Ivy's life
  • My life in Lander
  • Mandarin Course
  • Introduction
  • My travel in China
  • My travel go abroad
  • On my way...

Travel in United State

SIFE NATIONAL EXPOSITION at  Kansas City

SIFE NATIONAL EXPOSITION was  held at Kansas City on May 22-24, 2012. The SIFE WORLD CUP will be held at  Washington DC on September. Randy invites me to attend SIFE NATIONAL EXPOSITION  with him and Shelby. I am so glad to be there and it is a good chance for me to  study.

SIFE was founded in 1975 and was  focused only in the United States at the beginning. Today it has spread to about  39 countries. SIFE USA works with leaders in business and higher education to  mobilize university students to make a difference in their communities while  developing their skills to become socially responsible business  leaders.  Firstly, participating  students form teams on their campus and apply business concepts to develop outreach projects that improve the quality of life and standard of living for  people in need. Secondly, through the SIFE USA Regional Competitions and USA  National Competition, teams are provided a forum to present the results of their  projects, and to be evaluated by business leaders serving as judges. At last the  SIFE USA National Champion team advances to the prestigious SIFE World  Cup.

We attend the opening  ceremony. Student teams from different states show themselves. The second day we  attend the presentation by Lander University Students. They do go  job.I think the purpose of SIFE is not only for competition, but also  for learning.

Weekend with Host  Family

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 It is an excited weekend with  the host family. Nancy mum and Mo Pappy take me fly and seadoo. 
 
They have a 4-seater private airplane. It is a beautiful red plane. I like it at my first sight. The  round-trip is about 40mins. I can hear the talking between Mo and airplane command center. We fly from Greenwood to Greenville, and see the Greenwood Lake  and Lander University Campus from the plane. What a beautiful place with lots  of green trees!  

We take seedoo at afternoon.  It is fun that I was fall into the river. I enjoy the time with them. I  introduce our country and life to them. I wish they would be China one day! 

Lander Evening Club

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18thMay, Chandler Darling invited me to attend Lander Evening Club. It is a special club for alumni and has been more than 50 years. Alumni often go to university Bi-monthly. Because alumni concerned about the development of university, Chandler often invite staff or  faculty to introduce the progress of university. Sometimes they just come here  for communication and fun. One of the ladies is already 92 years old. I moved by  their love of university. I introduce myself and my university and they teach me  play bingo game. It is funning and I enjoy it. Thanks for giving me the chance  to attend the club.

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My First Own Cake

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 Monday night, Jeannie McCallum  who works in Human Resource Department invites me to her house. I appreciate. People are very friendly at Lander University. It is the eleventh American house that I have been. It is a beautiful  community. I boat with Jeannie’s daughter in their pond. She is a sophomore student and curious about China and Chinese. We compare the  difference  between  China and America. We get along well with each other. Later Jeannie makes a good  dinner for us. I like shrimp. In addition, Jeannie teaches me how to bake cake. With the help of Jeannie, I finish my first cake. Not only delicious but  also looks very nice. It is a nice experience.  

I appreciate and enjoy the  time with Jeannie’s family.

Edisto Beach with Randy’s Family

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 It is the most previous travel for me. From 3rd May to 7th May, I am accepted  like a family member with Randy’s family and have a nice Edisto Beach travel. I  experience the traditional America family life and enjoy the time. It is not  only a chance to relax but also to broaden my view. I appreciate a lot.

 1.The scenic spots  
Every day, Randy will pick me  up to some scenic spots. He always gives me lots of chance to broaden my view.  We have gone to Edisto Beach state park, Boney Bay Plantation, Charleston  downtown  and a special church more than 300 years. I like every scenic spots and keep it as my best memory.  
 
1.1 Natural Boney Bay Plantation  Heritage Preserve and Wildlife Management Area 
Boney Bay Plantation opened to the public in 2008. Protected as private lands handed down through centuries by planters made rich by Edisto’s slave laborers working its fertile ground, Civil War and Reconstruction led to industrial tycoons discovering the natural treasures of South Carolina’s Lowcountry. 

It is a special beach. Trees and shells impressed me. Because of the tide, the salty water killed trees
beside the ocean. The waves off the roots and washed the surface of the trees,  left the xylem. It is clear to see the nature of the life, the branch and the roots.  In addition, thousands shells are on the beach. I never see such beautiful shell on the beach. People pick up shells to decorate the trees, because in order to let more people to see all kinds of shells nobody can keep them. I respect the DNR (Department of  Natural Resources), which oversees Botany Bay.  

1.2Historic Charleston downtown

 Charleston downtown is the oldest downtown in SC, which is one of the places of “Forrest Gump”. Firstly,
Randy, Pat and I take the classic carriage on the old downtown like people taken in hundreds years ago. The tourist guider introduces every house story to us.  Because of preventing the earthquake, it is obvious to see the shock mounts on the outside wall. Secondly, we saw the place where the first shot in civil war.
People walk around the beautiful coast. In addition, we go to the open market.  Handmade basket is a special artwork in Charleston. I like the decorated shell  as well.      
 


1.3Beautiful Edisto Island State Park 
It is a beautiful park. People can do whatever they like such as hiking and camping. I like the beach and
palmetto trees. Though I see all kinds of dolphin at the zoo, it is my first time see dolphin in the ocean. When they jump, we can see the black brilliant back. People stay on the beach and suntan. Secondly, the palmetto is famous. Some of the palmetto trees are the tallest in the SC. I like the oaks tree as well.

1.4Amazing Presbyterian Church
 There is an old church more  than 300 years located on the Island, which is a special design at the front of
the church. We are luck to go into the church. The window of the church is not  colorful, which means Presbyterian Church advocates simple. In the yard, we saw  some tombstones were in 1700’s. It is clean and quite. 

2.The family  time
 I enjoy the time with family.  Randy, Pat, granny and younger son are very nice and friendly. They takes care  me. I have my own room which is at the top of the house and it was once their son’s favorite space. I can see the beach from the right window and see the salt marsh from the left window. In early morning, ospreys will sing to awake me. I  like the room. 

Every day, Pat, the vice-president wife will prepare the food for us. In the morning with the smell  of coffee, I get up. Pat is good at cooking. Sometimes we eat at home, I like beef burger and homemade rice. sometimes we eat at outside, Charleston sea food is my favorite. I appreciate.

 We have lots of fun in vacation. We pick up shells, fly kite, suntan, read, observe birds on our beach,  watch movie and chatting. We enjoy and relax ourselves. I enjoy the family time.  Granny, Randy and Pat share their experience with me and show me their life. It  makes me feel warm.

 I appreciate!

My Host Family

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Nancy and Mo are my America Mom and Dad. It is my first time to be with my host family. I am glad to be  their Chinese daughter.  They  introduce America culture and custom to me, give  the international park introduction to me, and share their experience with me. I enjoy the time with  them and appreciate for their care.

One of the cultures is Hospice Store. It is a special store which accepts all kinds of donations from people.   They sell out the stuff and give the money to the sick. Hospice Care's  mission  is to serve those in community with a terminal illness and those who are   grieving, regardless of their ability to pay. Nancy Mom is a volunteer at the  store. They help collecting donations of clothes. Maybe I may have one day   chance to do volunteer. I respect what they have done.

The  most  excited thing is driving yacht on Greenwood Lake. Dad Mo has a yacht and a   helicopter. He invites  me to driving his yacht. Though I have taken yacht it is   my first time to  driving yacht. I am like a captain when I yachting on the  lake. It is great!


Summer Vacation

It is the time to summer  vacation. The campus will be closed till 14th May. I am a little bit worry about my  vacation because I haven’t car and can’t go anywhere. But I am always lucky. A  lot of friendly people take care of me.

 Firstly, my Nancy Mom who is my host  family invites me to her house. Secondly, Jeff picks me up to attend their church dinner, which is special Pakistan food. I learn how to cook the Pakistan food. Thirdly, Randy, our vice-president invites me to have vacation with his family at Edisto Beach.  Fourth, Jeannie invites me to have dinner with her family. I enjoy the time with  them. All the friendly people brighten my life at Lander University and bring  different experiences for me. I appreciate.

Specail Chinese Class in restaurant

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 Time goes fast. It is my last  Chinese class. Though I only have 5 students, we communicate well and we are  closer. They invite me to have dinner at Chinese restaurant. I enjoy and  appreciate a lot. 

  In  my class, I have introduced all kinds of Chinese Culture, such as wine culture,  tea culture, taboos in chopsticks, etc. It is a chance for us to practiced  chopsticks. They are smart and use chopsticks very well. 

Because only 5 students,  everyone is important. Otherwise we can’t have the class. Their hard study  impressed me. I appreciate David, who always brightens my class. He brings all  kinds of Chinese souvenirs into the classroom. One day he wear a Red Army Hat to  the classroom. There are lots of badges on the hat, for example Chairman Mao,  China flag. It is a good teaching aid to introduce China culture.  In  addition, he brought the Chinese Arts and Crafts to the classroom, such as  bookmarks, embroidery. We share the Chinese Art together.  

Though the Chinese class is  over, it is the beginning for them to study Chinese language and Chinese
culture. I wish the friendship will be  forever.

Graduation Ceremony

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Lander University Graduation  Ceremony is at 28th  April in the Lander Stadium.   Boyoung and I attend the Graduation Ceremony   together. We arrived ahead 2 hours. Lots of student relatives with formal dress  have seated on the stands. Student affairs staffs were busy on helping them to  find seat. 

With the beginning of the band  music, professors entered the venue, and the students followed. Secondly the  retired professor has a speech. Thirdly President awarded excellent student who  get high grade point. President Ball shakes hands with every student and awards  the graduation certificate. Everyone is excited. 
 
After the ceremony, students  take pictures with each other.

Christian Belt

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I go to the Christian church  with Jeff’s family this  weekend. It is my first time to go the Christian church  in US. As Jeff said,  SC. is a part of Christian Belt, which means a lot of  people are Christian in  this state.

At morning we go to the church  school, where  the elder shares information with Christian and communicate with  each other. We  see the video and talk about the topic as “As Christians, who do  you look up  to?”  People share the   information about what they seen and heard together.  Secondly, we participate   in worship. People sing and pray. At the end of the  worship people shank hands with each other and pray. The atmosphere is   warm.

At noon I have lunch with  Jeff’s family. The house  is very beautiful and big. They can do BBQ and swim at  the yard. Jeff’s wife’s  parents and aunts’ family always have lunch together  every weekend. They enjoy  family life. Later, we go to Greenwood Lake. To my  surprise, it is a manmade  lake about 50 years. We take pictures with Jeff’s  pretty daughter. I really  enjoy the time with their  family. They are friendly and nice people. 

My neighbor

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my neighbor
 Since I came to Lander  University, squirrel has become my neighbor. I see them every day. They are so  cute and always jump from one tree to another. One day when I open my door, the  squirrel is standing on my balcony railing. I was scared and jumped back to my  house while the squirrel was scared and jumped back to the tree. It is funning. 

I like my neighbor.


Chinese Guanxi Introduction at Uma's Business Class

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Uma is a nice lady, business  professor from India. She invites me to have a lecture on her class about  Chinese Guanxi. The students are majoring in business. They want to know how to  makes friends, how to contact with Chinese people and how to establish the  relationship with them. Because when they do business with foreigners, they should  understand their cultures.

 It is an interesting topic.  Guanxi is a Chinese term, generally translated as "networks" or "connections”.   Guanxi goes back thousands of  years and is based on traditional values of loyalty, accountability, and  obligation—the notion that if somebody does you a favor, you will be expected to  repay it one day. I am surprised that foreigners regard Chinese Guixin as the  research. There are four parts in the lecture. The first part is about my  introduction, the second part is Chinese Language, such  as”nihao”,”xiexie”,”duibuqi”,the third part is Chinese Guanxi, the fourth part  is questions and answers. I introduced Guanxi(personal network),Renqing (Human  sentiment) ,Mianzi(face) and keqi(Humility and modesty). 
 
Though it is difficult to  understand Chinese Guanxi at the first time, it is the good chance for students  to understand Chinese culture.

Board of visitors meeting

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I attend the board of visitors meeting today. 

Board of visitors comes from communities. They are club leaders, librarian and  mayor. Every year they will attend the meeting twice. The president at Lander  University will introduce the activities and answer the questions. It is the  chance for people to know Lander University.

 Bob's Lecture

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 I am so lucky to attend Bob’s  lecture on Non-Violent Sexuality. I am interested in it. Because we have less  education about this topic, I want to bring it back to China.

The lecture is  very funning. Firstly, Kim who is from Wellness center ask some questions  about self-protection, the students who answer the question can got a T-shirt.  Students all enjoy it. Secondly, Bob makes the lecture for us. His humorous  language and vivid explanation impressed me. He also performs the love scene and gives suggestions for boys and girls. I really like it. I want to introduce  it to China.

What surprised me is Bob’s wife is a nice Chinese lady. Though we haven’t met each other, we have talked on  phone and she invited me to her home, which makes me feel warm. I am so glad to make  friends all over the world.



Sanda Delegation Visit

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At April 19th-20th Sanda  University Delegation visited Lander University. I am glad to see the people from my motherland. There are 4 peoples from Sanda, Prof. Li, Jin, President,  Prof. Hua, Hua, Director of International Exchange and Cooperation,Mr. He  Lianping, Senior consultant and Miss Zhang, Qiong, Program Manager,  International Exchange and Cooperation.
 
To my excited, the president  of Sanda University is the previous president of Shanghai Normal University. I  also meet Huahua, who is now the director of Sanda University international  program and also is the previous director of Shanghai Normal University. I am  glad to meet them at USA. What a small  world.

Two Universities sign the  contract which is the beginning of the cooperation. We also have the campus  tour. Lander introduced the student dormitory and rehabilitation centre which  involves the horse of the farm. It is helpful to the persons with  disabilities.
 
 I  wish Land University will have more international cooperation all over the  world.

Farewell Dinner

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The Farewell Dinner is a  special dinner for the First Korean Exchange Students. The students will be home  at next week.  All the Korean  students and their host families, deans of Lander University, presidents are invited by international program. It is the dinner for people who help the  Korean Students at Lander University. With their help, the students have a nice  experience at USA. 
 
The Korean students do good  job. At the beginning, they share the PPT and Video to show their study, their  campus life and their travel at USA. Though it is just 4 months, they not only  have fun and make friends but also learn a lot. I am moved by their experience.  Secondly, 2 students give a presentation about their study at Lander University.  They reported what they thought and learn. Thirdly some students got the  Honorary Citizen of Greenwood. They appreciate and remember what Lander has done  for them.

 As Dr. Park said, it is not the end for them but is the beginning  to develop their friendship. I wish they will have a good future.

Food Service

Food service is a part of  student affairs in Lander University. Chris Spellman receives me at the food  service. He told me that for the safety, all the food at Lander University is  provided by ARAMARK, which is a universal chain restaurant. He will in charge of  70 people, who work for the ARAMARK. They provide the food from morning to night. With their hard work, students and faculties are satisfied with the food.  There are 6 parts in the dining hall. Such as Salad, Vegetarian  food, pizza, sandwich,  Household food and creative zone which is not regular. 
  
What impressed me is their good communication. Firstly, they use facebook to share information and talk with  students. Secondly, everyday 10am, Chris will have an interview at University’s  radio station, talk about the menu and suggestions. Thirdly, they use the  comment card to collect suggestions from students and faculties.  For  example, one student wants strawberry ice cream and writes the comment card,  they buy it for the student later. Fourthly, they send emails to everyone for  everyday’s menu. 
 
What a good  job!

Group counseling

It is the last time for the  group counseling. I am glad to have chance to attend and study the activities.  Cece prepared lots of pizza and cookies, drinks for the students, which makes  them feel comfortable and relax. In addition, Cece give everyone a package with  the candy, water, Blowing bubbles, chocolate and a cute dog doll, which is  helpful to someone who are in upset.
 
I introduce the game named as wearing a magic hat to them. With the  magic hat, everyone’s merits will brighten. We will write down the merits and  appraise everyone. In China, I led the students did a lot of times, but this is the  first time at abroad. We all enjoy the group game and everyone was moved. 
 
I am glad we have a nice team, everyone gets along well. I  appreciate their receiving and sweet wish. Thanks for Cece’s help, I learn a  lot.
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LUPD



LUPD means Lander University  Police Department which is  a part of student affairs. I am surprised that they  do a lot of jobs for the  campus safety. Firstly, they will patrol in the campus.  They wear body armor  and bring guns, bullets, interphone which nearly 20 pounds.  Secondly, they will  report the campus situation for the public online. Most  problems are alcohol,  because alcohol is not permitted in campus. Thirdly they  face to the student  directly. If student need help, they will help them  immediately. 
  
By the way, I have a campus  tour with Ray, who is a very  nice police. He told me, why greenwood named  greenwood, because here is full of  green and wood. It is spring, I really like  the green and  wood.

Career Guidance

 
I have taken up student career  guidance about 6 years. It is a good chance for me to study career guidance at  Lander University. I observe that Josh, the director of career guidance, helps  the students revise their resumes. Every student who needs help may contact with  Josh. He will have an interview with them. Today he meets 5 students and each is aobut 30 mins. 

I am interested in career guidance so I interview Josh at the  afternoon. Firstly, career development education. Each student should take the  career guidance class as 3 credit cards in senior. They focus on the behavior,  such as job search skills, salary negotiations, legal, sales training, because  they have decided what they want to do before they go to the university.  Secondly is entrepreneurship education. They don’t encourage students do  business by themselves. They think the students should work at the company and  learn first. Thirdly is employment ratio. The job should be at least 50%  related to their major. Otherwise it can’t be involved in employment. It is a hard job, so John always works hard. Sometimes he phoned to the students and their faculties and parents to help them get a job. He shares some PPT about career guidance  to me. I appreciate a lot.

My Presentation for China-Korea Trip Program

 This weekend I give a  presentation about China for the China-Korea Trip program. The China-Korea Trip  program consists of 10 people, who are professor, students, staff and alumni.  They will spend a month in China and Korea to study Asia Culture and History.  The students can get 3 credit cards.              

Before they go to China, I give a presentation about the general understanding about China. There are 4 parts in my lecture. I introduce my   growth to show the Chinese Education, my job to show Shanghai Normal University,  my daily life to represent Shanghai and my travel in China to represent our  country. I put a lot of pictures on the PPT to make it vivid, sent the Shanghai  map, let them taste the White Rabbit Candy which primer Zhou send to Nixon in  1970s and give the SHNU postcard with the best wish to their trip. In addition,  I teach some simple Chinese to them, such as “nǐhǎo(hello)”,”xièxiè(thanks)”,”duìbuqǐ(sorry)”.They are smart and they study well.  

My Study at Campus Recreation and Intramurals

I study at Campus Recreation  and Intramurals with Director Trent Kline this week. Trent is nice and patient.

Firstly, I visited the  school's sports venues. There are various venues in the campus, such as swimming  pool, Gym, softball, basketball, flying disc venues. It is open every day and  free for every students. Secondary, he introduced the campus Recreation and  Intramurals to me. Campus Recreation and intramurals involves all kinds of  outside activities. They organized Cooper River Bridge Walk,
Rafting and  Horseback running and etc. In addition, they organize the sports competition for  entertainment. Thirdly I interview with Trent. Trent is in charge of campus  Recreation and Intramurals. He works from noon to 10pm and take care all the  activities. He trained 30-50 student leaders to help his
work. Students manage  the sports venues everyday and gain the wage. They are good co-operation and  work well. At last, he gives me the schedule about their activities. I observe  the basketball and softball game.

I am inspired lot of about  insurance and undertaking. When they organize the outside activities, they will  ask the students to hand in the insurance or undertaking about the dangerous.  When the incident occurred, they can get the help from 
not only the university  but also the insurance.   
 

New office


 We move to the new office this  week, which located in the library. I occupied the reception desk which will be  used for the student in future. It is  comfortable.
 
I like the library. Firstly,  it is quite and students can focus on their study. Secondary, it is spacious.  There are several study rooms where student can discuss together. Thirdly it is  easy to lend and read books.

Students host family

I have  dinner with the students host family on saturday. It is mishy’s 17 years birthday. We celebrate the birthday party together and enjoy each other. I give Mishy a Chinese fan as the gift and best wishes.

 It is my first time  to see the students host family. Host families are  volunteers to help the  international students to adjust their life. I  appreciate and respect them.  

Mandarin CLass

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I begin my Chinese teaching in  2nd April and end in  25th April, twice a week. There are 5 students in my class. David Donahue is a businessman, who has been China more than 30times. Robert Helfrich retired and his son and grandson settled in Shanghai, he has been Shanghai 7 times and visited the Shanghai World  Expo. Carly Murray is a sophomore student at Lander University, she want to  study Chinese to improve herself. It is useful for her career development. Barb  Perters is professor at Piedmontech College. Her daughter has adopted a Chinese  girl, she want to say some Chinese to the little girl. Marylou Wilson is also a  professor at Piedmontech College. She study hard and go to classroom early, she  is the first student I met. 
 
Though I take class for more  than 200 students in China, it is a challenge for me to teach 5 foreigner  students.  The small class makes us close and looks like friends. We have more  communication than the big class. I like my students and will try my best to  teach. 
 
There are 3 parts in my class. The first part is Chinese Pinyin,  which similar to phonetics in English. With Chinese Pinyin, students can  pronounce by themselves. The second part is Chinese text, which is useful  elementary spoken Chinese. The third part is Chinese culture, the introduction  of Chinese etiquette, which the students are interested in. 

I wish I can spread Chinese culture on my class and students will  enjoy the class.


Teaching material

My Teaching

Cooper River Bridge Run-March 31,21012

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This weekend we participated in the 35th Annual Cooper  River Bridge Run, which is a way to encourage people fitness. The Cooper River Bridge Run is an annual 10-kilometer (6.2 mi) one-way road running event held in the cities of Mount Pleasant and Charleston in South Carolina.

 We depart at 5:30 and arrive at starting point about 6 o’clock in the morning. Many people has waited before  we arrived. Some are a family of three, some are friends and others are the members of clubs. They are chatting with each other happily. It is funning that some people wear fancy dress to enjoy and make friends. They are friendly to take picture with me. 
 
After 3 hours waiting, we  start at 9 o’clock. People can choose run or walk. I like photography, so I  choose walk. I take a lot of pictures on my way. Several bands performance at  the cross and encourage people to keep going. They clap and sing. Soldiers walk  around the bridge for the safe. Fathers and mothers walk with the baby carriage.  I enjoy walking on the bridge with the wind and sunshine in my face though it is tired. What a nice experience.  

Thanks for the student activities department, they do good job for the studnets!
 

Fancy dress


People are wearing fancy dress to participate in the running.

The lady had her wedding last night. 


Thousands of People on Bridge



Students and staffs enjoy their running and walking

The First-Annual Lander University Legislative Day at the State -29th March

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The SC. House

This important day is the perfect opportunity to meet the local representatives, see the legislative  process in action and show my support for Lander University!

 In the morning, we have a  House of Representatives Visit. We walk House, go into the gallery of the House  of Representatives, watch the legislative session and view a Senate session. 
 
At noon, we attend the presentation about the introduction of State of Business. We spend a lot of time in  international investment because foreign investment has become a much more  important job creator in SC. SC. department of commerce international office is  located in Germany and Shanghai China, which is my hometown.

I hope SC can grasp  the opportunities of globalization and develop faster and  better.


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Introduction of Business

A variety of student activities

This week I practice at  Student Activities. With the  help of Shelby, I attend some meetings and  activities. Because the students activities held in the spare time, staff will work from 1pm. to 10 pm.
 
1. Training for student  leader

In order to train the expo leader,  Shelby and Mandy take a lecture about shifting attitude for them. At the beginning, she asks the students “what do you heat that offends you, why does it strike a nerve, what can we do to exchange or shift other’s attitude?” and then have discuss. Students share their experience and think about how to be a good  leader. Secondly, they talk about the LU jargon, which will be used in expo.  Thirdly, they practice the problems.

2. Meeting for Cooper River Bridge Run/Walk and Panhellenic

On Monday afternoon, I attend  the Cooper River Bridge Run/Walk meeting, which is the reparatory meeting for  Saturday, such as handing in insurance, handing out schedule and T-shirt and  room arrangement. The Panhellenic meeting will be held every week.  They discuss  the upcoming events, new business, new things going on and  announcement. The  sorority has a long history and each university has the  Panhellenic  which  contact with National Panhellenic Conference.      
  
3. Activities by  UPC

This week there are 2  activities organized by UPC  (University Program Concern), which is organized by students. One is Recycle Fashion Show and another is Open Mic night. The purpose  of Recycle Fashion Show is donation. Students donate their clothes and have a  catwalk models show.  After the Show the clothes will donate to the charity. The  purpose of the Open Mic night is entertainment. Student gather together to sing  and enjoy themselves. 

Exciting Rafting

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This weekend I went to Ocoee  River, which located in Tennessee State. We do horse-back riding and White Water   Rafting. The horse-back riding is exciting and the rafting is funning. Several  students fall into the river while rafting. It is crazy and we enjoy  ourselves.

 This program is organized by student activities. It is the good chance for students to know each other.  Before they go to the trip, the staff gives them schedule and suggestion. A  staff should take care of about 50 students. They do good  job.


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The handling of the  incident

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students pray for the Victim

Wednesday night around 11p.m. 3 female students who lived  in Bearcat Village were assaulted by 2 male suspects. The suspects forcibly entered the apartment at gunpoint. I am sorry to hear the news and I also learn Lander University's rapid respond to  emergencies. 

In 12:30 p.m. every  faculty and student got the email about “Take safety precautions. Lock all  windows and doors”. In the morning, at 9 o’clock we got more information from  mail. In the noon 11 o’clock there is an interview with president. At 5 p.m. the   university urges everyone to alert to  surroundings.

 I think Lander University  response rapidly and timely, which has a strong ability to handle  incident.


Welcome Home-Student and teachers welcome BEARCATS  spontaneous

The Fourth Week- Study At Wellness Center


With the help of Randy I got my schedule this week. I will be study at different student affair  administration departments in the future 2 months. Thanks a lot. I will try my best to do it.

 1.    kindly wellness center

 This week I study at wellness center. I know my new colleagues, chatted with Kitty, Cece and observed the
nurse how to work, which inspired me a lot. 
 
Wellness center  consists of three parts, health service, counseling services and disability.  They support students healthy from physical to mental. Firstly, they work hard  and always save the lunch time to do their job. Secondary, they are patient, as  the evaluation of their work is excellent. Thirdly, their work are very  professional, they further their study by training such as “Removing  suicidal students from campus: the significance of recent changes in federal  policy.”  Fourthly, they are willing to share. Cece show me all kinds of books and toys  which can be used in the group counseling. She taught me how to company with
their team.  I am expected to learn  more in the next week.


2.    Interesting psychology class

 I attend the social  psychology class and counseling class. Both classes are interesting. On the one
hand, the topic in social class is about propinquity effect, the professor  organize the game for students to experience and verify the effect. On the other  hand, it is a counseling session this time. The professor ask the students to  practice “paraphrase”、“overshoot”、“summarize”.  Each enjoys the class.  


3.    exciting activities

 I attend all kinds of activities this week, such as exciting  basketball game on Monday night, the beautiful ballet "Sleeping Beauty" on  Tuesday night, the elegant piano concert on Thursday night and the baseball game  on Saturday night. What moved me a lot is the basketball women's team wins the  champion in SC. Last but not least, I attend the breakfast for faculty and chat  with President Ball. I think it is a good chance to communicate with each other  and make people closer. 

 

RA System- Interview With Chandler

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Last week  I spend 3 days in attending the RA interview meeting, I am so confuse about RA  system. Today I have an interview about Chandler. She is patient and gives me some answer which inspire s me.

 Each RA  should take care of 30-50 students, which involves girls and boys. They will inspect the students, be aware of and report the illness, abnormal behavior,  long absences or social isolation. They help the students to solve all kinds of  problems. They will participate in some training to improve the ability. They need to have strong time management skills, they should balance the  relationship between work and study and they should have strong communication  skills.

 I think  RA is a good example of peer education. On the one hand, the RA experience  cultivate RAs' abilities and improve the responsibilities, on the other hand,  RAs help the students to solve the problems. RA system also enable staff have  more time to organize training and do co-ordinate  plan.


My Third Weekend

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It is the weekend, I relax myself, do my work and study, write my blogger, attend the dinner. What a nice weekend. 
 
At Saturday morning I go to the farm  with Boyoung. She likes horse and begins her first riding class. It is a beautiful farm, pond, trees, horses, chickens and dogs are around the farm. I love it. Boyoung is smart and brave, she study quickly and well. We take some nice pictures.


At the afternoon, we observe the RA group building. Students are divided into 4groups. Each group will finish the task,  the staff will observe the students performance. Some students are too nervous at the interview, but they do better in the team building within the relax environment. I often organize the group building in our university. They are similar. I like it.

On Sunday  I attend the meeting about Asia Summer Study Program, which organized by the  Office of International Program. They list the weekly orientation schedule and tentative itinerary, which involves much specific details. Today they finish  their Chinese visa application and the other sheets. There will be 8 times meeting about the program. Bouyong invite me to have a presentation about China, I think it is a good chance to introduce China.

In the evening we attend the dinner, which is prepared for students and faculty and staff of Lander’s International Students  and Scholar Services by Sam & Margo Tolbert. The food is delicious and the  atmosphere is warm. Students sing with the guitar. We all enjoy it. Thanks for  the invitation.

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Psychology Class and RA Study


3-7
I am a psychology PHD candidate, I want to meet the professor and learn more. I choose the social psychology,  Counseling, psychology research. Today is social psychology, which taken by Dr.  Jonathan Bassett. It is my first day to attend to psychology class in US. I am  excited and nervous. Dr. Jonathan Bassett is nice. He introduces me to everyone  and begins his class. It is a quiz at the beginning of the class about 15mins  and it is the fourth quiz in this term. That is different from in China. We just  have the terminal exam. The class is interesting. There are many activities for  students to experience. The professor communicates well with the students. The class form is various, such as video, discuss, lecture, pictures. The education  resource is abundant. Students can download the PPT from the blackboard. It is
effective. I want to get the PPT, but I can’t download since I am a visiting  scholar. Thanks for the help of Dr. Jonathan Bassett, he email me all the PPT. I  enjoy the class.

 Later I attend the RA selection by housing   service. It is a big job. Since 67 students apply for the RA, there are only 16  positions. It should be competition. It will last the whole week. Each RA candidate should experience the interview and group building and they can be   evaluated comprehensive. It is like a professional company interview. I think  whether the students will get the offer or not, they can learn much from the RA  selection experience.   

3-8
Today I continue the RA selection. I  have many questions about RA, so I reserve the meeting with chandler at Monday.  I got some stuff from housing service, which helps me a  lot.

 In the afternoon I attend the psychology research class, taken by Dr. Deborah Acorn. To my surprise, she brings some snack to the class and shares them with the students at the beginning of the  class. There is a quiz at the beginning too. Students do quiz and eat candy,  potato chips as well. Then she begins her class. At first she introduces the  principle and then asks the students to do some exercise. I like the small  class. Students can communicate with the professor easily and solve the problem without delay. The professor can know each name. They are close. 
 
Because the class needs computer system and  I can’t log in, I just attend one class. Thanks Dr. Deborah Acorn.     

3-9
Today is the last day for RA selection interview. What a big program, which spent lots of time on it. We finish at nearly 5pm. I learn a lot from the interview. The stuffs are specification, the  procedure is standard, and interviewers are objective. We enjoy the  selection.

 I attend the class about social psychology,  today is about IAT. I am familiar with this field since we have done such  research in China. There are lots of interactivities in the class. I like the  teaching style and enjoy the class.  
   
In the evening, we go to see the opera  about “CRIMES OF THE HEART”. What a crazy story. I do volunteer at the theater and my ticket is free. We guide the audience the seat and send out the  booklets. it is interesting experience.
             

Observe the Board of  Trustees Meeting

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Today is a big day. I am glad to attend the Board of Trustees Meeting.

 On the morning I attend the Student  Affairs Report at Randy’s meeting room. The report involves all the Division of  Student Affairs, such as Residence Life, Student Wellness Center, Disability  Service, Counseling Service, Lander University Police, etc. There are not only  the charts, but also lots of analyses about the details in the report. It is a  good job. 

To my surprise, a girl named Magi, who is a   student government association president, also attends the meeting. It seems   the university pays more attention on the students needs. She communicates with  the trustees well. I like her confidence.        

Then we have the lunch with Board of  Trustees. We pray for the better future about Lander University. In the  afternoon, I attend the Board of Trustees Meeting. There are 7 reports in the  meeting, for example, Institutional Advancement Committee Report, Students  Affairs Report. And then we leave, the Trustees discuss. 

I learn a different way to manage the  university, which broaden my view.


Busy Work Day

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This week is busy and I enjoy it.

 On the Monday morning, I have a meeting with Shelly about my Chinese teaching. We prepare to begin at April  2nd, and end at April 25th. I think it is a chance to introduce East Culture and teach people to speak Chinese. 
 
Then I have a meeting with Randy at  noon, he helps me to learn student affair at the different department. Thanks so  much. At 3pm I attend a meeting about expo, which is oriental to the freshmen. 



Spring Break

I have a great Spring Break. I am luck to  travel Atlanta, Pawleys Island, Beach-Mytel, and go shopping. Thanks for my new friends Chandler Darling, Joe Frank, Deb Nigro, Boyoung Roh, Hyunja Kim. You brighten my travel.

 I love the beach-pawleys, because it is different from where I have been. Blue sky, white cloud, endless long coastline makes the beach beautiful. Migratory birds passing by the sea, jellyfish and shells washed up on the beach, a few people walk along the beach. We pick up the shells, starfish, and the tooth of shark. I take much photography because I want to record every moment and remember it in the bottom of my heart. 
 
I love Chandler’s  house, all kinds of children paintings are hanging on the wall, which makes the room warm. In the evening we chat with the history of the house, share travel  experiences, compare the American life with the Chinese and Korea. We like a family, though we come from China, Korea, and United States. 
 
Although the holidays are over, but the good memories will stay forever in my  heart.

Special Breakfast

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Today I attend the ‘Lander University’s Twelfth Annual  Staff Excellence Awards Breakfast’ in the morning, which is only for staff. It is special for me. President Ball shakes hands with every staff at the gate of  the University’s dining hall. It seems the relationship between  the president and the staff is close. Every staff attends the activity and enjoys their  breakfast. After a while the president introduces the brief information about  the excellent and awards the plaque to them, thanks for the contribution they  made ​​for the university. The atmosphere was very cordial  and warm, I am  moved. Linda Kidd is one of the excellent staff. Her office is beside me, I am  pleased she is awarded. Congratulations!     

To celebrate Linda’s award, Dr. Park would like to provide a pizza lunch for everyone today. Though I eat Papa John’s in Shanghai many times, it is my first time to eat Papa John’s at US, where is the birthplace of pizza. I like the cheese pizza, it tastes  well.

Mandy McCaslan likes collecting Special editions of Dr. Pepper.  what a funning!

I have a meeting with President  Daniel Ball in the afternoon. He is a nice person. I have met him at the
basketball game. He promised to help me during my visiting. I am expected to my study. Secretary for President is Sadie Erwin, who is a helpful lady.  
  
In the evening, Dr. Park invited some  foreigner students have dinner. Thank Mrs. Park for the delicious Korea food, I really like it. I learn some Korean.


Enjoy My Weekend

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 I am glad Dr Park invites me to see the basketball game. It is the last basketball game in this season. When Lander thanks final-year students for their contribution, I am moved. There must be a memorable time for the students.

 Boyoung invite 3 Korea students to have dinner with us, cause the boys don’t travel at the spring break. I do some Chinese food and Boyoung do some Korea. We enjoy our dinner.


On Sunday, I go to the church with Boyoung, though I know little about catholic I think it is a good chance to know America culture. I take some pictures and I feel it is eaceful and harmonious.


I go to the Greenwood Lake in the afternoon. It is a clean and beautiful lake, several birds fly in the air and beautiful villas built around the lake. I like travelling and take some beautiful pictures. When I come back to China, I will share my picture to my friends. I love this town. I want to know more about Greenwood and Lander.

My Fourth Day-Knowledge of the Coin

 
Today I got my account. It is rain heavily, Jeff help me to open an account. He always explains patiently and  teaches me a lot. I learn America  culture from the coin. As Jeff said there is subtle different on the coin, they are made by different factory. He shows me the difference, some are D, some are P, which is interesting. We spend nearly 2hours at the bank and I appreciate him so much.

 Tomorrow will be the a weekend, I think it is my beginning at Lander, there will be much challenge for me. I am lucky because many people help me. I feel warm.

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My Third Day

Today in the morning I have a meeting with vice president Randy Bouknight, Jeff  and Boyoung are company with me. Mr. Bouknight introduces the student affairs to me and promise to help me. I am glad to have a chance to study at Lander and I promise I will try my best to do.


In the afternoon Boyoung help me to finish the Lander ID and register my computer. I am excited I have officially become one of the Lander. Then I attend a meeting  about the disabled students. I think Lander pay more attention to the disabled,  from physical to mental. It deserves me to study. After I finish my job, I  wander at the campus and take some picture. The campus is really beautiful evening. 

Lander’s First Impression

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 The environment is good. In the morning when the sun rise, the birds singing around me, just like the song prelude of “the sound of silence”. Squirrels jump from one tree to another. Trees are highly, branches stretch out as far as they can. What a peaceful town. I like it.I will begin my first work day.

 In the morning Boyoung introduce me to everyone in the office. With the warm greeting, I began my work. I list what I want to learn at Lander, Boyoung promise to help me. I appreciate her so much. At the noon I see many student associations at the hall, Boyoung told me it is Spring break Mardi gras. We take pictures with the mask, it is interesting. I meet many foreigner students at lunch, one of the Korea students not only can speak Chinese but also can sing Chinese song, it is funny and I feel we are
close.  

In the afternoon, I visit the campus. Jeff is  a nice and patient guider. He introduces me that Lander has been built more than 100 years. At the beginning it is the university for girls. The Lander tower is the oldest building in the campus. What a beautiful tower which is historical and artistic. I visit the four colleges and take some pictures. The  most interesting thing is I take the photo at the campus TV, My friend said I look like a CBS host. It is funning. While bearcat is lovely and I take pictures with it. Jeff introduces me to more than 20 persons, maybe I haven’t remembered everyone’s name, I remember every cordial smile. People at Lander are nice, I feels warm.

 I think Lander do much for the students’ benefit. Some foreigner students’ bikes are broken. Jeff and Boyoung change the better to them. I am surprised that Jeff can repair bike. The students try bicycle and appreciate them so much. 

In the evening, Dr Park invites me to watch the basketball game. Dr Park is so nice just like my family. He sent me a Bearcat T-shirt and my favorite popcorn. I really like the T-shirt, because I am the bearcat supporter. I am glad that we win the game. 

Later I do some shopping. Though it is too late for Boyong, she picks me up to the walmart andhelp me to buy necessity. She always take care me. How nice a girl!    

My first day is fulfilling. I meet a lot of people and know the history of Lander University. I am proud of Lander, I appreciate Lander.

Arrival

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After nearly 20 hours flight, I arrive at  Lander University at Feb 21st. My dream to be as a visiting scholar  at Lander may come true. I will be at Lander University study student affairs administration about 5 month, I am so excited.

 I appreciate for all Lander have done. Dr Park is a nice person, as soon as I get Lander, he invite me to have dinner at his house. Mrs. Park even prepare the breakfast for me. I feel as warm as the  family. Jeff picks me up and helps me to settle down, he is humor and always makes joking, which makes me feel relax. Boyoung is a pretty girl and she is a neighbour to me. She introduces each electrical appliance for me and tell me how to use. She is a patient and nice girl.

It is my first day at Lander, nice people and beautiful place impressed me. I expected to study more and make friends with them.

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