kholtvluwer-blog

[kholtvluwer-blog]

https://youtu.be/8PNTZEv-e54

[kholtvluwer-blog]

One of my favorite books of all time is “The Host” by Stephanie Meyer. It takes place in a dystopian society. Aliens take over host bodies of humans and it does not go as planned with one girl. The language is interesting because it is very descriptive. When I read this book I really felt like I was there. Meyers does an amazing job painting a picture for her readers but still leaving enough space to imagine characters for themselves. There is also a lot of dialogue which I feel many novels are missing. You get a true sense for the characters personalities and it also keeps readers more engaged with the book. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for an action packed novel that is hard to put down. I know it was a real page turner for me! How authors choose to use language really can steer the direction of the book.

[kholtvluwer-blog]

Interview Report

Recently I interviewed my friend Noel about what it is like to be a part of the Michigan State Orchestra. She plays violin and practices all the time. Every Wednesday, members of the orchestra get together to work on their ensemble pieces. It is amazing to see students working together to create beautiful musical masterpieces. Noel started playing violin at the age of six and has been in love with it ever since. She takes every song as a chance to challenge her abilities. When I asked her what it was like trying to learn a new piece she responded, “at first it always seems impossible, like I will never be ablest master it, then little by little I get more comfortable with it!” It is inspiring to me that she is able to balance her heavy practice schedule while also being in a sorority, and a member of the James Madison College. She is truly an inspiration and interviewing her taught me a lot about being a student with a lot on your plate.

[kholtvluwer-blog]

Michigan state university is a very diverse campus. There are many international students from all over the world. I know in my personal living hall, we have people from China, South Africa, Canada, and even Switzerland. It is amazing to be a part of a community that has such a rich and diverse culture. It adds to everyone’s overall experience. Each student can learn something from others. Even meeting people from different states is a good way to learn new things. Joining Greek life has been a great way for me to learn about other cultures. We have four girls in my pledge class from out of the country. Coming into this school, it scared me to not know people. But by meeting these international people, I have noticed that I have learned a lot and became much more excepting. It has taught me many things about different family dynamics and cultures and I think it has helped me grow as a person. I encourage everyone to branch out and try and meet new people! You trily never know who could become ur closest friends.

[kholtvluwer-blog]

https://youtu.be/9jCZgUiPixE

“La Misma Luna” or “Under the same Moon,” is a very impressive foreign movie to me. It is told in the third person which isn’t often done in American Hollywood movies. This film is in Spanish and tells the sad tale of a boy who desperately wants to come to America to be able to live with his mother whom he has not been able to see for years. The music included in this movie is not American but instead is the work of beautiful Mexican instruments. It is also very different than American movies because it goes through themes that many Americans may not consider or that may be foreign to us like illegal information, running from I.C.E. and not being able to communicate through language barriers. Although part of the story takes place in Los Angeles, it is clear the main purpose was to show the struggle of the young Mexican boy trying to illegal immigrate to the United States. The director did an amazing job showing the drama of the piece and this will forever be one of my favorite movies.

[kholtvluwer-blog]

Fall is a time of change. The long nights of sweet summer breeze come to an end as the crisp fall air makes its arrival. The trees change into a an array of colors ranging from golden yellows to rich ruby reds. Succulents shrivel to sleep awaiting the soon arrival of sparkling snowflakes. It is hard to believe that this work of art is actually the death of so many beautiful plants. The air is filled with laughter of children as leaves are piled up as tall as skyscrapers. The night is lit up with the spooky sparks of candles inside jack lanterns. Soon this warm array of colors will be blanketed in a thick white blanket of snow.

[kholtvluwer-blog]

This weekend, I went to Central Michigan University’s homecoming game. We tailgated and saw so many different people. There was alumni, current students, and just peoples friends and family. The smell of hotdogs and Hamburg’s wafted through the chilly fall air. Music could be herd from anywhere in the lot. The mood was happy and everyone seemed to be having a great time. We all danced and laughed and took plenty of pictures to remember our time there. The chips also ended up winning witch was a perfect way to end the night. I was so blessed to get to visit with all my friends who go to school there. However, cmu still has nothing on the culture and student life at msu!!!

[kholtvluwer-blog]

The Michigan state university association I chose to write about for my culture paper is Greek life, specifically sorority’s. This past week, the rushing process for Michigan state was completed and we all got our bids to find out was houses we were in. This is a big deal as you find your sisters that will be lifelong friends for the rest of your life. I joined Delta Gamma, and have already realized how much tradition and culture goes in to being a part of these sisterhoods. Each house has there own philanthropy that the girls believe deeply in. We complete service project, volunteer, and fundraiser to help out with our specific philanthropy. Being in a sorority is a big time commitment. It helps form girls into strong women who are able to be leaders. I think this is a great topic for a culture paper based on the tradition, passion, and love that goes into being in a sisterhood.

[kholtvluwer-blog]

On Sunday September 22, I walked by the Spartan Statue. I figured that this would be the perfect spot for me to conduct my observation. A family stood in front of the spartan statue posing to get there picture taken. It looked like it was two young parents with there new baby. They asked some strangers walking by if they could capture the image for them. The family went through a series of different pics trying to get there baby to look at the camera. The baby was distracted by dogs that were getting walked nearby. Many people passed by as the family tried to get there picture right. Before finally getting one that met there standards.

[kholtvluwer-blog]

Saturday night lights! This weekend my roommate and I attended the MSU versus ASU football game. There were plenty of tailgates before the game to kick off the night. It was a great way to hangout with new people and chant with our fellow classmates as the spartans tried to win the game. Although the turnout was unfortunate and not at all what we had hoped for, it still was a lot of fun. Having the opportunity to be a part of the student section really makes Michigan state feel more like home. I can not wait to continue going to these games throughout my next for years here! GO GREEN!