On the FRONT PAGE!!

Wow, I’m so excited! I visited the new Solbridge website today to check out all of the neat changes, and me and my friends are front and center!!! Make sure you go to the site and check it out too,

http://www.solbridge.ac.kr/

Midterms and Immersion week have been keeping me extra busy, but now that things have become a little less crazy I’ve made some time to keep up with everyone. Two weeks ago we had a great food festival at Nuri Hall, sponsored by the management. They invited all the students to form teams and have a cook-off, with prizes and games to follow. The turnout was really incredible! Even my Korean song-sang-nim (teacher) from Solbridge stopped by. The food was so good!

We also sang a little karaoke after everything was finished. Nothing can bring a crowd of international students together like a good Backstreet Boys song… “’cause I want it that way…”

Last week my University held “Immersion Week.” Students were excused from classes in order to complete a truly challenging assignment – write a complete business plan. This activity was designed to integrate and build on the business concepts we’ve learned over the first half of the semester. In addition, keynote speakers were invited to the university to help guide us based on the topics that were selected. For MBA students, our topic was BIOTECHNOLOGY. We were to design a business plan around an emerging biotechnology product or service, and then present our plan to a panel of judges. The best team would then be awarded a monetary prize. Congratulations to Paul’s team, and especially my good friend Litchi, for winning first place in the MBA division. Good job, guys! But I plan on beating you next time, so be ready!

Doing research for this project was really interesting, because it gave me the chance to branch out of studying strictly business-related topics. It also gave me an appreciation for biotechnology, and how much the Korean government supports that kind of development and research, especially here in Daejeon. One day before we were to give our presentations, Solbridge also offered us the opportunity to visit IBXENE, a local biotech firm specializing in medical technologies, health foods, and other products.

This weekend, the local convention center (DCC)held an International Bazaar, celebrating many different cultures with food, dancing, and performances in costume. Do you notice any trend here? South Korea really loves and appreciates other cultures; I’ve never experienced so many new things in my life! After the show, everyone visited the tents outside to shop. People were selling everything, from Ginseng juice to second-hand clothes. I found a really cute jacket for 500 won (about .50). My friend Star picked up this traditional Korean dress for 2000 won, and so we had a little fun with the camera this weekend. I think I will dress up for Halloween after all! Finally, here are some pictures of random cool stuff. In my spare time here, I like to watch the soccer team play, I like to go dancing with friends, and I like to wander around and take pictures of how beautiful it is here in Daejeon. And how they must not have gotten the memo about FUBU.

To all my friends and family back home, I wish I could spend some time with each of you, but since I can’t, I’ll just spend time remembering you through my blog. This week, I’d like to feature my mom. Her birthday was on the 23rd of October. Mom, the thing I miss the most about you is that you’re always thinking about me and wanting me to be happy. I’m thinking of you every day. I also miss hamburger soup and Audioslave at full volume. And of course, night runs to Wendy’s. I love you!!!