Learning how to play Morin Khuur

Morin Khuur is a traditional Mongolian bowed stringed instrument. It is almost the symbol of the Mongolian culture and people. It has only two strings, therefore people say that it is not extremely difficult to learn how to play with Morin Khuur.

So while I was having a summer break, I had classes in "Khoyor Zagal" center to learn how to play Morin Khuur. I had bought a Morin Khuur from the center. I attended a class every other two days.

The first 3 classes were complete boredom. It is because I had to review and memorize the musical notes. During those classes, I also had to just sit there and move the hand-drill back and forth. However later on I realized how important it is to move the hand-drill. Mathematically speaking, it is important from which angle to pull and push. It is because in some cases, the hand-drill was not placed in the right position and the notes sounded wrongly. I personally think that learning how to play Morin Khuur requires lots of memorizing and technique. I had to memorize all of the different positions of holding the instrument and playing different notes.

Definetely, through this activity I have undertaken new challenges such as learning how to play a musical instrument, which never interested me before. After the first lesson, my legs were in pain. It is because the way we hold Morin Khuur is keeping them between our legs. Only for 2 hours I had practiced playing Morin Khuur and the next day my whole body was in pain. Then I felt like I do not want to continue. However, because I set this activity as a goal, I did not want to give up either. Therefore, I came back with even more inspiration and motivation.

I am sure that learning how to play Morin Khuur will benefit me in the future. When I think about studying abroad and living there, I can be proud of myself and Mongolian culture by playing this instrument to foreigners.

Dance Class (After School Activity)

During the second quarter I had planned to organize an after school activity to primary students, who are willing develop their dancing skills. I have chosen Ms. Faber as my advisor, because she is well experienced with primary children specifically as a Physical Education teacher. Firstly, I interviewed Ms. Faber about what I am planning to do. My basic plan was to teach any type of dances they are interested in, and also keep the children physically active as well as enjoying dancing. I personally love dancing. I have attended some ballet classes before, as well as some Latin American dances.

The first class was all about introduction to the activity and getting to know what the students want to learn. I had totally planned and initiated activities throughout this project. As I have mentioned, I had a plan at the very beginning of the activity; however that was not enough. The children wanted to learn many different things. Their ideas and wishes constantly changed throughout the activity, perhaps due to the difficulties of the current class. I had to make plans for every Wednesday (that is when the after school activity took place). I had to learn the dances myself first and then teach the children, sometimes converting them into easier versions. While planning for the next class, I had to ask the students what exactly they wish to learn and also teachers if they are able to do them or not. In most cases, I asked students from High School and Middle School. Those students were the ones, who were very good at dancing. I asked them the best ways to learn dances for them, so that I can utilize that method to teach the younger ones. I also had to come up with different ideas to make the children concentrated and committed to the activity. Sometimes, I had little candies as motivating tools. Sometimes, I had to organize contests and invite real judges from the school so that the children took the activity seriously.

I had total of 6 children, 2 from third grade and 4 from fourth grade. I had chosen this age group because I thought it might be a little easier to work with kids of age 8 to 9 so that we can communicate easily. However working with kids is never as easy as it might look. It was extremely hard working with little children. Their attention period is so short that after 5 minutes, they just were not concentrated and probably doing something completely different. Therefore, I worked collaboratively with the little children. Although their young and perhaps immature, I had to work with them as collaboratively as possible. One of the methods I have used is motivating tools like candies and cakes. But I also used comments and languages, which inspired the students to dance even more and stay on task. Therefore, I have learnt skills of working with little children. Also now I know for fact that I will never become a teacher.

Meditation in Taiwan

During the December of 2011, all of my family members (my dad, mom and brother) went to Taiwan. The reason, we went there was to attend a meditation. We had to meditate for the entire day and out breakfast, lunch and dinner were donated to the local poor people, who could not afford the nutritious food all the time. It was a great opportunity to help some poor people. My parents and I, we always organize different activities in order to help the poor people in the Mongolian community. Therefore, by attending this meditation, we have tried in a different place.

I have considered the ethical implications of the poor people's actions. While I was fasting during the meditation so that I can give my own food to the poor, there were times when I felt really really hungry. I wanted to steal food. Then I realized how people commit crimes. It was not in my own interest to steal, but on the 4th day of fasting I felt like I could not take any longer.

Through this activity I was strongly engaged with issues of global importance, poverty. I am very happy that at least I have contributed to global poverty in my own ways. I started to appreciate what I have right now. I am greatly thankful to my parents, who are extremely hard working and trying their best to provide me with the best possible living. I should not throw food while millions of people are dying off of starvation or malnutrition. It was pity for me to think back when I was trying to cut my usual diet by throwing away loads of food in the garbage.

Improving Fitness Level

During the summer of 2011, I had a personal goal to achieve which was loosing weight physically. I always thought of losing weight and becoming fit, however I could never fully commit my self towards the goal. Therefore, as part of my CAS Plan, I thought of loosing weight and improving my fitness level.

During July, I spent all of my evenings in the Flex Gym. It located a few hundred meters away from my house therefore I usually walked back and forth. One thing, I can say I have learnt from this activity is myself. I have learnt that when it comes to physical pains and physical problems, I tend to come up with excuses and just sit back. I never thought of pushing myself the the best of my ability to accomplish my goal or at least step toward the goal. Therefore, now I am aware of the ways I get motivated and specifically in the areas that I am weak at. I have learnt many techniques and exercises, which can be done at home in order to improve fitness level. By going to fitness level, I have also figured out that breathing is extremely important for individuals. Now I know how to breath properly as well as eat orderly.

After this activity I have lost 6.7 kilograms of fat. I was extremely happy, and it was done only in one month period of time. It was amazing to try on new clothes, which before I have never wanted to look at. I felt very confident in myself therefore started loving myself. I have understood how everyone should establish their goal in a certain amount of time and fight to reach the goal. Then one's life would be more meaningful and useful towards him/her and other people as well.