http://www.bhsu.edu RSS feeds for Black Hills State University 60 http://www.bhsu.edu/Academics/ProgramsMajors/BehavioralSciences/Psychology/Research/Blog/tabid/13870/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/4613/Closing-Ceremonies.aspx#Comments 1 http://www.bhsu.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=13870&ModuleID=29795&ArticleID=4613 http://www.bhsu.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4613&PortalID=0&TabID=13870 http://www.bhsu.edu/Academics/ProgramsMajors/BehavioralSciences/Psychology/Research/Blog/tabid/13870/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/4613/Closing-Ceremonies.aspx We all just got back from the World Winter Games Closing Ceremonies. We are filled with mixed emotions; some of us are ready to head home, some of us want to linger longer, and all of us relished in the fact that we hope to have the opportunity again to be in the presence of so many different nations. As the games wrap up, here are some final thoughts from the rest of the research team:Amanda: Being here has been an amazing experience, it has allowed me to meet people from all around the world and hear about their life. It was fascinating to hear about how they have become who they are and how they worked to get here to the 2013 World Winter Special Olympics. One story that stands out for me was a young man who was socially under developed growing up. He was placed in an institution at a young age because his parents were unsure of what to do to help him. When he was about 15 years old he was introduced to the sport cross country skiing which change his life for the good. It gave him the opportunity to socialize with other individuals and even gave him a chance to get closer to his family by letting him teach them about the sport to which he was so passionate about. It also lead him here to the 2013 World Winter Special Olympics which seems to have furthered enhanced his self-concept. Lauren: My time here at the Special Olympics in South Korea has taught me many things about people from other countries and even myself. When I was thinking about the people who would be here, I mainly thought of countries on the map and that they would be stereotypical of what I already know about those countries (which is little). During the opening ceremonies, I saw all of the athletes from those countries and thought wow, the athletes were nothing like what I had expected. To put faces to a country was the most amazing part of this trip. I feel like I have traveled the world just by talking to these athletes. The strong emotions that I have seen from the athletes from Special Olympics South Dakota have also been witnessed from all other countries. I am thankful and grateful for having the chance to attend these events and to simply be astonished by these individuals. Devon: This trip to the Special Olympics has been very eye opening. It's been refreshing to see that people from all over the world can come together and enjoy time with each other and develop new friendships. I have met athletes from many different countries who had never even seen snow before they arrived at the games. They have been training in sand and other conditions that can replicate snow just to have the chance to come here. After talking to all of them, there has not been a single one that has had a bad thing to say about training in a desert or other subpar conditions, they're just so excited to be here competing and are also responding on our survey with the most common answer of "meeting new friends." The teams have been very open to meeting us and helping us the best they can. Even when they don't speak English, coaches are going through a lot of extra work to translate our whole conversation with them. We have taken a lot of pictures with athletes and check in on them at night to see how their competitions went throughout the day. I have made one very good snowboarding friend who is now a triple medalist. It's fun to know that when they ask you to come watch, they're sincere. When he would finish his run and get past the coaches, I was the first one he would come running up to all excited. That's a feeling I don't think you will ever get at an event other than the Special Olympics.Peter (written a few days ago, posted now due to internet connection problems): It has been an amazing week so far. We have had a lot of help from athletes and the coaches are really optimistic about having their athletes help us. The coaches talk to their athletes and get them involved to help us out and they understand the importance of doing these surveys. Just talking to the athletes is a great experience, especially athletes from Canada, Ireland and the US. I plan on taking what I have learned from working with athletes and talking to these athletes and watching these events back with me and making it a part of my life. psychblog Tue, 05 Feb 2013 14:27:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4613 http://www.bhsu.edu/Academics/ProgramsMajors/BehavioralSciences/Psychology/Research/Blog/tabid/13870/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/4612/Super-Bowl-Monday.aspx#Comments 2 http://www.bhsu.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=13870&ModuleID=29795&ArticleID=4612 http://www.bhsu.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4612&PortalID=0&TabID=13870 http://www.bhsu.edu/Academics/ProgramsMajors/BehavioralSciences/Psychology/Research/Blog/tabid/13870/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/4612/Super-Bowl-Monday.aspx A quick description of our time at a unique Super Bowl party and cultural event, then more students share their overall experiences at the Special Olympics World Winter Games. Hear from Alyssa, Nicole J, Hilary, and Morgan. psychblog Tue, 05 Feb 2013 00:50:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4612 http://www.bhsu.edu/Academics/ProgramsMajors/BehavioralSciences/Psychology/Research/Blog/tabid/13870/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/4611/Personal-Experiences.aspx#Comments 1 http://www.bhsu.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=13870&ModuleID=29795&ArticleID=4611 http://www.bhsu.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4611&PortalID=0&TabID=13870 http://www.bhsu.edu/Academics/ProgramsMajors/BehavioralSciences/Psychology/Research/Blog/tabid/13870/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/4611/Personal-Experiences.aspx As the games progress, students are finding ways to show their spirit and connect with these athletes from around the world. Hear from Janie and Nicole D. on what that looks like for them. psychblog Sun, 03 Feb 2013 13:50:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4611 http://www.bhsu.edu/Academics/ProgramsMajors/BehavioralSciences/Psychology/Research/Blog/tabid/13870/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/4609/Rain.aspx#Comments 3 http://www.bhsu.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=13870&ModuleID=29795&ArticleID=4609 http://www.bhsu.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4609&PortalID=0&TabID=13870 http://www.bhsu.edu/Academics/ProgramsMajors/BehavioralSciences/Psychology/Research/Blog/tabid/13870/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/4609/Rain.aspx Rain cancelled most of the outdoor events, hear the highs and lows of the day from each student's perspective. psychblog Sat, 02 Feb 2013 13:35:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4609 http://www.bhsu.edu/Academics/ProgramsMajors/BehavioralSciences/Psychology/Research/Blog/tabid/13870/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/4610/Rain.aspx#Comments 1 http://www.bhsu.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=13870&ModuleID=29795&ArticleID=4610 http://www.bhsu.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4610&PortalID=0&TabID=13870 http://www.bhsu.edu/Academics/ProgramsMajors/BehavioralSciences/Psychology/Research/Blog/tabid/13870/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/4610/Rain.aspx Rain cancelled most of the outdoor events, hear the highs and lows of the day from each student's perspective. psychblog Sat, 02 Feb 2013 13:35:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4610 http://www.bhsu.edu/Academics/ProgramsMajors/BehavioralSciences/Psychology/Research/Blog/tabid/13870/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/4608/How-was-your-day-today.aspx#Comments 1 http://www.bhsu.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=13870&ModuleID=29795&ArticleID=4608 http://www.bhsu.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4608&PortalID=0&TabID=13870 http://www.bhsu.edu/Academics/ProgramsMajors/BehavioralSciences/Psychology/Research/Blog/tabid/13870/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/4608/How-was-your-day-today.aspx What an exciting day! Find out from the students how they spent their time and what their day was like. psychblog Fri, 01 Feb 2013 02:33:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4608 http://www.bhsu.edu/Academics/ProgramsMajors/BehavioralSciences/Psychology/Research/Blog/tabid/13870/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/4605/Reflections-on-a-true-hero.aspx#Comments 3 http://www.bhsu.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=13870&ModuleID=29795&ArticleID=4605 http://www.bhsu.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4605&PortalID=0&TabID=13870 http://www.bhsu.edu/Academics/ProgramsMajors/BehavioralSciences/Psychology/Research/Blog/tabid/13870/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/4605/Reflections-on-a-true-hero.aspx Let me introduce you to one of the most amazing people I have had the pleasure of meeting. She runs a marathon in 3 hours and 3 minutes, has two honorary doctorate degrees, and is tremendously gifted at public speaking. She has been on the ESPY’s (my favorite sports awards show) and can speak four different languages. Does she sound amazing or what? Here is more of her story:Her mother believed in this young woman so much and encouraged her to pursue her dreams no matter what. Her mother also reminded her to remain humble, by stating “it’s not what you have that matters, but it’s what you do with what you have that makes the difference.” Beyond this, someone once told her mother that it would have been better for this young woman not to live at all. Her mother fought for the rights of her child and sometimes found that even getting this child access to appropriate health care was difficult. This was apparent after one dentist turned her away, saying that he didn’t service “her kind” in his clinic (meaning those with an intellectual disability). Had her mother listened to the people who sent messages her way, Loretta Claiborne would not be the kind of person she is today. Thank you, parents, for loving your children and for encouraging them to triumph through adversity.I met Loretta yesterday at the Global Development Summit. If I can achieve ONE of the things she has been able to do in her lifetime by the time I am her age (she is almost sixty), I would feel pretty accomplished. Loretta is a Special Olympics athlete and she currently serves on the Special Olympics Board of Directors. The type of leadership she displays is one I hope to imitate. She is truly my hero. I enjoyed hearing her speak and I appreciate that Special Olympics has designed multiple spots on their Board for people with intellectual disabilities. Current president of Malawi the Honorable Joyce Banda put it best yesterday at the Global Development Summit when she said “no one should make decisions about people with disabilities without them.” Loretta is on board to do what she can to assist in this process. The message of inclusion was heard loud and clear from this professor from a small Midwestern school in South Dakota. I got the chance to tell Loretta the kind of impact her words had on me, have you done that lately for someone you know has made a difference? I sure hope so. As these games progress, we get the chance to meet and hear the stories of the true celebrities here…the athletes! Any photos we use are posted with permission and we cannot disclose whether or not the athletes you see are the athletes whom we are doing research on; for the sake of confidentiality, we protect that information. However, we all believe that it is really important that all of you reading this blog know that we are here to cheer on the athletes and learn from them as individuals; most of whom come from very different backgrounds than us. psychblog Thu, 31 Jan 2013 08:06:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4605 http://www.bhsu.edu/Academics/ProgramsMajors/BehavioralSciences/Psychology/Research/Blog/tabid/13870/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/4603/The-Shrivers-have-invited-us-to-DC.aspx#Comments 4 http://www.bhsu.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=13870&ModuleID=29795&ArticleID=4603 http://www.bhsu.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4603&PortalID=0&TabID=13870 http://www.bhsu.edu/Academics/ProgramsMajors/BehavioralSciences/Psychology/Research/Blog/tabid/13870/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/4603/The-Shrivers-have-invited-us-to-DC.aspx Today was the Global Development Summit. We heard from various world leaders and incredible athletes about inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in every way possible. Many people had various takes on how this could happen and it we left inspired to want to do our part to make others aware of the rights of people with intellectual disabilities. Each evening, there is a cultural event we can attend so that we can experience various aspects of the Korean culture while we are here. Tonight's event was a Korean Ballet and illusionist.Janie spoke with Cindy McCain today (picture attached), Yao Ming rode with us on the escalator and we got to say hello, and Tim and Linda Shriver found out what we were doing at the World Winter Games and invited us to stay with them the next time we are in Washington D.C. Dr. Tim Shriver has been to South Dakota, he told us he spent time at Pine Ridge. Both were excited to meet our group from South Dakota and made sure we felt welcome at the Global Development Summit. We couldn't imagine how all the dignitaries felt all day with the cameras flashing; we had our picture taken several times today and Nicole J. was interviewed for a Korean television show (picture attached). Today was an unforgettable day for sure!Tonight's blog question(s):What was the best part of your day?Describe one thing you took from today that you will implement towards positive change in the states?Nicole D.- The best part of my day was when the magician’s bird almost took of Hillary’s head or meeting the Shriver’s. When I return to the states I really want to become involved with the local Special Olympics. Now that I’ve graduated I feel like I can be of greater service to my community, and look forward to deeper involvement with the Special Olympics. Hilary: The best part of my day was having the chance to go the Global Development Summit. It was definitely an honor to be surrounded by some many influential and inspiring people. One aspect of today I want to implement towards a positive change in the United States is “The Power of One”. It was really inspiring to know that one person can and will make a positive change in the world. Look at Eunice Kennedy Shriver; she reached her goals through dedication and perseverance. She didn’t stop even though instant gratification feels really good, so I hope I can make a positive change in the world through the power of one. Morgan: The best part of my day was the ballet and magic show we saw in the evening. I was involved with ballet when I was younger and it was fun to see, and the magician was very entertaining. The thing I will take back with me for positive change is that it can all start with one. Many times we feel that we need a group, but if one person starts something then a group may follow.Amanda: The best part of my day was when the team was told by Linda Shriver that we were welcome to her and Tim’s home in D.C. What I will take with me to make positive change in the states is that one person can make a change as shown by Eunice Shriver and her work done to make the Special Olympics possible.Nicole J.- I enjoyed so many things about today. I loved the opportunity to be immersed within so many leaders from so many different countries. I’m hoping to take home with me the same passion and enthusiasm that is present here and apply it to our local community to make great change.Janie: The best part of my day was shaking hands with Cindy McCain, and getting the privilege of having my picture taken with her. She was such a personable person. It was a thrill to stand beside her. I learned a lot having to make the move. Not only in asking Cindy McCain for her picture but also in listening to Dr. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi say that the best thing is to take the step. I want to remind people in the states to stand up and move. Let’s start doing!Devon: The best part of my day was attending the Global Development Summit all together. More-so than just seeing/meeting famous people all day, I thoroughly enjoyed listening to and meeting the Special Olympian Global Messengers. One thing I will take away from today is that you should never discount anyone with intellectual disabilities. As shown by Loretta Claiborne, someone with intellectual disabilities can not only overcome their disabilities, but they can give some of the most commanding and powerful speeches you can imagine. Peter: Best part of the day was definitely the ballet show and magic show at night. Very cool stuff, beautiful performance and incredible magic illusions. I will take back with me the idea of really getting something out in the open and talking about it, even if people don’t want to. There needs to be open conversations on the issues around the world and in communities. Otherwise, the issues get swept under the rug and ignored. Alyssa: The best part of my day was meeting Andy and the other ambassadors. Their stories were amazing, and they were a joy to be around! It was like being around celebrities! I got my picture taken with them, and they gave me a hug. They were great people, and I am very lucky to have met them. One thing I learned today that I could bring back to the states is that we need to include the disabled in decision-making. By making decisions about them without them, we are only further excluding them and nothing is changing for the better. If I am sick, and nobody asks me what part of me feels sick, it will be awfully hard to fix me. The same is said for this issue. Who knows the problem better than the people living it?Lauren: The best part of today would have to be the illusionist and ballet. It was wonderful experiencing a part of their culture. The illusionist made me laugh in joy along with the majority of everyone else in the auditorium. When I get back to Spearfish, I want to bring back the idea of the flame that burns inside all of us to make a change. Hearing the idea that we should start the change with the youth is an excellent idea. I think that if we can have a symbol in town that represents the fire that we can bring would be a reminder that we can start the change here, in Spearfish. A step towards equality can start in our homes and our hearts.Feeling inspired? Take risks with us when we return! Let's make positive change happen. psychblog Wed, 30 Jan 2013 13:48:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4603 http://www.bhsu.edu/Academics/ProgramsMajors/BehavioralSciences/Psychology/Research/Blog/tabid/13870/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/4599/Yao-Ming-Cindy-McCain-and-Korean-National-Magazine.aspx#Comments 3 http://www.bhsu.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=13870&ModuleID=29795&ArticleID=4599 http://www.bhsu.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4599&PortalID=0&TabID=13870 http://www.bhsu.edu/Academics/ProgramsMajors/BehavioralSciences/Psychology/Research/Blog/tabid/13870/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/4599/Yao-Ming-Cindy-McCain-and-Korean-National-Magazine.aspx Read on to learn more about the transition from Seoul to PeyongChang. Also, students tell what they have learned so far about Korea while being in the country. psychblog Mon, 28 Jan 2013 14:18:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4599 http://www.bhsu.edu/Academics/ProgramsMajors/BehavioralSciences/Psychology/Research/Blog/tabid/13870/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/4598/Lost-and-Life-Purpose.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.bhsu.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=13870&ModuleID=29795&ArticleID=4598 http://www.bhsu.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4598&PortalID=0&TabID=13870 http://www.bhsu.edu/Academics/ProgramsMajors/BehavioralSciences/Psychology/Research/Blog/tabid/13870/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/4598/Lost-and-Life-Purpose.aspx Today students reflect on how this trip will help them with their professional goals. psychblog Sun, 27 Jan 2013 13:54:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4598 http://www.bhsu.edu/Academics/ProgramsMajors/BehavioralSciences/Psychology/Research/Blog/tabid/13870/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/4597/Hopes-for-the-trip.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.bhsu.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=13870&ModuleID=29795&ArticleID=4597 http://www.bhsu.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4597&PortalID=0&TabID=13870 http://www.bhsu.edu/Academics/ProgramsMajors/BehavioralSciences/Psychology/Research/Blog/tabid/13870/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/4597/Hopes-for-the-trip.aspx Tonight each student wrote a few sentences about what they are looking forward to on this trip. Read their perspectives on what has gone on so far and what they hope comes next. psychblog Sat, 26 Jan 2013 13:04:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4597 http://www.bhsu.edu/Academics/ProgramsMajors/BehavioralSciences/Psychology/Research/Blog/tabid/13870/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/4596/Tokyo-sunsets-9-passenger-vans-and-shoe-removal.aspx#Comments 1 http://www.bhsu.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=13870&ModuleID=29795&ArticleID=4596 http://www.bhsu.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4596&PortalID=0&TabID=13870 http://www.bhsu.edu/Academics/ProgramsMajors/BehavioralSciences/Psychology/Research/Blog/tabid/13870/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/4596/Tokyo-sunsets-9-passenger-vans-and-shoe-removal.aspx We have arrived! Tokyo’s sunset yesterday was so beautiful (picture attached)! We landed in Tokyo in just enough time to see this beautiful sight through the airport windows. Tonight you will hear from all of the students about what they are looking forward to most on this trip, but here is a “taste” of what we have experienced so far:Our "American ideas" of what the 9-passenger van that we reserved was supposed to look like were far bigger and loftier than the van we received. When you hear 9-passenger van, what comes to mind? Much like many of the students, I thought this meant that we would be getting a larger vehicle like we see in the US. The van that we received is like a minivan with extra seats; three rows with three extra sats in each row (middle seat in the front, middle, and back row). The area behind the back seat has about two feet of space. Many of the students rode into downtown Seoul with several bags on their laps as a result of our overestimation of space. We each travelled lightly with one checked bag and one carry-on, but we still had to stuff the van full. Janie agreed to have her picture taken and that picture is posted on this blog as well. We are all staying safe in our travels and everyone had a positive attitude about the travel time and lack of space, so that helped (and it makes for great pictures and amazing stories). In addition to the 9-passenger van, we have a 5-passenger compact car that has limited luggage space as well, we are making the most of the space that we have and it has been fun!In addition to this, we each have had our turn at playing “charades” with someone from Korea as a way to communicate. Since we have limited Korean, and the language is spoken much faster than what we had practiced, we are taking our turns at “acting” our questions to the local people; who have been VERY gracious and kind in helping us out. My personal favorite has been “do I need to remove my shoes?” We all sat down together and enjoyed a traditional Korean meal for lunch. We were not sure what we were ordering, but it tasted so good! We sat down on the heated floor and enjoyed conversing with each other while eating and the owner of the restaurant kindly guided us through how to eat the food she brought to us. She also kindly reminded us to remove our shoes while eating and reminded me to put my shoes back on when I paid the bill. Tonight we are headed to PeyongChang to receive our Special Olympics staff credentials and uniforms. More later! psychblog Sat, 26 Jan 2013 06:29:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4596 http://www.bhsu.edu/Academics/ProgramsMajors/BehavioralSciences/Psychology/Research/Blog/tabid/13870/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/4595/KOTA-Children-First-Students-travel-overseas-to-study-athlete-angst.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.bhsu.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=13870&ModuleID=29795&ArticleID=4595 http://www.bhsu.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4595&PortalID=0&TabID=13870 http://www.bhsu.edu/Academics/ProgramsMajors/BehavioralSciences/Psychology/Research/Blog/tabid/13870/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/4595/KOTA-Children-First-Students-travel-overseas-to-study-athlete-angst.aspx Check out the KOTA news report with Dr. Emilia Boeschen and some of her student research assistants. http://www.kotatv.com/story/20664308/children-first-students-travel-overseas-for-research psychblog Fri, 25 Jan 2013 15:18:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4595 http://www.bhsu.edu/Academics/ProgramsMajors/BehavioralSciences/Psychology/Research/Blog/tabid/13870/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/4593/It-never-once-crossed-my-mind-that-I-would-be-going-alone.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.bhsu.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=13870&ModuleID=29795&ArticleID=4593 http://www.bhsu.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4593&PortalID=0&TabID=13870 http://www.bhsu.edu/Academics/ProgramsMajors/BehavioralSciences/Psychology/Research/Blog/tabid/13870/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/4593/It-never-once-crossed-my-mind-that-I-would-be-going-alone.aspx Right now it is 1:44AM Mountain time, I am meeting my students at 4AM and we are car pooling to Rapid to board a plane to start this epic journey. I am hyped up on caffeine, am pulling an all-nighter (first time since grad school), and am filled with emotions that go beyond description. I am humbled at the amount of support this university and its faculty have given me in this project, honored to be considered worthy to attend such a phenomenal event, and scared that someone will soon discover this little-known fact: I have NEVER been to Korea. Okay, so it’s public now; I am leading a group of students on the experience of a lifetime and there will be times where I won’t have a clue what I am doing or where I am supposed to be. Sounds like an adventure, doesn’t it? This whole project has been an adventure for sure. I never would have even dreamed that an opportunity like this would have come along so early in my career. I am so blessed to be a part of something big; and it never crossed my mind that I would engage in this journey alone. I have loved working with the Special Olympics and it has been my joy to see my students come alongside me in this research, meet some incredibly talented athletes, and find out what life is like for someone with an intellectual disability. As the time gets closer to takeoff, I hope that these students will breathe a sigh of relief; for some of them, this is the first time they have been on a plane…period. I know they will enjoy the experience. Lauren’s blog was fun to read just now because it showed me more of what might be going through the minds of my students as we await takeoff...yes, there will be laundry services. Lauren and others; I am so glad we get to go on this journey together; be ready to be truly transformed by this opportunity, look to love every moment, remember to say “Kamsa-hamneeda” (thank you) and “me-ann hamneeda” (I’m sorry), enjoy the culture, and learn more about yourself in the process. I pray you walk away changed for the better. Buckle your seatbelts, we're about to take off! psychblog Thu, 24 Jan 2013 09:28:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4593 http://www.bhsu.edu/Academics/ProgramsMajors/BehavioralSciences/Psychology/Research/Blog/tabid/13870/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/4588/Calm-Before-the-Storm.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.bhsu.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=13870&ModuleID=29795&ArticleID=4588 http://www.bhsu.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4588&PortalID=0&TabID=13870 http://www.bhsu.edu/Academics/ProgramsMajors/BehavioralSciences/Psychology/Research/Blog/tabid/13870/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/4588/Calm-Before-the-Storm.aspx The night before the Research Team leaves for South Korea, Lauren Lund talks about current worries and expectations for this trip. A once in a lifetime experience is about to begin and a whole new world is about to open up to these eleven individuals. psychblog Wed, 23 Jan 2013 08:20:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4588