Hey there! First of all, thank you for taking a look at my blog.
My passion for learning foreign languages and cultures blossomed at the young age of ten. My initial interest was in Japanese. I was enthralled by kimono and tea ceremony culture, two parts of Japanese culture that still thrive well into the modern age and are enjoyed by both the young and the seasoned alike. After a year of study abroad in high school through AFS-USA Intercultural Programs, I gained proficiency in both standard Japanese and the local Osakan dialect. I still remain very close with my many host families. The whole experience left a significant impression on who I am as an individual and what my passions are.
After I graduated high school, I entered Oklahoma State University. I initially majored in French, which explains my proficiency in that language. I attended the French Conversation Club religiously and wrote down little French notes like an overwhelmed yet enthused White House intern. By the time the first week of university life had passed, I had already made myself a common sight at the study abroad office.
Oklahoma State University’s Cultural Night, spring of 2016
My initial interest was to spend another year in Japan, but my previous experience there had piqued my interest in another Asian country nearby — South Korea. After a few months of planning and signing documents, I departed for yet another academic year abroad in the fall of 2016. I studied at Soongsil University with a smorgasbord of other students from diverse locations. I quickly made friends with people who spoke Korean or who were native speakers of Korean; together we made amazing memories. Immersion is one of the most effective methods towards proficiency, not to mention one of the most memorable experiences you can have along the fluency journey.
I graduated in December of 2018 with a B.A. in sociology and minors in French, Japanese, and linguistics. I am currently weighing many options that will change the course of my life, but one step of the way was to create a blog. It’s been a dream of mine to share my passion for language, culture, and study abroad, especially in Asian countries. What better way than to put myself out there on the internet and share my experiences with others and offer encouragement? I hope that this blog can accomplish just that.
sarangsa 