Pumpkin Carving!

          Did you know that pumpkins in America and pumpkins in Asia are not the same things? Around the end of October, Halloween, and the beginning of November people begin to carve pumpkins in America. In America, pumpkins are big, round, and orange. They whole season of fall revolves around leaves and pumpkins here in America. In Asia, Kabocha are considered pumpkins and are not as popular as the American pumpkin is here. In America many families gather together to carve pumpkins. Once a pumpkin has been carved, it then become a thing called a Jack-O-Lantern. Jack-O-Lanterns are mainly associated with Halloween because families put them outside when people come to go trick or treating. Today, October 30, 2014, the Office of International Relations is hosting a pumpkin carving event where all students can come and carve pumpkins together. I am excited because I have never carved a pumpkin before. I think that it will be fun!

Homecoming Bonfires

Every year for Homecoming, we have many events to do that on that week. One of the most enjoyed events would be the Homecoming Bonfires. During that time, students would get together around a bonfire, a celebration of where many people surrounds this fire in the middle, and just make s’mores and talk about campus life. Many students including student organizations on campus come together and do cheer stunts and just have a great time with each other. Not only are they enjoy the night with s’mores, but also fireworks are used to accompany the students during that night. It is one of the best time to make new friends and just get to know people. It is a great way to know about organizations on campus and just have a great time. I would totally recommend that all international students get to experience this event at least once in their life.

SOCKTOBER!

Socktober is an event hosted on UAFS campus to collect new socks with students in elementary who needs socks for the winter. For the month of October, international students will be paired up with their American buddies and another group of students to collect new socks. The team with the most socks will receive a prize from the Office of International Relations. This event was inspired by  Kid President as he challenge many communities and schools around the world to collect new socks. There are many school and facilities from all over the world that are participating this event by collecting new socks for those who are in need of socks. Take this as a opportunity to better your community and make a change in the world.

#TraditionKeeper

                During orientation week, you will receive what we call a Traditionkeeper book. In that book, there are many activities that you should attend. When you attend that event or engage with those activities, you will have to take a picture or have some kind of proof that you have attend the event. If you are a international student you only need to attend 15 total events. However, if you are a student who will be here for four years, you will have to attend 26 total events. Once you have attend all those events, return this book to the Student Alumni Association for cords for your graduation. These cords represent that you have made your college years the best of the best. It will look really good on your college degree and many companies are going to hire you because you believe that you are a person with a lot of experience. Therefore, take this opportunity and make it the best that you can. Be a traditionkeeper today!

Kimono Fun!

        On Friday October 10^th, I got to be part of the Fall Festival that the Cavanaugh Elementary school here in Fort Smith hosts for their students and the families of the students. While there, I got to dress up in a kimono along with two of the Japanese Ace students. It was a wonderful experience. Eight International students taught Calligraphy and Origami to many Cavanaugh Elementary School students. I believe that this was a great experience for the Japanese students, as well as the Elementary School students. The Ace Program girls went, and I do think that they really enjoyed getting to interact with all of the students. It was a great experience for all that went.

 

 

UAFS International Students participated in Cavanaugh Elementary School Fall Festival!