What can you do, y'know?

Hello,

I'm writing this blog-post as a challenge for myself; I'm hoping that by documenting a more personal lesson online, you my lovely friends at home (if you don't mind!) can help me keep learning it when I return by reminding me of this very post.

I've noticed recently how since my chaotic arrival into the US (which while blogging about I managed to find amusement in the stressful situation!) I've actually started to worry less. Yes... you heard right!

Note the picture below.

I've found myself repeating these words to people when they are telling me about all the things they've got to do, and when I myself begin to recount the mental list of things I've yet to do or get to grips with. My Mum says this a lot to me when I splurge out my worries to her, but since living here I've begun to start taking things actually as they come. Shock horror I know! 

There are some things you've just got to do, like filling out forms and waiting in queues. There are some things that you just have to accept, like paying a lot of money for books and fees. 

But you know what... It'll all work out. 

It's definitely been a long time coming to start living this prepared, but chilled attitude out. I'm enjoying learning how to not stress and get worked up when things don't go smoothly, (which believe me as an International Student, there is always something to be done that you don't think is going very well!) but to instead just take things in your stride, because it will all work out eventually.

It's just the beginning of learning this stuff for me and if you're super good at this kind of thing, this post probably won't make much sense, but if you're used to worrying or fretting, like I certainly am, you can change that! I'm hoping to keep learning this and I hope it sticks with me when I come home; if not then it was definitely just the chilled out vibe I absorbed from laid back American flip-flop wearing students here. 

But honestly, I'm excited to learn more of these good life lessons! Our study abroad co-ordinator told us that we'd learn more about ourselves on this trip than anything else, I think I resigned that to an inspirational cheesy phrase send off; I thought I'd be learning about culture, travelling and people, but... he was right, in turns out you do learn all of those things, but you learn about yourself too.

Cheryl 

Culture Differences.

Hello!

So this post is about a few cultural differences that I've noticed so far, (plus anything else I remember as I type!)

1) People say 'right' a lot here. Like how we say 'yeah' in a conversation to show we understand and we're listening or that we agree with something; here 'right' is used to mean that. It doesn't sound that strange, but when one of my professor's is talking in a lecture, explaining something or another, and every other word is 'right' you definitely notice it!

2) 'Sure' is also another 'yes' substitute; however it is also often used when someone has just provided you with a service of some kind, i.e. in a shop or office, when you'd say thank you and leave, they'd just say 'sure.' Again it's a small difference, but when you're used to someone saying 'You're welcome' or something more formal and substantial, 'sure' can sound a bit nonchalant.

3) Swear words. I haven't quite figured out the different degrees of severity yet, but today my professor actually said BS; which of course I was shocked by!

4) I forgot to mention my Drive Thru' ATM experience. Yes, that was odd one. We pulled up to something that looked like a petrol station, filled out some forms and put them in a tube thing with our card, the tube whizzed up the system entered their office they sorted it all out and sent the money and the card back. It was crazy.

5) Sororities and Fraternities actually are a big deal like in the films. UIUC (the university I'm at here!) actually has THE largest fraternity and sorority community in the US!! Honestly, I see numerous people everyday walking around with specific Greek letters on their clothes, symbolising which group they are a member of.
   I was on the bus yesterday around campus and it went through the 'Greek Village' where the majority of the HUGE houses are that hosts 20+ students in a particular group. Practically everyday at university there have been chalk scribbles on the floor advertising each 'frat' group, because there is a short period of time in the beginning of this semester called 'rushing,' which is where new members are being recruited.
    I don't completely understand the process yet or what being in a group of that kind actually consists of; but I've heard that they do have the parties like on the films! One of my professor's actually advised us international students that if we were to go to a 'frat' party to ask around first, she said: 'You'll learn which ones not to go to fairly quickly' meaning that the activities you see on the films probably do actually happen in certain ones!

6) Eating out is a big part of the culture here, it's just so cheap to do so. It's a hard one to navigate, I haven't eaten out too many times since living here at the apartment, but I can understand why it is so popular. Food ingredients, 'groceries' or whatever aren't actually that much cheaper here than in the UK I keep forgetting about tax getting added on at the end, so things don't work out to be much cheaper. Whereas eating out in a restaurant is definitely a lot cheaper. It's hard to navigate because you want to eat healthily, so would prefer to cook yourself since you know what you're putting into a meal, but that ends up costing you more! It's a strange thing, but I'm definitely learning which ingredients are necessary and which are superfluous; whilst still getting an 'American dining experience' every now and then!

7) Tipping. I forget a lot! But what I have noticed (when I do remember!) that people are kind when they know you don't get it, or aren't used to it, and even if you give them less than what's expected because you're confused about coins, they appreciate your effort in trying!

8) MACS. I don't even know how to turn a mac computer on. I went into a computer work room intending to do some research online, but since I couldn't figure out how to turn the thing on, (and it was a silent study room!) I just sat and read my book instead.

9) People give directions in compass language. They say things like 'Oh! The Krannert Centre? That's just South of here.' I'm sorry.. South?! How the heck do I know which way I'm facing? Being someone whose geography is appalling and tends to get lost frequently, these kinds of directions don't help much! Maybe when I return home I'll actually be able to read a map and not walk in the wrong direction.

10) It's an imperial system here. The unit converter on Google has never received so many hits. Every time I cook something or even go on the treadmill, I have to convert things over; it's confusing!

So there we go, 10 differences/experience so far that I can remember! I'm sure there will be many more to come!

Cheryl

School

Hello!

So this Sunday I went to...
QUAD DAY.

It's basically a mahoosive freshers fair with all the societies booth's trying to recruit you for things. Of course in my usual intrigued fashion I signed up for only about... a billion things! I'm now paying the price trying to decide which ones to actually do! I signed up for practically everything from clay-pigeon shooting (I hear your screams, but I've actually done it before and not killed anybody believe it or not!) to a life drawing class with everything in between! I feel like I should do one recreational one, one academic'ish one and a volunteering one; but there are just so many options for each of those categories.

*Note America probably isn't an easy place for indecisive people!

Anyway, I'm nearly at the end of my first week of 'school' it's strange to say that, I keep saying uni and people don't get what I mean!

It's gone well. It's gone really well actually.

It feels weird at times thinking I have actually started back at university and it's August?!

 Of course as usual what comes with a new term includes hand aches from forgetting how to write and squinting from trying to concentrate when tired; but amongst all those usual habits of mine, lectures (if I can even call them that!) have gone wonderfully well.

I'm taking four courses here, (courses means modules!) two language ones and two literature ones, they're all very interesting and different, I like the diversity!

So far technically I have only been to lectures, the reason I'm tentative to call them that, is that they are actually quite small! Nothing in comparison to my Biology lectures last year at Liverpool with over 300 people in one room! For once, America is actually smaller than England in something! Go team GB.

One of my language classes is actually in what feels like a classroom with those American style chairs with the fold down desk things. My first day I didn't realise the desk bit folded up and down, so I proceeded to try and squeeze into it through the gap. I've now lost count the amount of times I've embarrassed myself, but hey! It's quite an interesting dynamic in that 'lecture' because you can move the chairs round and people tend to ask the lecturer more questions, in fact, in general there is definitely more active participation rather than just listening to a lecture like at home. You actually get marked on your participation! It is challenging, but once you get over people turning around to see who the Brit is, it's okay!

The other courses do have more of a lecture'y feel to them though, one great positive is that the chairs are like Odeon cinema chairs, so comfy and with another side table thing! (No popcorn though!)

Already I've had a load of readings and a 'response paper' to do.

The American system is a lot different.

It's more frequent with assessments in lots of different forms eventually I will have completed: response papers, projects, take-home exams, mid-terms, discussions and so on! There are so many different styles, once you've got to grips with what each means and what's expected of you from each, it really works well; it gives you a range of different approaches so it's not heavily weighted on one exam or one style. It'll definitely take some getting used to and a lot of diary planning will be needed, but I'm hoping these regular 'homeworks' as they call it, will get me into a good routine for when I come home! (Hoping being the operative word there!)

I figured out the library today, the undergraduate library is UNDERGROUND (although there are windows still?!) and there is a tunnel connecting the main library with the undergraduate one, can this university get any cooler I hear you say, I don't know, quite possibly! Sometimes I feel like I'm at Hogwarts and I love it.

That's all for now about education'y things. I've got to submit my paper. (#soamerican)

Cheryl

P.s New lesson learnt today, coupons are a big deal here, you can get some amazing deals!

ISSS at UIUC (International Student and Scholar Services at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) #mouthful

My first few days of 'school' have been a part of 'orientation week,' this is basically a week of seminars packed with information, all of which is good and very helpful, but has been slightly overwhelming! One thing I've already learned: this university likes acronyms; rightly so, a lot of the faculties have long names, but it can get a tad confusing when people just keep spouting letters at you!

To be honest, things have actually gone very smoothly, which I'm so very grateful for. I registered (they actually had my paperwork to hand!) and I got my identity card all within 1 hour; it felt amazing to get going so quickly and efficiently!

The last few days I have wrestled with my campus map though, no matter which way I look at it, I usually end up walking in the wrong direction! (Yet to try Mr Tribbiani's technique of  'going into the map!') My lack of direction hasn't been so helpful on a campus that is much like London, in that you think you can actually walk from A-B in 10 minutes, when actually, it's about 30! (if not more!) They actually have a bus system that goes around campus it is that big. However, I managed to scout out my buildings, which to my favour are right next door to each other in the main quad, and look how beautiful the English building is!

IT HAS PILLARS!

I'm going to end this post with just a few pictures of campus and its landmarks, it truly is beautiful. I'll write some more when I've started classes or when I've gone on any excursions!

Oh also, I tried an american sub from Potbelly Sadnwhich shop*, it was delicious!

 This is the student union! I can't wait to sit and read in here!

 This is the main quad, my buildings surround not even one whole side of this grassy student hangout!














                                                                               This is Foellinger Auditorium at the far end of the quad.

This is perhaps a favourite of mine, it's a statue to represent the university's motto of 'Learning and Labor'.

The inscription reads:

"To thy happy children of the future, those of the past send greetings, and Her children arise up and call her Blessed. -Proverbs 31:28"

I thought this was a beautiful message to all generations that pass through the University. Sadly, it's being refurbished/cleaned at the minute, but when it goes back, (soon hopefully!) I'll get a few snaps of it myself. 


Cheryl












*http://www.potbelly.com/Company/OurStory.aspx (It's such a cute place!)

The first few days in St Louis.

On my first day in St Louis we went to Laumeier Sculpture Park, something I'd not heard of before! Outdoor sculptures is a great idea, not only were they out in the luscious greens of the trees and plants, some even incorporated interactive elements, where you could explore the relationship between man made and natural beauty.

Next we headed to a place called The Magic House, which truly lives up to it's name. I was staying with a family with three young children, and this was a place that can only be described as magic. It had every play scenario you could imagine, from pretending to be the president in an oval room replica, to an actual play construction site! It was incredible, and every ounce of me wished I was 7 again so I could charge around and get stuck in. (Of course I did get stuck in to some degree...who can resist being the President for the day?)

To end that day of adventure we went to a restaurant called Texas Roadhouse which was incredible! An 11oz steak with two sides for the equivalent of £7?! I know, crazy. It was amazing quality too! The only downside was that I was introduced to cinnamon butter, it sounds gross, but honestly oh my, it's so good.

Next, give me a Z, no a Zed.
Then an O.
 Then another O.

What do you get?

ZOO.

As you can tell I was rather excited about going to the zoo, I haven't been to one in years so this was a joyous occasion. And like most other American things, it was HUGE; we didn't even get around half of it! First stop was the elephants because there was a baby in town; Priya the baby Asian elephant was stumbling around and that called for a visit.

She was super cute, as was her protective Mum!

We saw a range of animals, from cheeky penguins to a grizzly bear! One of my favourites had to be (after Priya of course!) the Amur Leopard, they are extremely endangered and to see two... just wonderful!

To end this post I'll include some of the wonderful American treats I've tried so far...

• S'mores= YES. It's basically a sandwhich made with Graham crackers and filled with toasted marshmallow and melted chocolate. Graham crackers taste sweet like rich tea biscuits, but have a digestive biscuit consistency; and they are long and rectangular.
• Root beer float= Yum. Smells a bit like Deep Heat spray (!) but don't let that put you off, they taste creamy!
• Caramel&Cheese popcorn= Sounds insanely weird; I was apprehensive, but the cheese ones are actually nice!
• Pretzel buns= first tried on the plane, they're really good with melted cheese.

More to come soon! 

Cheryl 

The flight.

Hello!

So I've been the US now for the grand total of... 5 days, but lots has happened already! I decided to keep a little blog to help me remember the things that happen along the way, but also to keep any of you lovely people who may be interested in my adventures up to date, however epic or plain-sailing they come to be.

'Let's start at the beginning, a very good place to start.'

The flight was a smooth 8 hour cruise consisting of meeting two very interesting people, (whom I hope have wonderful travels!) beginning the taste tests of American food (A pretzel bun?! Good work USA) and of course watching James Bond.

The first leg of the journey although tiring and knee hurting (silly long legs!) was enjoyable. It was the second leg where the real adventure began. After being accepted into the country, which I couldn't have been more surprised about, since the level of my nervousness almost definitely made me akin to the worst petty criminal imaginable; I discovered my connecting flight had been cancelled because of thunderstorms.

I was put on standby for a flight that already had 12 people waiting for it, and my confirmed flight was the following day. Faced with the prospect of perhaps having to sleep overnight at Newark airport, I decided to get chatty with fellow travellers who had also been delayed because of the weather.

I made friends with a lovely ol'chap who was travelling to Montreal by asking to borrow a pen, we discussed all sorts ranging from books to accents (of course!) It was this gentleman that helped me greatly, not only did he buy me my first souvenir, a pen that says 'New York' nonetheless, he also took me to the customer service and somehow got them to put me on an earlier standby that had only 2 other people on it! Yes, a total legend one may say.

Thanks to his kind help and generosity I finally arrived at St Louis on the tiniest plane I've ever been on with probably around 30 seats, only 4 hours later than I should have. Thankfully my luggage arrived too and I met the wonderful family that I was to be staying with for the next few days.

Off we went to Chick-fil-a in an attempt to keep me awake until their night-time.
p.s these guys do the best chicken burgers in town.

This concludes my first few hours in the United States.

More adventures to catch up on!

Cheryl