Macbeth (Last Post!)

I went to Macbeth this past weekend and honestly, I found it quite boring. I read the book in high school and did not like that either, so I guess it makes sense that this was not my favorite of plays to watch. I already had an idea of how this performance would go because I took theater this summer (it was only a three week class) to complete my arts credits and we had to watch one of the rehearsals. Anyways, I did not like the play because I found the dialogue boring and difficult to comprehend. It would have been more fun if they actually did it in British accents too! Furthermore, I found it a little bit disturbing that Macbeth, who was old enough to be the father of the actress who played Lady Macbeth in real life, shared an intimate moment with her.
On a positive note, though, I thought the acting was superb. The actors, especially Lady Macbeth, were incredible and they all looked very well-prepared and rehearsed. The enthusiasm and energy of the actors was great; they are all so talented!

INT 95 Event #4

The last INT 95 event I attended was the fireside chat with Dr. Gallucci. A lot of my peers were there and it was interesting hearing Dr. Gallucci talked about Greek mythology! Luckily, it was all very familiar to me, since I am in his class for that. He also stressed the significance of undergraduate research, especially at a university like UCSB. I actually wrote down something he said that I thought was brilliant: "To be a scholar is to create new information." To end things, he had everyone in the room raise their hands if they want to participate in undergraduate research at some point during their time at UCSB and it was incredible to see almost every hand shoot up, including mine!

INT 95 Event #3

The third INT 95 event I attended was the FSSP Professor and Teacher Luncheon last week (I cannot remember what day though. It might have been Wednesday, possibly). Anyways, I did not get a chance to sign the paper saying I was there because I came after my Phil 4 class, which ended at 12:05 pm. Nevertheless, my friend and I sat down and talked to one of the professors. He is an archaeologist, specifically studying the country of Egypt. I cannot remember his name for the life of me, but he had white hair and glasses if that helps anyone recall his name. He told my friend and I about his incredible experiences traveling to Egypt and looking for ancient artifacts. Even though I am a science major, I found everything he said about his occupation and experiences so fascinating. I may want to take class in this field to cover one of my GE credits; I am all curious now!

Dr. Irwin Appel & EAP

Okay, so unfortunately, I missed Professor Irwin Appel's lecture last Tuesday because my train back to UCSB got delayed and I got back way later than expected...I missed all my classes that day :O anyways, I did ask a few friends to summarize what he talked about and this is what I learned! Professor Irwin Appel is part of the Theater and Dance Department here and shared his experiences in this field of study. My friends told me he said that he had once wanted to be an actor, but that he absolutely loves where he ended up--working with a vast number of outgoing college students who share the same love and passion for theater and acting that he does.
In addition, our INT 95 class took a field trip to the Education Abroad Program office (EAP), which was just what I needed! I absolutely love traveling and studying abroad is something that I am positive I want to do at some point in college, so this presentation could not have come at a better time. The travel advisors were very informative and helpful and gave us some great stories about their experiences abroad, such as whether they lived with a House Mom or in an apartment, etc. This made me realize that any country I choose to travel to will be filled with great cultural and social experiences, memories, and so much more! I am so thankful UCSB offers such a great study abroad program.
That's all for now. Xoxo, Ariana

INT 95 Event #2

The second INT 95 event I participated in was the FSSP day trip to the Isla Vista Food Co. Op, which is a cute little grocery store on Seville Road. The owner of this grocery store talked to us about what her company is all about. Basically, this is a local store that sells healthy, organic food and donates a portion of the yearly funds back to the community, such as UC Santa Barbara. She was so enthusiastic and dedicated to her company and all the employees were so nice and helpful too; it was a great environment to explore. After she talked to us about the Isla Vista Food Co. Op, we were able to sample different food the store sold. Everything was soooo good, especially the different types of hummus! There was also a platter of organic fruits, like peaches and apples, and one of non-organic fruits, and the difference it taste was so different! The

organic fruit, which is also what I am accustomed to eating at home, was so good and sweet in comparison to the non-organic fruit.
Overall, I am really thankful I participated in this event. When I move out to Isla Vista hopefully next year, it is convenient to know where all the best food places are to get groceries at. I even have a "one dollar off your five dollar purchase!" coupon from it in my dorm room right now!

INT 95 Event #1

The first INT 95 event that I participated in was the International Desserts event! I loved International Desserts Day because of 3 simple reasons: 1. I got to bond with a number of my peers and meet so many new people. 2. There was food. And let's face it-- who doesn't looove food?!? 3. There was food from different cultures! I am from the Bay Area, where diversity is huge, so I have grown up going to different international restaurants. My favorite food is actually Japanese food, with Persian and Italian food at close seconds.

I had a really great time at this event, even though the line to get in was crazy long. My favorite desert was definitely Horchata (I love Horchata!!!), but I also tried a number of different Mexican breads for the first time and of course ate the typical American apple pie too. So unhealthy for you, but so worth it!

Dr. Lubach's presentation was definitely one of the most interesting INT 95 one thus far! He is such a great public speaking and really knew how to approach his audience and tie us all in. My favorite part of Dr. Lubach's performance was his story regarding his friend and her adopted son, Benjamin. Being a journalist, broadcast journalist to be specific, is an occupation that I have considered in the past and hearing Dr. Lubach tell her story was insightful and informative. I can only imagine how incredible it must be for her to get to interview people from various fields and jobs, and see space rockets take off into the sky! Hearing Dr. Lubach talk about her friend made me wonder how she was able to work her way up there because being a journalist is a competitive field and many people do not make it financially. As of right now, I am confident that I want to major in biology and be a researcher in the future, but if I were to ever change my mind, I am curious to know that journalist's story! Oh, on another note--I did not hear the space rocket go off at 10 am the next day or feel the windows shaking, unfortunately!! 

Lastly, I thought the librarian's presentation was somewhat boring, to be perfectly honest. I am glad, however, that she showed us how to search the library catalog and look up information (I still have not forgotten to click "full text" if I am in a rush to find good articles and sources!) because I believe it is an essential skill to have in college. I look forward to being able to use the library to gather information with everything I learned from her.

That’s all for now.

Xoxo, Ariana