The perks of being a student.

Although I may be done with my bachelors, I'm still going to remain a student this summer. And while I often complain how I can't wait to start working (mostly because I totally detest assessments of all kinds), I must admit, there are some perks to being a student.

One example would be my upcoming *ahem* ALL-EXPENSES PAID trip to Tokyo in December.

As I'd briefly mentioned, my ex-lecturer for "International Relations in East Asia", Dr Akami has invited me to go to Waseda University to attend a workshop on "Globalization and Social Change" organized by its Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies (GSAPS). I'd be attending it with another ANU researcher, Dr Kobayashi, who's apparently already in Japan at the moment. Dr Kobayashi was previously at NUS so it'd be interesting to speak to her about Singapore and Japan.

The first day will be spent at "The 3rd International Symposium - Regional Integration and Sustainable Development in Asia", while the following two days will be focusing on the actual workshop.

Since maritime security is not only my personal interest but also my Honors thesis, I will be presenting a paper on piracy in Southeast Asia, how multilateral cooperation is essential and useful in curbing it in the region. However, while I might have assisted in ASEAN human rights workshop, I have never participated in one and have no idea about the expectations of it. This is very bimbo-tic but I don't even know what to wear! Hahaha.

Right now, we're finalizing the logistics of the event and hopefully I'd get the flight details soon. That way, I can make the necessary accommodation arrangements in Sydney prior to the trip, as I was thinking of spending 2 nights in Sydney with Hyeyoung before I fly.

The other and perhaps more important thing is that I'm starting my Summer Research this coming Monday. That means for the next 8 weeks, ANU is going to give me extra pocket money! :D

Come to think of it now, I have NO IDEA what time to report on Monday! *Smacks forehead* My supervisor and I didn't even plan anything. All we agreed was, "So I guess I'd see you on the 23rd," and that was it! Guess I should go in at about 9am? Actually, I don't even have a solid research plan right now. Unlike science-base research were experiments can be conducted, we in arts I guess can only read and read. Unless you're at PhD level of course, then you might need to interview people and stuff. But for me, I guess it's just read, highlight, read.

Okay, so that basically sums up my plans for this summer and the reasons why I'm only going back to Singapore on 31st January. Hopefully, all will go well for whatever that's remaining for this year and early next year. :)