Where in the World?
By Eliana Marcum
The global spotlight of the week is an archipelago on the other side of the world, Japan; a study abroad destination for many Oklahoma Christian University students. Oklahoma Christian and Ibaraki Christian, a sister school in Japan, have a 52 year partnership that sends students from Oklahoma Christian to the city of Hitachi along the east coast of Japan. Known for being one of the most beautiful and diverse countries, students get a good chance to see and experience it on their trip abroad. Japan is a popular travel destination due to their enormous innovative cities, historical religious sites, breathtaking beaches, and spectacular mountains. Japanese culture values the four seasons and the importance of change within nature; each season yields a positive experience when visiting. Visit in the spring to see the cherry blossom (sakura) trees, summer to experience the lively festival season, fall to behold the striking red and orange leaves, and winter to witness the ice sculptures and scenic snowy scenes.
As for religion, Japan has two dominant systems, Shintoism and Buddhism. Shintoism originated in Japan and involves the tension between the spiritual and physical realms. There are many beautiful shinto shrines around the country that are a part of their everyday life. Buddhism was introduced to Japan from what was then the Korean peninsula and has now become a cultural staple with elaborate temples and artwork throughout the country. Japan is a splendid country to visit for aesthetic and historical experiences however there are many other advantages about the country. Ibaraki Christian exchange student, Kano Nakayama said that one of her favorite parts about Japan is the “excellent customer service, even though tipping is not expected,” and the “convenience stores everywhere- many are open 24/7 and have almost everything you need.” This week’s spotlight country is a must see destination and made available through Oklahoma Christian Study Abroad. For more information contact the Office of International Programs by emailing studyabroad@oc.edu.
In Case You Didn’t Know
By Ella Mae Lucero
Monday, October 12: National Farmers Day and National Gumbo Day
Tuesday, October 13: International Skeptics Day and Ada Lovelace Day
Wednesday, October 14: National Dessert Day
Thursday, October 15: I Love Lucy Day
Friday, October 16: Dictionary Day and National Lemon Bar Day
Fun Fact: Augusta Ada King, better known as Ada Lovelace, was born in 1815 in London, United Kingdom. Lovelace was an English mathematician and is recognized to be the world’s very first computer programmer and is credited with writing the very first published computer program in history. Along with being a mathematician and a writer, Lovelace was also a wife and mother of three children.
Weekly Wellness
By Madeline Ross
Have you noticed that when you get sunlight in the morning, you feel more alert or seem to have a better day overall? Research shows that morning sunlight helps regulate your circadian rhythm, your body’s internal clock, which influences when you feel awake and when you feel sleepy. It also supports your mood and energy throughout the day. The benefits also carry into the evening, too. Getting sunlight in the morning also helps your body know when it’s time to wake up and be alert versus when it is time to wind down at night.
To make this part of your daily routine, try spending about 10–30 minutes outside after waking up. This could be as simple as taking a short walk or enjoying your morning coffee outside.
Cleveland Clinic: How Much Sunlight You Need Each Day
National Library of Medicine: The role of sunlight in sleep regulation: analysis of morning, evening and late exposure – PMC
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