The Person I Love

The Person I Love

Why is it important to tell I love you?

Do you have people you love so much? I think you do. The person I love is my grandmother. She’s passed away 10 years ago when I was 15 years old. She and I were very close to each other and I was a grandma’s girl. She was a great cook, and charming, strong and funny. I used to go to her place all the time and she used to come to my home a lot too. Both of my parents were working, so she took care of me and my sister often. I took a trip with her every year, and made unforgettable memories I can still recall clearly, however, I also have so many regrets about her. When we found out she had a cancer, it was too late. Her cancer was metastasized in her body. Even though she was in bad shape, I had hope and belief that a miracle will happen and she will get well. The miracle didn’t happen. I never thought she would pass away this early. Right before she died, I was approaching puberty and was in the middle of my rebellious phase, and I said stuff I should never have said to her. Precisely because she and I were really close, we fought and argued a lot. She was trying to teach me how to be a better person, but I just couldn’t listen to her. I should have told her how much I loved her instead of saying something stupid before she died. I don’t know how I could be so stupid, but I thought I would have time with her more. I didn’t think I should told her how I feel about her right away. When I wanted to tell her how much I love her and she is so important to me, she was gone.

I learned from my mistake, and I never do the same thing to people around me. I always tell them how much I love them. I try to act the way I wouldn’t regret even if they were gone tomorrow. We need to say things to people we love when we can. Please don’t think they know your feelings already without saying anything. We have to make sure they know how you feel about them before they are gone. Because either of you will pass away earlier than another one. For that moment, I think it is very important to give expression to talk and spend time with them as much as you can. I wish you and your loved ones best, and may the relationship between you and them last for a very long time.

The Box Which is I keep letters from loved ones inside.

So many letters inside. The oldest one is from 15 years ago.

The letters from my grandmother. I brought them with me from Japan.

Valentine's Day in Japan

Valentine’s Day in Japan

The difference between the U.S. and Japan

February 14^th may be one of the important days for the romantic relationship. Couples could use this day for showing their gratitude and love to each other. In the United States, it is common that people exchange gifts, cards, candy or flowers, right? Since I came to the U.S. 3 years ago, I have seen men holding red roses for their loved ones on Valentine’s Day. However, this is not what I see in Japan on Valentine’s Day.

In Japan, Valentine’s Day is the “confession day” for girls who don’t have boyfriend. They prepare chocolate and give it to the guy that they are in love with. As Valentine’s Day gets closer, a lot of chocolates are sold from various brands at the food department in a shopping mall. Women go there and hunt the chocolate they want. The food department is so crowded, employees are shouting to get more customers to sell more chocolates… It is a war. Meanwhile, guys usually do nothing on Valentine’s Day. They also have a chance to get chocolates from women who are not their girlfriends because women give chocolate to not only for their love but also male friends. Not all of guys like candy and chocolate, but getting many chocolates is a status for them. I’m not a guy so I really don’t know, but I guess getting a lot of chocolates makes them feel popular, cool, macho etc. When the chocolate is not for confessing love, women always make sure to not mislead guys. Usually the chocolates for friends don’t have special wrappings, no hearts and no cards. It’s for being thankful to be friends.

So what should men do for women? There is a day called “White Day” in Japan. It’s March 14^th which is exactly after 1 month of Valentine’s Day. White Day is for men who got chocolates, giving something back to women. It started about 40 years ago in Japan by sweet treat companies for advertisement. They named it “White Day” because white symbolizes purity. Usually men get marshmallow or handkerchief for female friends, and for the partner, they tend to get more expensive gifts. Some of them take her out to the fancy restaurant. I think this custom comes from a typical Japanese characteristic. We Japanese feel that we have to give something back to them with gratitude when we get gift or treat from others. That’s why it was easy to make White Day established for Japanese people.

Valentine’s Day in the U.S. and Japan are a little different, but I think the motive is same. We want to make people we love happy. I hope you enjoy this year’s Valentine’s Day with friends, family and loved ones no matter you’re single or taken, and don’t forget to tell them how much you love them.

A bunny I got in the U.S.

Girls give chocolate to boys in Japan.

Girls get chocolate in the U.S.! 

My Event Story

On April 29^th, 2015, Wednesday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. I went to one of the school event at Avila University. It is “Free neck and back massage”. This event is one of the stress relief week’s event. This event was sponsored by Wellness, GAP, Student Senate & RHA at Marian Center Lounge. There were 6 licensed massage therapists, and it took about 15 minutes for 1 person. Actually cycle was so fast in a good way, so most of the students did not need to wait for the massage for long time. I personally wanted to go to this event so bad, because I seriously needed the massage. I was having a serious headache and the cause was coming from neck and shoulder. So when I see the posters for this event, I decided to join for sure!

When I went there, I interviewed some people who were waiting for massage and people who was just done from the massage. The first person I interviewed with is Emily James, nursing major at Avila University. I asked her, “What do you think about this event?” She said, “Having neck and back massage for stress relief week, I think this is really great event and it really helps. This massage is relaxing and very calm, I think everyone needs to take a break, and refresh the wrong head. That’s great.”

The next person I interviewed is Yesenia Beltran, Junior, Nursing major. I asked her, “What do you think of the massage?” She said, “I think students stress relief week is really nice, and it helps you relax. I got a massage and it was super nice, so I recommend it.”

I interviewed Haley Baer next. She is also nursing major at Avila University. I asked “What do you think of this event?” She answered, “I think these massages are great, because it reliefs all the tensions you built up and stressful finals, and it’s just a good twenty-minute break."

The last person I interviewed at the event is Conner Hetzler, theatre major and dance miner. I asked her, “How did you know this event?” She answered, “I’ve seen it on posters, and I got an email about it. And I definitely wanted to get here because I need it.” Then I asked her, “Do you want this event more often?” She said, “Yes, I think definitely they should keep this around. Actually this is really good stress relief, and I think line moves fast so it’s really helpful.”

As you can see, obviously this event helps students to relief stress. After getting massage, I felt so much better and refreshed. This is final week, and everyone has stressed. So it is very nice to join like this event and relax. Also it helps get organized for coming final exams!

My Beat Story

When I thought of my “beat”, one of my very good friends came across my mind. His name is Ali Alshagrawi. He is from Saudi Arabia, and sophomore in Avila University. His major is Advertising and Public Relations. I met him almost two years ago when he transferred to Avila University from Canada. I chose him to be my “beat” because he is such a unique person. He always make people laugh and also he has a great leadership. When we hang out with friends, he is the one who make plans and let people know about the event. I was very interested in his roots and how he became the person who he is right now, so I decided to interview him first.

Ali Alshagrawi

I asked him to introduce himself. He answered, “My name is Ali Alshagrawi, 26 years old. I grew up in Saudi Arabia. I worked twice in my life in a company called Samrif, and I used to work there as an operation man for 2 years after my high school graduation. I’m a simple person, and I like to be kind, happy, and I love my family.” And secondly, I asked him how come he decided to come to the United States. He said, “I wanted to be an educated person. Then I heard about education in the United States is great, so I made some researches, and I heard from agent that I could come to Avila University. I also heard from my friend that Avila University is a great school. This is how I decided to come to the United States.” I asked him about his personality next. I asked, “Were you a happy person all the time like now when you were a child as well?” He said, “Yes. I was active and I loved playing with friends a lot.” I asked him, “Is there any advice you got from your parents for living your life?” He answered, “My parents advised me to be a good person, and be so kind and good with people. And also work hard to achieve my goals and to have a good future.” 

Ali and his best friend Zeyad Alammar

After interviewing Ali, I decided to talk to one of Ali’s best friend in Kansas City, Zeyad Alammar. He is a student at Avila University also, and majoring Computer Science. I asked him how he met Ali for the first time. He answered, “I met Ali like two years ago. He and I were taking a same class together. We have so much in common, so we became close to each other naturally.” Then I asked him, “What is Ali’s personality like to you?” He said, “Well, Ali is a very respectful person, but at the same time, he is so funny. I just like to chill with him.”

Next person I interview with is Salman Alghamdi, Radiologic Science major. He is also an Avila student and one of Ali’s closest friends. I asked him, “How did you meet Ali for the first time?” He said, “It’s been like a year for now. We were at my friend’s house, and then I met him. We hang out together for 2 weeks or something like that, and we became close to each other. Then I asked him, “What is Ali’s personality like to you?” He answered, “He is funny and so active, and whenever I need him, he just helps me. And he is like the closest friend, and he is a good guy.” 

Ali's best friend, Salman Alghamdi

My Profile Story

This time, I decided to interview three people who have different races. All three people are students at Avila University. The first person I interviewed is Gabriella Garcia, 20-year-old nursing major. I asked her first “What is your greatest fear?” She said, “My greatest fear would probably be ending up alone. Like without family or without a husband or without parents. Sometimes I think about it because people are focused on their careers and they don’t have time for anybody else like other people in their lives. So that is my greatest fear.” Then I asked her, “Which words or phrases do you most overuse?” She answered, “I definitely say ‘bro’ too much, ‘dude’ too much. I say it to everybody even to my professors. But I do say it to my friends a lot. Even to my parents sometimes and they don’t like that.” And she laughed it out. I asked next question, “Which talent would you most like to have?” She answered, “OMG. I would definitely love to be a performer, so singing and dancing. I feel like music is so important and it gives you so much freedom. I wish I had the talent to be able to do the right music.” I asked her, “Is there any person that you would like to be?” She answered, “I think about Alicia Keys or Beyoncé. They are so beautiful, so talented, and so smart. I mean I admire them.” I asked her favorite music next. She said, “My favorite kind of music is rap and R&B, and Drake is my favorite rapper.” Then I asked her, “What is your favorite food?” She said, “Hmm… My favorite food… well, anything my mom cooks is good. But I really really enjoy eating tostadas. Tostadas are my favorite.” During this interview, she was wearing her favorite t-shit, so I asked her why it is her favorite one. She said, “V-neck shirts are my favorite. Because it’s so comfy and you can dress them up and dress them down, and you can wear them with a lot of things.”

Next person I interviewed is Salman Bin Rawyah, 25-year-old, and he is studying Software Engineering. First, I asked him, “What is your greatest fear?”  He said, “I think my greatest fear is losing someone I love so much and I got to spend time with… This is my greatest fear.” Then I asked him, “Who is your greatest love of your life?” He answered, “I think my greatest love of my life is my mom because she is always there for me, and gives me the best advice, and she cares about me more than anybody else. So I’m sure that my mom is my greatest love of my life.” I asked the final question to him, “Where would you like to live after the graduation?” He said, “I’m not really sure. But there’s possibility to go back to my country and have career, and get married.”

Last person I interviewed is Djoudy Saint Paul. His major is Psychology/Pre-health. He is a good friend of mine. I have never taken same classes with him, however, we became really good friends. He always hangs out around Eagle’s Nest, and when I go there, I sit with him and talk about what is going on in my life and his life. He is graduating from Avila University after this spring semester. I asked him some of the 35 Proust Questions first. “What is your idea of perfect happiness?” He said, “Yeah, my idea of perfect happiness is peace. If someone has peace, then they will be happy. Without peace, there is no happiness.” And I asked him, “If you could change on thing of yourself, what would it be?” He answered, “That would be actually telling people the truth. I tell people the truths whatever it is, and they get upset. Because sometimes the truth hurts.” Then I asked, “What is your favorite apps?” He said, “My favorite app is Facebook. Because I can post anything. And also, ‘Candy crush’. When I’m bored, I play with it, but I’m so bad at it. Yeah that’s it.” And finally I asked him, “Why is that your favorite t-shirt?” He answered, “Because this is very comfortable, and this is my favorite color which is green. This was only t-shirt that I found with green and white stripes, and I really like it.” He also mentioned that this was the second time for him to wear that t-shirt. Because he doesn’t like to wear his favorite t-shirt a lot. He likes to keep it in the closet, and keep it clean.

It was fun to interview my friends, because I could get to know some stuff about them that I didn’t know before. They have their stories behind of the favorite things, and I enjoyed listening to them.

Me with Salman!

Joudy has some musical talent!

Having a good time with Gabby!

Favorite T-shirt

I interviewed 5 people in camous and asked them why they were wearing the t-shirts.

Rhda Alsharif, Software Engineering major

I’m not sure why I’m wearing this t-shirt, but maybe this is my favorite. And I wore this t-shirt 2 weeks ago.

Gabriella Garcia, Nursing major

I’m wearing this t-shirt because pink is my favorite color. And I match this with sandals. It’s chilly outside, so chose this long sleeves.

Kathleen Shreds, Business Management major

I’m wearing it because I had a presentation earlier today, so I wanted look nice!

Ricki Dunigan, Marketing major

This is Kansa City Royals t-shirt. It’s not my favorite, but I like it.

Dahkeel Al-Driweesh, Computer Science major

I wore it because I like this color and design, and I wanted to share this feeling.

Does Race Matter?

Does race matter? This is a very important question for the United States because there are many races live together in this country.  From Introduction to Journalism class, I went to have race experience at Avila University on February 18th. There was the photo machine called “Race Experience Kiosk”. According to Kiosk website, Over 300 colleges, universities, corporations and government agencies in the US and Canada have used race morphing as part of their diversity and inclusion programming. The Race Experience Kiosk helps us to have new ideas and perspectives about racism and identity. By using the Race Experience Kiosk, we can reach two learning outcomes. The first one is that users of the Race Kiosk will be able to reflect on the factors in our society that perpetuate racism and discrimination. The second one is that users of the race kiosk will be able to consider the value of diversity in our society. I also tried the Race Experience Kiosk, and it was easy to use. You need to answer 3 questions about racism then take a picture. Kiosk will change your face to Asian, White, Black, Indian, Arabian, Latino faces automatically. By experiencing and seeing your own face in different races and skin colors, it would make it easier to understand of different races than your own.

Some people say “Race matters”. However, I strongly believe that race should not matter. Simply we are equal. Look at Avila Campus. We have students who have many different kinds of races, and international students. We all should be treated equally. Because we were born on the same earth. I am not talking about only skin colors. Also LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) should be treated equally. We had no choice how we were born. I am an Asian girl, but I did not choose to be Asian. Please don’t get me wrong, I am proud to be Asian and I am happy with that. Even though I am happy with that, I did not have choice. Nobody had a choice. So why does race matter? Discrimination happens from blindness. Last semester, I was taking philosophy class, and we talked about discrimination. Most of the classmates said, they have discriminated someone in their life. My friend, Asian girl was discriminated once in the dorm. She told me that she was so disappointed and cried I her room at that night. My Arabic friend was discriminated at the airport. Securities took longer time than white people to check his stuff. And he also was screamed at by a stranger when he was in New York City. The stranger basically said something bad about Arabic people. I saw one time by my eyes when discrimination happened. I went to Disneyland with friends, one of them was an Arabic guy. And when we were waiting for an attraction, a white woman stared at him in weird way, and she move her child to not make him close to her child. That was really ridiculous and shameful. It is very sad, but we can see that clearly race still matters.

I strongly wish someday racism, discrimination, and stereotype become things of the past. This things are made by ignorance. In order to not make people racist, we need to have an education about race more. In the United States, we still have a lot of affairs over racism especially between Black people and White people. And actually, I started thinking of racism more since I came to the United States. In Japan which is my country, most of citizens have yellow skin like me. And even if there is other races, I don’t think it is a bad thing at all. Besides I think it is a great thing to be different than others. I feel especially in the United States, there are racism problems. And this is something we need to fix. 

Me as a White girl