding the human race is concerned…each and everyone has a story to tell, even if not necessarily through art. Which takes me back to my favorite sayings/lines that; ‘Always be wary of the next persons’ feelings, we do not know what they have been through, nor what they are going through, so sensitivity is key and we should stay away from being too quick to judge. ..so, what better way to start looking at art in a brand new, informative way than through the circumstances that I did? This is a humbling, educational and eye-opening experience that will forever stay etched in my mind.

The whispering gallery...

Ever heard about the legend of the wall where you could whisper to others who stand at the opposite side of yours? It's kind of romantic place where many men propose their women by whispering the proposal through the wall. At first, I knew the legend of this place from the TV show last 2 years and not sure where it is. This becomes my third list of my must-visit place list after the Liberty statue and golden gate.

(http://gonyc.about.com/od/photogalleries/ss/grand_central_7.htm, August 5, 2012)

After tracking the picture and guessing any possible keyword on Google to find the exactly location of the wall, finally I found it. It is located in Grand Central Terminal, Manhattan, New York. With no doubt, in the middle of doing a bunch of assignment, I took my time to visit this wall today with Mbak Fika, Fitra, and Mas Rizal. And that is and will always be amazing!!!

Thanks God...

Another step to stop Big Brother controlling you !

Given my field of research which is privacy protection in the ICT sector I feel like I should address one of the important issues that some of you came across these days.

Did you realize that Facebook assigned to you a Facebook email address, i.e. X.X[at]facebook.com !? Did you notice that the displayed email address has changed to Facebook address and the old one, although is still in their database had been hidden?

Some of you may find it a cool idea and another opportunity to communicate with people. On the other hand, the others that are more suspicious about the new feature may dislike it.  One of the considerable disadvantages is that email sent to the Facebook address is forwarded by Facebook to the other one, so it ends up in the same place. Also it is another opportunity to spammers to flood you with unwanted adds.

One is true Facebook (again !) has taken liberty to make a decision on our behalf.  Facebook attempts to become an all-inclusive resort of the Web and primary destination when we go online.. The new email policy could be considered as another ‘nudge’ it gives us to make us spend more time on its site.

So what you have to do ?

You have to go to your profile page, hide the Facebook.com address from your Timeline, and replace it with another address, assuming you want to be contacted at all.

Good luck !

Procrastinate

"Procrastinate", this is the word that has defined me for the longest time. I hate it because it feels like a middle name for me but I already have one I am not so fond of. Interesting enough we read in class about the characters of people who procrastinate. 

Many people assumed that procrastinators were lazy and now they find out they could just be perfectionist or stressed and people that are afraid to failed or maybe just scared to ask for help. It's hard to figure out why one does so but one thing is sure everybody does it once in a while. 

I can speak first hand about procrastinator-perfectionist because that is how I would describe myself. To me it's my biggest fault and it has paralyzed me at times. It's something I deal with on my daily life that I have tried to managed at times. It can be a good quality because you always aim perfection but somehow the bar is so high you never reach it. Trying to surpass it, I have created at times certain expectations that would normally be considered low to me in order for me not to be too disappointed. It's a very difficult process because I believe nothing in life goes as plan that's why you need to aim high in order to get as close as you can to your actual goal.

 

Colombia

Buenas noches!!!!!; Good Night!!!!!; Bonne Nuit!!!!; ليلة سعيدة; добраніч!!!!


There are many things I consider invaluable in this interchange and academic process at Saint John's University. The opportunity to share the same space, the same room or the same place in the dining hall with people from four different continents (America, Asia, Europe and Africa) is striking. I endorse all the Fulbrighters -at the same time partners and colleagues-, who share this idea about the cultural experience we are witnessing (perhaps all the 39 Fulbrighters). I am speechless trying to express how diverse is the world, and how rich it is in all the senses of the word. A feeling that New York reinforces everyday. However, there is one thing that I want to highlight related to our home places and our cultural backgrounds. It is obvious that we have countless cultural differences between each other and different viewpoints on the same topic. I have had the opportunity to talk about some interesting topics to my classmates, and even when those are not considered a taboo, is remarkable how different my classmates perceive them: the marriage is one of them. I'm bringing this idea to play into the context of the academic program because many of us come from countries where the rule or the norm is a penetrating internal violence as well as countless political conflicts. And in my opinion the daily violence, each expression of criminality and many of the armed conflicts registered in the world, rest upon an impossibility to understand the viewpoint of others, showing a completely lack of comprehension, even in the most basic and superfluous things… Therefore, I think comprehension is one of the things we need in order to solve many problems that we consider relevant and critical. And as Fulbrighters we can show others how to start, sharing for example, five minutes of our time in the dinner, and explaining others how true and legitimate are own our ideas and personal reflections (that's one of my dreams).

My way to JFK

It may be difficult to believe but I felt everything happened so fast. One minute I was enjoying the dream job having a great boss and the next I was accepting a scholarship:  "I am so not ready for this" I said but guess what opportunities like that come once in a lifetime. Leaving your comfort place is not easy no matter how many times you've done it before.
I have been trying to pack for more than 3 weeks and believe it or not I was still not packed on departure day. I didn't want to leave the place I have been calling home for the past 2 years. Finally, I was dropped at the airport and got shocked by all the people leaving for New York on my flight. I have never taken a direct flight to New York before and seeing that many people I was sure it would be my last time. I started to back down and I was no longer interested on going for that journey that everyone seems to be so excited about for me. I called 911 (in reality, I just posted on all my social accounts for someone to come to my rescue). Well, noone felt like I was in real danger therefore they were giving me the kind of advice I'd be giving them if they were in my position :(. It was like listening to yourself talk. I can be very annoying.
The worst was really about to happen because I was so late. When I'm finally checking in, I see my bags going on stand by :o. I started to panicked  and I really couldn't understand this situation: I am late in a long line to get pass security, my sit is all the way in the back 24G to be precise and to add to it my bags say "stand by"_ SERIOUSLY, what's going on. People, I am a Fulbrighter: I thought it meant excellence (special treatment), no more suffering.
Before I manage to find  my way to my actual gate I see my name on the board to report to an AA agent. I don't think I can handle what's coming next. Yes!!! I said yes, 6G, I just got upgraded to 1st class. Believe it: "I was ready to face the Big APPLE." Journey well started.

Understanding the Transportation System of NYC;

When the plan first landed in JFK Airport, I came to Baggage pick up area to pick my luggage. I waited for about 30 minutes to get my baggage, but could not see my baggage. I went to the baggage claim area to claim for my stuff. The officer told me that they could not transfer the luggage within the same flight, they said it will be transferred in the next flight with will take 4 hours.

I decieded to come to Manhattan and complete the check-in process. I came out of the JFK Airport and saw a cab. I gave the address of St. John’s Manhattan campus to the driver and he took me to the campus. I asked him for the fare, he told me to pay him 60$ only that short way. If we compare the prices with the country, by 60$ a cab will take you to anywhere for the whole day.

In the afternoon I took another cab and went to the Airport and took my baggage and came back to the campus. On that day I spent about 180$ on cab fare. I was so surprised that why the prices are so high here. Later in the next day St. John's University distributed Metro cards to the students; by which we can take subways to anywhere in NYC for free.  Then I was regretful and wish that I could take subway from the airport.

After one week, I m able to take subways and go where I want only for 25$ a week. 

A tour in NY

What is the most wonderful place in NYC ?  Let’s see ………. NYC  J

The whole city is wonderful. It really fascinated me since the moment I arrived here, to me it’s a dream comes true. I have been here for a really short period of time but I have seen so many places that took my breath away , I don’t  even know where to start .

Statue of liberty, it was very impressive such an amazing piece of art , I saw people there from everywhere, all kind of people, all ages and different nationalities .

Times square was another breath taking place , Museum of modern art ( I took so many pictures with Van Gogh painting ‘a starry night’  J) It was a fascinating painting , and today in the Metropolitan museum I was speechless , I got to see all these  great art works that I saw only on TV before , but now  I saw them on reality.

This experience was the greatest thing that ever happened to me , and the group they are amazing people and in just one week we became like a family , I love you my friends , love you all .

Differences… differences everywhere

One of the most interesting things I have experienced during this week is the opportunity to know different stories, not just about our countries and cultures, but also about our experiences as Fulbrighters.

I applied to the Fulbright scholarship last year in June, and I received my acceptance letter in July. Since that time until January 15, a period of stress, hard job and difficult decisions started. Chilean Fulbright nominees worked hard for TOEFL and GRE tests, the preparation of personal statements and study objectives, the transcripts, etc. It was not an easy task, but in January/February all of us received the answers from the universities. By April, the institution where we will pursue our graduate studies was clearly defined.

However, this week I knew a very different story. One of us worked hard to get the admission in a prestigious American university, but he did not receive the answer at the time it was supposed to. He was looking forward to receiving the letter for months, and even when he pushed down, nobody told him if there was a concrete opportunity to come to the US. By July, he decided not to continue waiting for and forget about the idea of study at the US, when suddenly someone called him to tell he had been admitted in the program he desired. He had just a week for packing and preparing all the stuff (including the paperwork for his Visa) to come to the US.

I just want to mention this phrase he told me at the end of his story: “When I stopped to wait for that call… they called me”.  

Time Is Relative

Do you remember moments in life where an hour felt like a minute and a minute like a second? Although we are from so many different countries from all over the world, speaking different languages and having different cultural backgrounds, we are so familiar with each other that it feels like we have known each other for months.

How can it be? Time seems to be absolute because we usually use it as a measuring instrument.  Quotes such as ‘Time is money’ (Benjamin Franklin) are familiar to us. So how can time be relative? Albert Einstein taught us with his ‘Theory of Relativity’ that among others objects can move slower than usual. It just depends on the point of view of the observer.

So did we change our point of view? In a rhetorical way I would say “yes”. We chose to be open-minded people in life who like to share experiences with and learn from each other. That is one of the reasons why we are here now. We all have the same point of view. 

I suppose that this is one of the reasons for this amazing phenomenon. It does not matter where one is from; what their cultural background is and what language they speak – what matters is your mind and your point of view to the objective – to life. Yes, time is relative.

NO EXPECTATION , NO DISAPPOINTMENT

life in manhattan is really amazing in the sens that each and every day its brings something that makes it more enjoyable . Being driven by this desire to discover more the city of New York , I and some friends decided to go the pretigious madison square garden .
On our way we decided to stop at a place where everyone could get something to eat . As for me , eating was not a big deal , but I wanted to have a wonderful and fresh beer .Unfornately the first place was not convenient for us so we decided to go another one . Having reached the place , came the time to make orders and since my order was somehow special and different I took my time to look around and  find what could be ok with me . Unfortunately, I could not see anything but suddenly something called ``ROOT BEER`` attracted my attention and I went like woow this is exactly what I`m looking for . So I paid my bill and joined the friends with my fresh ``ROOT BEER``  in my hand .When the time of tasting this new discovery came , I was so surprised to find out that this beer was so sweet that I started questionning its qualification . I went futher in the checking to find out that it had 0percent of alcohol and that is where my great expectations turned into disappointment .Anyway  a lutta continua victoria lecerta !

Faces

This time New York City (NYC) is not about the buildings, the open spaces and parks nor the landscape; It's about the people, their expressions, how they live, feel and look at this city. This might be a different way to experience a city, by capturing  people's faces through the eye of the camera. Later on, when looking at those pictures, instead of making a comment about some object present in the picture or about the picture itself, the comments will be about what people are thinking at the moment, what they're feeling and just imagining what they might be looking at.

Some people may think that this is not the best way to seize an opportunity like visiting NYC, but sometimes It's better to seize the opportunity that people you're with are presenting you, instead of the place you are in.

(If somebody feels uncomfortable with these pictures being in the blog, contact me and I'll take them down)

Manhattan & St John's lesson

When I learnt that I am coming to New York  City for Fulbright Pre-Academic orientation at St John's University, I packed my best outfits, high heeled shoes and got myself ready for three weeks in fascinating Manhattan! I had imagined a lot of glamor, luxury and wealth in the city. Instead, I found myself in NY financial district with hundreds of homeless people. 

Last Monday together with St John's staff we went to the Grand Central Neighborhood to serve food for less fortunate and homeless, as part of the Academic Service-Learning. Every day hundreds of people who can't afford meal (including students, and low income families) come to similar sites across the city. Poverty has been always persistent in NY, but it reached its highest level last year, according to the New York Times. While approaching soup kitchen at St Bart's Church we noted a long line of patiently waiting people, queuing next to the world richest corporations. Of course I was slightly shocked by the numerous number of hungry people in the heart of NYC, but there was something else that struck me the most. Human kindness and respect to people in need. Apart from students, many volunteers among whom ordinary New Yorkers come to such centers and churches to help less fortunate  every day. 

A middle-aged officer from the financial sector, Dick, has been volunteering at the St Bart's Church for four years already. He was there the night our group came. Dick friendly greeted us, gave an apron, gloves and a kitchen hat and showed me how to serve oranges and milk. Other members of the team were responsible for handling soup, sandwiches, bread, and water. I was curious and asked Dick why he comes here, a simple answer has followed: "It makes me feel good inside". Dick continued by saying that he teaches his children to help others, but how can they learn if there is no example. He volunteers here, so his children can learn from him. I was touched by the sincerity of Dick's words. 

My unexpected lesson learnt from Manhattan and St Joh's - respect and help those in need, despite the circumstances and place you have happened to be. 

Photo from Africa's Renewal's flickr gallery

Languages and borders

The experience in St. Johns is the first one I have had in which I have been in touch with people coming from as many countries and cultures. Job has demanded me to travel and work  in several countries, mostly in Latin America, but always playing the role of "the stranger", the only one.

We are tourists in New York, but not just a few of us, everyone. The situation encourages to act as a group, take decisions together, work together... have fun together. Even when the decisions can be irrelevant, we are able to reach agreements and understand each other.

Maybe it is natural to be opened  and interested on learning a work of knowledge, not from the teachers, but from the students around us; given that we are here because we decided so. But thinking about it just leads me to infer that people expectations are quite similar everywhere.

Funny Blacks guys make easy money in NYC

If you walk along church street, you will find after the church, a group of "black guys": (that's how they call themselves) making the show and earning some dollars. These boys were african-americans who have decide to make money by dancing in the streets of New York City. They walked along with radio and speakers; they have some little buckets to collect money. The band I met was composed of four boys (street dancers) and an older man who acts as the team manager. There were shirtless.

What is funnier about them is that they are not only dancing. They also try to communicate with other communities by interesting messages such as:

- "Yong whites, you don't need to be afraid about black guys, what you need to be afraid of is Alcohol, tobacco, drug, illiteracy"

- "White men shouldn't be afraid of black people, we are not enemies, but we are brothers..."

No matter how funny the show was, I wasn't very satisfied because it was too short and they didn't really dance. As many tourists, I end up giving them some dollars.

My opinion is that the idea is good and should be encouraged, but the show needs to be more professional and better prepared. In addition, the "street dance" should be formalized  since it is a spontaneous and attractive activity and is also part of the US culture. This formalization could bring a better organisation, a best show and more money and could create some stable jobs.

Valery

Be Prepared; Be Professional! : Inspiring Reading Assignment

July, 31st 2012  was our first meeting in the reading class. We were given an assignment from Ms.Donna (our reading and writing teacher) to read an article taken from New York Times-one of the popular newspaper in New York-published on October, 2011 which the title is "Back to the Land, Reluctantly". The article written by Susan Gregory Thomas has an agricultural theme, which shows us the story about  a mother with  three children who had experienced a difficult time in her life. She divorced from her husband and faced her flat broke. We could wonder how difficult her life would be, to strive alone as a single parent, without any permanent job and had nothing.  But, the surprising thing is to know that she could pass it well by making some creative movements especially in modifying the way how to use some agricutural things to make some food which is all homemade.


There are many lessons that we can learn from reading this article. In my view, these lessons will be very useful for us to prepare ourselves in attending our graduate study. First, according to the article, all of us have our own problem. What makes us difference is the way how we cope into the problem.  I believe everyone has familiar with the anonymous quote: "If you think you can, you can."  If we agree and believe this quote, we may have some positive paradigm built in our mind then. One question must be come up from ourselves: How to be positive? Actually, it is very simple. If we read most of the pschycological books, we can find that they will suggest us to make a first undifficult step: Just trying to speak to our heart: "If you think you can, you can." Then, we have to prove that we can. That's what we call "action".

The second thing that we can learn from the article is:  we have to be prepared in making our plan to go along with the problems. We need to know what are the obstacles and the risks that we will have.  So, we can prepare many alternative ways in solving the problem. If one way does not work, we can choose the others. Just trying to do our best,  then  let us see the result. That's why we have to be creative in reaching our goal. We can see how the writer decided using the things that she had in her home inspite of buying the expensive one in the store. 

Third, the passage implies that family support will be one of the most important factors that contribute to our process then, whether we will be successful or not. The writer can move from her difficult time since there is a support and advises from her father and also her friend who became her husbsnd after time passed by. I remember how hard to be far away from my family since we are separated by contingents and oceans due to my arrival in The U.S., but I know  they always by my side to support me. Is that all the things that hapenned also to all of you now, my dear Fulrighters Fellow? We are stronger because there is a support from our family and our lovely ones. Don't you miss them so much?

Finally, we have to realize that it needs a process to be succeed in our life. It will take a time to be succeed. Hopefully we can be a patient one to face the problems that will be coming up. Take our time, keep pray, enjoy it and try the best that we can.

In summary, i think the article has so many lessons that we can learn that will be useful in our life. If you are interesting to see the whole article, we can share it and discuss it together. For all of you who has not come from my group (group 3), let's share our each's group article so we can learn the impilcit meaning and then hopefully implement it in our life for a better future.





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*Footnote: the picture was taken from URL http://www.seoidiots.info/what-makes-obstacle-in-your-writing/., downloaded on August 2, 2012, 00:12 a.m.

#5. THE PRICE OF ONE BANANA
In the big groceries store where I saw orchids, I looked around more just to be familiar with the kind of fruits, foods, daily-need items, and how much they cost here in New York city. I saw a sign for bananas. One piece cost 75 cents, which sounded normal to me because back 12 years ago in one food stand in the university area at the UW-Madison, one banana also cost one dolar at a retail price.
Today, a bunch of Fulbright friends went out to see the Statue of Liberty. On the island, Valerie bought a piece of banana for 54 cents a piece. To his surprise it was the price for a piece and he thought he would get a whole fingers. We talked about this during lunch and began to compare how much banana would be in our countries. In Camerun, as Valerie and Patrick confirmed, with one dolar you can get at least 20 bananas; in the most expensive remote place, you can still get at least 5 bananas. In Vietnam, Li told us that with one dollar we would at least get 25 bananas in local market; in a pretigious store in town at least you will get 5 bananas for one dollar. In Indonesia, in local market, you can get no less than 15 bananas. In an urban groceries store, good quality, well-ripened bananas sells by kilos. With one dollar, you will get 4 big bananas (cavendish, the one I saw in NYC food store) or 6 medium-size ones.
At the Statue of Liberty area, one friend also bought a 500ml-bottled water for $2.14. I have the same experience at the Tacoma International Airport in Seattle. In my country, with less than $2.00, you can buy a gallon of gasoline.
I hope this piece of experience help us adjust into and be familiar with the value of dollars and how they compare in our currency in the home countries. Believe me that it will not be easy to able to only spend $s without being able to earn them. We need a good financial management on our own. But I know. We will all be OK!!!

Classroom communication: formal and informal is very much significant for my graduate studies in the US. I believe this course will prepare me for the US system of classroom communication. During the introductory part of the class, I was fascinated by the brief divert into the Geography of the United States with special reference to South dakota where I will be Studying.
The dialogue sheet on small talk was very interesting especially when Herve and Elrica did their piece. It was like a real life situation. This is a good guide in communicating with neighbors and members of our university community.

The American Dream 

Everyone in the world has heard about the American dream. For me, it means being able to achieve your dream if you are ambitious. When I came to St John’s University, I discovered that it doesn’t mean the same thing in all the countries. While in some countries, it is the synonym of becoming rich even if you start as a poor person, in others it means becoming famous.

Over our first week in Manhattan campus, we, as fulbrighters, were asked to participate in the Academic Service Learning (ASL). The ASL consists on serving dinner to poor and homeless persons. To be honest, I was shocked. There are many persons under the poverty line in Manhattan. Some of the persons I met there are not homeless. They are actually working. However, unfortunately, their wages are not enough to pay the bills, the rent and the banks loans. Therefore, they come to have dinner for free in order to reduce their expenses in a town where everything is so expensive (compared with my country). This makes life more difficult for poor people. I wasn’t expecting that even if you have a job, you can still unable to cover your expenditures. This is really hard!!

Participating in the ASL makes me understand that achieving the American dream is not something easy. Life is really so tough. Having a good and comfortable life is not an option offered to everyone. 

One Stop Shop for Useful Information and Resources

Hi Everyone, 

Initially I wanted to write something about New York, but my impressions are not that fresh as yours since I've been here several times before - so I decided to dedicate this blog to the useful resources, tips and any other information that might be of interest and relevance for all of us now or in the future as Fulbrighters! We've been provided woth tons of information during the last several days, and it's just very hard to keep track of everything. So I suggest that we share here all the most helpful and interesting, from our point of view of course, resources and web sites we've seen and can recommend to the rest of the group to check out.

From my side, I wanted to remind you of one resources that I've recently checked out and found extremely important for our future careers and lives. I'm talking about the State Alumni at https://alumni.state.gov/register. You've might have already seen it since it's in the spreadsheet we were all provided with during the first day here - under the heading "Fulbright and Social Media: a Guide".

Why it is important?
After you register, it provides you with the mailbox - yes, another mailbox, but with the LIFETIME FULBRIGHT.ORG E-MAIL ADDRESS!!!


In addition, you will be connected to the community of not just Fulbrighters, but also Alumni of all the other U.S. Government Sponsored Programs.

This membership gives an access to online journals such as The Wall Street, Economist, etc., and the database of job opportunities.

I've mentioned only some of the benefits so that if you're interested you can check the rest by yourself. An approval of the registration takes 10 days.

Please don't forget to share with others what you've found interesting and useful.

I'm wishing you the best of luck with your programs!

Yours, 
Alexandra/Sasha