U.S.S. Missouri BB-63 - Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

The USS Missouri BB-63 is a symbol of American freedom.  Now docked at Pearl Harbor (well, technically at Ford Island) tourists can tour the battleship for a small fee. 

For those unfamiliar with the USS Missouri, it was where the Japanese surrendered during WWII.  There are some famous photos of the surrender on the deck of the battleship that have become important iconic images imprinted in the minds of many ...

I went to a commissioning ceremony where I had a chance to take some up close photos for free! Here are some photos of the USS Missouri

Japan, Here I Come!

One of my toughest semesters of grad school is finally over!  I made it out alive.  It was only a couple of weeks ago, when I was staying up till 4:00 a.m. trying to finish term papers, while I got through the day eating snacks.  I lost 5 pounds!

While I finished one of my toughest semesters, it's not quite over yet.  I have one more semester to go before graduation.  However, I won't be finishing my degree in Hawaii. 

My final semester of grad school will be in Japan!  I was welcomed to teach English at a university in Nagoya, where I will complete my practicum.

I'm so excited!!  I'm so grateful to my teacher for telling me about this opportunity.  I know that I will learn so much.  It will truly enhance my future.

The best part of all is that I'm not going alone.  My friend and roomate will be coming with me!