My Presentation by Ziyi

My name is ZIYI. I would like to first thank you all for agreeing to consider my application to be a matriculated student at the pacific Lutheran university.
When I made a decision to study in the United States it totally changed my life. I can recall the situation when I had just arrived at PLU. Everything was a new experience for me. I needed to be independent and make great efforts for my future. Until now I think that through my efforts that I have sufficiently prepared myself for matriculation into PLU. There are several reasons why I feel I could qualify as a full-time student in PLU.

First of all, this semester I attended calculus 151 as my academic course where I earnestly completed my course work. In addition, I concentrated during the class and often asked questions to my professor. In the beginning, I felt uncomfortable when I attended math class. I had never used English to learn calculus before; therefore, this course was not easy to study. However, I tried my best to adapt to it as soon as possible. Also my American classmates assisted me greatly and I have cultivated many friendships in my math course. I feel that I have made obvious personal progress and growth as I have made a lot of new acquaintances in my social life by my willingness to join parties, clubs and campus activities such as volunteering at the Seattle Green Festival and working for a soup kitchen in Tacoma. I now know how to utilize campus resources for my academic study such as the writing center, the academic assistance center and also through communication with my instructors. Most importantly, I feel that I have blended into American campus life and I thoroughly enjoy it.
Second, in my view, as an international student the greatest challenges are mostly adjusting to language abstraction and the rhythm of campus life. However these impediments are not a hindrance to me, as they actually stimulate my progress. I willingly go to the library, refer to bibliography, consult my professor or classmates, and diligently study. I believe that though a variety of ways, I can overcome any obstacle. I am fully confident that I can be successful in my studies at PLU in the future.

Third, I accepted language training and learned study skills in Study Group transition classes that prepared me for matriculation. I have a large quantity of reading, writing, oral communication exercises every week and in our class, the study style is the same as my PLU classes thus those courses help me blend into my PLU life as quickly as possible.

In addition, academic study and extra-curricular activities are also important for being a positive member of the PLU community. Social activities on the campus make my college life colorful and significant. I often attend outings with the outdoor-adventure club at PLU. I enjoy staying with my American friends, talking with them and also going hiking with them. This is a good way to improve our friendship and I can feel a sort of familial sense in my club even at PLU. I hope I can contribute to be active in my club with the other members so it will become the most popular club on our campus.