2016

Happy 2016!

I miss this space. Drafts accumulate on my dashboard, never to appear on my actual blog.
So many things happen every single day, and I miss having the time to jot down my thoughts for memories here. But at least - life is exciting right now - stress and uncertainty might creep up on some days, but I can confidently say that I am looking forward to the future.

I am grateful for how things are aligned the way they are right now, and blessed to come from a loving family who supports me in every way possible and beyond, and to experience life here at UMass.

Can't really summarize the past few years down, so here's an outline:
(One day... I will elaborate them in detail..)

Sophomore Year (2014/2015)

- Moved to a Z-Room in Coolidge Hall, Southwest. The high-rise buildings at SW are notorious for crazy party kids and constant loud noise. Luckily for me, people on my floor weren't too bad. It still got loud pretty often, but nothing intolerable. It's college, right? Also - living in Southwest means easy access to the two best dining halls on campus, Hamp and Berk.

Isn't the view amazing? I miss the towers.

- Continued to work at Isenberg as a student project coordinator. Work subsided after summer, when the website was finally launched and ready. It was comfortable, I liked that I was working for school and somewhat giving back. It was also really convenient being able to go straight to work in between classes. Working there exposed me to the in-and-outs of the Marketing & Communication department, and it was definitely a great learning experience!

- Entered the second semester of running the International Students Club, I was the treasurer. Got to know a lot of close friends around campus by frequently seeing them at events and hanging out. I love the team. Everyone was passionate and motivated towards the same goal of helping out international students at UMass, and we were doing a pretty good job of it. We got a lot of support from various departments at school and high turn-out for our events. Being in ISC also taught me how vital being detail-oriented and forward planning is in event organization.

- Participated in case competitions:
1. Grant Thornton 2. CMASS
I used to be terrified of public speaking. I don't think I'm really good at it now either, but definitely much better than I was before coming to college. Although we didn't win the GT Case Competition, it was a great experience learning how to analyze and work through cases.

- Halloween! Halloween is such a big deal here. Everyone dresses up, and I love how people get creative with their outfits! And of course, UMass Dining lobsters! I got a $75 giftcard for the
photo on the left. Hehe. It must be the nautical theme + seafood.
I went to Hampshire Halloween on Friday, but it was way too crowded and I got nauseous, so the night ended early. But for Saturday, went to Niketh's party at PiKapp and it was pretty fun! Went walking around school and outfit watching, and it was cool. Especially seeing people with outlandish, huge outfits trying to get themselves on/off the bus, haha.

- For Thanksgiving, Jackie was kind enough to bring me home with her. :)
(We get kicked out of non-break housing dorms!)
I celebrated Thanksgiving with her family, enjoying delicious dumplings together, baking peanut kisses and exploring Boston! I'm so happy to have her in my life ♥

- When school was over, I fled to San Jose, CA where my aunt and uncle lives to escape the snow! And it was wonderful being surrounded by family. :)

We always put up a Christmas Tree ♥

- Went to Washington, DC with Kyle over spring break! It was a really educational trip. Learned more about U.S History, visiting the monuments and sightseeing. Kyle drove 10-hours down there!