Special Guest Blog-Leng Yang

Leng's 23rd Birthday TODAY! Andy, Leng and Stuey at Casa Bonita!

Greetings! To be completely honest I do not know where to start but allow me to introduce myself; My name is Leng Yang and like Hana I am a Master’s International Candidate going into International Administration. This is also my first year as a DU Graduate student and my first time living in Denver as well.

My experience so far at DU has been great, it has been both challenging and rewarding; though I understand saying these things are often cliche, it truly has been. Since I have such a limited amount of time to complete this post, I will speak on three different aspects of DU Korbel and the Graduate life: Classes, Professors and Social Life.

Classes:

Thankfully, each of my quarters has been a very good mix of theory courses, practical courses and stats. Theory courses (Like International Political Economy or Comparative Politics) are very focused on reading material and it is not uncommon to read 100-200 pages a week. Although some of the readings can be quite challenging, in the end it is quite worthwhile and definitely helped me see things in a new light.

So far, my practical courses have been my favorite courses and for good reason: they let me see what I want to be doing in action. The approach of these courses brings together the theory you learn in class with the reality of the outside world and by doing so you get a taste of what you will be doing once your studies are complete.

And then there is Stats and whenever I am reminded of Stats I smile. Stats has been a course which has brought MANY people together, I don’t think I would have known the people I have met in the class without having Stats as a medium. Overall, I have enjoyed the class and the stories and things which go on only in Stats. It has been an experience but a good experience.

Professors:

So far, I have admired and respected all my professors. Each one is very knowledgeable about their topic and what is most important, they are so willing to help you learn and grow as an individual. I have not had a negative experience with a professor thus far and I hope this continues.

Social Life:

Like Hana, who came from a very engaged undergraduate life, the social life of the graduate student ebbs and flows. I have been very fortunate in the people I have met and the friends I have made, they are my family here in Denver from my older brothers to my older sisters (lol haven’t met my younger siblings yet). I must admit that in the fall quarter, it is rather difficult to meet people initially due to the fact that so many people have lives outside of school, we all do which includes: Internships, Jobs, Family (Many people I’ve met are married or have children) and of course, student groups and homework. Juggling all of this can be difficult and often comes with the expense of a less engaged social life. Not to mention most people live in apartments or houses either around campus or 15 minutes away which adds to the lack of interaction among people. However, I am fortunate and glad of the people I have met and who have befriended me and made my life easier and more fun.

Overall, Denver has been good to me but now I must rush off as my friend is waiting at the door! For any questions or comments, feel free to e-mail me at lyang25@du.edu. Much love.