Joseph Zhang has a PhD in Power and Control Engineering. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in April 2015. He is originally from Shanghai, China and has been in the U.S. for 4 years. He is currently working in Pittsburgh. In his leisure time, he enjoys biking and exploring nature. 

Florida Culture for the Week of July 6, 2015 by Josh Garrick

July 6 -- The Girls’ Club from the Orlando Philharmonic 

Back by popular demand, an All-Woman team of Orlando Philharmonic musicians will present a concert of works composed by and performed by women, including Fanny Mendelssohn, Amy Beach, Libby Larson, and Billie Holiday. The concert is scheduled for TODAY, July 6 at 7 pm at the Plaza Live Theatre in East Orlando, currently under-going renovations as the new home of the Philharmonic. Call 407.770.0071 or visit orlandophil.org 

I never expected to be able visit Turkey. Although everyone I knew that had been loved it, they all said how they thought it was too inaccessible for me. You see, I can't walk much because of my disabilities, and generally use a wheelchair scooter to get around if we don't have our car handy.

When I was flying back from Turkey last month, I hit the jackpot with my seatmate. Aysen Erdil is a lovely woman - and co-founder of Turna symbiosis dernegi, the Turkish partner of the International Crane Foundation. I can't wait to share more of her story - look for it this year!

I recently discovered a GENIUS book that offers a new way to teach English. Penned by Lisa Lieberman Doctor (one of our editors here on Wandering Educators!), this book is both simple and complex. Why is it so genius?

Shevan Abdulla is from Kirkuk, Iraq. He has been in the U.S. for almost a year now. He studies Political Science, and has just graduated from University of Pittsburgh in April. He plans to go back to Iraq in August. 

What motivated your decision to come to the U.S.?

Several years ago, while teaching creative writing for three months in a small village in Spain, I was made to feel welcome by a wonderful group of people who were native to the town. Every Saturday night, more than twenty men and women would arrive at the farmhouse my husband and I were renting, each of them carrying a tray of their favorite foods.

There are many places around the world that provide romantic and idealistic settings that make them ideal getaway destinations for couples. Whether you’re going on honeymoon, looking to book an anniversary weekend away, or planning a much needed break from the stresses of everyday life, the amount of choices that are available can make it difficult to choose a place where you and your loved one can unwind and spend some quality time together in. 

4th of July Special Culture for the Week of June 29, 2015 by Josh Garrick

June 30 – MOVE LIVE on TOUR with Julianne and Derek Hough 

My favorite book genre is YA (young adult) - it perfectly captures that magical time of life when anything is possible, while also discussing the very real problems of life, growing up, and finding yourself. It's the ultimate genre of hope, possibility, and growth.