Student Exchange to California State University – Long Beach, U.S.A.
Studying in Southern California (SoCal) had been my greatest dream after my visit to San Diego back in 2009. I was madly in love with laid back SoCal environment that is opposed to where I was born and raised, Korea. That is why I wanted to attend exchange student program at Cal State Long Beach so bad. In order to achieve the dream, I had constructive summer plans besides getting good grades in MCU. During my first summer vacation, I scored 95 in TOEFL outperforming one of the requirements for study abroad program. In the following summer, I completed 400 hours of internship, which is required for my graduation. Most importantly, I let my parents know after my freshman year that I need their financial support so as to pursue my dream. In retrospect, I wonder how different person I would have become if I was mindful of a saying, “You must inspect what you expect.” If I considered all my options for the program, it would have resulted a different outcome. However, I do not have any regrets because I believe that the experience not only was academically thriving but also molded me to become a better person.
Before departure, I noted to myself two things: (1) Getting all As and (2) Living like a local. Much as I wanted to graduate with my classmates, I was very careful of selecting classes that I even referenced two previous TR senior classmates’ credit transfer documents. In addition, I suggest future exchange students to check out http://www.ratemyprofessors.com (link is external) as it comes handy. My two most memorable classes are General Psychology and Sociology of Sexualities. I loved General Psychology because it was demanding as how I exactly wanted it and rewarding at the same time. I could go on and on about time commitment and self-discipline it required, but the most important thing was to be in the loop according to the syllabus. Apart from keeping up with the readings, papers, quizzes, and exams, I audio recorded every lecture and reviewed after class. I meticulously wrote down almost everything and went to class early to clarify some things with the instructor. This helped me both with the class and improving English.
As for Sociology of Sexualities, I didn’t plan on taking it until I audited it. Drawn instantly to the topic and the instructor’s vast knowledge, insight and great sense of humor, I eagerly took the 400-level class without any hesitance and prerequisites. The learning experience was truly exhilarating. Yet again, the seminar structure of the class was challenging no matter what effort I put into reviewing and previewing. I was a little disheartened with not being able to keep up with the pace of discussion. On the other hand, I had no choice but to persevere like I did with the General Psychology class. Second challenge was to write two term papers with ten academic literary sources. With the help of faculty in residence at dorm, Writer’s Resource Lab and librarian, I learned where to look for them and how to cite. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. Another challenge was the exams. Unlike multiple choice or plain short essay questions that only assess student’s ability to memorize, every question incorporated class discussion, slide, and texts, which required critical thinking and analytical skills. In short, it was all about stepping up a game and taking up a notch.
Although classes were my first priority, I also wanted to make the most out of the program. American Marketing Association (AMA) on campus is a nationally recognized business club that provides opportunities of professional development. During their recruitment pitch, the lineups of guest speakers and Annual National Conference appealed to me. So I joined. I was very attentive about all AMA activities, especially Fundraising Committee. In Advanced Event Management class, I learned the logistics of event management like how to write sponsorship letter. AMA provided opportunities to apply those things outside of classroom setting. For instance, we went to downtown and asked for donations and sponsorships. It wasn’t easy to approach businesses after so many rejections, but I got a spa gift certificate at last. I pride the contribution I made for the organization.
At the end of fall semester, I decided to run for executive board and got historian position. Being in a leader-stewardship was whole lot different from participating AMA as a member. We, as e-board, would encourage each other to be accommodating as much as possible and were expected to set examples to others. We worked even before spring semester began to get a blueprint. Apart from organizing various activities for members, we would spend so much time together raising funds for Annual National Marketing Conference in New Orleans (NOLA). One of the biggest fundraiser was raffle ticket sale of our regional conference. At first, I was shy away from even talking to my friends and acquaintances about it. Just two days before the deadline, I nearly forced myself to speak about our goals and good causes behind our trip in classroom and to my friends. Having said that, I was easily able to sell assigned tickets and collected $110. Once again, I put myself out of the shell.
I would pick NOLA as the highlight out of all AMA events. AMAers were working together to bring our honor back – my chapter was in Top 25 last year and won booth competition. From brainstorming ideas for booth competition to assembling and packing booth, we had so many meetings sessions, even during spring break. Had it not been team effort, time, commitment, it wouldn’t have been possible to place Top 15 chapter, come second for booth competition in Best Use of Conference Theme and win many more awards. What’s more, I participated Northwestern Mutual Sales competition during the conference with the other e-board director. We stayed the night before to practice selling cycle and build rapport as salesperson and prospect. He gave me a valuable feedback that I was too agreeable with sales offer as prospect and inappropriately responding. It really dawned on me that his points were indicative of my overall lack of experience in professional business English. Although we didn’t make it to the finalist, I gained new experience and learned something new.
Sometimes I felt overwhelmed. It wasn’t just those things I detailed above. I also volunteered vigorously at Long Beach special events. Many things were pulling me from different directions. I would look at my weekly schedule and thought, ‘Can I really pull all of them off?’ Despite my hectic life, I was indeed grateful of the opportunities that were given to me, which really was a driving force behind everything I did. I would like to express my gratitude to my supportive family, friends, Long Beach community and last but not least alma mater MCU.