Blog Topic 1: Culture Shock

One major difference I have noticed between American culture and that of others is the directness and bluntness Americans embrace. I think a lot of other cultures are more polite and less aggressive than Americans. There are regional variances even within this same country. I notice a big difference interacting with someone not from New York versus a native New Yorker. I think when most people come from another culture to New York, they start to embrace our culture. I don't know if it is this way in other parts of the country, but New York is so diverse there is not one kind of stereo typical New Yorker. None of us look the same or sound the same. I have visited several countries in Europe. When I was in London, it seemed very similar to New York, and I think the people could be New Yorkers, minus the variances in language/accent. Everything in France seemed very formal to me. I think we are very casual culturally, and this is unlike other cultures. I have been to several culturally diverse schools. Another thing I have noticed is that international students seem to be more studious and more inclined to try harder academically. Maybe this is because the schools in America can be  rather lenient or less regimented. I know that most children in Europe start learning a language other than their native in school at a younger age. In America most students don't start language study until middle or high school. I think this is a disadvantage. I also read that advanced math is much more of a critical part of education in other parts of the world. Excelling at math is very important for success in many career paths, so I think Americans would be better off if math was pushed harder in schools. I am very grateful to live in New York, because it is the most culturally diverse place in the world. Not everyone is lucky enough to interact with so many vastly different people on a daily basis. People may have cultural differences, but in a tolerant and open minded environment (as I feel New York usually is) everyone can mesh well together.

Erin in Blogland

I'm Erin. This is my first blog ever. I chose the name for my blog from a play on words of Alice in Wonderland. I've just transferred to Baruch, and I love it thus far. I'm a vegetarian, and have been pretty much my entire life (I only ate meat from ages 2-6). I have a penchant for Apple products, and fittingly, work at the Apple Store. My 21st birthday was in July (Leo) and I have felt old ever since. I enjoy shopping and reading, although my schedule has not permitted very much of either lately; this is quite distressing. I think that pretty much covers the basics. When you see me I will most likely be wearing a scarf and a smile.