I have seen posters of Spirited Away movie many times when I was little. I enjoy watching other Japanese anime and since I heard this movie is very popular, I always wanted to watch it. I really enjoyed the beautiful illustrations of this movie. The cross between the real world and the dream world (“spirit world” as movie states) made this film interesting for me. In addition, the movie also emphasized filial piety, family connection, and love. This aspect of the film made it easier for me to understand and connect. I like how Friday Movie Night has a diverse genre of films.
Author Archives: sp2382
Pumpkin Carving
Last Sunday, I attended the pumpkin carving event with my friends. I enjoyed this activity in that I was able to relax, let go of stress, and have a fun time with my friends. This activity took me back to my childhood as I was painting and being creative. I liked how this year’s pumpkins are smaller and each person had a chance to carve their pumpkins. I genuinely enjoy all the art-related activities for Rose Scholar. I wish there are more holiday-themed events in the future.
Cornell Observatory Center
Last Friday, I visited Cornell Observatory Center for the stargazing activity. It was my first time visiting the observatory and this night has been one of the best times at Cornell for me. I was concerned that it might be too cloudy to observe the stars, but I was able to see Saturn, Neptune, and even a shooting star. I have never seen a shooting star in the past and observing one without any plan was amazing. I felt like everything will be going well after seeing this shooting star. I am grateful that I had a chance to visit the observatory last Friday. This stargazing event was a great way of bonding with friends learning more about different resources that Cornell can provide to students. I hope that more students learn about the observatory and have opportunities to observe. I am planning to revisit next semester and next fall to see different stars and planets.
Who is Flora Rose?
Before attending this Rose Café event, I haven’t carefully thought about Flora Rose. When looking at the names of various dorms on campus, I just thought that the names must have been given after someone influential to the university in the past. After attending this event, I learned about various accomplishments that Flora Rose made ranging from women’s rights and creating a course for women on campus along with Martha Van Rensselaer. I enjoyed this event in that I was able to learn about the amazing histories behind these wonderful women. Now, when I pass by and enter Flora Rose house, I get to view this dorm differently.
Going Beyond My Comfort Zone – Improv Comedy Group
I attended the improvisation workshop that happened last Thursday. When I first read the description of this event, I thought it would be similar to other events in that the GRF will go over the topic and have a mini discussion with rose scholars. However, this event was more interactive in that students had to act out scenes and perform monologues based on the given directions. I had to present my monologue in my personal life story that is related to cartoons. The instructors for this event were very energetic and enthusiastic, making this event more interesting. Although this event has been a great experience for me, I would have to say that this event made me feel extremely nervous as I had to get out of my comfort zone. Even if I wasn’t confident enough for my performance, I still enjoyed watching other people perform, especially the last party activity that was done. This event was a good way for personal growth.
Life Journey to Success
Attending this Rose Café event was meaningful and helpful for me. Dr. Felippe talked about how her interest in horses started when she was five years old and had a chance to take horse riding classes. From this experience, she was able to become a veterinarian specialized in horses. Although it may seem like her interest developed into her career path in a relatively predictable way, her life journey includes various unplanned events. Her journey to the U.S. and various events that happened weren’t necessarily planned, but these opportunities allowed her to be at where she is now. By attending this event, I was able to see that it is important to try various things to find our interests and experience personal growth. As we make our future decisions, we shouldn’t be afraid of uncertainties but willing to explore.
Learning About Cornell from Diverse Group of People
Last Wednesday, I was able to learn more about important decisions that are being made on campus from the board of trustees (including faculty members and a graduate student). The topics included expanding on-campus housing accessibility, student to professor ratio, possibly increasing future student sizes and student mental health. It was interesting to hear that the board is debating whether or not Balch hall (one of the older buildings on campus) should be rebuilt to increase number dorms. By having this panel discussion with the board members was another way of learning about campus and all the discussions that are made. Overall, it was a great way of meeting members from part of the Cornell community that students normally have minimal interaction.
Discovering and Meeting with New Professors
On Wednesday 9/4, I attended this semester’s first Rose Café event. I enjoyed other Rose Café events that normally have a group of students with one house fellow introducing an interesting topic. However, this Rose Café event was special in that students were meeting various house fellows and networking with them through “speed dating” activity. I had a chance to introduce myself to about six house fellows and learn about their unique stories. It was such a great opportunity for me to meet professors outside of class and have a conversation with them in a more relaxed environment. I enjoyed learning about different subject fields including philosophy, international labor relation, entomology, etc. I am grateful to be part of such a diverse and welcoming university.