Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Midterm test....

I have an macroeconomics test on Thursday.
But, I mistakenly memorized the date... I thought the test is next Tuesday. In today's class, the professor infered the test and he said the test is on Thursday....
I checked my note and it was exactlly written that test is "On Thurday."

I'll have been busy by Thursday, and I have to hit the books.

I list the things I have to do from now on below.
1) Start studying macroeconomics for the test soon.
2) After that I read a textbook and prepare for the Film Study course tomorrow.
3) Take a lecture and watch a two hours movie at 7-10.
4) Read "Common Sense" for History course on Thursday morning.


It's hard but I must complete those above.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

A project I'm woking on

Now, I'm trying to set up a site on the network of my college. The site I want to make is a Japanese photo album site.
I work on this project by myself. So, I spend most of time for setting up the site. Moreover, I need to ask other exchange students from Japan to lend those photos.
Yesterday, I sent email to all of them and I petitioned their cooperation to this project. And today, I visited two of their dorm and could get photos. Although photos in which there are only structures or scenery are much fewer than I expected. But, I appreciate their cooperation.

I was astonished that there are so many students here who are interested in Japan and are taking Japanese classes. I think there are a lot of demands if I can make a completed site. They must enjoy watching those photos. Moreover, if it's possible, I want to start business with this site. I might ask Japanese restaurants whether they want to advertise their restaurants on my site.
But, I know it takes enormous amount of energy and it's hard to start business. If I setted up an unfinished one, my plan does not succeed. In addition, I borrow the other persons' belongings: photos, so I have a responsibility to satisfy them.


And I tell myself "I don't forget that I am a college student. I have to study, and I must study much more than other students because of my poor English". I want to take part in the discussion as soon as possible. I often feel that I am left behind them.

The time is limited and there are only eight months. So, I have to concentrate on everything I work on and complete them!!

Saturday, September 27, 2008

My determination

Why I decide to start blog?
-To record the track of my growth.
Now, I'm not good at English. But, I believe I can improve my English by writing this blog. Of course, I start blog not only to improve my English ability, but also to grow myself mentally.
I will meet a lot of people here in US, and I will know many things which I have never known. I can make myself bigger mentally by spending nine months in US.

For me, it is the biggest event in my twenty years to spend in US. I believe this experience will surely develop myself. At the same time, I must appreciate to my parents who support me financially and staffs in my university in Japan who recommended me to this exchange program.


Now, I admire one person. His name is Masayoshi Son. He is a CEO of Softbank that is the biggest Internet company in Japan.
He came to California when he was a high school freshman, only 16 years old. At that time, it was unusual for Japanese to come to study in US. All people told him not to go to US. However, he didn't lean his ears. After he learned English in a language school, he got into a high school. He persuaded a principle of that school and he could enter senior class. And he took a test, and accepted by Holy Names College. So, he finished high school in less than a month. He hitted books in that college and could transfer to UCB. While he was in UCB, he started his business. He invented an electric machine which translates English, German and Japanese with other members. He got one million dollars by selling that translator. And, he did not stop his business. He setted up a firm and he imported video games from Japan. After graduated from UCB, he came back to Japan and setted up a company. At first, there were only two employees. However, he developed the company and he could get 60 percent shares in software market. He invested Yahoo and made Yahoo Japan. And now, he got prestige and is richest person in Japan. But, he never stops. He purchased Vodafone Japan and setted up a new company, Softbank Mobile. He has revolutionized mobile phone market by his unique management.

Now, I'm twenty years old, and come to US.
I don't think I can be a person like Mr.Son. But, I will continue challenging to all of things like Son did.
I tell myself "Never give up!! keep challenging!!"


Lastly, I write down about myself.

Name: Shota Kikuoka 菊岡翔太

Nationality: Japanese

Age: 20 (born in Oct 17, 1987)

Status: College Student (The College of William and Mary) , an exchange student

Major: None

Interest: Business

Dream: Contributing to the real grobalization in the marine transportation business