Goodbye !!

I cannot believe that we are almost done. I remember the first day I met you guys and I felt uncomfortable because everything was new and weird to me. As time goes by, I became enjoy these class and I am sure I make a progress like writing skills.

At first, I liked Sean's sense of humor. He made me focus on study and attract to it. Actually, I hate languages since it is very lame to me and stressful. However, I was able to learn English in a very easy and interesting way. These journals,especially, helped me write and organize my ideas. Although, I am still not good at paraphrasing or grammar useing diverse words, I strongly believe that my English writing skills are improved than before. Lots of homework made me tired but I really appreciate to help of Sean and my classmates.

Time is short and we have dreams. I hope you guys also have had awesome time in Composition class. I will miss you guys even though I am going back to Korea. Thank you for being with me and I would never forget you. FOREVER !! I LOVE U AND GOOD LUCK ♥

I read Lien and vivi's posts.

Journal 17: BARAKA

The movie Baraka describes religion, society, civilization and so on. It was a little hard to understand what it stands for since there is no voice. I tried to keep thinking what they intend to show, but they required me to think too deeply.

The most impressed scene to me is that people work with assembly line in a company. They move their hans as doing same thing like making keyboard or assorting something. It is very natural scene that we can see around us, however they look like just robots to me and seem to be gloomy and bored. I apprecitied to them because we use many stuff made by them. On the other hand, I felt blue and pitiful as I watched this scene. I do not exactly know why I felt like.

Thesedays, we have taken the adventages of civilization. A couple years ago, I saw a TV program about one woman's life. She works everyday and does same thing like chechikng poorly-made article. I remember I felt sad since she just looked like a robot, not a human being at that time. She did not laugh and smile at all. Even though it is kind of hard and boring work, they earn little money. Thus, that scene made me remind the woman. Actually, I do not like this movie because the whole movie makes me very depressed, scared, and gloomy.

Journal 16: Confucius Quote

Confucius is one of very famous philosophers in the world. He always make me remind my middle shool life. Since we learned a lot about him and other philosophers who has many things to learn. To be honest, I don't like him. Because I had to memorize about his study or lesson very exactly. It was so stressful to remember all things even though I know he is very intelligent and wise.
However, I changed my mind and tried to like him since I saw his quote which is so impressive to me. That is "Find a job that you love doing and you will never have to work a day in your life." I totally agree with him. Thesedays, I'm concerned about what to do in the future seriously. We get tired of work but we never are exhausted hanging out with friends or doing interesting.
Thus, if people find an affordable job and enjoy it, they can live happily and satisfy everything. Moreover, Carngie says "people rarely succeed at anything unless they have fun doing it". This is very similar to Confucius's saying and one of my prefer quotes. I would keep it in my mind and think of it whenever I feel bothersome or stressful doing my work. If it is not fun, there is no reason to keep doing. ENJOY MY LIFE!!!!!

Journal 15: Analyzing an Argument

Paul, Thornton. (2010, March 30). Poll: DWP rate increases and renewable energy. Los Angeles Times, from http://www.latimes.com

Paul(2010) takes a stand against Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's suggestion that people, who live in Los Angeles, charge more for their electricity rates(par 1). Mayor Antonio that residents have to pay higher because of more and more use of renewable energy and high price of fossil fuel sources. They might pay much higher if they do not pay now because of makeing the atmosphere that is polluted by carbon good.(par 2) However, Paul(2010) claims that mayor's plan is ridiculous increase of charge. He puts emphasis on transparency and use other's say which strengthens his positon. Moreover, the result of poll makes it clear and show people's support. In my opinion, I'm in favor of his idea that it costs too much for charghing electricity, even though we need to invest on the progress of sources of electricity.

Anticipating Your Parents' Objections

April 16, 2010
Dear Mom and dad,

It seems like such a long time since the last time I call you. I've been doing well so far and I desire to volunteer in Africa during this summer vacation. I know what you are very concerned and I have no experiences like living in unsafe places, doing hard things and helping others. Most of my friends also do so much worry about me. However, I think I used to live too comfortably and I need to be stronger. Don't you think so? I really want to learn from such a little hard and new experiences. I firmly believe that I will be able to overcome any problems very easily through this volunteer. I believe you beileve me. I want to be a better daughter as well as stronger woman. Have a good day and I love you, mom and dad !

Your lovely daughter,

Summarize/Paraphrase Practice

Nancy, Shute. (2010, April 13). Spanking and Kids' Aggression: 3 Alternatives to Spanking That Work for Parents and Kids. U.S.News. Retrieved April 14, 2010, from http://www.usnews.com

Unlike most parents think that spankig their children turns out better, it generally has negative effects on them. Taylor stated that it is better to praise their children and give them some rules such as time-out than use material like spanking. pediatricians claim that spanking children has usually adverse effect on them, but most parents believe that it is good to guide children into the right way. It is necessary to keep in mind that spanking is not a good method to lead children.

Journal 12: Your First Source

Tacoma Narrows Bridge. (2010). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved March 27, 2010, from Encyclopædia Britannica Online: http://search.eb.com.lib-proxy.fullerton.edu/eb/article-9070874

I read about Tacoma narrows bridge from Encyclopedia. I was looking for a research about the example of bridge collapsing. Tacoma narrows bridge collapsing is one of the bridge destructions. It was suspension bridge and completed in July 1940. However, unfortunately four months later, the bridge collapsed because of winds. It was replaced in 1950 by the different method of constructions. This site gave me useful information including the video which showed me the real situation. The video allowed me to comprehend easily. Moreover, I felt that I have to study harder not to happen anymore as one of the civil engineers. In conclusion, the cause of this bridge was winds, so I can use it as a one of the cause of collapsing. I will find another case of collapsing and damages of it.

Journal #10: Advice

I typically solve my problems by myself. However, my friends or my family have been my adviser whenever I seek advices. They are very momentous and special to me and always be there for me. I probably have never been here without them. They've given many advice to me if it is serious or not.

The best advice I was given is choosing a university after I took an exam to attend it. Actually, I was not able to go to university that was what I wanted to go. Therefore, I was concerned about that and had to make a decision whether I have to study a year more or just enter the university that is what I'm attending now in Korea. It was one of big problems in my whole life so I was seriously worried about it and there was nothing to do. It seemed the end of my life. At that time, my parents gave me some advices. They said going to a good university is important to everyone but you would know you don't have to be depressed. There are so many failures and difficulties worse than now in lives. You have to learn how to overcome it and seek other methods. This is merely a small problem in my whole life. Their advices was true so that was the best advices to me. Ralph Waldo Emerson said "With the past, I have nothing to do; nor with the future. I live now". They probably tended to talk about this quote. Whenever I have a problem like that, I think about my parents' advices. It is very helpful and relieve my stress.

Giving or being given advices are very great. However, the important thing is that you must not just follow other's advices. You are necessay to have enough time to think and make decision on your own because advices are not the solutions.


I read Quynh and wendy's posts.

Journal 11: Research Question

- Golden gate bridge

My topic of research is a bridge collapsing. It seems to be sad but I really love my major, CIVIL ENGINEERING!!! Especially, I'm interested in diverse kinds of bridge and the types of construction. Actually, one of dreams in my life is looking around bridges that is worth to seeing all over the world. Thus, this research would definitely be useful to accomplish my big dream.

Today, I knew so much about more specific and detail information of bridge like causes, damages, and types of construction on Wikipedia. The most interesting thing was causes of collapse since we have to avoid accidents and damages as knowing the reason why are bridges destroyed. I could not choose my research question yet, but I just started to think about the causes and damages of bridge collapse. It would be a interesting topic to me as well as you guys who are not in my major.

I read Quynh and Leah's posts.

Journal 4: Weather

In Korea, we have 4 seasons : spring,summer,fall and winter. We can enjoy different atmosphere every year, but I don't like winter. I can't stand the cold and I just want to stay in a warm house in winter.

I really really really love bright,mild and warm weather. My name 'Bomi' means spring in Korea. My father gave the name since I was born in spring. That is one of the reasons I like spring most. Whenever spring comes, I feel like making a boyfriend and hanging out with friends. What a beautiful day! I go to a picnic with some foods and climb moutains on weekend. In fact, my feelings of the day generally depend on weather. If it is sunny day, I tend to more active and energetic. In addition, I also like summer because I'm able to enjoy diverse leisures in water. In summer, we can go beach and swim in water. It is super fantastic but too hot. Thus, California is the best place to live to me.

Last month, I went to San francisco. The weather was totally different from California. It was hazy and foggy, but better than rain. Whenever it is raining, it is so bothersome to bring my umbrella and too cold outside. However, smog makes San francisco more beautiful. Like this, I like foggy weather from time to time but I don't want to live in a city where I can't enjoy a sunshine.
I love California too much ♥

Journal 3: Old Fears

Most people definitely have fears and I'm also afraid of speaking in front of people. Whenever I speak in front of many persons, I feel so nervous. It is hard to overcome to me. For example, if I had a presentation in my class, I could not explain very well despite I had prepared enough. In front of people, my hands get wet and my voice waver. Moreover, I can't remember what I have to speak and make an eyecontact with audiences. Eyecontact is one of important points in communications. Besides, I think I make people take a nap sometimes. A good speaker is who has a sense of humor and ability to make a strong and high voice. However, whenever I'm getting nervous, my voice is very low.

To overcome my fears, I tend to imagine the presentation over and over before I'm in front of audiences. It is one of effective methods to get over my fears. I'm suppose to have a presentation and practice to do my best. Sometimes I've practiced for my test like music or presentation in front of my mom. My mom really enjoyed it and she gives me a lot of advices and let me feel more comfortable in a real situation. And I took a communication skills class to overcome it. It allows me to know a variety of information about specific speaking skills.

Furthermore, one famous person I admire is Oprah winfrey. There are many things to learn from her like talking with others very well, so I read a book that is written by her in Korea. Reading books was also good way to promote my ability. Even I still have that fear, it gets better than before. As drinking much water and taking deep breath, I will be able to concentrate more and do my good job. I'm trying to face my fears and just enjoy it.

Journal 2: Your New Year Resolution

Every new year, I've made some new year's resolutions. That is something that I want to change or accomplish. Honestly, I couldn't decided on a specific new year's resolution since I was very busy to prepare to come here. Of course, I can't accomlish all of my resolutions, but it always makes me keep trying. If I have no new year's resolution, it is hard to plan what I have to do.

In this year, I hpoe to improve my English ability and get a good score. That is the most important resolution to me. I want to work in a company where I need to speak with foreigners fluently. It is my dream and I believe it will come true someday. To accomplish it, I struggle to not only learn English here but also understand other country's culture. This semester is very good chance to attain my resolution.

In addition, I decided to go to gym at least twice a week. Without exercising, I'm getting lazy and not in the mood to do anything from time to time. Working out gives me feel better and reduce my stress level. Thus, I determine that I go to the gym and enjoy my life more lively. It helps me lose weight as well as feel happy. Honestly, exercising is a little boring and somewhat bothering. However, I'm trying and I rarely skip it. I can get lot of benefits from exercising.

Most people has their own resolution if it is difficult to achieve or not. I think the results are not important thing. I mean if you enjoy the process, it is not a failure. In conclusion, I'm going to enjoy everything even though my resolution is difficult to me. Go girl ~

Journal 1: Introductions

Hi! Everyone^^ I'm Bomi and from South Korea. I think it is too late to introduce myself. Sorry. Actually I'm not a ALP student and I just take this class in this semester. I want to talk a lot with you guys and study hard. I don't have to take TOEFL test but I just try and do my best. This semester is the first time to visit America, so it was a little hard to adapt like foods, cultures and so on. I live with my homestay family and they are so kind and friendly. Now, I'm so happy to stay in here but I have to go back to Korea in summer. I know it is very short time to learn English, but I have to prepare to get a job like some tests about my major. Though Sean gives me lots of homework, it allows me to improve my writing skills. If I can not avoid, just enjoy it. Just do it !

American food

Hamburger is the most popular food in America. Actually I said to my homestay mom, "Let's go eat American." Then we enjoyed eating hamburgers. There is so many American foods such as hamburgers, pizza, hotdog and so on.

We can see people eat their food anywhere even walking on the street. I'm able to save lot of time as eating in short time. That is why I like American food so much. We called American food as fastfood. This is very affordable to me whenever I have no enough time to eat,especially cram for my test in Korea. Foods are generally reflected by our eating habit. I think Americans prefer to eat very fast. However, people spend much more time to eat in Korea. We talk with family or friends as eating foods. It makes us feel comfortable. And Americans usually eat out or take out and they hardly cook in their home compared to Korea. Eating out is very suitable to person who usally get up so early to go to work and rarely find time to cook or eat at home. As a result, foods that I mentioned above was caused by American's eating habit I think.

On the other hand, American food is the best way to gain weight. I mean it has chemical seasoning and fat so much. In Korea, moms really don't want kids to eat fastfood since that is not good for their health. And Koreans eat lots of vegetables and less meat. American foods have a high caloric value and very salty. We also have American food however, it is a little bit different from America.

I really like American foods but I'm afraid gaining weight these days. Even though I have to go to the gym almost everyday, I love American food ♥

Journal 8: Optimistic Quote

"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill

This quote means an optimist is a person with a positive outlook on life and a pessimist is someone who thinks that bad things are going to happen. I am generally a pessimist because I usually expect the worst situation. For example, applying for an exchange student, I often thought that I failed to study abroad. Since I had no enough time to finish my undergraduate school, I had to prepare other method to study English in USA. Like this, I always used to prepare myself for the worst situation. People could fail and be frustrated even though they did do their best. If they do something with thinking about the bad circumstances, they will be able to control their failure more easily. In addition, people tend to think negatively since they naturally has some concerns or fears which is serious or not. That is why I have become a pessimist.

On the other hand, I am a person who always try to be an optimist. It is somewhat hard to practice but I have strongly believed the quote mentioned above. Though I am commonly a pessimist, I endeavor to become a person who has a positive view in my life. Whenever I was likey to think negatively, I have read some books that allow me to change my thoughts. Without that kind of efforts, I probably would never have been here today. I believe I would be a perfect opptimist soon.^^

My Best Friend

▶ My best friend

Most people may have their best friends who have different or same things with you. Of course I have a best friend named Bo kyung who I have met when I was a high school student in Korea. We were able to be very closer than any other friends because we have so many common things each other such as movies, hobbies, and foods.

Both of us really liked to go to the movies when we got lots of stressed because of study. Whenever we go to the movies, we do not have to waste time to choose what to see. Like this, I like so much friends who has much in common with me. We hardly fight or have conflicts until now since she is almost the same as me. We were interested in seeing action movies and we enjoyed going to the theater on weekend.

Moreover we are like to travel around the world. When we were in a highschool, we went to Japan as a education trip. Throughout the travel, we could be much closer than before. We talked a lot and knew so many things about one another with beer^^. These days, her university is far from mine so it is hard to travel together. However, She and I still like traveling and we will go abroad together soon. Maybe..

Besides we used to eat Pizza every saturday in high school. After taking a test, we enjoyed foods , especially Pizza. Even though we gained weight over and over, we did not stop it. Since we can not keep studying without tasting delicious food that is one of the good methods to relieve my stress. So, every saturday was important day to us.

As for me, I prefer to friends who are similar to me. If they are differ from me, I cannot keep and maintain relationship for a long time. Of course, if I spend time with those who are differ from me, I can get new and interesting things. In addition, we can get along with other people more easily when we meet people. However, I think it is hard to continue to have strong relationship.
I love my friends :)

My lovely Bailyee

Look at my lovely Bailyee ^^ Isn't she so cute? hehe
This is my pet named Bailyee. Actually, I first met her when I came to my homestay. In my house where I live with my homestay family we've got two dogs. One is Bailyee and the other one is Cloey. Both of them are a girl and Bailyee is youger sister.

Actually I didn't like animals after my neighbor's dog was biting my mom's leg when I was young. So, I had bad and weird memory in my mind and that's why I hate animals. As you know, it's hard to face the fear you have. I was afraid of dogs and my parents also worried about that. When I arrived at the house, they jumping on me and barking so loud. I was really really really scared but I thought they are also members of family. So I tried to make them my friends over and over again. As a result, they don't bark anymore and they always greet me shaking their tail and jumping when I come back. I've never imagined this situation before.

As a matter of fact, sometimes I can figure out what they want. For instance, they keep turning at the same space if they want some food. But I don't know what kind of food they want to eat. If I can talk with dogs, I would ask them about foods like this. "What is your favorite food?" "How's your dinner?" Maybe I'll be able to hear their answer. "Oh, that's what I like best!" Can you imagine? Moreover, how about asking them whether they want to be a human? It's also a silly question, isn't it? I really wonder they hope to be a humam. As sean said, man is also an animal Even though we are not the same kind of a species. Despite we are the same, it seems that some people think human is superior than animals and animals tend to behave by instinct. However, in animal's view, how they consider us?

Journal 5: Life's Soundtrack

Music is one of important things which makes my life happier. Whenever I do my homework and walk on the street, I listen to music. It always have been with me and I cannot imagine my life without music. These days, one of my favorite songs is "If I were a boy". I can't remember when I first heard this song. But I first showed her beautiful performance in the Grammy Awards with my homestay family. Her voice is so attractive and it makes me one of the die-hard fans of her. Moreover, lyrics of the song was impressive and very significant to me. She said everything that I wanted to tell my ex-boyfriend.

Whenever I got angry because of him, he didn't care how it hurts and took for granted. That is why I decided to break up with him. I just wanted him to understand me. However, I realized when I heard this song. If I don't say anything to him, he can't figure out why I got so angry. Of course, I knew that men and women totally different but I couldn't stand and I thought he didn't love me anymore. At that time, this song made me comfort and realize a lot when it comes to a relationship with a boyfriend. I understand him now, because he is just a boy ...