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God. I am scared. I just don't feel I'm ready for college at 16 (especially studying abroad... AGAIN). I am extremely nervous and just plainly afraid of what the future will bring.

Anyone like me?

By Jennyzsong (Jennyzsong) on Saturday, November 22, 2003 - 11:13 pm: Edit

well, i'm not 16, but i'm still super scared, if i get into ANY of the schools i'm applying to i will be probably on the other side of the continent in a culture that is really different and scary! and i will miss snow

By Fiza (Fiza) on Saturday, November 22, 2003 - 11:34 pm: Edit

im scared too. Im so scared that i have 3 backups. THREE!! AND i have a backup plan in case i get rejected from the 15 schools I'm applying to-work and then Europe!

You guys have nothing on me.

By Raindrops (Raindrops) on Saturday, November 22, 2003 - 11:51 pm: Edit

Good for you, Fiza.

I think I'll be frozen in the US, being a forevermore tropical girl.

By Vulcano (Vulcano) on Sunday, November 23, 2003 - 12:13 pm: Edit

Oh please, go across the country? Im going to college from Colombia, South America. Thats a long distance. I've traveled around the world all my life, and trust me, its not that bad. You will adapt very quickly to your new lifestyle, just try not to sit and wait for it to adapt to you. Take action in meeting people and knowing the new place and you'll be fine.

By Sarbear (Sarbear) on Sunday, November 23, 2003 - 12:56 pm: Edit

Vulcano - Mi hermano es adoptado de la Colombia! (Medellin). I'm in the same boat though. I've lived all over the place and traveled alone out of the country tons of times (not just to Europe). Honestly, there is NOTHING to worry about!

But keep posting - it makes me giggle that you think the 'culture' changes drastically from one side of the country to the other. (It makes me laugh my ass off that you even think there is "culture" in the US!!)

By Chemgirl04 (Chemgirl04) on Sunday, November 23, 2003 - 01:19 pm: Edit

Ok, the culture may not change drastically from region to region in the U.S. but there is definitely a change in mindset. You're not going to tell me that there is no difference between a kid who grew up in NYC and someone who grew up in Springfield, Missouri. Growing up in the midwest (in a modest-big) city I can tell you that there is a huge difference in kids from the midwest and kids from the east coast, just as you would expect there to be. I don't mean to imply that kids from the east coast are bad or mean or such cuase I don't feel that way at all, they are simply different. The culture itself may not be different, but kids that grow up on the East COast, or the deep south, midwest or west coast will undoubtedly feel a different type of "culture" if they relocate to an area that is new.

By Jennyzsong (Jennyzsong) on Sunday, November 23, 2003 - 01:48 pm: Edit

it makes ME mad that you don't think there is culture in the US. it might not be culture like in other countries, but there is definitely a type of culture. It's media culture, it's not rooted in spirituality or a long history, but it's a culture nonetheless.

Also, you guys are assuming that I'm American. Which I'm not. I'm international.

By Sarbear (Sarbear) on Sunday, November 23, 2003 - 01:59 pm: Edit

Jenny - Well, you did say you'd be "on the other side of the continent." What are you, Canadian? Uh, yeah... really 'international.' I'm more 'international' than that, and I'm a US citizen!

Chemgirl - I'm not saying the mindsets don't vary in different settings. I just think it's funny your scared, especially when you know what to expect "culturally."

By Jennyzsong (Jennyzsong) on Sunday, November 23, 2003 - 02:26 pm: Edit

yes i am a canadian. how are you more international if you're a US citizen?

By Sarbear (Sarbear) on Sunday, November 23, 2003 - 02:41 pm: Edit

'Cause I've lived all over the place - France, Ghana, Peru...

By Sarbear (Sarbear) on Sunday, November 23, 2003 - 02:42 pm: Edit

By the way, I love Canada.

By Thenamek (Thenamek) on Sunday, November 23, 2003 - 02:44 pm: Edit

Sarbear, you have truly astounded me with that asinine remark. Suffice it to say: you are a clownish fool. You don't get to where the U.S. is today with no culture. It takes a remarkable combination of ignorance and arrogance to say something like that. Leave the country if you think that we don't have any culture. Just get lost and go live in a foreign land that's SO much more sophisticated than we are. We Amercian pigs are so inferior, aren't we??? You make me want to vomit.

And, respectfully, to the moderator regarding the standard of "don't say what you wouldn't say if there were an admissions officer listening in:" I would say that, with more emphasis and energy than I could muster in type, regardless of who was listening in. After all the Americans who have died for this country, that remark is absurd and uncalled-for.

And, Jennyzsong, the culture in the U.S. transcends the "media" - at least, it does in academia. And I would argue that the U.S. is far more spiritual than Europe, which is why THEY get ripped at our President when he makes references to God even though Americans (most of them) think it's great.

It amazes me why there are so many people who hate America, even some ultra-liberal Americans themselves. These people just feed off of what other people say - "America is imperialist, BLAH-BLAH-BLAH." They never think of an original idea - they just repeat what others say. Remarkable. Case in point: Sarbear, please explain why you don't think we have any culture. Really. I can't wait to hear what you have to say.

By Sarbear (Sarbear) on Sunday, November 23, 2003 - 03:10 pm: Edit

Oh my...

I was just giving Jenny a hard time. Of course America has culture! Thenamek - you get the prize for 'Best Use of Thesaurus'. Good attempt at trying to sound smart. Vomit all you want to. Get off your soapbox and go to West Point.

Sarah

p.s. Jenny, stay in Canada! Lol...
p.p.s. Thenamek - this is a messageboard, don't take everything so seriously!

By Simon (Simon) on Sunday, November 23, 2003 - 03:15 pm: Edit

Thenamek, you are so right, I’m totally behind you.

I grew up in the Bronx and experienced our culture first hand. Every thing is intensified in the "ghetto," ever since I moved I realize how extremity of American culture. Our chance for occupational advancement, religion, education, and expression as a whole is far superior then any other country. It is all of these categories that form American culture. It is our balance that makes us superior.

By Sarbear (Sarbear) on Sunday, November 23, 2003 - 03:25 pm: Edit

Wow - Now America is "superior!"

By Borglq (Borglq) on Sunday, November 23, 2003 - 04:41 pm: Edit

Sarbear, I think the problem is more than the united states and lack of culture. It is contemporary western society that is the problem. IMO, modern Western society makes people less emotionally strong, less interesting, less passionate, and less human. Western society is making life easy, and life isnt meant to be a breeze. Today, People of Western Society dont experience the struggles, deaths, hatred, love and experiences that mold our character, make us the people who we are. I will go as far as saying that people from poorer countries are more human then we are.

The united states is the epitimy of this Western society and therefore the problem is biggest in the united states. However, Europe is following this same path. People are less and less interesting, meaningful.

I dont have much to support these ideas of mine other then observation. I go to school in the United States and everything, everybody- it all seems so shallow. Maybe I am exagerating and people were always this shallow. However, I look at my parents' and granparents' generation and I see a much more interesting people.

Please take into account that I have made numerous generalizations and this doesnt apply to everybody. Also, i kinda suck at writing so if you misunderstood me its probably my fault.

By Sarbear (Sarbear) on Sunday, November 23, 2003 - 05:29 pm: Edit

Borg - Czy ty jestes Polakiem? (if you didn't understand that, sorry, I'm confusing you with another poster . Where are you from?)

By Ledzeppelin2000 (Ledzeppelin2000) on Sunday, November 23, 2003 - 06:02 pm: Edit

people, america does have a culture, it goes back to the roots of puritinism and stuff, we are arrogent, hard working and prudent, its that simple, and yeah, being im from New York City, there is a big different from other parts in the country, i lived in california, and i was always on the go and fast, and they were laid back and stuff, there is a culture shock to some degree

By Fiza (Fiza) on Sunday, November 23, 2003 - 07:30 pm: Edit

I love America. I do. But sometimes Europe and Asia and the middle east is just SOOO much more interesting.

By Minibrit (Minibrit) on Sunday, November 23, 2003 - 07:35 pm: Edit

no way, i cant wait to be on my own, totally independent!!

By Minibrit (Minibrit) on Sunday, November 23, 2003 - 07:37 pm: Edit

NO way! i cant wait to be on my own, totally independent!!

By Minibrit (Minibrit) on Sunday, November 23, 2003 - 07:37 pm: Edit

NO way! i cant wait to be on my own, totally independent!!

By Borglq (Borglq) on Sunday, November 23, 2003 - 07:53 pm: Edit

tak.. nie mam czasu pisacz, poznej odpisze sarbear.

By Vulcano (Vulcano) on Sunday, November 23, 2003 - 07:53 pm: Edit

Im afraid im with sarbear on this one. Although he doesnt support his argument very well, nor do you. By the way, It's amazing how off topic something can get with just a few posts. And for jennyzong, going from one side of the US to the other is a meaningless change, the first day you MIGHT be shocked but thats as bad as it gets.

By Jennyzsong (Jennyzsong) on Sunday, November 23, 2003 - 08:17 pm: Edit

i am NOT american. and there actually IS a difference between canadian and american culture, even if you might not think it. canadians tend to be MUCH more socialist, with socialist thinking. our 'right wingers' are DRASTICALLY LESS right wing than american right wingers. you can also see this in our mottos--american's is life, liberty, pursuit of happines, canadian's is peace, order, and good government, or something like that. You can see that Americans are very into individualistic needs, instead of the needs of a group of people as a whole, as Canadians are. This is why there is privatized healthcare, whereas in Canada, healthcare is free for everyone.

I'm too tired to think of more examples. I think Canada and USA have different cultures. That's all there is to it. If I think so, then it affects me. If you don't think so, then it won't affect you. That doesn't change the fact that I'm going to feel weird.

By Raindrops (Raindrops) on Sunday, November 23, 2003 - 08:46 pm: Edit

Vulcano,

I come from Belize from Taiwan. I've travelled around the world, too. Do I fit into your standard of "international" student? Tsk tsk.

I do agree that America has a culture, but that shouldn't be the only factor making people scared.

By Neo (Neo) on Sunday, November 23, 2003 - 09:05 pm: Edit

Interesting...

By Simon (Simon) on Monday, November 24, 2003 - 01:01 am: Edit

sarbear u begrijpt in een taal iedereen zou moeten spreken!

By Lata (Lata) on Monday, November 24, 2003 - 08:00 am: Edit

I can see how you feel. I'm 16 too but my fear of college has sort-of died down because I'm in a college program called Upward Bound. It prepares me for college and for living on college campus. Dont be scared! It is a different world but you'll learn very quickly how to adjust.!

By Saccharine (Saccharine) on Monday, November 24, 2003 - 01:43 pm: Edit

Zgadzam sie z Sarbear i Borglg.

Sorry, I just couldn't resist the temptation to use my beloved native language .

By Vulcano (Vulcano) on Monday, November 24, 2003 - 04:16 pm: Edit

raindrops...what are you trying to say here?

By Virgo007 (Virgo007) on Monday, November 24, 2003 - 04:25 pm: Edit

Canada is just THERE. It hasn't played in major role in history.

I never really liked Canada.

By Madhouse (Madhouse) on Monday, November 24, 2003 - 04:37 pm: Edit

I agree that Asian countries are far more interesting. Just look at history. To some Asian country, America is just a spoiled kid.

By Madhouse (Madhouse) on Monday, November 24, 2003 - 04:41 pm: Edit

But America does have a culture, that would be the diversity. Even though there were discriminations.

By Jennyzsong (Jennyzsong) on Monday, November 24, 2003 - 06:43 pm: Edit

Yes Virgo, because the US has played such a big role... what did they do again... oh yeah, joined all the world wars too late and dessimated other countries without formally declaring war? oh right, and kill each other? bravo.

Canada is known for peace keeping. We played our role in each World War. We are continually helping countries across the world. Heck, we even solved the Suez Canal Crisis.

By Sarbear (Sarbear) on Monday, November 24, 2003 - 07:23 pm: Edit

THANK YOU Jennyzsong - I'm moving to Canada (wait, do you guys have good skiing?)

By Jennyzsong (Jennyzsong) on Tuesday, November 25, 2003 - 04:28 pm: Edit

of course we have good skiing

i'm on the ski club actually hehe