My name is René Foster. I am currently an English Major with a Music Minor at Brigham Young University — Idaho. Even though this semester has been going rather well, I must say that I am looking for the light at the end of the tunnel. You see, I am preparing to go to the Universidad de Viña del Mar, translation: University of the Vineyard (or Wine) of the Sea. I am doing so to become fluent in Spanish. I actually set up this blog to make it easier to communicate whilst being in Chile.

However, before I get there, I must tell you about the semester. I am taking a few English classes and a few Music classes, plus a late night religion class. I do love these classes and I am learning a lot! With each text I read, I get more excited to read the next! Thus far I have read Amy Tan's "A Pair of Tickets," Kate Chopin's "The Storm" and "Story of an Hour," Charlotte Gilman's "The Yellow Wallpaper," as well as some T.S. Eliot, Emily Dickinson, Shakespeare, Tennyson, Yeats, A. E. Houseman, James Joyce and many others. Right now I am working on writing a feminist perspective on Oscar Wilde's "The Sphinx Without a Secret." The final project should be fairly fascinating!

In the music, I am working on three pieces: Nel Cor Pui Non Mi Sento, Caro Mio Ben, and Sento Nel Core. All of these are beautiful pieces. I think Sento Nel Core is my favorite and possibly my best piece. I am also required to observe six hours of high school choirs and volunteer to help for two more hours. Of course, I am loving every minute of it!

Recently, I volunteered to help do a sacrament service at one of the local nursing homes. I played the organ for all of the musical numbers. I fell in love with one of the women there and am going back to visit her and read to her. Especially since none of her children visit her, I thought it would be especially nice to visit her during this Thanksgiving season.