iHouse stuff

I'm running my answers to these application questions by my friends because I want them to be as, erm, good as possible. Without sounding too blah or facetious.

It says the following on the application form underneath the questions: 

In applying to live in this residence and completing the questions above, you confirm your interest in contributing to the programming of the residence both as a participant and an organizer. You understand this programming is designed to accomplish the following objectives and that your interest in living in this residence is consistent with the following objectives:

1. Attract Canadian and International students and scholars to live and study together in a supportive and stimulating environment and thereby build enduring friendships among residents.
2. Promote understanding of the global community and promote awareness, understanding and respect for cultural diversity; enhance student intercultural competencies; recognize that all members of the global community share equal rights and responsibilities for each other; and cultivate educated and socially responsible leaders of the millennium.
3. Enhance the academic and professional success of the residence.

So without further ado:

1. Why do you want to live in International House at the University of Alberta?

My personal experience with racial prejudice has reinforced my belief that there needs to be understanding and cooperation between cultures. I believe that my own cultural background and experience in the crossing of the divide between Confucian and Western attitudes toward education, ethics, and social justice is valuable to the community. Also, I believe that exposure to and meaningful interaction with people of other cultures will allow us to better live peacefully with others (both of other cultural backgrounds and our own), resolve conflicts caused by cultural misunderstandings, and dispel negative cultural stereotypes that have pervaded through popular media.

2. What experiences, talents, ideas, or interests will you share with the International House community?

Aside from the experiences noted above, I am capable of making a variety of Chinese foods such as dumplings, home-style stir-frys, and soups.  I can also prepare California rolls from scratch.  I have a broad interest in the lifestyle, culture, and history of Northern and Eastern European peoples, and in particular Finnish-language music and film.  I have also a sizable collection of German/designer strategy board games (of the likes of 'Settlers of Catan') as well as traditional games (such as Mah-jong and German Skat) that I would be willing to teach others to play.  Lastly, I believe that cultural identity need not be tied to bloodline or place of origin or upbringing, and thus exposure to other cultures is one possible way to discover with what culture's attitudes and traditions one best belongs.

Plan revision

After seeing my rough plan a couple posts ago, His Steve-ness took the time to hack up some mockups of what my timetables for each of those terms would look like, given the timeslots classes were offered in in the recent past. This careful consideration resulted in some of my chosen courses changing because they weren't offered or wouldn't fit or whatever. I like to think (even if it probably isn't true) that His Steve-ness didn't just do this for me because he was bored.

The following is the new revision of the table based on what His Steve-ness fit into his mockups, including stuff copied over from the Education (After Degree) program section of the Calendar (just for reference). Below the table is a listing of the requirements for the Education Chemistry major and Math minor (and general requirements also), and that it's all fulfilled so I don't have to make up anything during that blank "enrichment term" in the Education program. I can then spend that term enriching other things with those open options rather than catching up with major/minor requirements.

I am absolutely elated VERY happy that this plan should have me finished and graduating with a B.Sc. at the same time as I would have had I actually finished the Engg co-op program I originally entered.

(click to enlarge)


P.S. The flute solo (and its adjoining theme) in "Octavarium" (the song) is Teh Awesome.