The End of Japanese Class

Today was my final day of third year Japanese. I am sad that it is over. It was so much fun and I would do it all over again if I had the chance. I will miss being with my classmates, some of them I may never see again. I learned a lot and learned about what I still have to master. The oral final was quite a challenge. More so than I expected. It just shows me that I have to get better, practice, and master all of the new material I learned this semester.

Now that class is over, all I can do is wait for September. But, I will be keeping myself busy in August. Finishing the rest of my paper work, seeing people.

I need to study more, study harder. I need to be as ready as I can be.

オリビア
7/30/2010

Looking towards August

July will soon be coming to a close. Time flies fast!

Friday is my last day of Japanese class. It kind of makes me sad. I really have enjoyed this semester (event though it was quite a challenge) and it was a nice way to pass time.
Now I am trying to begin to plan things for August. I have to finish up my abroad contract, visit the doctor, collect my check from Addison Gibson, meet up with people, and gather everything for my trip in September.

Unfortunately, I still haven't officially decided when I am going to be flying to Japan yet. I need to find out my housing placement from Ritsumeikan before I can pick a day (this is because some of there housing requires me to move in on a certain date). On top of all of this, I still need my Certificate of Eligibility. I will be going on vacation from the 7th to the 14th of August with my family and I am hoping that paperwork will be here before I leave. I am not even 100% sure whether or not there are things I have to fill out. All of this is coinciding at once and makes me feel uneasy.

I am eager to begin my journey and I really wish I could be on the plane tomorrow. I guess this is just because I have been waiting so long to do this.

At some point, I want to do a post about the things I hope to do and the places I want to visit in Japan. I will save that for next time though. (^_^)

オリビア
7/29/2010

Paperwork, Paperwork, Paperwork...

So I finally received my housing information from Ritsumeikan. Because I am staying for the year, I have the option of staying in their International houses plus their two apartment complexes (that I didn't even know existed). I decided to go for the International houses first and put the apartment complexes last (was able to select my preference on the sheet sent to me).

Now that my housing choices have been sent in, I can focus on my Study Abroad Contract paper work and figure out what classes I will be taking over then next year. I am glad that I will finally know what classes I am taking because now I can plan out my last two years at Pitt (Wow! My last two years already!) I think though that I will not get the bulk of this paperwork done until August because Japanese class here at Pitt has been keeping me very busy. :D

Which reminds me, I need to work on two scholarship essays that, luckily, are not due until the end of August. I did receive that Addison Gibbson loan which will help ease paying for school this year. Sadly, I did not obtain either of the scholarships Ritsumeikan offered. Oh well, at least I got the low interest loan from Addison Gibbson.

While on the subject of money, I am trying to decided if I should do this thing called 'R-Pool.' It was recommended to me by a former JET alumna's husband when I went with my boyfriend to a special JET dinner a week or two ago. He said that R-Pool is based in Kyoto and it is a way to make money by teaching English. I checked out the website and it seemed fairly straight forward; I submit my information, then they direct me to students who want to learn English. I just wonder if I need a work permit. I should ask Rits and find out.

Off topic of Japan really quick to mention something that happened in my personal life. Today someone that I love very dearly left Pittsburgh to return home. He has to pack and prepair for his journey to Japan but I can't help but miss him terribly. I have to hold on. We will see each other again come September.
I just have to be strong.
Somehow.

オリビア
7/10/2010