Answer to 11 Interview Questions

1.     What could SCSU do to make your stay on campus better?

As a PSEO student I feel that the campus should have more guidelines to make sure our courses count as our generals. When I started first semester I took a class that didn’t count as anything but an elective. When I had a meeting mid semester, I was given a handout that showed the list of generals and what qualified as them. I was frustrated that I was receiving the information then, and not before. I also think that the school should communicate with our counselors to set up our class schedules or have meetings that all PSEO students are invited to before classes need to be officially signed up for. I think if the school did more involvement the success rates would be higher.

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?

The biggest secret that I have is I hide my feelings, or push them away. I am a very compassionate person, so I tend to put others feelings before my own. It is not a great habit, but it is who I am. If I can make one person’s day better than before, I will do it. The biggest thing I stand for is living each day like it is your last. I know that is cliché, but with all the challenges my family has and is overcoming, it really is the truth. We all are not guaranteed tomorrow, so live today the best way possible.

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 really love Chinese food. Although in the United States it has been changed to suit the taste of Americans, it still is very good. I love how they incorporate all food groups, just like our culture does, but at the same time it is very different. For Chinese, it is made with different sauces, and I love rice. That is the one big difference of it from my own, rice is always eaten, and in huge portions. I really like Chinese, but at the same time I wish I could taste the true Chinese food, I feel like it would be just as good, if not better.

4. What are the typical greetings in your culture and what do they mean?

Typical greetings depend on males or females. Males normally give a handshake or pat of the back, unless if they are close, then a hug may be exchanged. Females are more intimate and give a hug if they are friends or family. For females, a handshake will be exchanged if they are meeting for the first time. Greetings also depend on how close and comfortable a person may feel around a certain person, and everyone has different feelings. Situations may also come into play, but then again, greetings can be as different as the people doing them.

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?

In the United States we have a democracy, and it has affected my life in many ways. On television around election times the news is flooded with ads to vote or not vote for a candidate. I very much dislike that portion of our government but I love that it is ran by the people, for the people. I feel like it is much more difficult to not have a family in control and instead have elections for anyone to enter. I sometimes wonder how much more money we could all save if all the money used in elections would better our communities and economy. In our government, although I do not mind it, I feel like we should be using our money for other uses.

6. What different modes of transportation are used in your country?

In my country, the main transportation is cars, trucks, or vans. Buses are also used and bikes too. If a person does not have a car they may take a bus if it is on the route, or even to save money. Many people also use the train as transportation if they are going into the city such as St. Paul. IT is a less expensive, more efficient way. Driving, although is nice, is expensive, and gas prices are continuing to rise. I feel like walking or biking will become more efficient in the future, especially in the summer months.

7.  At what age do you start school? Are you under a lot of stress in school??

Most children start school when they are 5 or 6 years old. Pre-school is also very common around 3 or 4 years old. As age increases, so does the school work load. There is a lot of stress in school, especially within the stereotype that has became of kids. There is a lot of pressure to be involved in extracurricular activities, have perfect grades, and have a job. I feel like school is a high stress in itself, and they extras are not necessary. Schools normally offer Advanced Placement classes, and also PSEO. Many kids are pressured into taking the classes, and a lot of the time it doesn’t really help them in the future. Yes, kids should work be pushed academically, and be involved in other activities, but the society has taken it to an extreme.

8. What religious holidays or other cultural events do you or others celebrate; can you explain your traditions for each?

My family celebrates Easter, Christmas, and Thanksgiving. Easter is when we all get together, go to church to celebrate Jesus, and then have a family meal. Christmas normally consists of church also, and then spending the whole day together as a family. Thanksgiving is a time we get together and be thankful for everything we have and cherish. Coming from a family that is divorced, holidays are difficult to spread out my time. Normally it differs every year, but I always make time for each. Holidays are a time to cherish and make memories with family, not to fight between which family I need to be with.

8b. Do you have any daily rituals in regards to your religious beliefs?

My daily ritual is prayer. I pray to God when I need help, courage, faith, assistance, and giving thanks. I strongly believe that God has made our life map, and although we don’t always understand why He may do things like he does, it is for a certain reason. He does make life hard sometimes, but we gain strength and lessons from it all. I always pray when I lay down to bed at night, and if I am scared and come out of whatever situation I was in unharmed. I feel like my religion is a big part of who I am, and it always will be.

9.  How would you describe famous sports in your country?

The most famous sport in my country would have to be football, then baseball coming in close next. Our society put a lot of emphasis on Sundays in football season. Retail slows down, and most people watch the games, whether they do it at a bar or in a home. If a person walks into any retail store, they will find Vikings apparel. The metronome in the cities is very important and the twin’s stadium is a big attraction too for baseball. Many people put major emphasis on sports in their life, which isn’t bad, but some may get too obsessive.

10. Can you describe a typical day for a child in your country?

A typical day for a child in the United States differs on their age and family life. If a child is over 6 they are required to go to school, then more than likely daycare if their parent works full time. After daycare or coming home if they are old enough, homework is normally done, then supper, and if they have more homework left, it is finished. I assume most children watch television before bed, so that is a major part of their day. The computer, games, or electronics are a major important part of a child’s days in our times, which is sad because it cuts down on the amount of family time a child may have. Overall a child more than likely will have some kind of learning during the day, followed by electronic usage at night. That is what I have seen more and more of in the last few years, and also with my siblings who are 3, 5, and 8 years old.