Hello, My name is January. I know it is usually a mouthful to say the full month all the time, so I am okay if you want to call me J, or anything like that. I am a transfer student to the University of Oregon, and this is my first year here. I’m really not good at talking about myself. My first language is actually English and American Sign Language, so I don’t usually speak a lot because of that, it is just something that I am not used to, but I am not deaf. I have a dog, and I spend a lot of time with him, we go on hikes and lots of walks.

I also speak French, and I wanted to learn another language, so I am currently learning Korean at the University. I went to Korea when I was a child, and it was an amazing experience (especially the food), but I also was really sad because I missed out on a lot of things because I could not understand anyone. So that is what started my interest in learning foreign languages.

So far, I am really enjoying the class. I am fascinated by finding out about all of the Asain countries and how they interconnect with their own cultures. It is a lot of reading, which is okay, but personally, I like lecture a little more, because it is more interactive. Ironically with being around a lot of people who can’t hear, I like to learn by just listening, which is why I enjoy lecture. So far, it isn’t changing how I have to prepare, but it is broadening my understanding of other cultures.