My Experience in the USA
When I came to Washington, I met Mr. Ben at the airport and I was really excited about my experience in America. Really, it is my first time to be here, and be away from Mom and Dad this long time, but I felt saved by the way I am treated here. I mean that I dealt with great people who have great sense and respect of others’ opinions with no regard to race, sex, religion, or color. I am really excited to be here and live this experience. This feeling makes me feel better and decreases my feeling of homesickness. I really had great benefit of the orientation program in Washington D.C as I knew my friends better and all people at American Councils. I am really happy to be here. When I met my principal and my mentor teacher in Washington D.C, I felt that they are great people. I was really impressed by my great mentor teacher who met me at the airport. If I describe him as an angel, I won’t mean this right. Honestly, he is extremely helpful, kind and cooperative. The principal of the Scott’s Branch High School is very friendly and helpful. He did his best to find an apartment for me, and really helped me a lot. I like this place, and the people around. Now, I don’t feel homesick anymore. I could only say that I am really so excited about this experience. When I first came here, I lived in a hotel, and there was a teacher of English whose classroom is next to me. When I first saw him, he said, “I like you Mr. Ali. You are doing a great job. I heard you teaching.” I said, “Thank you sir”. Then, we talked together and became good friends.
After a while, I was talking about accommodation, so he offered me to live with him in his village, Eutawville. It’s very nice and quiet place. The people there are very simple and very nice. He introduced me to his family, now I became very familiar with them. The principal found me a very nice apartment, and I thanked him for that. After this friendship, I really couldn’t leave this friend. We go out together, go to school together, visit different places together and spend most of time together. I really enjoy my life with this community here. I went with him to the hospital to congratulate him on having a baby. I went with him to attend a funeral in the church and saw people share each others’ feelings. I was really touched when I saw the son of the dead man is encouraging his family saying, “Be encouraged.”
Let me tell you about my classroom, and my school. My first day at school was really a happy day because I met my students. I asked them first about the reason they study the Arabic language. They began to speak and say that it is different. I tried to talk about culture and exchanging ideas, languages, traditions and customs. They began to ask me about my country and the Arabs. I quietly answered their questions saying “All people are equal every where. Arabs are good people just like you all. I think you are very good students, and I am looking forward to making you feel safe with me and achieving fun in the classroom. Arabic language is so flexible and easy, and I am looking forward to teaching you and spending good time with you this year.
To be continued.......