International Student Ambassadors

Education Abroad in the Philippines?? Say What?!

2010-02-01T11:20:00.000-08:00

Let me start off by first introducing myself...

Hi! My name is Bemigrace Pascual, but most people call me "Bemi." It's very nice to meet you, you being whoever is reading this blog! :D

Last semester, Fall of 2009, I went on an exchange program through Pacific with Ateneo de Manila University in the Philippines. Mr. David Schmidt, our IPS Director, was actually the one who opened up this amazing opportunity to me last February. I was a bit reluctant and unsure initially, but I knew I couldn't let this opportunity pass me by, especially since a deadline was given in asking my parents for permission. (lol)
I was only 17 years old when this proposal was offered to me. I was fortunate enough to have my parents agree and to also have my airfare and housing/dorm paid for. I am still forever grateful for that!

This was my first time being away from home and away from my parents for a long period of time. One semester may not sound long to you, but it was to me. I've been sheltered and overly protected for 17 years of my life. This was a MAJOR step for me and my parents as well, of course.
With that said, it was a bit hard for me adjusting in Ateneo at first, especially when our orientation was canceled due to the H1N1 Virus scare, but no students were affected and I gradually got used to the swing of things in Ateneo. It wasn't as bad as I had initially thought. I took the initiative of making friends on the first day and being actively involved in various organizations on campus in the second week. One organization that I truly recommend joining, if you do plan on studying abroad to the Philippines, is Tugon (which means "reaching out" in Tagalog). It is an organization that addresses the plight of children who are survivors of sexual abuse and abandonment. This organization was where I met most of my close friends, who I still keep in contact with today. By the way, the campus is beautiful!! The school campus is a bit elevated, built on a hill, overlooking the rest of the city. The campus is also huge, but very manageable in getting around. Surprisingly enough, they do have tricycles to get you around in, both on and off campus. =]

The classroom settings were a bit similar to that here at Pacific. The student teacher ratio was nice. There were no more than 30 students in the classrooms I was in. I sensed that most teachers I had truly cared about the education of their students. They were easy going and very easy to talk to. I especially enjoyed my Psychology 101 class.

One major thing that I encountered and I knew that I would, was me being Filipino American. I'm full Filipino, but I was born and raised here in the U.S. What was interesting was that most students didn't think I was an "exchange student" because I pretty much blended in (being brown of course). It wasn't until I started speaking with my "American accent" that they did believe and conclude I was from the U.S, but most of them were pretty friendly and welcoming regardless. They did ask a lot of questions regarding the United States, and I did try my best to answer all of them. But I couldn't give a wholesome answer, since I live in California, which is only a PART of the U.S. Other than that, there were a lot of other international students from Korea, China, Japan, France, Germany, and numerous others. Most of which I was able to meet through their Office of International Programs, which is very similar to our IPS Office here at Pacific.

Besides the great education, the nice learning environment, and CHEAP textbooks! I also had fun in: going out with friends, trying different kinds of food that I know I wouldn't be able to back in the States, having the opportunity in being absorbed in a beautiful culture (my native roots), learning about the history of the Philippines first hand, and the list can go on and on.

As a former exchange student, I know first hand how scary it can be going to a whole different country and a different school, but the pros totally outweigh the cons. You really have to learn to get over your fears of making new friends. Once you get through that, it will mostly be smooth sailing from there. Don't let language be a barrier as well. Take the initiative to be-friend someone. It will be worth it in the long run. Don't be afraid to ask questions. That's a big one. Other than that, just be yourself and have fun! :)

I recently returned to good ol' California about two months ago. I'm glad to be back home, but I have to say, my greatest regret is not choosing to stay in Ateneo for a year. I wish I could have chosen a year to study abroad in the Philippines, but I know everything happens for a reason. So, I am still wholeheartedly grateful for the amazing opportunity given to me. I know this experience has opened my eyes in more than one way. From a national catastrophe as the worst typhoon hitting Manila in over 43 years to helping out in relief efforts that whole following week, that is one experience I will never forget.
We get so caught up in living busy lives that we forget to appreciate the little things in life that matter most. I know I'm going off on a different point here, but again, I learned a lot of things through studying abroad, beyond the classroom and textbooks.

Well, I shall end it here now. If you have any questions about anything or just want to talk, just let me know. I'll be more than happy to have a conversation with you! :)

Love, peace, and LOL!
-Bemi

(Btw, pictures will be uploaded soon!)
Thanks for reading!

Third Week of Spring Semester!!!

2010-01-26T11:38:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!!!

My name is Marish and I am a senior at Pacific! I have lived in Stockton my whole life and I love it. There are ups and downs, but overall I don't think Stockton is a bad place to live.

So it is the beginning of our third week into spring semester. All I can tell you, it is getting crazy busy! I am majoring in biochemistry, so that can explain it all. I have chemistry and biology classes with lab, and that adds up! So far, this is our first week of lab which is not too bad, since we have so many events going on as well I can't concentrate. :) I actually am not in the school mode yet, since I had three weeks off!

Not only is it already bad to get into the school mode, the weather is making it worse. It has been raining for the past week or so and I just feel like staying home. Usually the weather here in Stockton is really nice and warm, but not at the moment. Everyone is out with umbrellas and their rain boots!

So that's what is happening so far in the third week!

Take care :)

Marish

SNOW in Stockton?!

2009-12-11T11:44:00.001-08:00

Hey guys!
I just finished my last class here at Pacific (well...except for the FINAL exams.. EEK!) and I've been living here in Stockton for a good 3 and a half years ...and in all of the time that I spent here, I've seen the sunny hot California weather, the cloudy gloomy skies, the dark scary thunder/lightning storms, but I've NEVER ever seen SNOW here. I never thought it would snow so it was GREAT when there was news of a light snowdown last Monday! I don't know if you like playing in snow but I absolutely LOVE snowboarding and skiing! Usually, there are some good ski/snowboarding resorts near Lake Tahoe (like 2 hours+ away) and it's a great if you want to explore some new adventures during your winter break!

GRAR!

Here's some really cool links to check out:

Snowboarders/Skiers competing in Stockton! (This took place at the Lincoln Center which is down Pacific Avenue and is not too far from our campus!)
Winter Wonderland Article!
Best of Snowboarding (You guys should definitely try it! But please don't try to do these tricks the first time ;)
Guide for Snowboarding/Ski resorts in California!

Here is an astonished person recording the snow! (Anything is possible in Stockton!)

How to Snowboard! It's not too bad guys!

And I can't forget the skiing stuff!

I will stay in Stockton for another 3 years for grad school and I am looking forward to more snow adventures. I am by far not a pro at snowboarding or skiing but I love the adrenaline rush. Don't forget, it's also fun to just throw snowballs at each other or make pretty snowmen (like the life-size one at the top!)

Hope you have fun thrill-seeking!!

<3 Jenny

PS: the pictures were from my last snow adventure in Lake Tahoe! :D

Major Major Issues

2009-11-20T09:19:00.000-08:00

In high school I thought I knew exaaactly what I wanted to do and what I wanted as a career. I called it my dream. In all my career aptitude tests my dream would come up. In my personality tests it told me I was a perfect candidate for that job. I wanted to report news.

So I declared my major as communication. (That sounds so cool by the way: "DECLARED my major." Like I went to a mountain and shouted "I WANT TO STUDY COMMUNICATION!!!"). I figured I would get my BA to squeeze my way into the media sector and I'd be smooth sailing. I was SO sure I wasn't going to change my major or my career trajectory.

WRONG. Here's a bit of advice: don't let your pride get in the way of your career or education. It's not worth it. I debated with myself countless times: "No, you told everyone this is what you wanted. Stick with it."

I am still studying communications. That is still my major. But after a class called Media and Society, I learned that the media is one huge monster I do not want to deal with. I'm grateful to be in the Pacific Legal Scholars program so I had that alternative ready for me to dive into. So that's what I'm doing now: pre-law minor, communications major.

Talk to me a few semesters later. Who knows, maybe I'll be a biology major or something.
-Joanne

Winter

2009-11-13T08:44:00.000-08:00

Winter is just around the corner!! You know what that means...

1. The nasty flu bug.
You must know by now, but there is some bug flying around Pacific's campus. It's in the dorms, the classrooms, and even just in the air. Once you catch the flu bug, you may be feeling sick for a little while. If you've already caught it, I'm sorry. Here are some ways to treat your symptoms when you find yourself under the weather without any over the counter drugs:
http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/9-tips-to-treat-colds-and-flu-the-natural-way

2. The Holidays
The holidays during an economic crunch may not be the most pleasant things. But we can all find ways to work.
a) Shop early. When times are tough stores are less likely to buy in bulk, which means once they're sold out, they're really sold out.
b) Shop smart. Look for coupon codes online when ordering. Look for community events. Stockton has one! Magical Night of Giving where for a $5 entrance fee you are open to exclusive savings, door prizes and even giveaways. This is going on at the Weberstown Mall on Sunday, November 22 from 6:30-9 PM. If not, there is always Black Friday Shopping. Plan to stand in line early in the morning after waking up from the Thanksgiving dinner food coma to save!
c) Party creatively. If you're throwing a holiday party or a get together, be creative with your party planning. Don't focus on decorations or matching china. People are going to be in a good mood anyway just by enjoying good company. Have a fire going or go for the minimalist look. Try mixing cocktails with cheaper alcohol to avoid spending big on that juicy juice.

3) Travel
If you haven't started buying your airplane, bus, or train tickets, DO THEM NOW!! Airplane ticket prices just sky rocket upwards over the holiday season. Also, look at their weekly schedules to see the difference in price per day. Tickets tend to be cheaper for travel on Tuesdays-Thursdays. Buses love people who book early. I know the Greyhound has a 21-day advanced savings which will save you close to $20! They also have a 7-day advance, and an online discount. If you're taking the train, you call and see if your route tends to have snow or ice near the season. Trains do not go if there is snow or ice. Good thing for safety; bad thing for convenience.

I hope you guys have a great time planning for the holidays--whatever you celebrate this season. There's so much diversity and love during that time, I hope thinking about winter early will help figure out some ways to make things work for you. Until then, happy midterm-ing!

Best,
Joanne

November is National Scholarship Month

2009-11-04T09:28:00.000-08:00

Finding a way to fund for close to US$50,000 per year is an overwhelming task, no doubt. Not to mention, travel fees, living costs, spending money... the list just goes on. Finances may be the reason you are not considering moving to the States for your college degree anymore. It's not always the easiest thing to talk about money, but you know what is easy? Talking about scholarships.

It is to my understanding that international students have a difficult time with scholarships because of their visa status. Pacific, however, has available for freshmen and transfer students the International Student Merit Scholarship. You are automatically entered for consideration granted that you meet the 3.5 minimum GPA requirement and have completely filled out and sent in an application for admission for our undergraduate schools. Guess how much the award money is? US$10, 000. That is NOT a small sum.

If the International Student Merit Scholarship is not for you, I encourage you to search for scholarships within your own country. There may be grants and scholarships available for students who are willing to devote 4 years at a foreign country. I believe this travel and education experience is invaluable and creates a well-exposed and well-adjusted student--I'm sure there are other organizations who believe that too.

Don't settle for fronting the cash. You may be able to get free money for writing just one great convincing essay. There's nothing to lose. When it comes to things dealing with finances, you don't want to risk being left out of information. Search search search!

Happy searching,
Joanne

Apply Yourself

2009-10-28T08:51:00.000-07:00

Application season!! STRESS.

I feel you! I remember applying to colleges and universities two years ago. As the first person in my family to apply for college you can imagine I was pretty lost. Maybe you're the first person to apply for college too. Or maybe the first person to apply for an international school. Maybe not. Well, you know what, no matter the circumstance, it's tough getting through this application season. So here are my two cents on ways to minimize the stress.

1.) Order your colleges according to preference
The top of your list should be colleges you would die for and at the bottom would be schools that you don't feel as attached to; or you can order them according to deadlines. Do this early so that you don't get all emotionally attached to all the colleges the same when the deadlines are drawing near.
2) Mark your dates
Mark everything: when you want to be finished with a draft, when you are going to give your teachers the letters of recommendation forms, when they're all due.
3) Keep everything in a folder
Applying online makes everything easy, but it also gives you a lot of confirmation pages to keep on hand for those JUST IN CASE scenarios. Unless a"just in case" happens you most likely won't need to review the papers. Just keep all those stored away in a folder and don't worry about them.
4) Designate a "college working day" once a week
Balancing senior year school work and activities with college applications is tough no doubt. What worked for me is designating one day out of the week where my college applications come first. Only once I was done with what I had planned to complete would I start my homework. Plan this day well and don't hesitate to switch off days. It shouldn't be the day or two before a test, or when you need to be working on an assignment that's worth a lot of points. This worked for me because then I didn't have to be worried every single day of the week. Just got it done and over with.
5) BE YOURSELF.
You will reduce stress significantly knowing that you're a perfect candidate for the school you are meant for JUST the way you are. Let yourself come through in your application through everything--the major you declare (if you really don't know what you want to major, just really put undecided. not that big of a deal.), the personal statements you write, what you say in your interview. What is important to you should come through naturally. Yes, practice and write often, but don't make up a new you. Also, be real to yourself. Constantly be in self-reflection during this time. Keep a journal. Relieve stress.

I hope this helped you plan and relieve some stress. If you have any questions don't hesitate to leave comments on the post. Don't worry. Someone loves you already and would love to have you attend.

Best wishes,
Joanne

Career Development at Eberhardt School of Business

2009-10-20T13:35:00.001-07:00

Happy Autumn!

The fall finally comes and everybody seems to relax and enjoy the great weather. Unfortunately for business students. it is probably their busiest season. Beside midterms and projects coming up, business students, especially juniors and seniors, are busy looking for internships and other career opportunities for the Spring semester and summer time. In the light of economic recession, job and internship hunting becomes difficult than ever. However, the Career Management Center at the Eberhardt School of Business proves to be a big help for business students.
As a college senior majoring in Accounting, I have been offered many opportunities to learn a great deal of career development skills. Starting in the junior year, I was required to take a one-unit course called "Career Development Seminar." The class helped me to prepare for job applications such as resume and cover letter as well as to learn about job researching and interviewing skills. Every semester, the Career Management Center coordinates with the National Accounting Society Beta Alpha Psi to host a career fair event called "Meet the Firms" event. During the event, I have a chance to learn about local and national companies and the career opportunities that they offer. Although the event gears toward accounting and finance students as most of the firms attending are accounting or finance companies, other business students find it very useful to participate in panels that discuss career-related topics or conduct mock interviews with recruiters from the participating companies. Last year, I got to know one of the employers at the event and launched a successful internship with them in the summer. This year, I have already started looking for career opportunities although I won't graduate until May. The reason is that many companies, especially Accounting companies, already started their recruiting process as early as September and October. After the event I did some follow-up with the companies to explore their career opportunities or just to get to know their companies better. Most of the companies will conduct on-campus interviews for interested students. The recruiters often post the positions on our school Tiger Jobs website and instruct students to send resume and required documents through the website. I have been applying to several companies through the websites and got several on-campus interviews. On-campus interviews are very convenient because I don't have to travel and it is easy for me to fit them in my schedule. Career development skills that I have learned through my Career Development Seminar class and the mock interviews prepared me very well for the interviews and helped me gain great confidence. I love how our business school not only provides business students with solid knowledge to take on any career they pursue but also makes sure business students have the skills they need to acquire the career opportunity they want. I have had a great experience here at the Eberhardt School of Business and although there are many difficulties and competitions in the job market, I am confident with what I have been prepared at Pacific.

- Van Le.

Ambassador Corps Forum

2009-10-20T08:41:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

One of the features of the University of the Pacific that you may or may not have heard about is the Global Center, run under the School of International Studies. The Global Center, under the guidance of the student run Council of University Entrepreneurs, help NGO's from all over the world try to become self-sustaining, so that they do not have to rely on charity, bring in speakers who have created a social impact either locally or globally, and the most important task of all connect students to these people that are trying to make a difference.

One of the Global Center's newest programs is the Ambassador Corps. This program is a privately funded, paid internship for students to go abroad and work for one of the many wonderful organizations that are trying to make the world a better place. This is the first program of its kind at the University and on Tuesday October, 13th we honored the first group of ambassadors, who have returned to UOP. They went to places all over Latin America, Africa, and Asia. You can see some of them in this picture below:

It was a really elegant event with food from all the countries that the ambassadors went to, President Eibeck moderating a Q and A session, and Paul Rice, founder of Transfair, giving a keynote address. This event if proof that the University of the Pacific is committed to bringing the world to its students and bringing its students to the world. Anyone can sign up for the Ambasador Corps, maybe we will see you on that stage next.

Jessica Chittaphong
Council of University Social Entrepreneurs

Pacific Legal Scholars Part 3

2009-09-23T08:44:00.001-07:00

Being a Legal Scholar has its perks. Professor Ostberg invites us to her home for dinner parties, we go out to eat, and we get to attend very exclusive law related events.

This is a get together we had in the winter of 2009 for pizza, salad, and soda at a restaurant in Stockton.

The man in the middle is California Supreme Court Justice Ming Chin. He came to speak at Pacific and we were invited to an exclusive reception before the event with the Justice, College of the Pacific Dean Krise, and Provost Gilberton. The lady on the front left is Professor Ostberg!

Pacific Legal Scholars Part 2: In the Scoop

2009-09-21T10:14:00.000-07:00

So after you get accepted, you've got a huge decision ahead of you. What school? What state? What kind of people? All kinds of choices. I hope you are given ample opportunity and resources to make the best informed decision you can make for yourself. Let me help you by telling you what to expect as a Legal Scholar here at Pacific.

The program consists of 3 1-unit courses that you take through your tenure at Pacific. You take the first two courses in your first year in the program. It's really low maintenance: 2 hours a week, pass no pass, maybe 30 minutes to an hour of prep before each class. The best part is, Dr. Ostberg teaches the class. For me personally, I believe it is CRUCIAL that you have the opportunity to meet with your adviser regularly, especially in your first year. So I really appreciated the opportunity to have a shared scheduled weekly appointment. Throughout the year, she emphasizes the purpose for having the program requirements so light--FOCUS ON YOUR CORE CLASSES. So much about law school acceptance is based on GPA. We are CONSTANTLY reminded. the program really helps your prioritize your core classes in order to achieve that GPA.

Although the class requirement is low maintenance, being in the program is still a commitment. You must attend class every week. The classes are jam packed with important information that WILL influence your decision to apply for law school. There are also guest speakers, especially toward the end, who sometimes come unannounced. Missing these guest speakers will not only mean you miss out on solid, practical advice, but it also shows a lack of respect for the efforts that go into the program. In addition to class, there are various events that the Legal Scholars are encouraged to go to. We DO receive special treatment. Just this past Saturday, I was able to go to McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento and see Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy deliver the Constitution Day Address. Which, by the way, was a sold out event. McGeorge kicked out some of their own law students so we could have seats. Now, passing up opportunities like those would be insulting to the program. These events, though exciting and high-press, do take up the entire day-especially when they're on the weekends.

All in all, though, it's to help you. I come out of every class, every event, every commitment being a Legal Scholar requires me to go to with so much of a better understanding of why I want to go to law school. It is a huge privilege to a part of a group that is so carefully cared for and looked after. They know we're worth it. We must be good investments.

To be invested in so I can invest back,
Joanne

Pacific Legal Scholars Part 1: Who can be a Legal Scholar?

2009-09-16T08:43:00.000-07:00

Happy middle of the week!
After Wednesday the week just seems to sail right through to the weekend. But I hope you get the chance to make the most out the rest of the week. Hang on to the moments while they're still here!

I wanted to tell you about the pre-law program we have here at Pacific called Pacific Legal Scholars. In order to do so, I be blogging in series. There is just too much to tell you! I'm currently in this program, and am LOVING it. I was hesitant to pursue my BA degree with a commitment to a specific program, but the way Dr. Cynthia Ostberg has designed the program makes it so easy to manage.

Based on your qualifications, as a student applying for your first year at Pacific, you can be a part of the accelerated 3+3 program (3 years undergraduate studies, 3 years at McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento) or the more traditional 4+3 program. If you have higher than a freshman standing, you still qualify for the 4+3 program! (See http://web.pacific.edu/x14917.xml for admission requirements).

The application process is straight forward. Once you check Pacific Legal Scholars on your application to attend the University of the Pacific, your application will be forwarded to Dr. Ostberg and a committee for further consideration. They look for if you will be a good match for the program and the students in it. It's not just about numbers. So in order to further supplement your application, if called back, you will be called onto campus for an interview. Don't be scared! While it is a formal interview, we truly want you to just be yourself! Show us your best parts, and the parts you've learned from. More than being the "perfect student" the program is looking for real life students who have some real life experiences. After that, you wait.

Finally, you get that letter! "I am pleased to inform you that you have been accepted to the University of the Pacific in the Pacific Legal Scholars program." Silly, my invitation to the welcome party at Dr. Ostberg's came before my acceptance letter. You can imagine, I was a wreck for 3 days until the actual acceptance letter came. "Am I in? am I not? Can I get my hopes up?" Hahaha.

Once you decide to come to Pacific as a Legal Scholar, you'll find that your course work isn't much different from other students in your major. YOUR MAJOR IS NOT PRE-LAW. That's what I love. Dr. Ostberg has designed the program so that you can do WELL in the courses you LOVE. So don't choose to be an English major or a Political Science major because that's what everyone who wants to go to law school does. Do what you love. And if you don't know what you love, I hope you find it here.

All in all, be true to yourself. Don't keep yourself from sharing with us those life experiences that have taught you what you believe in because you think it's not the "right answer." Any and all answers are wrong if it's not really from YOU. So share yourself. You're a beautiful creation with plenty to do so.

Keep living life and talking about it,
Joanne Min

Years of Memories

2009-09-09T14:22:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

My name is Jhermaine Mislang and I am currently a senior at the University of the Pacific. My major is International Business and I am minoring in Japanese. I just returned from studying abroad last semester in Japan. It was everything I thought it would be and more.

The Eberhardt School of Business here at Pacific is a great place to study business. Our building is small and comfortable, easy to navigate. The professors here are wonderful and actually get to know more about you than just your name. Professors here at Pacific want you to achieve any goals that you have set for yourself and will help you get to where you want to be. They are easily approachable and are open to any questions that you might have. The professors here at Pacific are what make it enjoyable to learn.

Overall, I believe that the business school here at Pacific is a good learning environment and a great place to make great friends. I know that you will make many friends here at Pacific if you come! I have made tons of wonderful memories while at Pacific and I know that I will make many more during my senior year. There are so many events on campus and tons of clubs to join, so it is not hard to find something that interests you. I am not originally from the Stockton-area so when I first came to Pacific I had no friends at first, but I found out that it is not such a hard thing to do here. I know that if you come to Pacific, you will have years of memories to look back on also.

Come and check out Eberhardt School of Business here at the University of the Pacific as one of your choices for studying business! The career center here at Pacific has many opportunities for internships and interviews with well known companies. One thing I find great about our school is the event called "Meet the Firms," where representatives from different companies, such as Clorox and State Departments, come to talk about potential job offerings within their company.

Come take advantage of all the opportunities and advantages that the University of the Pacific can offer you!

Hope to see you here soon,

Jhermaine Mislang

Home

2009-09-02T09:26:00.000-07:00

It's been about two weeks since school has begun and I have moved into the residence halls at school, but I still cannot forget what I was greeted with upon my arrival: a box. The room was stark white, with nothing but a few pieces of furniture. Immediately, I wanted to drop my bags and go home. Airplane, train, car, even by foot--I would have taken any of those ways to go back.

But how fast that feeling goes away. My roommate comes screaming down the hall to tackle me with a hug. My friend comes with his car ready to take me to retrieve my stuff from storage. And slowly, with each box of stuff I opened and put away, I rebuilt my home.

I know that as a first year student at Pacific or a international student you may not have had the luxury of having a roommate as excited as mine to see you, or a friend as eager as mine to help you get settled in. But my hope for you is that you will find these people--that you will be able to return to where you were before arriving at Pacific and be able to say, "Hey, I left a little bit of me at Pacific. I miss it."

With that, welcome to Pacific. I wish for you dearly to accomplish all the goals and ambitions you came with. I encourage you to reflect deeply and write things down (even the things you'll be embarrassed to read 5, 10, 15 years down the line.) Then you will see your growth and development, and know that your time here was well spent--however long that time may be for you.

A room is just a room. A house is just a building. It's the people, the feelings, the things shared within that place that creates home.

Looking ahead to creating a new home,
Joanne Min

Pacific Students Go Abroad During Summer 2009!

2009-07-23T13:05:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

It's amazing how fast summer has been moving! It's almost the end of July...one more month until classes begin on August 24th! But we can't go all summer without letting you know about some Pacific students' amazing travels and experiences around the world.

Some students who are participating in great ambassadorships and internships abroad include:

-Nabeel Cajee, junior

-Jocelyn Gray, senior

-Liza Boyle, senior

These three individuals have set up blogs that chronicle their first hand experiences abroad. Nabeel, a pre-law/pre-dentistry major, is currently situated in Bolivia. Jocelyn, a bioengineering major, and Liza, a mechanical engineering major, are currently in South Africa.

Here are links to their blogs:

Nabeel: www.iralsur.com

Jocelyn: www.jocelyngray.wordpress.com

Liza: http://ambassadorcorps1.blogspot.com

Check their sites out, and see for yourself the opportunities for abroad experiences here at University of the Pacific!

Who knows? You might embark on a similar life-changing trip in your future!

Enjoy,
Kathy Ordanza

San Joaquin International Film Festival Kicks Off Summer!

2009-07-02T09:27:00.001-07:00

Hello!

My name is Kathy Ordanza. I just finished my freshman year here at Pacific back in May! I started off my summer in a great way, by volunteering at the 2nd Annual San Joaquin International Film Festival (SJIFF2). This festival is just one example of the exciting events happening in Stockton, California.

Just to give you a little background on this event, SJIFF was created by Sophoan Sorn, a 24-year old entrepreneur and Stockton resident. Short films and feature-length films from over 40 countries around the world are brought together in Stockton for film lovers and the community to enjoy. This year, 120 films were screened from about 30 countries in all.

The film festival was held from May 14 to May 24, 2009. The 10 day festival brought not only the films, but filmmakers and actors as well. Cinematographers, directors, and actors from the films were present to answer audience questions and enjoy the festival.

The Swiss-Italian film, "Marcello, Marcello" was screened on Opening Night and the lead actor, Francesco Mistichelli, was present also. Maiara Walsh, an actress who was previously on the Disney Channel show "Cory in the House" and is currently on "Desperate Housewives" was also in attendance. Her USA/Thailand film "Lullabye Before I Wake" was presented during the festival. The drama "Like Dandelion Dust" starring Mira Sorvino and Barry Pepper was screened on Closing Night, and director Jon Gunn was at Faye Spanos Concert Hall to answer questions and enjoy the Closing Night Gala.

If any of you are really interested in films, or any medium of art, I highly recommend participating in the San Joaquin Film Society events held throughout the year. Check out: www.sjiff.org for more information about upcoming events.

I had TONS of fun during those first 10 days of summer! The film festival is a great way to get involved in the community and enjoy amazing films at the same time!

Here are some pictures:
(Left) Me with Jon Gunn, Director of "Like Dandelion Dust" starring Mira Sorvino.

(Right) Actors Francesco Mistichelli and Maiara Walsh

(Left) Volunteers at the Box Office of the Stockton Empire Theater, main venue for the Festival.

Hope to see you checking out the San Joaquin Film Society events soon!
Kathy =)

Being Flexible

2009-04-30T13:50:00.001-07:00

Hello! I'm Joanne Min and I'm a work-studies student at the front desk of the Bechtel International Center. I am a first year (soon to be second!) communications major and Pacific Legal Scholar (Pacific's pre-law program). Came to Stockton from Orange County in Southern California and love it here.

My first year here, I've challenged myself to be flexible: physically, mentally, and emotionally. To achieve physical flexibility I started training myself to do the splits. I've trained in taekwondo while I was in junior high, but due to my tight hamstrings, I've only successfully split on one occasion! For those ten seconds I held the split position, I've never felt more accomplishment hahah! I practiced three times a week doing butterflies and hamstring stretches BUT first semester finals came along!! For three weeks I studied studied studied!

That's mental flexibility. I had to put down my stubborn drive to do the splits in order to prepare for my first set of finals. Mental flexibility gets you places, I'm telling you. It helps you go from one goal to the next and prioritize your life along the way. In order to achieve mental flexibility I really had to work. "Focus on public speaking for 30 more minutes. THEN you can go satisfy your hunger." Oh yeah. That was tough man. But so worth it.

Even though I was away from home and in my own Pacific bubble with my lovely friends and hot meals made to order, STUFF happens. REAL stuff. Like family troubles and friend troubles and uncertainties. Things like that. I'm telling you, people don't stop just because STUFF happens to you. I've had to learn how to go from crying my eyes out on the phone with my mom to delivering a speech for Public Speaking with less than thirty minutes in between.

I may not have felt the accomplishment from doing the splits, but by going through first year determined to learn flexibility I came out with so much more. First year is OVER, but what I've learned from it will stay.

Don't forget to stretch,
Joanne Min

Chat with your Residence Assistant!

2009-04-18T17:55:00.000-07:00

Hello prospective international students,

I am Thanh Do. Today we are meeting Kendra - an awesome student at Pacific. She is also a Resident Assistant (RA) for the Global Living-Learning Community (GLLC) in South West. We are having a really cool conversation about Pacific, living on campus, and campus life.

Thanh: hi Kendra! How are you?
Kendra: hey Thanh!I'm good. How are you?
Thanh: I'm good. Thanks. How was the banquet yesterday? (Kendra had a banquet for seniors the previous)
Kendra:javascript:void(0) oh.. it was good! a lot of fun, it was cool being with all the sisters and the professors in one room
Thanh: where was it?
Kendra: it was at the resturant Saigon. Its actually a vietnamese restuarant..
Thanh: i haven't been there i think
Kendra: it was good. I reccommend it
Thanh: where is it? How can I get there? Is it far from school?
Kendra: it's down the street. Someone drove us, but it's not that far. But it's on miracle mile, across from the coffee shop
Thanh: wow, that's cool. Are there a lot of places around here to go at weekends? Any recommendation? Restaurant, recreation, or malls?
Kendra: umm. There is a variety of foods here in stockton, some close -- some not so close, just on miracle mile there is thai, vietnamese, a french crepe place and a sandwich shop. So there is a wide variety --
as in activities.. there is a lot this weekend, but I am not so sure about most of the time
Thanh: you live in stockton right?
Kendra: yeah, I am kind of from Stockton -- my family lives right down the street
Thanh: nice. What do you think about living on campus? Why do you choose to live on campus instead?
Kendra: i enjoy living on campus a lot to get to the know pacific students, the campus and to get the whole college feel. Plus the community here on campus is awesome. Plus being at home is not always the easiest thing.I am 22 and i love to have my independence that i have here at school.
Thanh: I see. You have a really nice single room :D
Kendra: Thanks, one of the many perks of being an RA
Thanh: How long have you been an RA?
Kendra: This is my second year
Thanh: Do you like to be an RA? What exactly is an RA?
Kendra: I love being an ra. I say that being an RA and studying abroad were the best two decisions i made while in college.. Being an RA just means that you are there for the residents, help them transition into college life (freshman res hall), reach out and help students with all their needs. It's a lot of fun because you get to meet so many people
Thanh: RA in our residence halls are super nice. Is there any event coming up in south west?
Kendra: yes! tomorrow we are having a dodge ball tournament against Grace. And next week we are having a film festival -- so a movie at 8 everynight.
Thanh: wow, that is awesome. I remember we had a "music and laugh" night, and south west olympic right? How were they?
Kendra: They were good. The music and laughs had a lot of people show up and perform, which was awesome!
Thanh: What did they perform? Guitar?
Kendra: guitar... singing... jokes...
Thanh: that's awesome. How about the olympic?
Kendra: it was interesting and fun. It was a bonding time
Thanh: sounds fun! Okay, my last question for today. Do you have any advice for incoming international students? like, acdemics, or life on campus, or, anything?
Kendra: be willing to put yourself out there -- its hard, sometimes frustrating but try to get involved with different activities on campus, its the best way to meet people
Thanh: I totally agree! Thank you so much Kendra. Have a nice weekend!
Kendra: Thanks, you too!

Frequently Asked Questions

2009-04-16T14:24:00.000-07:00

Hello prospective students,

I am Thanh Do - International Student Ambassadors. The deadline to confirm admissions is coming very soon. New students have been asking me lots of questions about coming to Pacific. So here are most common questions. If you had any other question, please feel free to contact us. We, International Student Ambassadors, are more than happy to help you. I hope to see you soon!

Q: Do I have to turn in the Housing Contract?

A: Yes, it is very important that you turn in the Housing Contract and the Housing Assignment Request form on time. The Office of Housing & Greek Life will review your materials and arrange your housing only after they receive these documents.

Q: Is there any other way to turn in the Housing Contract instead of mailing, because it might take a while in order for Pacific to receive my documents?

A: You may fax copies to the International Programs & Services (IPS) office at (209)946-2094 for immediate delivery, but you must also mail the original copy to Housing. Another option is to scan your documents and email them to Housing. If you are ever in doubt, keep in contact with the IPS staff - specifically David, Kathy or Kristina - and they can help you with these procedures.

Q: Do most freshmen live in South West Hall?

A: No, there are other residence halls that are designed for freshmen. Eiselen, Ritter, and some other dorms in The Quad are good examples. Freshmen also live in Grace Covell Hall. However, most residents in South West are freshmen.

Q: Can I live off campus?

A: No. You have to have family/relatives/guardians living within 50 miles from school in order to request to live off campus. In addition, it is much better for international students to live on campus in their first year because it helps you adjust better to a different environment from your hometown. Living on campus also provides you convenient access to university facilities and resources. Moreover, living on campus helps you feel more comfortable attending meetings in the evening sometimes.

Q: How far is it from residence halls to class?

A: It is not far. You can walk to class. It takes about 5-10 minutes depending on where your dorm is. However, I am sure that walking and enjoying the beauty of our campus is very relaxing!

Q: When can I arrive at Pacific ?

A: The official move-in day for on-campus housing is Monday, August 17th. You are more than welcome to arrive to Stockton earlier than August 17, but you must reside off campus (at a hotel or with family/friends) until International Student Move-In Day on Monday, August 17th. As soon as you finalize your travel plans, please send IPS your Arrival Notification Form. Visit http://web.pacific.edu/x4481.xml for a PDF download of this form.

Q: How can I register for classes ?

A: After you come here, you will attend International Student Orientation on Tuesday, August 18th and the General Student Orientation from August 19th to August 20th. This is when you will meet your Academic Advisor who will help you register for appropriate classes.

Spring Break Features!

2009-04-02T16:57:00.000-07:00

Happy April, prospective students.

It's been a while since we last posted on the blog, but don't worry, we haven't abandoned you readers. March was a busy month for the ISAs, but we have several posts planned for April, so keep visiting the site for updates.

Here are a few photos from Zachary, an ISA and 1st year student from Guangzhou, China, documenting his spring break adventures. He spent the week in Houston, Texas, with two other 1st year students at Pacific, Karina and Kevin, both from Wuhan, China. They visited the NASA Saturn V Museum, attended a Houston Rockets NBA basketball game, and visited the grand Toyota Center.

Another group of international students ventured to Los Angeles for spring break. Here are a few photos from Jerry, an ISA and 1st year Taiwanese student from Hong Kong.
Photo 1: Dorothy and Sandra try out new wands in the Disney store.
Photo 2: A big group photo in the Disney store! (From left to right - Duxing, Dorothy, Haomin, Ivan, Jerry, and Jie)
Photo 3: Jerry, Ivan & Haomin make celebrity friends in Hollywood. =o)

Classes at Pacific.

2009-02-28T22:55:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone!
I'd like to post about classes at Pacific and I'd like to use one of my personal stories as an example! So as you all know, I am one of those crazy biological sciences/ pre-pharmacy major and after a crazy semester full of chemistry, genetics, public speaking, and calculus...... I decided to take Human Anatomy over the summer! Alright guys, summer courses at Pacific are notorious for being super intense and crazy but a good thing I had on my side was a study buddy and best friend, Aileen!

Pacific is known to have tougher courses when it comes to science majors because of the huge influx of pre-pharmacy, pre-dentistry majors so it is really competitive. I think this competition is really good because you actually learn your material!

Well, back to the story... not only was Human Anatomy a 4 hour lecture every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, but there was also a 4 hour lab every Tuesday and Thursday! I thought I was going to die with the quizzes everyday and the weekly practical and exams but it turned out to be the best course I've ever taken at Pacific. Every morning was a walk through the halls...

followed by 4 hours of lecturing from my now favorite professor, Dr. Anderson

then go to lab for four hours the every other day with my 2 TAs who are now my really good friends, Tony and Lindsey!

and although it required a lot of studying, I learned so much from that course and it was one of the funnest experiences (now that I look back on it :P)

So I would highly recommend just interacting with your professor and TAs, don't be afraid to ask for help when your behind, and just have fun while your at it!

Campus Photo Tour

2009-02-16T20:17:00.001-08:00

Today, Ale and Thanh will take you around our beautiful campus! We start at Bechtel Center, or International Programs and Service. First, we are helping a lady find the library.

Finally, we are in the library. We can have access to a wide range of interesting books and articles here. There is also a computer lab, classrooms, and Davey Cafe.

Now leaving the library, let's have a walk around our beautiful green campus.

This is the Columns...

Here is the President's House:

Colorful campus...

We are now in front of Morris Chapel.

Can you see that splendid rainbow?

Now we are coming to the University Center (UC). It is the dining hall on campus. There are also many interesting activities in the UC.

Let's go to the swimming pool. Students can go swimming anytime. In addition, sometimes we have opportunities to watch exciting water polo, swimming games, and many other activities.

We are approaching School of Education. All university's buildings are made of brick, very beautiful and eco-friendly.

And this is Khoury Hall. If you are engineering students, this nice building will be the place you visit frequently.

This is Anderson Hall. This is also within Engineering Department.

Let's visit some residence halls and apartments where Pacific students live. This is South West hall. It is one of the biggest dorms at Pacific.

This is Sigma Chi

And Brookside Hall

This is the Burns Tower- the highest building in Stockton.

We are visiting Baun Fitness Center. If you like to work out, Fitness Center must be the place you visit very often.

Ready to watch some sports? Let's go to Alex Spanos Center. Every week, we can watch basketball games there. Totally fun!

Well... Ale and Thanh has to go to class right now. Next time we will take you to some more places on campus. We are sure that you will like it. We hope to walk around campus with you in person. See you soon :)

First week of Feb Fun!

2009-02-08T20:28:00.000-08:00

Hello! I'm Jordan.
This week at Pacific I've gotten started on my community service! I was at the Stockton Food Bank at 7:00 am! Yeah I was tired, but it was nice to help the community sort and distribute food. Next week I'll be reading books to elementary schoolers. SUPER fun!

Interesting happenings: This week actor Danny Glover, you may know him from the Lethal Weapon Saga, was here on campus! He gave speeches, went to parties and preformed "An Evening with Langston and Martin." with actor Felix Justice. It was very interesting to hear them recite famous speeches.

Weather update: It's been a nice mixture of rainy and sunny this week at Pacific. it switches back and forth so quickly!

Meet your ISAs

2009-02-07T20:11:00.000-08:00

Hyun Joo (Joyce) Chun

Hello Everyone,

I am Hyun Joo (Joyce) Chun. I am a third year Biological Sciences/ Pre-Pharmacy major and philosophy minor. I am originally from S. Korea, but I have been in the U.S for a while. I really like Pacific because of the small campus and class sizes, which give me a lot of opportunities to interact with professors and classmates.

Another thing I like about Pacific is that there are so many opportunities for volunteer activities! I love to participate in many activities in which I can help out people and also have fun at the same time. Through out my years at Pacific, I have been involved in on-going volunteer services with Center for Community Involvement (CCI). Also, I am currently involved in Book Buddy Program, in which I work with little children to read story books together. Besides volunteering, I am involved in ISA and VNCares Club.

If you have any question about Pacific, regarding academics, extracurricular activities, housing, etc., do not hesitate to contact me!! I will happily answer any question you have, so feel free to ask! Also I am fluent in Korean, so feel free to ask in Korean if asking in Korean is more comfortable with you. :)) I hope to hear back from you guys soon! :)

-Hyun Joo (Joyce) C.

Hey, hey, hey ISA! Kathy Ordanza

Hello all,

I'm Kathy! I am a first-year pre-pharmacy major, and I am originally from Stockton, CA (I've been here a while). I really like Pacific because the campus is beautiful (just look at the pictures!) and the small class sizes are really cool. The new Biological Sciences building and new University Center are awesome too!

I'm not involved in many extracurriculars besides ISA right now (I'm trying to focus on school), but I sure am enjoying college so far! I don't have any 8 am classes this semester which is GREAT! Getting up for an 8 am class is soooo hard!!

Something interesting I would like to add is that the actor, Danny Glover, was a guest speaker on campus this week, and I was able to see him in person! It was quite an experience seeing a famous actor/ humanitarian/ activist talk to students about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the poet Langston Hughes for Black History Month. I must say ASUOP got a great speaker for this event!

Anyways, I look forward to answering any questions you might have about Pacific, college in general, or the city of Stockton! Don't be shy!

-Kathy O.

Hello there! :)

My name is Bemigrace Pascual, also known as "Bemi." I'm a first-year student, majoring in Business Administration here at Pacific. I am also concentrating in Accounting, and minoring in Psychology.

I was born and raised here in Stockton, California, so I'd like to think I know this city pretty well. Growing up, I'd always love passing by the beautiful campus and watching college students go about their college lives, and I thought, "One day, I'll be like them." And here I am!
Being still 17 years old, I feared how college life would be for me, but coming to Pacific has made that transition pretty easy from a public high school campus to a college campus.

At any rate, there are many numerous events going on campus. I'm not too involved yet, but I wish to be soon. I actually attended a basketball game here, played by the Sacramento Kings, which is my favorite basketball team from the NBA (National Basketball Association). They actually came to Stockton and played in our Spanos Center on campus!! It was really exciting because I've always wanted to see them play live, and I did, at my own school! I'm also looking forward to our up-coming Filipino Heritage Night, which will be at the end of this month at the Arco Arena, the home court of the Sacramento Kings. Best thing of all, it's hosted by our very own International Programs & Services.

Another aspect I love about Pacific is the diversity of the people, both the students and faculty. There's so many different cultures and backgrounds added to the liveliness of this school. Getting to know different people have been really great thus far, and I hope to get to know you international students as well!

I'd love to help out any way I can, so feel free to let me know!

Later!
-Bemigrace Pascual

Thanh Do

Hello everyone,

I am Thanh Do. I am an international student from Vietnam. My major is civil engineering. I am a guy on the right in the picture below. Sitting next to me was my international friend from Japan. I would like to tell you a story...

Once upon a time, there was a shy boy. He liked to see buildings, high ways, and construction sites. He nurtured a dream to study in America and become the greatest engineer in the world. He tried very hard and hoped his dream would come true one day...

That day finally came. One morning the boy opened his mailbox and received a letter. He was admitted to University of the Pacific. He was very happy. Yes, it was the happiest day in his life so far. Eventually he had an opportunity to pursue his dream.

Then came a long flight to the States. No more shy; here he is, confident and proud. Difficulties? Challenges? Of course there are, but he does not mind because he believes he will overcome all.

Do you know who that boy is? You can guess ;) I am sure all of you have your own ambitions. Make them come true! I can do it, so you can definitely do it! We are always here to help you to do your best at Pacific! Feel free to contact us.

Thanh Do

Jerry Chen~~~

Welcome and greetings to everyone!

My name is Jerry Chen.
I was born in Taiwan and moved to Hong Kong for middle + high school.
I have two younger siblings, a brother, and a younger sister.

My hobby is exceeding myself in badminton!
Surf the web, tidy my room, and chill out with friends

People back in high school sometimes call me the "Techno" guy, because I can operate and repair almost any kind of electronics,
with some time to fiddle with it^^

Pacifc is a really friendly university due to its small population that will allow you to meet with friends almost anywhere!
Congradulations to the newly accepted freshman!
Hope you will join us in this friendly academic environment!

Laters!

Jenny Nguyen

Hey everyone! :)
My name is Jenny and I am a 3rd year Biological Sciences/Pre-Pharmacy major from Alameda, California. Throughout my years at Pacific, I have experienced so many good times! This school has nice small class sizes that makes it easier to talk to professors or address any issues but the thing I like most about this school is the myriad of extracurricular activities you can get involved in!
I am a very energetic person and I just love to get out there and have fun. During my freshman year, I played co-ed intramural football and had tons of fun on the field! I also am involved in 2 professional pharmacy fraternities: Lambda Kappa Sigma & Kappa Psi little sister and was a member of Vietnamese Student Association where I performed cultural dances. School could be so monotonous and boring but Pacific offers a myriad of opportunities and options for you to spice it up a little bit :)! Although I am not an international student, I am always willing to help anyone out so feel free and DO NOT hesitate to contact me!! :)

With Love,
Jenny Nguyen

~ Hey Everyone! ~

My name is Alejandra Aguilar, but you can call me Ale(Ali) (it's much shorter than saying 'Alejandra'). I'm a 1st year bio-engineering student and I plan to go to medical school to become a pediatrician, specializing in neonatology.

I was born in Stockton, California and I've lived here all my life! I guess you can say I kinda "grew up" at University of the Pacific since I would attend classes with my mother while she was a student here at Pacific and I've seen the campus change(in a good way). =D

What I truly love about Pacific are the count-less! activities and clubs you can join on campus; I wish I could be a part of everything on campus, but so far I'm in the Pre-Med club, LULAC(League of United Latin American Citizens), BMES(Bio-Medical Engineering Society), SHPE(Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers), MSA(Muslim Student Association) and ISA(International Student Ambassadors).

Some of my favorite things to do are EATING! I'm Mexican but I LOVE trying new cultural foods and I'll never say "No" to trying new foods. Just last weekend. I went to my Palestinian friend's home to meet her family and to have dinner. I was SO excited (but also VERY nervous) of trying Arab food...but, I LOVED IT! I think it's my new favorite food now. I really liked the falafel and hummus with pita bread.

I love to travel and I hope to work abroad as a physician someday.

At Pacific you'll be sure to make news friends from all over the United States and from all over the world!

If you have ANY questions about Stockton, Pacific, or the college life, feel free to contact me!

Smiles!
*~Ale~*

Hey guys!!

My name is Paloma, I'm a Senior (4th year) Biological Sciences major at Pacific. I was borned and raised in Peru and I transfered here at Pacific as a sophmore three years ago and I can tell you that this has been one of the BEST experiences of my life! When I transferred I was very scared I wasn't going to like it but I have met INCREDIBLE people that have just helped make this experience a million times better!

I LOVE Pacific, not only because of their campus and small classes but because everybody here is so welcoming and make you feel at home.

I am a VERY outgoing person and people sometimes call me crazy (in a good way). I love walking around campus and hanging out at the UC with my friends!! The atmosphere here is really cool and because I work here, I always know whats going on so if you have any questions feel free to ask me!! A couple of weeks ago, Jeff Dye, a comediant, came to Pacific and since I was working I got to meet him and hang out with him for a little bit.

I am quite involved on campus, I am part of a sorority: Delta Delta Delta (yes, I know you might all think of Legally Blonde when I say this but it is really NOT like that!) and ISAs and I work at Bechtel Center and at the University Center and I used to be in Crew (Pacific Rowing) but due to time commitments I had to quit.

I look forward to hear back from you guys and hopefully get to know you all better!

- Paloma

FROM PACIFIC WITH LOVE

2009-01-03T15:56:00.000-08:00

Dear my International Student fellows,

First of all, I wish you a wonderful 2009 with happiness, luck, and success.

My dear International friends, I have not met you in person, nor even talked to you via phones or internet; however, as I did experience your situation once, to some extent, I understand how you feel, what you think when considering one of the most important decisions in your life: being an International Student.

Leaving your home, you might experience homesickness when departing for a different environment, not only the Unted States, but also anywhere not your homeland. Don't worry! We International Studetns Ambassadors (ISA) know how you feel and we are here to do our best to help you adjusting to life at Pacific. We set up this blog in order to share with you our experience at Pacific, how to overcome problems International Students have to face, and how to succeed.

Being an International Student, you are embarking on a challeging but rewarding journey. We are here to help you and show you ways to your success. You have to work hard, you have to face challenge; but we believe that, and you must also believe that you can OVERCOME ALL DIFFICULTIES!

Being an International Student, you are a member of a prestigious group of students here in the United States. YES YOU ARE!

Being an International Student, you can view and explore the world in your unique way. In addition to cultural, academic, and music clubs, there are definitely many more interesting things you can discover during your time at Pacific in order to enrich your life experience. DISCOVER!

Being an International Student, you have considerable opportunities to develop considerable interactions with a wide range of different cultures and gain your global awareness. Let's FACE THE WORLD!

Being an International Student, you have access to high quality of education with useful resources and facilities. Moreover, enjoying sports facilities is one of must-do things here at Pacific. BE A TIGER!

Being an International Student, you have great chances to realise your hidden abilities that you have never thought you could possess. Certainly, there will be difficultites at first, but as soon as you face them, and try hard to overcome, you will develop great perseverancce and self-confidence. Never forget that YOU CAN DO IT!

Although your home is far away from the United States, whether you come from Europe, Asia, Africa, North/Central/South America, or Australia, I am sure you will feel like home here at Pacific. Entering Pacific as an INTERNATIONAL student, I am certain that you will graduate from Pacific as a GLOBAL citizen.

THE WORLD NOW IS IN YOUR HANDS. IT IS YOUR TIME, CROUCHING TIGERS! SHOW THE WORLD YOUR POWER!