Friday, July 11, 2008

07.11.2008

So, I wanted to share my yesterday's experience.

Last night, I was working at the chem building, and I needed to stay late to finish up work. I was really hungry, my food card was out of money, and I was too lazy to walk to campus (yes, I know it's only across the street). Well anyways, one night we ate at a pizza place called Pyro Pizza, and I remembered seeing a sign saying they delivered. I remembered the telephone number kind of, tried a couple different combinations (only 1 of the wrong numbers someone picked up on), and then ordered my pizza to be delivered. When I went downstairs to pick up my pizza, the delivery was so funny. It was a little asian boy riding a bike with a big, red box on the back of it with "Pyro Pizza" plastered on the sides. It was quite the experience. I had pizza delivered to me on a bike!

Anyways, labwork is also now settling in, and I'm surprised at how some people are already done or almost done with research! I know a lot of labs are shutting down because of the Olympics, but I still feel like it's so soon. I cannot believe this trip is already more than halfway over!

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Orientation

1) What are you looking forward to the most?
I’m definitely looking forward to the sight-seeing and the program in general. I think it will be a great experience and a chance to gain some knowledge.
2) What gives you any sense of anxiety at all about going?
I’ve heard plenty of rumors about living in Beijing: the people try to cheat you out of your money, many people try to steal you stuff, the food isn’t very sanitary…etc. But we’ll see how it is. The one thing I am nervous about is the weather. I know for a fact that it will be incredibly hot on top of it being crowded because of the Olympics.
3) Not everyone who expressed interest ended up applying to go…what was the most compelling aspect of the program that made you DECIDE you wanted to do it?
There was no single “most compelling aspect of the program”; however, the entire program sounded like a lot of fun. I’ve always wanted to go to China, and I think that learning in an international setting will be a really great experience.
4) The pre-program period in Ann Arbor is meant to get the group to get to know each other before the trip. Is this a good idea? Were the activities effective?
The Orientation is a good idea, and some of the programs were very effective and interesting. I think the time period could have been a bit shorter, since it’s somewhat inconvenient to live out of your suitcase. But in any case, I’m really excited to go, and I think I’ll have a lot of fun!