1. What could SCSU do to make your stay on campus better?
Currently, Saint Cloud State University is doing a wonderful job of making my campus experience enjoyable. I'm a Post-Secondary student so I don't actually 'stay' on campus. Almost every other aspect of the campus that I experience is decent : the buildings, the teachers, and the students. The only thing I would change is to offer free parking to everyone after a certain time of day, or to Post-Secondary students. With the cost of tuition I'm sure that SCSU isn't having a hard time making money, so they could possibly cut the cost for parking. The university probably doesn't need the cost for the parking pass to upkeep anything, it's almost pure revenue for them.
2. Could you tell me a secret about yourself that very few people here know about and that shows us well, who you are and what you stand for?
To be honest, I'm not the type of person who keeps many secrets. The most surprising thing that people learn about me is that I'm a musician. I fluently play 3 different instruments and I love music passionately. Apparently to many people I don't seem like the musician type. This helps define myself because I'm constantly listening to music, learning how to play music, and sometimes creating new music. For the sake of mystery, I won't say which instruments I play now.
3. Which country`s food do you like the most? What are the similarities and differences between it and your own culture`s food?
I would say that I like China's food more than any other country's food. Particularly I like Chinese that is spicy, contains noodles or chicken, and has some sauce over it. It is different because I can't think of many 'American' foods that are spicy like some Chinese food. It is also different because Chinese food usually has vegetables that I don't mind eating, whereas 'American' food doesn't really incorporate vegetables as well. Both types of food are available quickly in a fast-food restaurant, and can be sold in portable and convenient packages. The two types of food are also similar because they both rely heavily on chicken in the foods.
4. What are the typical greetings in your culture and what do they mean?
For someone you've just met, a handshake is a typical greeting followed by both people stating their names. I've never really thought about it, but the handshake is an odd greeting that has an obscure meaning. The only thing you could gather from a handshake is if the person is shy or bold. Stating your name allows the people you've just met to recognize and address you. For someone that you know better a hug or kiss is a better greeting. A hug or kiss has a more affectionate or intimate meaning indicating that you know the person fairly well.
5. What kind of government is in charge of your home country, how did it affect your life and how has democracy in America been a change?
My whole life democratic government has been ruling over me. There are certainly good things and bad things about this. The good part is the degree of freedom allowed to me and that for most things government hasn't interfered with my goals. This also allows people to fufill their dreams: if someone wants to be a shoemaker they can be the best shoemaker they can be. The bad part about this type of government is the process: the presidential elections become the biggest money-grubbing popularity contest the world has ever seen. Overall though, I'm satisfied with the way government has been involved in my life.
6. What different modes of transportation are used in your country?
In America there are many modes of transportation. The mode that people use depends on cost, distance, and other factors. The most popular mode of transportation in America for everyday use is the automobile. The next popular mode of transportation would be either walking or riding bikes/scooter/moped/taking the subway. For long trips the most practical mode of transportation is train or airplane. The modes of transportation mainly depend on the distance you are going : you wouldn't take an airplane to travel 20 miles.
7. At what age do you start school? Are you under a lot of stress in school?
In America, everyone usually starts school at age 5. When in kindergarten, there isn't much stress in school. Some of the activities are colorings, art projects, and other non-academic things. As you grow older though, the stress to do well in school increases. Starting at high school, when students are usually about 14 years old, there is certainly stress to do well. After high school, students have the option to go to college where I'm sure there is stress in every country to do well.
8. What religious holidays or other cultural events do you or others celebrate; can you explain your traditions for each?
I, like many Americans, celebrate Christmas. I think that the tradition for Christmas started about 200 years ago in Scandinavian countries. The figure was called Sinterklaas and he brought presents and joy to children. This tradition carried on because people love spending money, and today we have Christmas where we exchange gifts. Another holiday that is celebrated in America is Easter, where we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. In America, we also celebrate holidays that aren't religious like President's day. President's day is when we celebrate the leaders of America and the decisions that they made.
8b. Do you have any daily rituals in regards to your religious beliefs?
The only daily religious ritual that I have is praying. I believe that praying is very important for my faith and spiritual health. When I pray I usually discuss issues that are on my mind from my day, or sometimes I pray for the future. I don't always pray formally with my hands folded, eyes closed, and kneeling. I think that the format doesn't matter as much as the message when you pray. Apart from praying, I attend church bi-weekly.
9. How would you describe famous sports in your country?
I would say that Americans are obsessed with sports. There are many professional sports including football, baseball, hockey, basketball, tennis, swimming, golf, bowling, and many more. In every news show sports are mentioned, and there is often media coverage of 'the game'. Anyone with money can attend a professional sports game, and buy merchandise of their favorite team or individual. In some sports, like football, there are the championship matches that are televised and viewed by millions of people. However, there are also non-professional level sports that people can play for entertainment and enjoyment. I almost forgot to mention: being a professional athlete is one of the highest paying jobs in America.
10.Can you describe a typical day for a child in your country?
A typical day for a child, let's assume an 8-year-old, begins by waking up in the morning. At age 8 they probably don't have an alarm clock, so their parents probably wake them. They will usually eat breakfast at a kitchen table before they leave for school. Most kids then take the school bus to school and begin their classes. After about 8 hours of school the kid then takes the school bus back to the house. There he will probably do homework or perhaps recreational activities like biking, playing board games, or even play video games. This cycle is essentially repeated every weekday until the weekend comes. The typical weekend of an 8-year-old probably consists of a lot of free time. They could watch television, play video games, or even go outside.
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