January 5, 2001
Personally, I’m not a big fan of having New Year resolutions. Well, I never seem to be able to keep them up (slacker!), and I believe that you can have a resolution any time of year. Nonetheless, through the 7 years I have been here, I have set up so many resolutions in order to making my life in America easier and more fun. Here are some of them.
I was known as the quiet one in high school. I was very insecure about my English even though I knew in my heart that I could do well. And that fear reflected on my confidence in general. I felt very insecure about myself far more than just my English. To improve that, I watched more television to get a hold of how people pronounce things. I subscribed to teen magazines to catch up with the trends, and what girls my age are talking about. Then I started talking to myself in English, just for practice. (Hey, I am NOT crazy!)
It took me all my first year to finally feel comfortable, and started to speak out, and I haven’t shut up since! I learned so much by participating in class discussion, and in turn share my knowledge with others. Besides, college classes, especially at graduate level, your participation counts for your grades.
Attempt something that you have never done before. Take classes you always wanted to take like theater, music, or art, which are usually available for 1-2 units. Be active in your Thai club and international student organization. Join some other clubs of your interests too. Being in clubs give you opportunity to meet new people, make new friends, and expand your horizon. Besides, the more you get involved, the more confidence you have, and the less time you have to be homesick.
I took theater class in high school, and in turn joined drama club, volunteered to be stage crew, and ended up playing Woodstock in a musical “Snoopy!” Ever since, I can’t seem to stop participating in clubs! Now that I am working most of the time and going to class at night, my social life has turned to co-workers, friends who live close by, and online friends around the world. I still go out and do something new once in a while, like dressing up as Leelu from “The Fifth Element” (the orange suspender, NOT the tape) and walked down West Hollywood Halloween Carnival, or going Frisbee-golfing with a bunch of friends in Northern California. Still, staying in touch with people and remaining active help past the time, make connections, and give you more experience.
With the cast of Snoopy!.
Oakley played Woodstock. Yup. That one in yellow feathers.
Trojan Pride meets two Travelers, USC mascots.
Oakley is petting Traveler V, (Traveler IV is behind him)
before his debut at the game.
