Decision Making Process

        What makes something the one? What pointers do I keep in mind when deciding my options? Well let's explore that shall we? As you can see, this is a follow up to my previous post. In this particular time of mine, it is college acceptance and of course you can't forget its complementary sidekick, rejections season. It's early, but during the time of waiting, as a future college freshman, I must explore my options more carefully. I've done my research on the major component of choosing a college. Now there are more to keep in mind. They include:

1. Programs, Scholarships, Benefits 

Different colleges have different programs and benefits to their institution. Some have scholarships that pay for a huge part of tuition or housing. Others have honors program or a program specifically for a major. Not only that, some include priority registration if one is part of the honors program and so forth. I like to keep these in mind to help me figure out which I may prefer more as the time to choose will be here sooner than ever. 

2. Food

Who doesn't like food? I done some of my research on what food places are around the campus, on and off. This also includes markets that I can shop at for various items I may want or need. This I feel may not seem a big deal, but I personally like to know I have choices when it comes to eating. A full stomach with good food fuels a brain for college work. With energy, how can anyone function as efficiently?

3. Deadlines

This is a big one. I possibly should have mention this one sooner. This has definitely been a big tush kicker for me. I see deadlines left and right, but sometimes as students, we forget and think that we have lots of time. Then we forget and have lots of other work to deal with. If not, we don't see the deadline or possibly there wasn't a deadline on a page on the website and we should ask. Nevertheless, take advantage of applications and check out college websites to see what other things you may find useful or applicable to you. 

4. Reviews

I like to check out websites that allow alumni or current students at the institutions to share their experience and thoughts about the college itself. It is a great way to find out about the institution itself. 

5. Campus or Virtual Tours

Tour the campus or take a virtual one online. It is nice to explore the campus before accepting the college offer. 

6, Courses 

If you're as crazy as me, I have done some search on what classes I will take for my major/minor that I will/may go into. Depending on what college, it will have different requirements. Some are more and some are less. Some are just different courses, but they are in the same direction. Some even require physical education courses to be taken before graduating. That reminds me, CSU colleges require passing the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) in order to graduate. Look up course catalogs to see what you may be in for. It may be surprising for some. 

7. Distance, Tuition, Diversity

Do you want to stay close or go far? Can you afford it? Do you want to meet people from all around the world? Would you like to meet people from different cultures? These are things I keep in mind as well. 

These are some of the various activities I have done during my free time (or even times when I prefer to take a break from current work). It helps to get familiar with the colleges you have applied to so you can decide which one is best for you a little ahead of time. It never hurts to know more about a college. Hope this helps a little for those like me on this journey or for those in the future. 

Uni-Boil + CSULA

        Another week past. So fast! One more week and that is the end of January. Can you believe that? Nevertheless, to keep up with time, my mom and I went to Uni-Boil. It is our first time and it is quite fairly new since it changed possibly some time last year. I've heard from my sister that the company does not use MSG. I ordered a Japanese Miso Special and my mom ordered the Friday Special, which included beef and tomato soup base. It was not bad. I liked it. I think it would have been better if the fire stayed lit a little longer or if the food boiled faster. It took a while for my food to cook. Despite that, it was quite good. It was really filling and there's quite a bit of items in the pot to eat. We left there satisfied.
        Today, I went with my dad to the VIP Honors College Day at CSULA. I definitely would say it was a great experience. We got a taste of an honors course taught there by a professor today. For my group, we got to learn about disasters in LA and how we prepare for various disasters such as earthquakes. Have you thought if you were prepared? Are you too prepared or too little prepared? How much is too much? If you are prepared, would it help you if a disaster struck at any moment? We discussed this a little together and I felt it was really interesting how I never really thought about this idea even though I should as for everyone else who lives in places with disasters that are due. I honestly would say I loved today with a taste of an honors course, but I don't know whether this part of college is entirely for me. Possibly. Could be. I'm still exploring my options. Stay tuned for my decision process. Hope you had a wonderful week folks!

Japanese Miso Special

Japanese Miso Special (uncooked)

CSULA library

January Adventures

       January calls for adventures! Food adventures to be exact. So far many donuts were part of my adventure. First stop Colorado Donuts! Mmm mmm good. I liked the Strawberry Cream Cronut the best. This past week I went to quite a bit of food outings. It's been a tough week, a little off my game this week. What better way to drown confusion with food? There's always a definite choice when it comes to food. But then again we have to choose what to buy... Mmm... On second thought let's just say food gave me a little escape route for just a little while. (: 

       I got out early from school on Wednesday so my mom and I went to Hanashima. I ordered a Ramen and California Rolls combo. It was delicious like always, but it did seem to taste a little bit different from what I remembered before surgery. Maybe just surgery talk? Afterwards, we headed to Hooshik! We got a Mango Falling Snow. It was really good! It's not mango season, but the mangoes were pretty sweet. I liked how the vanilla ice cream had a coating of mango on top. To top the week, my dad, mom, and I went to Curry House. First time! It was a nice different from what we usually eat. Then guess where we went? Hooshik! My dad never tried it, so we decided to take him. This time we got Injeolmi Falling Snow. I love mochi! It was good. Really light and reminded me of the injeolmi mochi we buy before. 

       Saturday, my sister brought home some UJelly donuts after her little outing with her friend. We've been wanting to try them. They were pretty good. I liked the Pandan one the best. 

       Looks as if I eat a lot huh? Must watch that tummy of mine! Nevertheless, to many more food adventures!

Colorado Donuts

Mango Falling Snow

Chicken Curry Set

Injeolmi Falling Snow

U Jelly 

Find Your Adventure

       Happy 2016 everyone! I hope everyone had a wonderful New Year's Day with family and friends. My dad and I went to Rose Parade yet again as our little father daughter bonding tradition each year. Woke up early for the day. It was so cold! But it was worth it. In the afternoon, our family headed off to The Broad museum. As you can see, I am an art lover. Art, art, art. Life would be a little dull without art. There were many many pictures taken throughout the day. Too many to choose from, so I decided to choose the ones from the art gallery to share with you lovely folks. Enjoy! 

(P.S. The title for this post is tied to the Rose Parade theme this year. I hope every one of you finds your adventure this year as well! )

A little peek into the world

Arrows in different directions

Up up we go! 

Colorful tulips

Just amazing

Polka dots! 

Balloon doggy! 

Desire