Sarah Matkowski

Hello, my name is Sarah Matkowski and I am 21 years old. I come from Bolton, CT. I am a junior at Westfield and I am currently majoring in Social work, I am intrested in working with children. I am currently a commuting to school, and I was an Irish dancer for 7 years. I have traveled to France and England and someday I'd like to travel Japan or China. -

Expressing Love, and Music

It seems that throughout the United States, people are taught to express their love for each other, whether it be through words or even nonverbal communication. Ever since I was a child I was taught by my parents to always say I love you to people close to you, every time you leave them. I would say this is because you never know when you are going to see them again, so it is just a good idea to express how you feel about them, in case you don't ever see them again.

As for music, I would say first off that music is a very big part of the culture here in the United States. Whether you are watching television, or driving in a car, it seems that music is always on in the background. Personally I enjoy listening to all different types of music. I believe musicians use their music to express their feelings and emotions, or to tell a story to the listener. It is interesting to hear what they have to say, in a way that is totally unique to them.

Music

I like to listen to music with a catchy tune thatI can sing all day long without getting sick of. My favorite music artists are John Mayer, Taylor Swift, and Billy Joel. They sing about being in love, and all if the different things they have to deal with in their everyday lives. Music is something that can instantly put you in a good mood when you're feeling down. One annoying song can get stuck in your head all day and it won't leave until you hear it, and then another just takes it's place. Often times music can define certain events in our lives in peoples lives; they become part of the memory. There is music to signify our first dance with our new husband or wife, songs that remind you of times with your best friends, and maybe even a song that reminds us of a time we spend with our mothers or fathers, and how much fun we had with them that day.

Expressing Love

People in the United States often tell their family members and friends how much they love each other. When I was younger, I was always taught to tell my family how much I loved them every time that I saw them. As I grew older and came to college, I began telling my best friends that I loved them every time I leave them; I never know when I'm going to see them again. When I have a boyfriend and I know that I am in love with him, I try to tell him as much as I can. Although that may seem like a lot, the people that you love should know how serious you are about it.

There are many different things we can do to express our love to a person. We can do extravagant things for their birthdays, cook them their favorite meals, or just be around them and make them happy as much as possible.

Christina Miller

Hi everyone! My name is Christina Miller and I am a sophomore here at Westfield State College. I am 19 years old and am a communications major. I am a member of the Lambda Sigma Honor Society, and I like to partake in community service. I also enjoy traveling, listening to music, hanging out with my friends, reading, and spending time with my family.

Gun Culture

In the United States, we have the Right to Bear Arms guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. There are court cases still in progress about whether a government can restrict ownership of weapons. Generally speaking, conservative Americans feel that they have an individual right to protect themselves with firearms, as well as a right to engage in hunting and sports with guns. Others do not believe that anyone should be allowed to own a gun, or that guns should be seriously restricted. What is the attitude in Japan towards guns and the right to self-defense?

music

i love all types of music. i honestly cannot choose just one genre becuase i think that all music is amazing no matter how it sounds. i mean im not the biggest classical or heavymetal fan but pretty much everything else exsists on my ipod. plus certain songs will mean more to me than others becuase of the meaning of them. like mariah carey's "always be my baby" is my moms song to me ever since i was little. my friends and i have alot of songs that are our inside joke songs and mean alot to us. music just is so empowering and i think that everyone can realte to something in music, whether its the beat or the lyrics.

Expressing Love

I think that expressing your love to your family and friends is very important in life. I have always said it to my family members ever since I can remember. I say it to my immediate family almost everyday. I never use to say it to my friends as much unless it was a special occassion or something. But ever since I have gone to college, I make it a point to say "I love you" to my friends everytime I talk to them. You never know whats going to happen, or if that will be the last time you talk to your loved ones. So I think it is very significant to express that love all the time

expressing love

I always say I love you to my friends, family, and my boyfriend. I want them to know that I care about them. I will also do things like give gifts, or throw a suprise party or things like that. If it it someone's birthday, I would make sure to get them a card and right 'love Jill' at the end of it. Also, whenever I talk to my father or my boyfriend I always end the conversation by saying 'I love you bye'. So yes, I do say I love you a lot.

If my family or my boyfriend or most of my friends did not tell me they loved me I would be pretty upset. I know that they all care about me, but it just isn't the same unless they actually say I love you.

Emily Tebo

Hi everyone! My name is Emily Tebo and I am a sophomore here at Westfield State College, majoring in Communications. I am from a small town, Charlton, but I went to adecent sized regional high-school called Shepherd Hill. I am usually pretty busy with school work, but when I have free time I enjoy being with friends, watching television, talking on the phone with my mom, and going to the gym. From the time I was in kindergarden to when I graduated high school, I danced, and it is still a passion of mine that I miss immensly. Going to Shepherd Hill has given me opportunities to travel outside the United States. I have had the chance to travel to Spain, Morocco, China, and Hong Kong. I enjoyed these trips and I like learning about culture a lot. I look forward to communicating with you!

Kelly Bacon

Hello, everyone! My name is Kelly Bacon. Yep, like bacon and eggs haha. I am 19 years old and was born on March 27, 1990. I am currently a sophomore Communication major at Westfield State College. I have lived in Westfield, MA, my entire life so college was not that big of an adjustment for me. I live directly across the street from the college campus and walk to class every day it is very conveniant. Class work keeps me pretty busy, but when I'm not doing that I am usually working or spending time with friends and family. I come from a very tiny family and as a result we are all very clos, they are the most important people in my life. I have not travelled far. I've never been out of the United States, but I hope to someday. I find different cultures very interesting and I look forward to chatting with you all!

Hey everybody my name is Steve Case and im from East Longmeadow, MA. Right now im a sopohmore at Westfield State College, My major is Enviornmental Science. Im 20 years old and right now im looking to eventually have a career as a Enviromental Consultant or in another field in the Environmental Sector. I enjoy the outdoors, Hunting and Fishing are two of my favorite hobbies. I transfered to Westfield State from a local community college and I currently live on campus.

Hey everyone my name is Rhodaja Shubrick. I am a sophomore at Westfield State College. Currently my majors are Mass Communication and Psychology. I am 19 years old and I live on campus. I enjoy life and have many interest. I am a very sociable person and because of this I have a lot of friends and associates. I'm a peoples person and get along easily with others. Some of my interest are going to the movies with friends, hanging out with friends and being around family. I am family oriented I love my family. My family is close and is a support system I depend on my family to get me through the rough times and hard spots. I am a dancer, I love dance any type of dance its just always been a passion of mines. Another passion of mines is music, music has gotten me through some times. I can be an emotional person at times and because of this music helps to soothe me and take my mind off of drama and chaos. All in all I am a good person dependable respectful and joyful. I love God, I love life and I love new experiences of meeting new people and trying new things. I'm a go getter out going caring and lovable!

Tiffini Christy

Hi everyone. My name is Tiffini Christy, and I'm a sophomore at Westfield State. I'm 19 years old, and will soon be turning 20. My hometown is Chicopee, MA, which isn't too far from Westfield. I'm a Communications major right now, but I am probably going to be switching to Business. I love to travel, and the city of Boston is one of my favorite places to visit that's close by. Music is one of my favorite things. I enjoy music that has a good beat and good lyrics.

Tim Gregg

Hello everyone,

My name is Tim Gregg and I am a sophomore at Westfield State College. I am majoring in communications hoping to be a sports journalist. Im 18 years old and from Haverhill, MA. I enjoy sports, being outside and having a good time. I listen to a variety of music but I enjoy rock and anything that is catchy and has a good beat. Im excited to meet you all.

self-introduction-Jill

Hello everyone! My name is Jill Fagan, and I am currently a senior at Westfield State College. I am a psychology major with minors in sociology and communication. After I graduate I plan on going to graduate school for high school guidence counseling. I am involved in many different things on this campus, such as being a tour guide, orientation leader and intramural sports. My favorite group that I am a part of is the dance team. I have been dancing for a very long time, and it is something that I love to do. I enjoy anything that involves being outside, such as running, swimming, long walks (things like that). I listen to pop music, which includes artists such as Leona Lewis, Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, and my absolute favorite is Jordin Sparks. I like this style because its fun and upbeat. I enjoy being around others, and I can't wait to travel again. I went to Ireland and Northern Ireland this past May, and I am very anxious to travel again. I can't wait to learn more about all of you!

Ryan Peters

Hey everyone, My name is Ryan and I am a Senior at Westfield State College. I am 21 years old and from Taunton, MA. I am majoring in Criminal Justice and Communication. I hope to someday have a career in law enforcement. Right now though, I am really interested in exercising, hunting, snowmobiling, playing sports & video games. Another hobby of mine is listening to music. Mostly hard and soft rock.

Harold Duggan

Hello everyone my name is Harold Duggan and I am currently a sophomore at Westfield State College. I am from Haverhill, Massachusetts and I am currently 19 years old. I am currently and undeclared major however I have decided that I would like pursue a career somewhere within the field of civil engineering. My hobbies include playing sports such as hockey and golf. I played both sports competitively in high school, and I still play them recreationally. I enjoy listening to pretty much any type of music.

Alex Allen

My name is Alex and I'm a junior at Westfield. I'm studying Criminal Justice and Communications, and I hope to become a police officer. Since police work requires communicating with people of all races and cultures, I am interested in learning more about the world. When I have the time, I like to exercise through running, lifting weights, or playing volleyball. I am a volleyball referee also, and I work at several nearby colleges. I like hiking, mountain climbing, and enjoying the outdoors. My favorite styles of music are country and rock, and I also like comedy or parody songs. What music from the US are you familiar with?
I love to cook, eat, and learn about food. Barbeque is usually a southern United States specialty, but when I can find it around here I always give it a try.

Erika Martins

Hey everyone!
My name is Erika Martins and I'm from Hampden, Massachusetts. I'm a junior and communication major at Westfield State College. My grandmother is from Japan and the Japanese culture is very much a part of my family. Many of my family members (aunts, uncles, cousins) currently live in Fukoka, Japan. I'm very excited to be communicating with you and hopefully learning even more about the lives of students just like myself from another country.

My hobbies include hanging out with my friends and family, playing sports such as soccer and basketball, and listening to music. I look forward to hearing from you! :)

Colleen Murphy

Hi! My name is Colleen Murphy and I am a junior Communications major. I am really excited to blog with everyone in Japan because I do not know a lot about Japan!

Some interesting things about me are that I am involved with many activites at our school. I am the presdient of the Student Government Association so I make sure students have their opinions heard by everyone at the college. I like to read, hang out with my friends, listen to music, and watch movies.

Aya Eguchi

Hi! My name is Aya Eguchi. Aya means colorful. My parents wish I grow up beautiful and my life become brilliant.

I’m from Nagoya. Nagoya is famous for some delicious foods, for example, miso katsu, a pork cutlet with soybean paste and hitsumabusi, like bowl of rice and boiled eel. I like all Nagoya’s special products. Why don’t you come to Nagoya and try these foods?

My hobby is singing so I often go to karaoke with my friends. I also like taking pictures with my favorite digital camera. I often bring it and take pictures of nature.

I’m looking forward to communicating with you!

Yufu Shimada

Hi! My name is Yufu Shimada. I’m 21 years old. My hometown is Gifu but I live in Nagoya by myself. My hometown is really nice place! Do you know “HIDA TAKAYAMA”?


There is fresh air and clean water. TAKAYAMA is similar to KYOTO. I recommend you to coming. My hobby is listening to music, playing drums and shopping. I started drums when I was 14 years old. I like music!!

I’m looking foreword communicate with you!!

Yoko Ishida

Hi! My name is Yoko Ishida. I’m a student of the university at Nagoya but my hometown is not here. My hometown is very countryside in Japan, there are many mountains and seas and I love it. My hobby is listening to music, watching movies, especially I like foreign one. I also think that I’d like to go travel abroad before my graduation. If you know nice place to travel, please tell me that.

I’ll talk you about the meaning of my name. My first name is YOKO. Many Japanese has each character of own name. My character is 陽子. The meaning of 陽YO is SUN and POSITIVE and the meaning of 子KO is CHILD. My parents hope that I will be a cheerful girl like a sun.

I’m looking forward to seeing your comments and communicating with you!

Marina Kawakami

Hi! My name is Marina Kawakami.　I’m 22 years old. I study about some foreign languages and cultures in Nagoya University of Foreign Studies.


My parents gave me this name “Marina” because they thought it sounded cute and it’s fashionable. I like this name very much because I think it’s easy to remember for many foreigners. When I started to study English, I noticed that there was a word “marina” in English. Also, there is “marina” in Italian and French. All their meanings are related to the sea. Maybe that’s why I like the sea. I’m especially interested in the deep sea. And other things I’m interested in are music, craftwork, and tea ceremony.

Feel free to ask any questions!

Ayano Katou

My name is Ayano. I’m from Nagoya, Japan. Nagoya is a big city in Aichi prefecture.


I’m 21 years old. My hobby is traveling. I like nature like mountain, sea. Now, I’m planning to go to watch drift ice in Hokkaido. Hokkaido is northern place in Japan. I’m looking forward to it!

I want to know nice places in your country!

Tomona Koike

Hi!! My name is Tomona. I’m 4th student in NUFS, studying foreign culture. I live in Nagoya by myself. My hobbies are playing tennis, watching movies especially Miyazaki Animations and foreign movies. And I want to travel many foreign countries!!


I introduce meaning of my name. My name can separate into two wards, ‘tomo’ and ‘na.’ ‘Tomo’ means friend. My parent hopes for me who could cherish friends. And ‘na’ comes from name of flower ‘Nanohana’ that came out when I was born.

I’m looking foreword communicate with you!!

Raza Teo

Hi! I’m Theo Lazar, nice to meet you. I’m a senior year student at the Nagoya University of Foreign Studies. I’m from Germany, and my major is Japanese. I’ve got many interests, including reading, anime, manga, games, going out, sports, history, languages, and other things. I particularly have a love for anime and manga.


We were asked to write something about our first name, so I’m going to give it a try. Officially, my name is “Theodor”, which is Greek and apparently means “the gift of God”, but I prefer the shorter version which everyone uses, so please call me “Theo”. I like my name, and I’ve heard that I got it because my mother was so happy to have a child. However, from the meaning, it might be a bit too spectacular *^_^* (“Theo” itself means “God”).

There’s not much else to say about me… I’m living in Japan since November 2004, and I like it here, so I’m going to live in this country in the future as well. Next year, I’m planning to go to grad school, since I enjoy being a student. If you have any questions about me, please feel free to ask. I’m looking forward to hearing from you.

Yuuki Kainuma

This is Yuki Kainuma. I’m 22 years old. I’m studying at uni, majoring in English. I want to travel overseas. Ive been to the States, Hawaii and Australia. interested in baseball, marine lives, and many other things.

Hope getting to know you well.
Peace

Mayu Miyake

Hi!! I’m Mayu Miyake. I’m 21-year-old. I live in Gifu prefecture where is located in middle of Japan. I have a part time job at clothes shop. So I’m interested in fashion. Japanese university students are very fashionable. We are dress up for class. I want to exchange information especially about fashion.

Rie Tanaka

My name is Rie Tanaka.　I’m 22 years old. My birthday is July 2nd.  I’m from Okazaki. There is very comfortable. So I like my hometown.

I like marine sports. This summer, I started surfing. It is very hard for me, but it is very exiting. Japanese sea is little dirty, so I want to beautiful sea especially Hawaii. I want to play surfing on the blue sea.

Eri Kawada

My name is Eri Kawada. My name was named by my grandfather. I don’t know why hr named me “Eri”, but I like this name. I know some people who has same name as me, and some people has similar name like “Erina”, “Erika”, and so on.


I live in Gifu city. There is a Gifu castle named by Nobunaga Oda. It is a museum of Sengoku era, now. The castle is being top of Kinka Mountain. Many people don’t know, but Gifu has very interesting history of example the war in Sekigahara. If you interested in history, please research!

I like listen to the music. My favorite music is Visual-Kei!! Always I listen this, and sometimes I go to concerts of bands. My best favorite band is the GazettE. I love them!! I have many their CDs and DVDs. Their music makes me happy!!

I’m looking forward to your comments and communicate with you!

Amina Hiraoka

Hi!! My name is Amina Hiraoka. Amina means “honest” in Arabic. Well, my parents didn’t know the meaning. They just thought it sounded cool.


I’m from Nagoya, Aichi, Japan. You can enjoy a lot of delicious foods, like misokatsu, kishimen, e.t.c.…, in Nagoya. If you are interested in them, I can explain you more and take you to nice restaurants, when you come to Japan. ;))

I love watching movies. My hero is Clint Eastwood!!!!!!! If you haven’t watched his movies, you’d better to rush into a video shop now! XD

I like “Rocky” too. I went to Philadelphia to do “Rocky trip”. It was an awesome experience.

I’m looking forward to exchanging information with you! If you have any questions, feel free to ask me thank you.

Shiho Yokoyama

Hello!! My name is Shiho Yokoyama☆ My name have no meaning. Tsurube who is a entertainer name my I am a girl. I am from Japanese. I have been living in Nagoya since I was born. Nagoya is famous for miso. Have you ever ate miso??? Miso is made from beans. I am a member of the dance club. I do break dance, and it’s so hard. In October I do dance in school festival. There are five people in my team. Please come to school festival.

Rentaro Nanba

This is Rentaro Namba, and I’m a forth year student of Nagoya University of Foreign Studies.

I have been studying Intercultural Communication since I was third year. I’m very excited about communicating with American students who share the same interest with us.

At this time I introduce about my first name because my name is very old name in Japan. My first name is “連太郎(Rentaro)” in Japanese. We can divide my name into two parts which are “連” and “太郎”. “連” means become a member of something so my parents want me to attend something all the time and show that you are not alone. “太郎” means firstborn son. In the past Japanese distinguish between firstborn son and another because firstborn son is the only successor.

I’m looking forward to communicate with you. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me. Thank you.

Sakie Oohata

Hi! My name is Sakie, before I continue I want to explain to you the meanings of my name. I have two kanji in my name. My first kanji is "saki" which means blooming flowers. The second kanji is "e" which means blessing. In other words, by the grace of god. I was named by my mother, also my name relates with her name. Her name means “lily child” in English. I'm 21 years old but I'm look like a child because I'm short. I really like to watch Japanese dramas and movies. I like my job because I take care of elementary schoolchildren once a week. Also I have another job too. It is to take care of freshman at my university and to edit their conversations on video. I live in Gifu. Gifu is in center of Japan. There are many mountains. If you are interested or have any questions, please let me know

Kotono Iwata

Hi!! My name is Kotono Iwata. I’m 21 years old. I’m living in Owariasahi city where is next to Nagoya. I like English and foreign culture, so I’m majoring English at university. I like travel and making an eating tour.


Well, I introduce about origin of my name; Kotono. KOTO is from “koto” of Japanese musical instrument. “Koto” makes beautiful and graceful tone, so my parents wish that I grow up to beautiful and polite woman like the tone of “koto”. Then NO is from my aunt name Yoshino. My aunt is a person of firm character, so I get the part to become a kind of person like my aunt. My name is uncommon name, so I like my name.


I’m looking forward to communicate with you!!