I have been in the States about a week and a half. It has been fun and refreshing being able to talk and ask questions to anybody with little to no language barrier--in stores, banks, at my school! For someone who likes to chat with others (any and everywhere), it's just fun to do so without trying to think "what's the word for weather?...oh, 날씨. So...if I wanted to say 'I wonder if the weather will be nice tomorrow' then I would say..."
--at the same time, I am still studying Korean and want to be fluent enough to not have to translate in my head, but just say it^^
School started a day after I arrived in NY. I am taking 6 classes (26.5 hrs. of class a wk)--assignments so far (and I think for the year) are all projects. They are challenging, time-consuming, interesting, and a lot of fun (unless I'm tired and/or hungry, then everyone and everything better watch out and have a granola bar and pillow close by) Some of the classes I'm taking are screen printing, woven design, print design for apparel and home furnishing--so fun.
I am living in the dorms. I have NEVER lived in dorms before and coming from living in an apartment by myself, it's an odd concept to, for example, bring all my toiletries to and from the shower ;) My dorm room feels like a good size. I have a bed, desk, dresser, wardrobe...what else do I need? I have a meal plan, so I don't have to cook, I can work at my desk or there are workrooms/computer labs around campus--I don't need a lot of space--it's not like I'm hosting Sunday brunch or anything...it's perfect for what it is :) AND I am across the street from the buildings where I have class :) It's SO convenient!
It's been a bit weird being back in the States--mostly because it doesn't really feel like I'm in the States yet...
I know I'm not in Korea anymore, but since I'm not "home" in WA...it just feels like I'm idk...somewhere between Korea and the US...
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| cute little apartments--reminded me of "You've Got Mail" |
Missing Korea, students, friends AND missing family, friends, Tacoma--BUT I am REALLY enjoying what I'm studying and I look forward to going to class and learning more :)
On New York: it IS different and busy and HUGE, but coming from Korea where I could barely speak Korean, it feels really easy just doing everyday thing when I'm out and about. I've only been here a week and a half, so idk if I like it or like it enough to live here long term--but I like my program enough to continue and for now, that's all I need to know. :) Okay, a few fun things about being in NY: I am walking distance away from the NY Public Library, HUGE post office, Penn Station, Times Square, Central Park (a bit of a walk, but still relatively close), Empire State Building, the flower district, Korea Town (they have The Face Shop, Tous Le Jour, and Paris Baghette!), Chelsea Market (reminds me of a place in Monterey...little shopping areas and eating areas...Cannery Row?)and LOTS of fun coffee shops, deli's, fro yo shops, sb. I don't have as much time and $ as I did in Korea, so that's different, but sightseeing is free ^^
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| Times Square |
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| NY public library |
It feels like I've been here a month (is that a good thing or a bad thing?)--days are filled with one or two 3-4 hr. classes and working on project before and after class and eating in between that (usually with classmates, talking about projects ;)--so, days are long, but go by fast.
I'm getting to know some people in my program and they are really nice. Most have worked in the industry and/or have their BA already, so I feel like we are in the same spot. I don't feel SO old going back to school ;)
Unexpected things: I've yet to see Spiderman, Fox Books, or Dolly Levi (I guess I haven't gone to Yonkers yet...)
Looking forward to: Seeing my dear friend, HANNAH, going to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, cooler weather (I have no a/c), not being jet-lagged, eating frozen yoghurt, getting coffee and a muffin from one of those hotdog-looking stand, taking a walk in Central Park, eating good pizza, meeting more people on my floor, and studying Korean on a regular basis
That's all for now :D
