http://blogs.targetx.com/sbm/PranavAmin/ en-us Copyright 2008 Tue, 15 Apr 2008 03:28:50 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss This weekend I participated in Relay for Life, one of the largest fund-raising events held at Temple University. It is basically an over-night walk-a-thon to celebrate survivorship and raise money for the American Cancer Society. The goal is to keep at least one member of your team walking around the track at all times. During the walk, there are various events that take place including scavenger hunts, karaoke, and dance competitions. Overall it was fun-filled night with music, food, and sports. Although many brought their sleeping bags and pillows, I decided to stay awake the whole night. I am one of those who enjoy and need their sleep but this event was definitely worth it. By the next morning, I was astounded to hear that over 950 students had participated and together had raised over $23,000. Community service is an integral part of campus life here at Temple University. There are over 180 campus student organizations that reach out not only within the Philadelphia community but also around the world. Only recently, Temple Volunteers organized a week-long trip to Guatemala to help improve the cooking conditions at an elementary school in one of the local villages. According to my roommate, “Each moment of your life is a learning experience; going to Guatemala has taught me the value of giving back to the world around us. Living in such a materialistic world, it can be easy to forget that lending a helping hand and showing support for a cause can create as much of a change as handing a check over. My trip to Guatemala emphasized the importance of giving back to the community with solidarity, showing the community that we are there for them, physically and monetarily.” – Aasit Nanavati I could not have said it any better. ]]> http://blogs.targetx.com/sbm/PranavAmin/2008/04/relay_for_life.html http://blogs.targetx.com/sbm/PranavAmin/2008/04/relay_for_life.html Tue, 15 Apr 2008 03:28:50 -0500 Today I would like to share with you some of my favorite hotspots to eat in Chinatown. This specialty is not Chinese, it is not Korean or Indian; it is actually a combination of these and it is called Malaysian Fusion. This cuisine is for the risky, adventurous type who are not afraid to step outside of the typical American burger and fries diet. Some of the main ingredients to Malaysian cooking include coconut milk, lemon grass, and rice in combination with a wide variety of poultry and seafood. Soups and noodle dishes are also complimentary to this cuisine. The two Malaysian Fusion restaurants I recommend are Banana Leaf and Penang. Their menus are very similar in choice and the food is delicious. The atmosphere is very modern and I recommend sitting near the kitchen where you can watch the cooks prepare the food. The service is fast and the meals are cheap. The perfect choice for any college student. Chinatown in general is fairly simple to get to from Temple University, just get off at the Vine/Race stop on the Broad Street Line and walk east for three blocks and your there. If you get a chance to go to either of these restaurants do not forget to order the Roti Canai!!!]]> http://blogs.targetx.com/sbm/PranavAmin/2008/04/chinatown.html http://blogs.targetx.com/sbm/PranavAmin/2008/04/chinatown.html Sun, 06 Apr 2008 20:57:05 -0500 Oh yes, Pranav’s Top 3 Reasons to Study Abroad! 3. Experience in countries outside of the U.S. will help you learn what it really means to be an “American.” It is an opportunity to compare other cultures with the “American” way of life as well as find the inside scoop on how other countries feel about American politics, American culture, and Americans in general. Moreover, my experience has given me a new perspective on life and more importantly, the world. 2. Living abroad is a chance to meet other international students/residents. The Temple Rome program consisted of students from over 30 universities and colleges. Rome is also the home of many universities including American, Penn State, and John Cabot. I have made friendships with Americans and Italians alike that will last a life-time. 1. The number one reason to study abroad is for the food. Italy is unique in that every region has its own way of cooking food, not to mention the wine. Having traveled throughout Italy, from Portofino (northern Italy) to Sorrento (southern Italy), I can vouch for this fact. The food was even better in Barcelona, where one can find authentic tapas, paella, and sangria. ]]> http://blogs.targetx.com/sbm/PranavAmin/2008/03/why_study_abroad.html http://blogs.targetx.com/sbm/PranavAmin/2008/03/why_study_abroad.html Mon, 31 Mar 2008 01:36:20 -0500