I hope all is well, and that this New Year going great for you! My name is Dijoun, and I am currently a senior at the university who will be graduating this semester in May. I am originally from the state of Kansas, but I moved around a lot in the states since my parents were military. I am majoring in Planned Program with a minor in Hebrew. I will be studying abroad after graduation learning Hebrew. Hopefully, I will be able to obtain my master's in Human Rights and Transitional Justice in Jerusalem, or I will be applying for law school here in the states. My long term goal is to join the military serving in the JAG (Judge Advocate General) Corps and after service, working for the Department of State. I want to be a humanitarian and help people in a way that affects their lives positively on both a small and large scale.
People that know me consider me to be odd and old. Reasons being, I prefer face to face communication, or hand written letters over cell phones. Since I do have a cellphone, if I could revert back to one of my old ones (the Nokia that is in the shape of a small brick, or my first flip cellphone that could not take pictures) I would. I'm not big on social media. I used to watch the home shopping networks QVC, HSN , and ShopNBC in middle school and high school, and I like being at home. I'm like Benjamin Button, but only personality wise.
Hobbies: Reading, Crochet, Painting, and Eating.
I love to crochet when I have the time. I used to make messenger bags, scarves, and purses for my friends and family, and then I later moved up to the big things like blankets and throws.
Personal photo: Notebook Cover
Personal photo: Unfinished Throw
Random things about me:
- I don't have a favorite color.
- I prefer vanilla over chocolate.
- I love sweets and if I could, I would probably eat sweets for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Currently reading:
Love in the Time Of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. I saw the movie years ago and have always been interested in the reading the book. I found it while looking for something else, and I took it as a sign.
I hope you enjoyed reading my introduction, and best wishes to you this semester!!
Dijoun,
ReplyDeleteNice to meet you. First off, that is one of the most unique career paths I have ever heard. Good luck, I hope you succeed. One of my roommates also wants to go to law school, hopefully you don't like to practice arguing with your friends as much as he does. I look forward to reading more of your writing.
Hi Andrew, Thank you for wishing me good luck. I find it funny that your roommate likes to practice arguing. That's a good thing! I'm not usually up for a good argument/debate, but you can find me on the side lines watching, and at the end I point out why or why not a person's points valid
DeleteHey Dijoun!
ReplyDeleteYou seem like a pretty rad person. Sometimes I fell like an old man when I try to work my phone, so I totally get you on preferring my human interaction technology-free.
I actually did an internship in highschool at the SMU human rights department! I was mostly a coffee monkey for the boss, but I was in charge of my own project as well. I had to track down the contact information for the first African American to graduate from every college in the United States. It was a momentous undertaking! I didn't quite get every one, but I definitely cleared two hundred.
My only experience with hebrew was attending bar/bat mitzvahs in middleschool. My school district had one of the highest Jewish populations in Dallas. Anyway, you sound like the type of person who's going to make a true difference in the world, and I wish you all the best.
Grayson, Your internship experience sounds so cool! I can imagine the hard work and effort you had to put into contacting all of those people. In addition to being on SMU's beautiful campus. What a great experience!
DeleteHi! It's really nice to meet you Dijoun. I will also be graduating in May, which is really exciting. I find your choice in career very admirable. There’s not many people that can do the job you can do, which makes it all the more unique and interesting. I’m always in awe of people who can knit or crochet. I attempt in high school and failed miserably at it, I just can’t seem to understand how it’s done. Everyone says it’s easy (which I’m sure it is) I just don’t have the simplicity gene.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, I’m in a booklr through and through. I will read anything and most likely I have. I know you’re not big on social media, but do you have a Goodreads set up? That place is my saving grace, it organizes what I want to read and so on.
Jessica, have you tried a step-by-step manual? I bought one many years ago when I first started because it included different sized needles and pins, which were way more expensive sold separately. The manual shows you how to start out a chain and the different patterns that you can choose from there. Another thing, I don't know if you're right-handed or left, but my mom is right-handed and has to crochet using her left hand as her dominant one.
DeleteI have heard of Goodreads, my co-worker mentioned it to me ans showed me the possible books that she would take interest in. It's a cool app!
Hi, Dijoun! You can probably guess that I am a fan of communication at a distance (I love teaching online), but I don't even have a cellphone: for me, the written word is the magical thing... but cellphones just confuse me! One of the great things about communication at a distance for this class, is that some of the authors you might be reading for this class are at Twitter: just today I got a tweet from Usha Narayanan, the author of this book: Pradyumna: Son of Krishna ... when she tweets me or leaves a comment on a blog post, I am just amazed. It feels like magic to be in touch with authors from India like that. It makes the world seem so much more connected, in a good way! :-)
ReplyDeleteHi Laura, the internet is such a wonderful thing, and I love that with technology were able to experience, see, and connect with others around the world. Yet, I find myself as a hermit. I just love my little area and the few people I allow around it.
DeleteThat is unbelievably cool that Narayanan contacted you!
Hi Dijoun! I think that it is awesome that you have a minor in Hebrew. I am always fascinated with foreign languages and impressed with people who take the time to learn them. I also love to crotchet. I am not too good at it though. I think knitting is more my forte but I think the pictures of the things you have made are awesome.
ReplyDeleteNice to meet you
-Sara
Hi Sara, I have a friend who is an avid knitter. We usually go back in forth about which is better. He's convinced that knitting produces thicker products and crochet finished products are flat. I have not told him yet, but I'm looking into learning how to knit, lol.
DeleteHave you thought about learning a foreign language or do you already speak one?
Hello Dijoun!
ReplyDeleteIt is so nice meeting you, I find it so amazing that you like “old-school” things. I had never heard of a “Planned Program” major, so I will have to look into that – it sounds very interesting. I love how much you want to help people. Crocheting seems like so much fun! Sewing is one of my favorite hobbies, so I can appreciate the time and effort that goes into your projects! I look forward to reading your stories!
Hi Morgan, the major is fairly new to campus like the MDS (Multidisciplinary Studies) major. I applied to OU a while back not satisfied with the majors that were already established. When I found out about Planned Program, I felt so relieved!! It's pretty cool. I choose a theme and courses that fit that theme.
DeleteThank you for sharing a little about yourself, Dijoun. You and I have quite a bit in common! I was in the military for 4 years (I was not JAG), I still have one of those old-school flip phones, I do not have any social media accounts, I prefer to be at home, and I took Hebrew for 3 semesters here at OU. I was shocked to read your introduction and see so many things that I can relate to. It's not often that I meet someone with a similar mindset to mine (ours?), but that's probably because we like to stay at home haha. I get called "old" as well.... I always joke and say that I'm 26 going on 50.
ReplyDeleteI still can't believe that we have so much in common. That is just unbelievable.
There's not many people that are interested in the same things as me, so I am fascinated that I have encountered another person like me (us) in this world. I have always been the grandma out of all of my friends, which is fine. It keeps me out of trouble, and always has =). I recently asked Ori about you, and she gave you high praise about being one of the greatest students that she has encountered!
DeleteHi Dijoun!
ReplyDeleteMuch like you, I like hand written letters over text messages. I send cards to people all. of. the. time. My great grandma is my pen pal :) I see that you moved all over the country when you were younger. Where have you been/what was your favorite place? I am from Virginia so I love seeing if people have lived there before and getting to see , if they did, what they liked about it. It was nice "meeting" you and I look forward to learning more about you over the semester!
Christina, that is so cool. I haven't had a pen pal in years, but the experience was enjoyable. I've lived here in Oklahoma (mostly), Kansas, Texas, Indiana, and the District of Columbia. D.C. was overall my favorite place. I loved the pace of the city and the suburbs. It was so amazing!! The cultural experience is like no other. I loved sight seeing, the museums, and the art galleries. It was beautiful. I have passed through Virginia, but I would like to see more of the state than the car ride scenery.
DeleteI am always looking for new pen pals. I send cards to pretty much everyone I know consistently. I think part of it stems from loving to get mail. Ah if you love museums, Richmond is your place! We have tons of them. This includes a Edgar Allen Poe museum, which I believe was his old house, and a Holocaust museum. It's such a historic city. Not to mention, we also have loads of diverse local eateries which are awesome! I love going to D.C. during the cherry blossom blooming season (which is currently:p). It's always so beautiful then.
DeleteHi Dijoun!
ReplyDeleteI am a knitter, so I totally understand your love for crocheting. You are so good at it, too! I am really bad at knitting, but it is a great stress reliever. I enjoy it. I think it is fascinating you are minoring in Hebrew. I am actually very interested in the language and always love learning about it. So that is pretty cool you have a minor in it. It was nice to meet you!
Hi Jordan, crocheting and knitting are huge stress relievers. I can't wait until I can devote more time to it. The Hebrew program at the university is great and it's expanding. You should check it out!
DeleteDijoun,
ReplyDeleteSo great to meet you! It seems like you have it all mapped out in terms of future endeavors. That would be awesome to study abroad while obtaining a masters. I travelled abroad last summer in Peru for only three weeks, but it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I like your old fashioned ways. I am a technology geek and am so intrigued with new products and their advancements, but ever so often it takes away from living life. It is just a different feeling receiving a written letter than a text message. Best of luck for this final semester and your post college endeavors!
Hi Jared, technology is a great thing, but I generally find myself lost while using it. I'm usually the last to get "hip" to something. What did you do in Peru?
DeleteDijoun,
ReplyDeleteIt is great meeting you. Your life plan sounds outstanding. Joining JAG and the state department would be very exciting. I had the same Nokia phone. Loved having that brick! Very cool that you crochet. I have several friends that do so. I love the different blankets that my mother in law made me. I like sweets myself. I particularly love carrot cake, that’s my favorite. Not much one for chocolate.
Hi Ked, Nokia has made some great phones. I don't think I'm ready to send it to the recycle just yet. It has been through so much, and it amazes me that it still works.
DeleteSweet are the best and carrot cake is so delicious!
Hi Dijoun! That’s awesome that you are graduating this May! Good luck after college and trying to get your masters in Human Rights and Transitional Justice. I actually think its cool that you prefer face-to-face communication. Too many people are caught up with their phones now, including me. I also thought your hobbies were interesting and of course everyone loves eating. It was nice to read about you Dijoun.
ReplyDeleteHi Thomas, I admit currently I have been "in" my phone. I recently got an upgrade and for the life of me I still can't figure it out. It takes me a while to make phone calls, but it's useful for playing music. Thank you for wishing me good luck. I'm really excited about the program, but I figure I need to see if I like being in Israel before I make such a big decision.
DeleteHello Dijoun,
ReplyDeleteI love how you know what you want to do in life. The best part is that you want to help people, no matter what career you choose. It is pretty rare now for people to send letters or talk face to face, but I love that you still value it so much. I think we all could learn a lot from you in that aspect! I tend to look around me sometimes and realize just how caught up we all are in our phones, laptops, etc. My grandma tried to teach me how to crochet when I was younger but the scarf I always tried to make somehow always made itself into a coin purse. Don’t ask me how. I guess I’m just not meant to crochet haha! It was nice reading all about you!!!
Hello Bayan, coin purses are neat. When I first started crocheting I was in a beanie phase, and they always turned out into purses. Afterwards, I started into potholders, cloths, and then blankets. Don't give up, lol.
DeleteHi Dijoun,
ReplyDeleteI think we have a lot in common. I'm not too big on social media and I also prefer face to face interactions. I really do not like to text because I think you can get much more accomplished by just calling the person you are trying to have a conversation with. I noticed you said you had a military family. What branch were/are your parents in? I hope you accomplish your goal of joining the military and working in JAG. Also, congratulations on the upcoming graduation!
Hi William, thank you for congratulating me. I hope things work out. You are so right, conversing on the phone is better than texting. Texting is a quick form of communication, but I feel that the messages are often misconstrued. Both of my parents were in the Army. My mother finished her time just before I came along, and my dad finished up his time when I was in high school.
DeleteNice to meet you, Dijoun!
ReplyDeleteI already commented on your storybook, so it's nice to meet the lady behind the words. :)
I so admire your career goals! I am very interested in human rights and have a lot of respect for all those who work to further that cause throughout the world. I had also never heard of your major, so it looks like I have some research to do as well! And, of course, people with language minors are cool. I would know. ;)
It's cool that you crochet! I used to knit a ton in high school, but I've definitely lost touch with that hobby since coming to college. You've inspired me to pick up my needles again, so thanks for that!
Good luck with he rest of your semester!
Hi Kayla, languages are so beautiful. I often catch myself listening to others conversations not knowing what they are conversing about, but being fascinated by them communicating. Weird I know. I hope that you are able to find time to continue knitting in the future =).
DeleteDijoun, it is nice to learn a little about you. I definitely agree with you on the social media opinion. I myself have no forms of it unless you count this blogger account. I like the idea of face to face interactions and think that social media is a downfall for generations to come. I look forward to reading some of your stories. Thanks for posting.
ReplyDeleteHi Tyler, social media has in my opinion has set us back. I think technology is a wonderful thing, but there should be a median between technology and just enjoying the things that surround us that do not involve technology. I remember being able to go outside and play, in addition to playing video games when I had the time. Now it's one extreme or the other.
DeleteHey there! So I see you reply a lot to comments so I am going to throw a question out there, are you religious? Learning Hebrew and going to Jerusalem is what makes me ask.
ReplyDeleteYou seem to have your whole life planned out! Careful with that, sometimes everything changes and you will be lost! I tried having a life plan but atlas I became lost in life and nothing was happening the way I set out for it to! Good luck in your endeavors!
Ollie
Hi, Dijoun!
ReplyDeleteI love your future plans! I really don’t think you can go wrong with either attending law school in the states or pursuing a Master’s program in Jerusalem. I have so much respect for anyone planning on joining the military, and I think becoming a JAG officer is a worthy career!
I too love reading and eating, and I feel like they go really well together as a whole! I’ve also thought about reading Love in the Time of Cholera, even though it is a bit of a departure from the books I normally read. I will definitely look into it!
Hope the rest of your semester goes really well!
Hello Dijoun!
ReplyDeleteI am very impressed with your future endeavors! Have you found out what you are doing yet? If you get the chance to go to Jerusalem I will be beyond jealous! I have always wanted to go there! I also love to crochet! I have only mastered ear warmers and towels that hook onto the oven. I really would like to make a blanket or throw someday though. Do you have a pattern you typically use? It was very nice to meet you Dijoun! Good luck with the rest of your semester!
Hi Dijoun!
ReplyDeleteNice to meet you. To be honest, I had to looked up what Planned Program was, but it seems like you know exactly what you want to do in your life which is great! I've always wanted to go to Jerusalem and still plan to someday when I have the money. I know how you feel with the whole cell phone thing. I don't write letters, but a lot of times I will call people instead of texting them, and they sometimes act like I'm crazy for calling them instead of texting. Anyway, thanks for sharing!
HI Dijoun!
ReplyDeleteIt is so refreshing to meet someone who is not as attached to social media and technology in general. I too love to write letters, which I usually send to my grandmother in Nebraska. Your crochet work looks really well done! I can imagine you must have had to practice a lot to get so good at it. What is the coolest thing you have made so far? Best of luck with your academic endeavors! A close friend of mine is also going to be doing foreign affair type of work and plans to go to law school. I know it is far from easy but I hope you enjoy it!
Dijoun, That is so incredible you are learning Hebrew – I would love to!! I actually studied abroad in Israel in high school but unfortunately it was hard for me to learn much in school as I had no experience with Hebrew. Still, Israel is my favorite place that I have ever been! I am absolutely in love with the laid-back yet very European culture there. The people are so kind! I know that the Middle East often gets a bad rap but at least from seeing Israel, people have a very misconstrued idea of this part of the world. Anyway, I am sad that we are just now meeting but best of luck in Israel and with your study of the Hebrew language!
ReplyDelete