February = SGA Elections

February is rounding the corner as January seemed to come and go in the blink of an eye. I knew I would be busy, but January really threw me for a loop! In one month I have been forced back into life in Morgantown and a new and final semester of school. I have studied for graduate entrance tests and applied for what seems like endless graduate schools, senior awards, and grants…not to mention starting a new job, and moving into a new house!

And as February approaches, I am reminded of Student Government elections. I have never gone through February at WVU without taking part of a SGA campaign and election, and it is truly bittersweet.

I am excited for the candidates as they scramble to get together election packets, and as tickets form and organize – labeling thousands of pieces of candy, and painting bed sheets, and putting together their best platform ideas to improve West Virginia University. I am excited for those who take part in the entire election and campaign process. Win or lose – you learn so much about yourself and about interacting with others. It is truly a learning experience, one of which the journey is much more rewarding than the destination.

I am also looking forward to actually sleeping in February, and never having to ask anyone to vote for me!

I wish each and every student who is planning to run for an elected position best of luck, and give the advice to talk to the students and make personal connections. I also encourage each student at WVU to vote in the elections, if for no other reason, than the fact that you have no idea how much time, effort, and energy goes into running a competitive campaign! So come mid-February, do your research on the candidates, talk to the candidates, and make a well-informed vote!

Save Room for Dessert

Life back in Morgantown has really been non-stop since returning to America, almost 1 month ago. Aside from catching up with friends and studying for the GMAT, my final semester of classes has just begun, and I am happy to say that I am staying very busy thanks to my new job! I was hired to be a waitress at Muriale’s Italian Restaurant in Fairmont, West Virginia.

I absolutely love serving! I’m definitely a “people person” and my favorite thing about serving is meeting new guests at my tables. I also love staying busy, and I’m always on the go as a waitress at Muriale’s!

Muriale’s is a family owned restaurant, and it serves amazing Italian food! My suggestion…save room for dessert! Muriale’s has an amazing chocolate peanut butter pie and tiramisu, but people are always so stuffed that they never make it to dessert.

So come visit Muriale’s, ask for “Sarah” and save room for dessert!

Top 10 "Returning Home" Questions

As I return to America and people continue to ask me about being in China/Hong Kong, I have had a few reoccurring questions that I thought I would answer:

And I will preface this "top ten" by explaining that Mainland China and Hong Kong are very different! Hong Kong technically is now part of China, but Hong Kong was a British colony for 10 years, and is much more "westernized" compared to Mainland China...so I do not consider myself having studied in China - just Hong Kong! 

1.   1. Can I speak the language?

No, unfortunately not. I only know 4 words. The language is Cantonese, which is a dialect of Mandarin Chinese. Cantonese has 6 tones, instead of 4 tones – which means it is harder to learn and speak! However, I can hear the difference between Mandarin and Cantonese, which I consider a success. 

2.  2. Did I have a good time? Do I want to go back?

Yes – I had an amazing time, and I would go back in a heartbeat! I could definitely see myself working in another country for a few years at a time, but who knows what the future holds?

3. Did I like the food?

Yes and No. I had a few favorite dishes, but for the most part I felt like I was always eating starch and sauteed vegetables. So I am very, very happy to be home and able to eat American food. 

4.   4. How close was the campus to the city of Hong Kong?

My school was about 45 minutes away from the “Central” city of Hong Kong, and I absolutely loved living on campus! Most awesome college experience, living in the dorms as a senior, in a foreign country!

5. Did I stand out? Did people stare?

Of course. I was a head taller than everyone, and I was blonde!

6. Could the people of Hong Kong speak English?

Yes, most of the people of Hong Kong could speak English, at least everyone on my campus could. Sometimes it would be hard when I went out to eat. The reality is that even if they can speak English, it is their second language and it is not the language they used in everyday conversation. So if they were not speaking to me, they would not use English.

7.  Do I have reverse culture shock?

Yes! It is extremely weird being back home in “country” West Virginia, around tons and tons of “white” people, no tall buildings, and tons of personal space! I was so crowded and so used to tall buildings everywhere! It is also strange that I can understand other people’s conversations, and that I never have to wonder if someone is understanding me.

8. Did I make friends?

Of course! Most of my friends were actually from Hong Kong, so I miss them so very much! And my closest exchange friends are Sunny, Melyssa, and Laura, three girls from the Chicago area!

9. Am I glad to be back at WVU?

Yes and No. I definitely loved the fact that I only had to pass my classes in Hong Kong, so I will miss that, but I love WVU! I’m excited to finish up my senior year and have fun doing it!

10. What is next?

I will graduate in May, I will hopefully be working over the summer, and then I am off to graduate school in Scotland or the UK in early fall. Thanks to an international scholarship that I received through the Rotary, grad school is paid for! So right now, I am in the process of applying to graduate schools in Scotland and the UK.

After returning home yesterday, from a conference organized by the Rotary, I was reminded of the importance of connecting with others and sharing your life, your adventure, and your experience with other people. So I will most certainly continue to update my blog.

This semester is sure to be a very, very busy one – one that I am looking forward to! 

Home Sweet Home

Finally, after being home 11 days, I am having the time and opportunity to update my blog. I survived the 15 hour plane ride back to America, and the jetlag that came along with the trip halfway across the world. And now that I have seen family and caught up with as many friends as possible in a week and a half – I’ve barely had time to think about reverse culture shock…

I’ve spent my last week and a half, celebrating Christmas with the Perry family, Christmas shopping in Pittsburgh TWICE, celebrating the New Year with one of my best friends, and enjoying the beautiful wedding of Ashley and John Michael – now Mr. and Mrs. Bonasso!

It has been so good to reconnect with friends and I am enjoying sleeping in my own, so comfortable bed! I am enjoying American food and all the things I was without for four and a half months. I am continually shocked by the cold weather when I walk outside, and have refused to step outdoors, unless I absolutely have to!

My favorite moment of this week was when I was at the WVU Men’s Basketball game vs. Marquette, for many reasons. First of all, we won a very entertaining game, secondly I LOVE Mountaineer basketball and the pride at WVU! I missed the WVU/Mountaineer pride so much! Thirdly, after the game was over and the crowds of people were leaving the game – shoulder to shoulder exiting the coliseum, I was packed around tons and tons of people and as I shuffled through the masses, I was reminded of being back in Hong Kong. For once in my life I enjoyed the crowded/overwhelmed feeling of being surrounded by people and really enjoyed the moment.

As life continues on in Morgantown, I’m sure many other Hong Kong reminders and memories will be unveiled, and I’ll be excited to share them...