I studied agriculture in college, but I didn’t follow a career in that field. Instead I became an itinerant teacher. But I don’t think that I wasted my degree. Even if I never grow any rice or keep any bees (which I hope I do), it would still be worth it to have studied agriculture. I’m enjoying taking photos of rice paddies, probably because I know a little about plants and soil and stuff. They say ‘the more you learn,…
Topic: change of environmentThesis: I can adjust to a new environment In the countryside in Cambodia it is a very different environment than what I am used to. On my first night I was in a bad mood because I was tired from travel and in a strange place. My second day here has been much better. Cambodia has a very hot and humid climate. At first it was hard to get used to feeling sweaty all the time. I…
Wearing sandals indoors is a cultural practice in Vietnam. There are several reasons behind this tradition. People remove their shoes before entering a home to keep the living space clean. Wearing sandals that are only for indoor use helps to prevent dirt and other contaminants from coming in from outside. People also like sandals for their comfort and practicality. They are easy to slip on and off. They also help keep your feet cool on a hot day. These are…
The new year is here. Here are my hopes for this new year. My first hope is for personal growth and development. I would like to find a good job. I would also like to develop other skills outside of work. My second hope is for community and connection. I hope that I will find community, be able to form meaningful relationships and have a strong sense of belonging. The new year represents a new opportunity. Many people including myself…
Topic: “go with my gut”Thesis: some examples of situations where saying “go with my gut” might be appropriate. The expression “go with my gut” means to rely on your instincts or intuition when making a decision. Here are some examples of situations where saying “go with my gut” might be appropriate. In a job interview, if you have a gut feeling that the company culture doesn’t fit your values, even if it is a good job, you might decide to…
Topic: having my own place Thesis: looking for a place to call home A place to call home is something everybody needs. If you don’t have it, then you’re trying to find it. Here in Hanoi, you will find even the smallest spaces are filled. A gap between two buildings has a noodle auntie. A stair step has a chicken on it. Every size and shape of space is occupied. I have come here to find my own space to…
Topic: making life brighter Thesis: celebrating Tet and keeping a positive mindset can make our lives brighter. A Celebrating Tet and cultivating a positive mindset can make our lives brighter. Celebrating Tet makes our lives brighter. Tet has many traditional practices which emphasize goodwill. For example, giving lucky money to children, sharing special foods, visiting family, offering altar tributes, and wishing each other well. Gestures of goodwill like these make life brighter for ourselves and others. Tet also emphasizes practices…
A I wish I had a pet turtle. A pet turtle would be a good thing for my life. A pet turtle would be a nice companion. We would eat meals together. He would sit next to me and I would feed him small pieces of pizza. We could also watch tv together while we are eating the pizza. Eating pizza and watching tv is more fun with someone else. Q. ____ would be a good thing for my life….
A. The brown garden behind the gym is not empty. If you go there you will find it is full of things. They may not be green growing things in December. They may be brown things. They may be dead things. But you step on the soft layer of wood chips and organic debris, and you think that the ground is full of insects and microorganisms. Your cushioned foot steps pass through the gate. The cabbage that was left behind…
Topic: this placeThesis: it is home to manyConclusion: I. TopicII. plants, animalsa. signs of lifeb. not aloneIII. mea. leaving tracksb. living hereIV. Conclusion The city is busy, so I went for a walk in the wild. Here is home to many. Everywhere around there are signs of life. The place is home to animals like rabbits and birds. There are trees and plants as well. Besides the plants and animals, there is also me. As I walk I leave my…