Freshman Year.

   My first year in UW was a splendid one. Everything that happened carved beautiful memories in which I would love to share with my close ones. Right from the time I landed in LA, I knew this journey abroad will be a stepping stone to many more discoveries in the future.Although, we had a rough journey where we had to put up a night at the airport in San Francisco without sufficient thick clothing,  that still did not stop us from having high expectations of our adventure abroad.

    The first ten days in the States was spent with an American family. They kindly played host to me and my Malaysian friend. Our discovery on the cultural differences, food and social aspects was amazingly wonderful. We learned a lot about their culture through the home stay program.

The scenic view of the sunset from the window of  Mt. Baker street

American breakfast!!!

    A tour around the beautiful UW campus boosted my spirits to begin my freshman year. Adapting surprisingly was easy. With the help of my family, my relatives in Seattle and my friends I adapted well despite being in a completely new environment.I made many new friends - from orientation week, from my class, from societies and friends of friends. I was excited meeting new people - it was an opportunity to expand my horizon of present knowledge from social aspects. On top of that, Wildlife subject got me adjusted to the surroundings in terms of the environment. Being a nature lover, it was an advantage taking that subject, as I gained insights about the flora and fauna of the States. The niche of the forest, the migration pattern of certain animals, the common animals found in the King County area and etc. I was really lucky to have an awesome roommate - Keely Heying. Through it all, we were both there for each other and I'm glad we will still be in this coming school year as my roommate in the same Residence Hall.

UW campus - fall 2010

  I got to experience snow for the first time in  my life! With the strong winds and rain, it made the weather even more gloomy and cold. On top of that all, the Sun would set at about 4pm and rise only about 7.30-8am. How depressing!!

   Halloween, Thanks giving, Black Friday and Christmas were all new to me. The Christmas lighting I must say was beautiful. The spirit of Christmas makes winter so much more cheerful than what it actually appears to be.

   My new year - 2011 was a great head-start. I met a friend so dear to me.My classmate, my best friend and now my inspiration. We got along very well. The experience of having someone you can share your memories with, your tears and laughter with made my freshman year an amazing one - and will contribute a wonderful experience abroad.

    Spring!!! My dear friend, Iswari visited me all the way from New York. I enjoyed bringing her around as it gave me the chance to discover a lot more about Seattle. The Pike Market, the first Starbucks,downtown, Northgate, the Space Needle, Microsoft HQ and etc.Also, I took a subject which I thought was really interesting - American Pop. I got a deeper insight on American music. Some of us have always had a passion for American music, even I did. I finally learned about it all, the classes of music - rock, country, blues , jazz and etc. I even got insights on the famous bands originated from Seattle- Nirvana and Pearl Jam. A 'value - added ' visit to the  Nirvana museum made my learning about American music even more productive.

    Before returning back to Malaysia, my friends and I visited Vancouver, Canada. That added a whole new page of color and picturesque memories in my 'book of life'. My first pit- stop in Canada will be a drive to many more new adventures in the States. - California, Miami, Hawaii , Washington DC, and New York.

VANCOUVER , CANADA

My California friends!

Besties!

Computer Engineering building

Winter break! Xmas lights in Bellevue

My roommate and I.

Rushika - bubbly and cheerful, my best buddy!

    I enclose all the memories of the 2010/2011 academic school year with a hope for a more eventful, exciting new year this fall. I will take along those valuable lessons and experiences and leave behind one's that was painful. Nevertheless I'll learn from those. I will cherish every moment of joy, laughter and euphoria, savor every tear drop I shed and treasure every one of my friends. I know I lived my freshman year with no regrets. I look forward for my sophomore, junior and senior year in UW.