Hello, new friends! So lovely to e-meet you. My name is Karis and I’ll be your virtual pen pal for the year! I’m typing this from Kedah, Malaysia, where I’ll be living for the next eight months. I am working here as an English Teaching Assistant in a high school with the U.S. Fulbright Student Program! I’m originally from Tyler, TX, so the move to Malaysia was a huge change of scenery. But I’m adjusting to life here way more quickly than I thought that I would!
Malaysia is situated in Southeast Asia, right by the equator. Living near the equator means that it’s very, very hot here! Neighboring countries of Malaysia are Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia. Malaysia is a gorgeous place, full of mountains, green fields and beautiful waters. In Kedah, where I am living right now, there are several paddy fields that produce rice. Kedah is actually known as the “rice bowl of Malaysia” because so much rice is made here (a pretty delicious title, if you ask me!).
Here’s more info on me. In May, I graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA. In college, I majored in English and Cinema & Media Studies with a minor in Music. During my time at Penn, I was a member of an a cappella group (just like in Pitch Perfect) and singing and songwriting is my #1 hobby!
