Today, Mr. Potato Head is sad, but trying to keep in the love and the light

It has been a very sad few weeks here at Earlham. As some of you may or may not know, three students were involved in a train accident a few weeks ago. Sadly, one student lost her life at the scene, while the two others remained in critical condition. Just this week, one of the other victims passed away. While it is a blessing that the third person is out of the hospital (to my knowledge), the loss of two students is very sad. I did not know either person except by face, but I do think it is very sad, and my thoughts are with the families and friends of all the victims.

I've been very emotional with these events despite not knowing any involved very well. Why? Well, I have had a lot of loss in my life. As I joke with my friends, I've been to more funerals than birthday parties. However, it doesn't matter how many times it happens:

Losing someone is never easy.

Just in my time at Earlham, along with seven Earlham students, I've lost family members and my high school room mate/friend. I think losing my Aunt was very hard, but the hardest recently had been my room mate. While we were not like, super super best friends, we were close friends. We had an experience together, and I am so glad we got to have that experience together. It's never easy losing someone your own age... it makes you realize just how mortal you are, and how quick life can go by.

So, without being super depressed, I really wanted to write this about the service I went to this evening for one of the victims. I felt almost like an intruding presence, because I was not friends with the victim. However, the reflection and silent service really helped me think about my time at Earlham, my friends, and the community I have at this school. I love this school. I love these people. I love the connections I've made with friends and teachers. I will miss it all terribly.

In closing, if you have experienced loss recently, I am very sorry for your loss. However, while you cry, there are words which I think have stuck with me for awhile, especially since coming to college

"Don't pity the dead, Harry. Pity the living and above all, all those who live without love."

                                                             - Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Thankfully, all those who passed away, and those in my life now are full of love, and I could not be happier to cherish my time with them. I hope you all do the same with your loved ones.

Today, Mr. Potato Head is stressing over finals and his future

So, I suppose I could just use this shot over and over until December 6th, but that would be redundant.

So on top of my thesis, I also have to write a science Lit paper, which is only 5 pages. Normally, I'd be like "meh, that's nothing." However, I am terrible at writing (hence why I am doing terrible on thesis), and I am also not very good at reading science papers.... lots and lots of math.

In good news, today I went to an information meeting about graduate schools in Japanese Studies (aka my major). I'm really stuck on what I want to do. I know first I want to get some work experience, but after that, I know I have to go to graduate school... I am just afraid because I am having a terrible time writing "just" a 30-page thesis.. how am I going to write a like, 100 - 200 page paper?

I've been trying to take my friend's / teacher's advice when it comes to both jobs and academics. My teacher probably gave me some of the best advice: work like a solider, deal with that is right in front of you. Yes, there may be all kinds of other worries about, but if you deal with that is in front of you. As for jobs, I've been told to really work for what makes you happy, and the money will come later. I'm thinking I really want to work in study abroad. I love Japan, and while I would prefer to work for a school with a large East Asian / japanese Studies department and several East Asian/Japan study abroad programs, I think if I can even just get into something involving students and study abroad, I would be pretty happy. As much as I may have complained about my experience (for examples, see this blog), I loved my experience in Japan. I would not give it up for anything in the world, and I want to go back to Japan so badly, whether to promote study abroad, teach English, or fieldwork.

I am thinking for graduate schools either Canada or the United States. One of my favorite teachers went to  school / lived in Canada, and said graduate schools there were interesting. I love America, but I also think I'd really like to try and live in Canada.... and no, not because of my boyfriend who happens to be Canadian. He's in western Canada, and I'm leaning more towards eastern Canada, although apparently Alberta has a big East Asian studies program. Plus, the price of school in Canada is much smaller than schooling the USA.

So my readers (if any of you exist still): What advice to you have for careers / post-graduate activities? Also, what do you want me to write about / see Mr. Potato Head do? Just leave me comment!

<3 The Official Photographer of Mr. P Head

Today, Mr. Potato Head is prepparing for Christmas at school

Hello everyone! It has been awhile, hasn't it?

Mr. Potato Head and I are back in America, and back at my home school for my senior year. I am currently writing my thesis (which happens to be due in about < 2 weeks), and stressing out over classes.

I recently got back from Thanksgiving break. As much as I love Japan, it was wonderful having a real Thanksgiving with family, and black Friday shopping in person. I am so happy I able to be with my loved ones this year.

Anyway, I was able to get a new Christmas tree, which I love. I'm saving my smaller Christmas tree from my mother until next year, when I am hopefully back in Japan.

As we speak, I am applying to a few programs where I can be abroad. Along with JET, I am applying for my school's program where you also assistant teach English in Japan.  As soon as I graduate, I plan on applying to the Teach America program, so I can at least have some kind of job. I suppose the worst thing that happens is that I am not accepted anywhere... I really don't want that to happen, but we'll see.

Anyway, so I am hoping to update this more. While Mr. P and I are no longer in Japan, we still try to have adventures. If you all have questions or things you want me to discuss regarding my time in Japan, or my current adventures, please feel free to ask. I will gladly answer!

With much Love,

The Official Photographer of Mr. Potato Head