Intro It's been a while since my last post (said every blogger ever), and so much has happened. I haven't gone anywhere exciting since my tour to Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond, but I am fully immersed in my classes. It's a bit weird writing a blog about school because what I've always loved about school are the people, both teachers and students. That being said, I feel as though I have made some very nice friends here. There are many people who have already gone above and beyond for me and that sort of kindness isn't easily forgotten. They say Glasgow is suppose to be a friendly city, and I couldn't agree more. I had one bad run in with a yoot at Subway (click this link here because this is my favorite part of the movie), but other than that, it's a nice city. There are bad parts though, but let's not talk about that. Classes I am only taking three classes for this semester. This is my first semester out of three, and I can't believe we are practically halfway through. My classes are titled: Sound for the Moving Image 1, Sound Theory/Film Studies, and Popular Culture and Creative Practice which is an elective. I have never taken so few classes before in my life. I love it and I can actually spend time researching the topics we learn about in class. I wake up every morning excited to learn, even if I'm tired. I love my classes and I love every bit I'm learning. In my Sound for the Moving Image class, we are focusing on Pro Tools and learning about the basics of what a digital audio workstation does. Having zero background in audio programs, except for that one thing I did that one time for that one class in GarageBand........... I am fed an overwhelming amount of information every Tuesday and Thursday. But, I think I can take it. Some of my classmates even lean over to help me out when I miss a step. When that happens, it's sort of like having a stand partner who is way better than you put in fingerings to help you keep up. I love that my classmates are kind enough to help me out, but I hope one day, I can return the favor and help them too. My professor is absolutely fantastic. I didn't realize this before I came here, but he's recorded with Belle and Sebastian and went on tour with Mogwai. AND what is an added bonus: He's a trombonist! It's little things like that that make me feel like all of this is suppose to be happening. In my Sound Theory/Film Studies class, we watch films on Monday, have lecture about the elements of film, and discuss the use of sound in the film. Today we watched an amazing movie called La Antena (you can watch the whole film without subtitles here, but it's in Spanish.) I loved the score for it, but it made me miss Bowling Green very much. I felt a very strong attachment to it for some reason today, and some part of it made me miss hearing my friends play and perform with and for me. I'm not sure why it evoked those emotions, but I also haven't practiced violin since coming here because of lack of practice rooms, and the violin part sounds so fun to play. We've also watched a film called Festen, which I also liked very much. It follows a set of rules called the Dogma 95 Manifesto. Some of the rules require that the camera must be handheld, the sound must be recorded on location, and it must be in color. BUT, if I had to recommend one movie above the rest, it would be Hunger. It is an incredible film based on true events during The Troubles in Northern Ireland in the 1980s. Michael Fassbender is just impeccable in it. I cannot recommend watching this movie enough! In my Pop Culture and Creative Practice class, which is only one day a week as well, I always think about the lesson throughout the entire week until we have class again. We are learning about the perception of (sometimes economical) differences between social class, taste, and fandoms. This is the class where I learn the most about history from a different perspective. It is fascinating to learn about historical events from a British point of view. A group of classmates and I always have lunch afterwards and I am usually full of questions pertaining to the differences between Britain and the States. I only have one project for this class and that is the only thing I get graded on. I get to pick a research topic and then spend the rest of my time researching it, I think. We get our proposals back this week, so it'll be interesting to hear what my prof has to say about mine! Violin and Viola When I was younger, I promised myself that I would never turn into one of those people who said, "I used to play _(insert instrument)_ but I stopped. I wish I kept playing!" because it seemed like everyone who has ever played an instrument regretted not playing it more often. I haven't quit violin or viola, but I have very limited time that I can devote to it. I deeply miss the viola. I didn't bring my viola because I was renting one. I haven't ever felt like I played violin as an emotional outlet, but rather, I just liked making music. With viola, I felt like I could more easily express my thoughts and create more meaningful sounds. I miss both of my teachers very much and hearing their words of wisdom, hearing their advice, and watching them perform. Universal Health Care I am not afraid or ashamed whatsoever to say that I absolutely LOVE universal health care. It was the biggest pain in the butt to get an appointment (but that's because I was a brand new patient), but nothing really comes close to not having to pay for your prescription medicine or appointment. I forgot that universal health care meant that I didn't have to pay anything, and when I asked my doctor about how much everything would cost, she looked at me and said, "You pay nothing. Really." She went on to tell me that what she likes most about having universal health care is that she doesn't have to worry about her patients not being able to afford their medicine, so she can prescribe the best brand and know that they'll have the best chance of getting better. I sort of loved that she told me that. A Last Note It's very easy to become home sick anymore, but I love being in this place. My mom and I were talking about how Korea was too focused on appearance for my liking, and how I felt that London was very judgmental. Glasgow seems to be the perfect fit for me. In general though, I am surrounded by international people all day, and that in itself is a great thing. I do love this city very much and I am constantly learning something new and interesting all the time.
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November 2015
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