2021_02_19.W6 Notes

 

15 February 2021 Monday’s note


Guest = Ms.BJ

  1. 🎓 Face to face graduation 

  • Graduation in the gym (basketball court)

  • Social distancing

  • Optional (not mandatory) online & offline


  1. Yearbook and senior pages

  • Beginning of the 4th quarter = photo booth in School for senior picture 

  • A good camera is prepared for us 

  • Small picture for the teachers and the friends


Q&A

Iksoo: How about we take a senior video?

That’s a good idea, but the class should discuss it first.

How can we get a gown? (graduation gown)

The school can send it to you, but we should send it back to the school again.

Yulmae: Can we have time for reflection?

Possibly = through the zoom, 

Not sure = physical gathering due to Covid 19 

Josiah: Can we have a swing dancing event? (at graduation day) 

Ms. BJ will think about it

Annie: senior retreat at the soccer field

Maybe :)


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Mr. Hall sees improvement on the notes (Yes !!!!!!!)


Reasons for losing points on the note 


  1. Context

    1. Vocabulary that Mr. emphasized in class

    2. Chapter notes

*** it is important to check our notes with the classmates. 


  1. Organization

    1. Look good (we should simply get information through the notes)

    2. Format 

    3. Divide the main idea into smaller pieces (small chunks)


  1. Visual exegesis

ex: food >>> mouth >>> stomach 

  • We should divide the information into smaller chunks

(it helps us to understand the information)


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Chapter 3 summary from Mr. Hall (building their raft)

Important = 4 things to prepare for the departing.


  1. Reconciliation 화해: A fancy word for reestablishing a piece of you. 

= identification of someone or something or person from previous encounters or knowledge.

  • Try fixing relationships to have a good relationship.

  • Forgiveness is a part of reconciliation

  • It is hard to do

ex: Jesus reconciled us to God. 

Avoid = burn bridges: Destroying connection and relationship

Ex: I need to say this to George before destroying the relationship with him.

 Opposite of reconciliation = burn bridges

  1. Affirmation 확인: Decide to compliment & encourage others

  • You will leave better if you do this.

  • Making a good image of yourself. 


  1. Farewell 작별인사: saying “good-bye”. You might regret it if you don’t do this.

  • Do not avoid this, even though it might feel awkward

  • It can be really important for other people.

  • Just do it. Force yourself even though you don’t want (better than regretting it)

  1. Think destination: 미래 계획 Preparing…. Think about the place you go. 

Ex: spies look ahead before the mission. 

Knowing information before you face the situation is helpful. 

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Additional notes 

{Character sheet} 2021_01_18.GNG Character Sheets.SS

The boys did a good job on formatting. Mr. Hall likes the visual slides.

  • Henry  banned for this week XD


Chapter 4 

(Fish out of Water The Transition Stage)

  • Start of transition stage = begins the moment you leave a place. 

  • It ends once you have the desire (conscious or unconscious), to connect with, commit to and participate in the new place.

Chaos and Ambiguity

  • The most common characteristic of the transition stage = utter chaos


  • Unexpected Shock

  • TCK have had to be observant in order to see what was happening around them and to understand the reasons for what they saw.

  • TCKs are more observant compared to other domestic students.

  • TCKs must treat passport culture the same way they would any other foreign culture. This is BIG.

  • Things Change

  • You’ve changed while you’ve been away.

> your international experience has given you different sets of rules,    norms and customs.

Tips = buy a guidebook to the country where you will be attending university, even if it is your home country. 

 “Enter as a foreigner - not as a hidden immigrant” - Uncle Dan, TCKid.com-

Transition Shock

  • The Transition stage is also where culture shock begins to take place. 

  • Culture shock = “the feelings of confusion and anxiety experienced by somebody suddenly encountering an unfamiliar cultural environment”



^^^ 

This diagram shows the stage of cultural shock or country shock.

  • When it is experienced shock upon repatriation it is often referred to as reverse culture shock or re-entry shock.

  • The horizontal axis is indicative of the progression of time. I prefer not to indicate weeks or months here because each person progresses to and through transition shock differently and in varying time spans.

  • It is possible to go back and forth between the different phases. 

  • The mid-line represents normal level of feeling

The Honeymoon Stage

  • Arrival in the home or host country = initial euphoria

  • Everything is exciting, new and fun (feel like a tourist)

  • This stage happens when you return “home”.




The Dip

  • Everything and everybody seems so materialistic, shallow,ethnocentric, and bigoted and the list goes on and on. 

  • This is the crisis stage of transition shock. It is indicated by the curve, mentioned earlier, a dip down from the normal level of feeling.


“Until you are ready to embrace home, perhaps 

it is better that its charms elude you”

-Craig Storti in The Art of Coming Home-

Fight or Flight

  • This is when you resist the adjustment and want to return to your host country and old friends. 

> You may become angry and start mocking your home country culture, something which can be very dangerous. 


Freeze and Friends  

  • There is a possibility that you could get stuck or freeze in this stage and not move forward. 

> When you first move to the new culture, you may find everything is new, fun, and exciting. 

> over time this euphoria gives way to feelings of irritability and hostility.

> be patient and look for resources to help you get through it


Gradual Adjustment

Emotional instability = another trademark of the transition stage, but it is predictable and expected.

  • Everyone here is so much smarter than me

  • I chose the wrong school.


Typical Reactions

Student may feel

  • Fear = worry they will not succeed academically or socially in this place.

  • Disappointment = perhaps the school, the people, the classes or the experiences have not met up to their expectations.

  • Low self-esteem = arises from feeling marginalized.

Tips: Give yourself some time. “This too shall pass.”  


Cultural Incidents

  • On top of everything else you have to deal with when entering a country or culture.

Type 1 Cultural incidents

  • It occurs when we react to the behavior of the people of the local culture.

  • These types of incident take place when we first move to a foreign country


Type 2 Cultural Incidents

  • It occurs when the local people react to our behavior.

Ex: it can be as simple as getting laughed at in the U.S. for asking a classmate for a “rubber”.

Examples

Type I incidents

Type II incidents

  • Being greeted with a hug when you are used to a handshake.

  • Feeling offended because someone eats in front of you without offering you any.

  • Having to jockey for position while waiting your turn to be served instead of standing in a line

  • Wrongly assuming the gratuity has been included in the restaurant bill so you leave only the small change.

  • Showing up 20 minutes late for a meeting where it is considered unprofessional to be late.


Expecting Cultural Sameness

It is not unusual to have feelings of self-doubt and lose your self-confidence when these things are routinely taking place

Cultural Effectiveness

It is attained by becoming aware of these reactions and realizing that cultural incidents occur because we are expecting cultural sameness.


Tips: Don’t be afraid to ask questions in order to better understand the culture.


Hitting the dip

Once the “honeymoon” stage over, reality begins to set in and feelings of fun give way to a whole spectrum of emotions


Flip Flopping Emotions

  • Human beings bring order into their lives by creating routines.

> These routines become so well-rehearsed that you get to the point where you no longer need to keep them on a conscious level in order to repeat them.

  • The learning curve is steep when internationals first enter or global nomads re-enter.

  • Many things coming at you once and you could feel overwhelmed

  • It is normal to feel this way

  • It will eventually settle down and you will be able to laugh at your experiences.


Exaggerated Responses

  • Many things coming at you at once

> it feels quite overwhelming and it can be an enormous problem.


Homesickness

  • It is tough to avoid not just for international students but all students.

  • It is an expression of grief.


“There are times when you can decide to be homesick. Choose to be homesick - don’t let it choose you!”

-Libby Stephens, Interaction Intl-


How to beat homesickness:

  • Plan a time when you don’t have to be anywhere for a while

  • Put your favorite music on

  • Look at your photo albums and school yearbooks

  • Have a good cry

Try this: Instead of trying to fight off homesickness, pick a good time and just give in to it.



The Blues

  • Blue days, crying spells and mood swings are normal in the transition stage.


How to shake the blues:

  • Engage in activities that bring you joy.

  • Try identifying all the good that has come from this change in your life

  • Get your mind off things by going to a comedy film or out with new friends


Thoughts of Transferring

Many students begin entertaining thoughts about transferring out to another school during this time.

Everyone Goes Through It

This is such a difficult time for students because they are desperately missing their best friends and want someone to talk to.

Exhausting Time

You need to take care of yourself so you don’t become sick and get behind in your classes



Depression Versus Grief

If you are spending your time living in the past, finding no joy in the present, you may be heading towards clinical depression and you need to seek professional help.

Grief

  • We all experience various losses

  • It is a part of life

  • Loss is a common theme for TCKs 

Depression

  • It is bigger than grief

  • There are some wonderful antidepressants drugs now on the market

  • Listen to the sign of depression 

  • Sleeping too little or much

  • Little appetite

  • Lost weight

  • Irritability 

  • Hard time concentrating

Student Health and Counseling Services

Student counseling centers exist on nearly every college campus and many have other less overt layers of student support.


Choose Well

When you make an appointment with a counselor ask for someone who has had experience living internationally or who knows about TCKs.


The good news is :

  • Depression,suicide and other mental health issues in university students are taken seriously

  • There is help available

  • You never have to face it alone


Surviving the Chaos

Self-Centeredness

  • It is not a bad thing at this time in your life and your transition.

  • Thinking about taking care of yourself

Plan Ahead

  • Don’t wait for the break to be upon you before thinking about where you will go.

  • Plan your tips for the year early on.


Ask Questions

It could be that the burning question you have but are too embarrassed to ask at the risk of looking completely foolish is something other first-year students don’t understand as well and it has nothing to do with the culture


Invite Visitors

Feeling negative about the school => invite someone to come and visit => you can show them around your new environment => point out all the best things about living there

Extend Grace

Try not to go by first impressions of other students you meet because everyone is reacting to all the newness and may be feeling stressed.

Make It and Adventure

  • Treat each challenges as an adventure

  • What stories could you take away from your uncomfortable experiences?

Temporary and Unique

  • Learn to laugh every day, especially at yourself

  • Remember that this is just a stage

  • It is unique and temporary and, in time, you will get through it.

17 February 2021 Wednesday’s note


{Guest1 Sansan} Sanjaya Widodo

  • Sansan is an alumnus of MCS

  • He is attending the University of Wisconsin- Madison (UW Madison)

  • Major = Mechanical Engineering


How do you feel about the first year in college?

  • I am happy because there is more free time since classes are online. No worry about transportation or food. 

  • But, I am quite sad because of missing in-person experiences. 

What was the hardest adjustment and struggle due to transition?

  • Time management due to the time difference between the U.S and Indonesia

  • get used to online class was difficult for Sansan

  • Struggle - bad wife

How did you get involved in the community? Any difference from your community in high school?

  • Different student organizations (ex: Christian groups, Indonesian organizations...)

  • Highly recommend being a part of the community (ex Christian community)

How did you balance your academics and social life?

  • Calling high school friends through Discord at night 

  • Playing games with his university friend 

Any distinction between high school and university?

  • In university, you choose your own class, extracurricular, internships, or other programs

  • In high school, you follow the school’s schedule 

How to build a relationship with a professor?

  • Submit assignment early

  • Come to class early and have some chat 

  • Send emails to the professor if you have questions

If you had to do your first year all over again, what would you do differently?

  • I will attend more office hours 

What last words do you have for the Class of 2021?

  • Cherish your times as a senior

  • Try to keep a connection with each other 

> it is difficult to make a friend in college because it’s online.  


Q&A

Iksoo - Why don’t you take offline classes in the U.S?

  •  He is NOT ready to go America (too sudden)

  •  Not much thing to do in the U.S due to Covid-19

  • Better to stay in Indonesia for this year


How did you manage your time because your school is in the U.S.? (different time zone from Indonesia)

  • He Sleeps at 10 a.m. and wakes up at 5 a.m.

  • Some of his friends do the same things, so he doesn’t feel lonely 


David W - How long did it take you to settle down?

  • 2 weeks to 1 month due to the different time zone (Indonesia to America) 


Josiah - Are you thinking about earning a master’s degree? 

  • Not sure about it



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{Guest2 Herlina} Herlina Widodo

  • Fiona’s older sister (Class of 2015) 

  • Attending Arizona State University (ASU)

> She is a senior

  • Major = Informatics (computer engineering)


What was your freshman year like? Did you have any struggles during the transition from MCS to College?

  • It was fun due to gaining freedom (a lot of free time). 

  • You can be independent (fully controlling your time your self)

  • It was a bit hard because I was not used to speaking English.

> it got better after the first semester.

How has your TCK life influenced your identity development?

  • It changed the way I see the world

  • I was narrow-minded because did not experience much before

  • I learned that college lets me choose how to build my own life

Does anything surprise you?

  • Grades in college don’t really matter unless you want to continue to study at the graduate school

Was there anything that made you think: “I wish I had known this earlier before college”?

  • Knowing Ratemyprofessor.com earlier. It provides rates for the professors in the U.S

  • Grade is important

  • Searching for more information about the professor because the professors will greatly affect your class experience.

Did you experience any burnout? How did you handle it?

  • Yes 

  • I was used to doubting my decision.

  • I was not sure about what I was doing.

  • It is important to endure a hard time.

  • Just do your best every time, things will eventually get better.

What the difference between international students and local students

  • They treat international students as the same. Not much difference

  •  Some companies MIGHT not accept international students.

*** Before you apply to the company, check if they accept international students or not.  

Did you take any internships?

  • I took 2 

  1. Web developer

  2. Teacher assistant

Any advice for applying for an internship?

  • Start it early, it's better to have it early because it takes a lot of time to prepare things like a resume.

  • Get the grammar check before you submit it. (at least 3 people)

Are you not planning to go to a graduate school? Or are you going to work right away?

  • Maybe if I got scholarships, then I might go to a graduate school. 

Do you have any last words for the class of 2021?

  • Enjoy your time with your family as much as you can

  • Keep a good relationship with your friends


Q&A

Iksoo - Are you going to work in the U.S? How are you going to get the Visa for it?

  • Yes, OPT visa not really hard to get a visa

  •  After you graduate, are you gonna take a gap year?

  • Not sure about that... 

Sarang - Are you applying to the same university for graduate school? How are you going to handle the tuition fee?

  • Well, you can do research and the professor can support you. 

  • Mr.Hall - Working opportunities exist or taking loans 

Annie - how do you know if you want to go to work or graduate school?

  • Some majors don’t require you to go to a graduate school. 

  • Going graduate school might raise the payment of the future job

Yulmae - How do you prepare for college, mentally physically, and emotionally?

  • I was excited and it was my dream to study in college 

  • Video call when you feel lonely

  • Open to other people (family and friends), so they can help you

  • Pray to God and have a good relationship with God



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2 types of cultural Incidents 

  1. My perspective of incidence

    1. “I” experience it  

    2. Eating with hand, I feel weird because I am new to that culture.

Question: Any experience you had?

Yulmae - lookism in Korean

  • I did not care about my appearance (style) when I was staying in Indonesia but in Korea, it made me self-conscious

Iksoo - respecting older. Age culture

  • Age is a big thing in Korean culture. Older people want you to behave respectfully.

  • The style also matters in Korea. People tend to judge you based on the appearance, unlike in Indonesia.  


  1. Other’s perspective of incidence

Question: Have you ever experienced this type of cultural incident?  

Iksoo - I was using English in Korean Cafe, and the others looked at me weirdly.

Josiah - I used to not care about the style when I was young. One day, I went to the youth group with barefoot and they looked at me weirdly.


Mr. Hall - Which type of cultural incidents is more stressful? Type 1 or type 2?

Iksoo - Type 2 

Because for type 1, you are the only one who acts weird and you know what you are doing wrong, but for type 2 other people judge you and you may not know what are you doing wrong


Sam - Type 1

Because it is what other people do. It’s not something I Can change

Belle - Type 2

It exhausts me when others are irritated with me. Type 1, your stress will add up, and one day you will explode.



“Experience is a good school. But the fees are high” 

-Heinrich Heine-


Mr. Hall - It is very helpful to listen and hear other people’s experiences. 


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Additional notes 


  • Today was Widodo’s day


  • Person (physical) meeting with Ms. BJ on Friday at 1:30 p.m (Salatiga time) 

ㅠㅠ sadly, I can’t join this physically


  • Purpose = to check and look at how are we using the Senior Seminar Class

Teachers want to hear our voice in person



  • NO Zoom meeting on Friday!!!!!!! 



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