Published Originally in the Utah Statesman on Jan. 28, 2008; Online at Utah Statesman.
By JP Parrish
Staff Writer
Lia Inoa
Dominican Republic
Junior
Marketing major
Statistics Minor
LIA INOA, junior in marketing, said the most unusual difference in Utah is how most people spend their Sundays. TYLER LARSON photo
Utah Statesman: Why did you decide to study here in America?
Lia Inoa: There is a school program that USU has with the Ministry of Higher Education back home. I looked at the school and I liked it, so I applied to the program and got accepted.
US: How well have you adapted to Utah’s culture?
Lia: It was very different at first. It has a very different environment than the one back home at the DR. Luckily I had another 56 Dominicans with me to help me to go through the cultural adjust. After the first semester it was OK.
US: What is the most unusual or different practice you’ve seen here in Utah?
Lia: The Sundays. With everyone over here, the entire atmosphere changes. It’s more quiet and people go to church. Back home it is time to go out with your family and either go to the shopping mall or the restaurants or to the beach. That’s what shocked me at first, the Sundays. It was kind of bizarre for me.
US: How did you spend your holiday break?
Lia: I went back home. I spent it with my family.
US: How long have you been here?
Lia: Between two and a half and three years.
US: What is your favorite place to eat here?
Lia: Chili's and Café Sabor.
US: How many people are in your family?
Lia: Four. My mom and dad and my little brother. He’s 15.
US: Who is the most important person in your life?
Lia: My mom. Well, I would say both my parents. Something I like about my family is that we don’t have a strictly parent-and-children relationship. We are pretty much like a group of friends. There is a lot of confidence among us. I would say my mom and dad because they are that for me. We are crazy friends. My mom is my best friend. I can do or say absolutely anything with her. It’s just crazy.
US: If you could write a book, what would it be about?
Lia: Human behavior. I love to study the reasons. I really enjoy figuring out why people act the way they do and the social circumstances that make them the way they are.
US: What is your favorite type of music?
Lia: Electronic music and rock, but I also like world music.
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