Diversity The Intensive English Program Newsletter Volume 6, No. 1, Spring 2007

Editor’s Note: Contents Kingwood College Intensive English Program (ESL) was founded in August 2001 to help immigrant and international students living in the community to learn and improve their English. One of the I Believe goals of the ESL Program is to promote intercultural understanding and diversity on campus and ...... 1 in the community. Diversity: The Kingwood College ESL Student Newsletter plays an important role towards this goal. This issue of theDiversity has several themes: This I Believe, inspired by a program of Faculty Profile the same title on National Public Radio; My Best Vacation; My Favorite Thing; My Hobby; What I Miss Most About My Country; Holidays and Celebrations; Living in Houston; and If I Were in Charge of the ...... 6 World. I hope you will enjoy reading these great stories. If you have any comments about the newslet- ter, please e-mail Masoud Shafiei at shafi[email protected]. What I Miss Most Copyright 2007: Kingwood College is the copyright holder of the materials in Diversity. About My Country Any use of the materials in this newsletter is only allowed with permission from Kingwood College...... 8 I Believe If I Were In Charge Of The World I Believe in Art ...... 10 Magdalena Maczuga, Poland, Grammar & Writing IV People believe in different things, they believe sometimes in their power, in their wisdom, intelligence, My Most family, love, friendship. Their belief depends on various factors, which define what values are most Favorite Thing important to them. For some people it is extremely hard to answer the question: what do you believe in? I was searching in my head for something interesting, and have decided upon art. I believe in art, ...... 13 which stimulates the human mind and spirit. Art lets people see the world and themselves in a dif- ferent light. I believe art can influence people’s perceptions in many ways. Someone who goes to the Living In Houston theatre expects not only very good performance but also a message. He expects some experiences (feel- ...... 14 ings). Another art genre, like literature, develops imagination, and broadens thoughts and horizons. Art stimulates feeling, and sometimes rouses people to action. It doesn’t allow us to be indifferent; My Best Vacation sometimes it destroys our inner calm. I believe art provokes and forces people to look deeper inside. Such provocation applies only to sensi- ...... 15 tive individuals, who try to understand the message, and are open what this action wants to achieve. But sometimes art doesn’t have any deeper goal. For example, in classical music, the most important aim is just delighting in the artist’s work. My Hobby Thanks to art, people’s lives are more interesting, more creative. Art delivers aesthetic impression and ...... 18 shows originality, individuality, and innovation. Holidays and I Believe in Education Celebrations Eric Chiu, Taiwan, Grammar & Writing IV ...... 21 In a modern society, people always face the dilemma whether to attend university or not. In my opinion, I believe people should attend university or college because they can obtain new experiences, ESL Schedule prepare for a career, and increase their knowledge. Summer 2007 First of all, I think that we can meet many people who come from different areas by attending college or university. In addition, because everyone has a lot of characteristics, we can learn from each other ...... 24 on campus. As a result, the new contacts will create special behaviors and attitudes that bring new experiences to influence our personalities in a sound way. More >>>

For more information, call 281-312-1578 or go to www.kingwoodcollege.com Diversity: The Intensive English Program Newsletter is published once a semester. I Believe

Secondly, people attending college or university can improve This I Believe their knowledge from different fields. For example, they can learn Maria Alas, El Salvador, Grammar & Writing III computer knowledge from computer science, learn to do calcula- tions from a calculus class and can learn Chinese Literature from I have believed in God all my life. My parents used to go to professors. In other words, students not only get diverse knowl- church before I was born. When I was about seven years old, I edge at the same time, but they also choose the courses that they used to sleep on the benches of the church during the service. are interested in. Through higher education we are bound to learn I have always known that the church was a safe place for me. a lot of new things and absorb new knowledge. Believing in God is one beautiful feeling. I feel safe, comfortable and happy. When I turned 14 years old, I began to study the In summary, I firmly believe that people who attend college or Holy Bible. My beliefs have grown since I started to do that. I also university get new experience, prepare for careers in the future, began to meet new people who have the same beliefs. They taught and increase their knowledge. In the end, I will conclude my argu- me a lot by sharing their own experiences and miracles. Believing ment by emphasizing that attending college or university is a key begins with listening. I am a believer because I trust God. Every to success for us. day is a miracle because I have a new opportunity to do things I Believe in Family better. Yesterday is gone, but today is a new day to try; don’t give up in the middle of the way. This is what I believe and I wish with Simin Gifani, Iran, Grammar & Writing IV all my heart that others could believe in God, too. I believe in the role of family in life. The family is the base unit of society and is important to both individuals and communities. I Believe in Positive Thinking The world we live in is rapidly changing, making today’s society Nina McKinney, Ukraine, Grammar & Writing IV much more complex than ever before. There are many different I believe in viewing life with a positive outlook. In each person’s ways that family members show they love one another. A family lifetime many different situations occur, and we want success in are people who care about one another. And members of family everything we do. Our positive attitude helps us to achieve our give and receive love and support for each other. Family members goals. We choose many things by ourselves, such as where to live, share both happy and sad times together. They talk and listen to what to study, where to work, with whom to be friends, how one another, and they share ideas and thoughts. I have been living many children to have, etc. Of course our plans do not always with my husband. Here we are alone, but we are happy because we fit with our possibilities but we should always have a positive at- work and have joy together. We have an effect on everyone else, titude. for a better, strong, and supportive family. When we make plans, we try to achieve our goals and make our I think we would build a lovely family. It’s significant and reso- lives better with persistence. Then, when we see positive results, nates for our world today, especially after we have a nuclear family. we can say with absolute confidence that we achieved it because When we understand about family and how to strengthen it, this of our persistence. But what if we did not try hard to achieve will help all of us, our family, our community, and society, now something but we got what we wanted? Then some people say, “It and in the future, to have a better world. happened just by chance.” It could be, but most of the time it is I Believe in High Technology because when we want something, we think about it and our posi- tive attitude leads us to our achievements even without realizing it. Tretyakov Igor, Russia, Grammar & Writing IV Is it possible to be happy with what we already have and not want I believe in high technology, because I think it’s become part of more? It seems that we never have enough things. We can make our everyday lives. Today everything depends on new devices and our house beautiful and comfortable. We can surround ourselves inventions. It’s impossible to imagine life without cell phones, in- with beautiful things. Every one of those will make our lives more ternet, and other technological advances. Internet is my life. What comfortable. But money is not enough to have a good life. You life? For me it’s socializing, talking with friends and relatives, have to be rich in your soul to live your life properly. discovering something new, studying. It’s work and rest. Using the Internet, I can speak with my friends from the entire world. I can A positive attitude also leads us to helping other people. Some- do research on my favorite subject, Chemistry. body might be waiting for your kind words. So, let’s just make someone happy. It is so easy; just say something kind and nice Most people have cell phones, including my best friend. He really with a smile. Even meeting a stranger can sometimes change likes to talk on the cell phone, trying to know about all the news. something in the future in your life. Likewise, helping a stranger Before, if I needed to speak with him, I had to meet him, and now who asks for help can result in positive outcomes for us in the fu- I can just call and discuss my or his problems. ture. However, our help should be with sincerity. If you feel good I think it’s good that we are using those things. Of course, some after you help someone and it makes people happy, then you did people can say that now humans can’t do anything without these it with an open heart and it was right. People who understand this gadgets, but I don’t think so. They save me time, and I can do concept make other people’s lives much happier. more. I feel free. In our lives what we give is what we will receive. In other words, everything comes back. A person who is open, kind, friendly, and always ready to help meets on his way the same kind of people. This is not by chance. People with open souls and kind hearts get closer with people who have the same traits. People who make kindness their way of life see in everything the positive side of life. I believe in being positive in life and our perceptions. This will fill our lives with positive emotions and help to live with more color- ful and pleasant memories. So, let’s just be full of the joy of living. Page 2 I Believe I Believe in Family I Believe in Happiness Maria Leon, Mexico, Grammar & Writing IV Hsu, Chih-Yao, Taiwan, Grammar & Writing IV I believe that family togetherness is very important in our mod- “No better time to be happy than now,” this is what I believe. ern world. I think it is very important to have someone to share People always think about happiness. How can we be happy? What your worries with at the end of the day. If the family has a lot of makes us happy or can we keep it all the time ? Everything is up to communication, it is easier for the children to be successful as you. The capacity for joy is a talent you develop largely for yourself. adults. It’s also very important for the family to share at least one You have to be your own master and believe that you can do your meal together a day. In a world that is always moving by so fast, best. In everyday life we all have some trouble; don’t think about sharing a meal with family is one of those few things that keep us it too much because when you worry you double your trouble. sane. Most parents these days are too busy working to pay atten- Moreover, when you worry your face will frown and that will make tion to their children. They drop them off at day care and do not others feel sad. Don’t worry too much because it will soon pass. worry about them again till dinner time. When they usually stop Happiness is a voyage, not a destination. We have to live life while at McDonalds for a quick meal, they become more and more lazy we are alive. Happiness results from you, because it depends on and irresponsible. Family is usually put second. A good way to fix your feelings, not on the environment. You can do anything you set this would be by doing something together as a family on a weekly your mind to, and then you will succeed. basis. This could be anything from going to church once a week Please remind yourself “ no better time be happy than now “ and I or watching a movie together or even doing an activity together. hope that everyone can be happy right now. Family togetherness is not only important to the children but to the parents as well. It’s good for the parents to relax and think I Believe in Learning about things like laundry and homework. The children are also Lana Reyes, Russia, Grammar & Writing IV able to grow up emotionally stable and leave a positive impact on this world. With age I started to realize how important learning is. I am not talking just about academics (school, college). I also mean informa- I Believe in a Positive Attitude tion and knowledge that we get from our everyday tasks. I like this Nohemi Lozano, Mexico, Grammar & Writing IV expression “Use It or Lose It.” I believe that we always have to keep our brains on the go. All my life with everything I do I always put my entire best at- titude. I see everything with huge yearning and affection. Acting Learning doesn’t stop on the day we leave school. To keep our brains this way has helped me to achieve goals and has helped me to find sharp we can learn new languages, do crossword puzzles, read, or good friends through my life. For example, when I was going to learn a hobby. I, myself, love doing crosswords, but I have noticed enroll in the university I didn’t have enough support from my that when it is too easy, it is boring for me, and when it is too hard, family, not because they didn’t want to help me, but there were it is frustrating. So to stay motivated we should choose the right other reasons, such as ideology, and they couldn’t afford it. They level of difficulty: not too hard and not too easy. A book club is thought that with my technical high school degree in computer another good way to keep our brains sharp. When you discuss what systems I was going to be able to work in an important company you just read you learn whether other people had the same or differ- in my country. I was working as a secretary and that wasn’t what I ent opinions from yours. It helps you to understand it better, and in wanted. I told them that I could pay for my studies working part discussions truth is born. To stay healthy is also important, because time and that I only wanted them to believe in me. a healthy body results in a healthy mind. There are many more ways to stay mentally active, but the main point is to learn something It wasn’t pleasant for me that I didn’t have the support of the new, something you didn’t know. closest persons to me. I was very disappointed, but I continued with my beliefs. One day I decided to obtain all the information Learning is the key to achieving our full potential. We feel good about the career that I wanted to study. I had to ask for permission about ourselves when we learn something new; we gain self-esteem from my boss to arrive late and I explained to him the reasons. and happiness. Therefore, exercising our brains is as important as Fortunately he was a nice person and he wanted the best for me. I exercising our bodies. went to the university without telling my parents. I attended the I Believe in Actions university and I was able to obtain the information and as the days went by, I registered for a semester at the University of Filosofia y Elsy Alvarez, Mexico, Grammar & Writing IV Letras in Pedagogy. I believe that words can convince and persuade, but actions are the When the semester started I had to work part time so I had money most important. I remember that when I was a child, my father for my school, books, transportation, etc. Finally, I was ready to would tell us that words blow away with the wind but actions can tell my parents about what I did. They were happy and they sup- be counted on. At that time, I didn’t understand what he meant, ported me because I was able to maintain my goal and because I but as I was growing up and watching his behavior I started to un- had an attitude of fight against the obstacles of my wishes. derstand what he meant by that advice. I think that his words were very important because they were related to his actions. He spoke I think that with a positive attitude and believing in yourself and by example. God, you can always reach your goals no matter the adversities. I’ve heard many politicians who offer everything to people when they have their campaigns so that people will vote for them. But after they don’t follow through with what they promise, and people stop believing in them. This exemplifies the advice of my father. His advice has helped me in all my life , with my work, family, peers, with everybody because I try to be a good person with the values that are important for me. 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I behave towards people the way I want them to be with me. One I Believe in Childhood person must preach with the example. Now with my family, and Luciana F. Dos Santos, Brazil, Grammar & Writing IV especially with my daughters, I use my father’s advice. The educa- tion of my daughters is the most important for me and my hus- I believe that childhood is the best time in life. It is a time when band, and we speak a lot with them about life. I try to be a person our thoughts are pure, and because of our innocence we don’t see that I want them to be. I try to give the best example of a good what the real world is. It is a time when we don’t think how life person, a good woman who can always do everything she wants. can be dangerous around us. We don’t have an idea that without And I always remember and say to them that words blow with the money how hard it can be; we think that everything is possible wind and that actions are the most important. This is the best les- and a dollar bill is enough to buy a house. In childhood, life is a son that I can give to them in their life, like my father gave me. fantasy, and everything is simple and beautiful. Santa Claus comes every Christmas. Bunny rabbits bring lots of chocolates at Easter. I Believe in Less Technology Our Mom and Dad are the center of the world, and they are Maria Jose Castro, Venezuela, Grammar & Writing IV always going to protect us. When we see cartoons we really believe that is true, that there’s a world with candies, cakes, strawberries, I believe people have become stressed out in life in the home and and everything is pink or blue. And we believe that Superman is in their jobs. I do not have bad memories from the time I was really powerful and he can solve all of our problems. younger. Everything looked normal, perhaps because I was not thinking as an adult. Now I can see everybody has a rapid life. No When I was a child, I used to believe that behind every mountain one has time to share with the family, due to different lifestyles. I there was a beautiful beach and everything there was peaceful. I believe that technology has influenced our lives in many ways. For also used to think that if we pointed at a moving star our wishes example, cellular phones are disturbing the private lives of some would become reality. When listening to bedtime stories, I used to people, even though they are very important tools nowadays all travel in a magnificent world of dreams, imagining myself as one over the world. of the characters in the book and everything was possible. Child- hood is the most magical part of life. Computers are sometimes acting like a person, but the difference is that you need to execute an action to get any kind of informa- I Believe in Honesty tion from a computer. Sometimes I wonder and I ask myself, Do Sandra Edith Barron, Mexico, Grammar & Writing IV we live in a normal world? Will our jobs be recognized? I can imagine how technology will influence our lives in the future: I believe in honesty. I think people dislike being honest, perhaps perhaps fewer people will be hired in businesses, banks, schools because they think that if they are honest other people will take and other organizations. Perhaps we’ll have to deal with robots advantage of them. When I talk with somebody and I try to get and obey their instructions in the future. some information about something, I notice that they feel uncom- fortable to talk about it. Other drawbacks to the expansion of technology include the loneliness and distance of virtual relationships, which can give When somebody asks you something and you have the answer, people the feeling of being together when they are actually apart. give them the answer, but when you don’t know the answer please Be sure that we control these gadgets and not the other way be honest and tell the truth. If not, sometimes somebody may take around. That’s not bad advice for today, if I do say so myself. it the wrong way. Sometimes, when I ask a salesman for something in the store, he I Believe in Animals tries to sell me something expensive. I know that he gets a com- Paula Squires, Mexico, Grammar & Writing IV mission with every sale, but I expect him to be honest and say that I believe that animals can help you to live a more tranquil life. If this item is less expensive but better than the other one. they are domesticated they can help you a lot. They feel just like I believe it is relaxing to be honest because you can’t feel that ter- we humans feel. I can see when they are mad or happy, when they rible heavy weight on you when you are dishonest. I feel it when I are jealous or depressed. But most of the time animals that are am dishonest and I don’t like it. I think it is better to be honest. taken care of well live a happy life. They can also make your lives happy. You can talk to them if you need to talk about something I Believe in Reading Books that bothers you but you don’t trust it to any of your friends. Amelie Smith, Germany, Grammar & Writing IV Talk with your pet; she or he will understand the away you feel, What can be more fascinating than being so deep in a story that and I promise he or she won’t say any thing to anybody, and your you forget everything around you? I believe in reading books, secret will be safe forever if that’s what you want. You’ll feel much because books can bring you into a magical world. Watching TV better because you have taken it off your chest. It has helped me cannot do that. Even if some people say that watching TV is better sometimes when I feel nostalgic. I go and talk to my horse or the then reading a book, I disagree. You will never be so riveted by a rabbit. I also talk to my cat or the rooster or the hen. They appear TV show the way you can be by a book. to understand what I’m saying to them. That’s why I believe in animals. What happens when you read a good-night story to your child? She will fall asleep, while hearing your voice, instead of a strange voice which is coming out of an electronic box. She will remember everything you said and she will be coming to you the next eve- ning and begging for the next chapter, because she was imagining every single scene of the book the whole day long. And isn’t it great to recommend a book to a friend and exchange the feelings and thoughts you had while reading? Books let you enter a totally different world, in which you normally don’t go. As Page 4 I Believe an adult, books bring you your childhood back. As an adult you I Believe in the Kitchen live in a realistic world, in a world where you have to make deci- Galina Price, Russia, Grammar & Writing IV sions. But if you read a book, you can let yourself go and dive into the story. You can even pretend you are in the story and are one of I believe in the kitchen. When I remember my parent’s house, my the main characters. mind immediately moves me to the kitchen with warm recollec- tions of delicious smells. Th ese memories are relaxing and bring Also reading makes you smart. If you don’t have that much time, me happiness; they support my feelings and emotions. I think the you train your brain to remember what was happening in the kitchen is a place connecting all the members of the family; it’s the book the last time you were reading. And if you read a lot, then soul of the home. you will be better in spelling, because you see the words in front of you while you are reading. So you won’t make spelling mistakes My parent’s kitchen was small. It was a typical kitchen in a typical on your papers, and that will help you to be successful. apartment. Th ere was a white refrigerator, steel sink, electric range, and shelves with dishes. When I was a child, I helped my mom to So reading books is an enjoyable and helpful hobby that every- cook. While we were cooking, my father and brother would look body should have. into the kitchen and ask, Do you need our help? It smells delicious I Believe in Hard Work and we can taste something. Th eir humor inspired us to create more and more. Behnam Janami, Iran, Grammar & Writing IV But my strongest memory is of our kitchen table. It was a big table I believe in working hard and being diligent. In my opinion, made from wood and covered with plastic with a fi r design. Every through hard work, one can achieve many great things. Whoever evening we gathered together to have hot tea and to speak about works hard can reach great heights, be it in education, sports, or how we spent our day. Sometimes we argued with each other, real life. but usually we discussed something interesting, such as a histori- In my life, when I observed successful people and discovered how cal book, a scientifi c TV program, or listened to father’s traveling they gained success, I found out that behind the success there is stories. much hard work. Today more than ninety percent of the people Now my kitchen is spacious with a high ceiling. Th ere are modern who have become somebody did so through persistence in educa- appliances and big cabinets. It has a completely diff erent interior, tion and learning. but the same positive emotions. We like to spend our family time Some people dedicate their lives to making somebody of them- together in the kitchen. We enjoy cooking diff erent international selves through non-stop eff orts. Th ese kinds of people are the meals, discussing about repairing the house, planning our enter- leaders of tomorrow. Th ey are the backbones of the society. Th ey tainment, and speaking about everything else. Our best projects lead by setting examples of enormous hardship rather than follow- are conceived in the kitchen. ing. Hard work is the only factor that one has control over. Th e I can’t imagine a house without a kitchen. It doesn’t matter if your rest of the determining factors rest on luck and timing. When the kitchen is big or small, is old fashioned or modern, or contains experiences of life are summed up together, a realization is made. traditional or high-tech equipment. Our kitchen makes us closer Th e continuing eff orts put into and spent on these experiences are and warmer towards each other. Th e kitchen brings soul into our the results and the mirroring images of the level of your character. house and makes our house into a home. More >>> Th at character mostly consists of hard work I Believe in Education Oneyda Argueta, El Salvador, Grammar & Writing IV I believe in education because it is the most important learning experience for the children and adults. Education has helped the rich countries, such as the US. Th is country has good professionals in diff erent areas from medicine to science. Other countries grow, too, because they believe in education. Th ey give free education for all the children. I want all the kids to have an education in all the world, but in countries that are poor the kids need to work, so they don’t have an opportunity to have an education. Th ese kids want to go to school, but sometimes they have too many brothers and sisters to take care of and need to work to get money to buy food. Th ey pre- fer to work to help their parents. I want to help these kids because they need to go to school. I believe in education, so when I fi nish college I will help these kids by giving them folders, notebooks, pencils, and anything else that will help them with their educa- tion. I believe in education because it is the most important thing for me. I believe in education because it is the most important learning experience for all people.

Page 5 I Believe

I Believe in Courtesy I Believe in Being Bilingual Mirtha Taylor, Honduras, Grammar & Writing IV Maria Rosa Varnis, Peru, Grammar & Writing IV I believe that traffi c in the city of Houston could be changed for When I arrived in this country in August, 2001, I felt strange the better if we all practiced the gift of courtesy, a way of acting listening to people speaking English. Th e fi rst time my husband that puts others fi rst. Too many people are on the road without urged me to practice English, I spoke 100% English every day. His passing a driving test or without car insurance. By driving on the reason was that I had come to this country where the population road under these circumstances, they are putting themselves and speaks English everywhere; eventually, I understood. I can thank others in danger. A way of practicing courtesy could be allowing him for including me, even if I felt sometimes incredibly depressed others to pass, giving the right of way when it could be your turn, because I couldn’t understand him, especially in the beginning. always using a turn signal to let others know what you are about Now I feel more confi dent living and working in this country to do, giving your parking spot to others and going to fi nd an- because I can understand and speak with Americans every day. other. Keep in mind that it is not all about you; the world doesn’t After living in Michigan for three years, we moved to Houston in revolve around you. You are not the most important person in the 2004. I started to have work experience in this country. When I universe. applied for a starting position, I received a supervisor position in Another way of showing courtesy to others would be to drive at housekeeping because I am bilingual. It was not the job that I did the speed limit and move to the slow lane if you want to drive in my country, but I needed work. more slowly than normal. After that I heard and saw in newspapers as well that offi ces I believe that by practicing the gift of courtesy with each other, needed professionals who are bilingual in Spanish and English in we will improve our way of life and make our hearts beat with joy. many specializations. I believe that God can bless us at any time, Just the thought of putting others before you can help the traffi c and when I lost my job, God gave me a new job on January 4, move more smoothly. 2006. It was working at a school, and my coworkers said I should go to public schools because the government needs more bilingual I Believe in Hope teachers. Anamaria Brenson, Columbia, Grammar & Writing IV Now the population of Spanish speakers is growing more and I believe that there is always hope when we think that everything more every year, and Spanish will be the second most important is gone. I believe in dreams if we work hard to reach them. I also language in this country, maybe in a short time, because many think that dreams come true when we believe in them. I believe companies and people need to speak Spanish as well as English for that every single moment in our lives is very valuable and im- jobs or communication with Spanish speakers. portant. I believe that it is our job to put a value on each single project that we have to get done. It doesn’t matter how big or I Believe in My Friend’s Fishing Lure small those projects are, but I believe that each one is a learning Azuma Ishibe, Japan, Grammar & Writing III experience. I believe that if we believe and use our skills, we will My friend is professional fi sherman known throughout the world. be better people in a growing process. Th is is what I believe. Recently he created and produced a fi shing lure. It is a crank bait,

Faculty Profile—Anne Amis

My name is Anne Amis, and I recently joined the Intensive English Program at Kingwood College as a fulltime faculty member. I am originally from Dallas, TX, but have lived off and on in Houston for the past 12 years. I consider Houston to be home. Before coming to Kingwood, I worked and lived in many diff erent environments. One of my fi rst work experiences was helping immigrants in the U.S. apply for political asylum and other immigration benefi ts, like residency and citizenship. I found this work to be very meaningful. I also worked for several years with a youth leadership program called “Amigos de las Americas.” AMIGOS sends young students to do community service work in various Latin American countries in the summers. I loved working with AMIGOS, and in fact, AMIGOS was the place that I fi rst started learning Spanish and traveling! As a high school and college student, I participated in AMIGOS for four summers; I went to Belize, Ecuador, the Dominican Republic and Mexico. Most recently, I returned from living in Arica, Chile, which is a desert city in the very northern part of Chile. My husband Jaime is from Arica and we met there many years ago, when I was living and working there. As you can see, I love to travel and meet people from other countries! Kingwood, then, is a perfect place for me.

Page 6 I Believe a kind of fishing lure. They are most important for bass fish- I Believe in the Power of Love ing. They have many movements and colors. A crank bait needs Ana Arana, Venezuela, Grammar & Writing III high-pitch movement, wide-wobbling action, and snag-proof design. His lure has these things. By the way, I have many kinds I believe in the power of love, which is the power from God. God of crank bait because it’s my favorite lure. Why do I believe most has carried the same power through all creation. This sentiment is in his crank bait? I saw his lure’s process, and I also saw many like the creative strength for all things. Love is in the middle of all. prototypes. He worked for two years on this lure. Then he became It is the beginning and end. All different behavior comes from it. the Japanese fishing winner last year, and he won many American Some people think that love is not true. This is because we live in fishing contests. Many American professional fishermen say, “His a world where the respect for each other does not exist. crank bait is No.1 in the world.” I think so. I have caught many People live fast and concentrate on themselves. Money replaces fish with this lure. I really believe in his crank bait. He continues hearts and people. For all these reasons, some might think that to make different kinds of lures. I hope and wish that when I use love is unreal. I have a different opinion. Love is as real as the his lure, I will be a big fishing champion. wind. The problem is the contact. We needed to pay attention to each situation and give tolerance, patience, and respect. Behind I Believe in Doing Our Part the strong face of hostility, we have an urgent necessity of compre- Sandra Aguilar, Grammar & Writing IV hension. I believe that everybody can do little things to make a difference. I believe strongly in the power of a hug, a smile, a nice word, or I think all people can do simple things to fight pollution; for ex- a lovely glance. For love, God made all creation. For the same ample, we can separate organic and inorganic garbage, and we can power, a mother gives live. In the name of love, everything is recycle paper and plastic and glass bottles. Another way to help is forgotten. I believe that you can use this power everyday, in the to not hurl trash into the streets. Instead, we can keep a bag in the home, office, college and each activity in life. The results will be car and put the garbage in it. We can have a better world, but only amazing. We will change a hard society into a lovely society. I with your help. practice all those, and now I can see real change. I feel I have the key to change my environment. I know sometimes it is very hard, I Believe in Hard Work but patience and comprehension are part from love too! Nothing Margarita Flores, Puerto Rico, Grammar & Writing IV will be possible if you don’t have the sentiment. This I believe. All my life I have been driven to succeed. I believe there are people who work hard and strive to reach their goals and those who just I Believe in Studying Hard hope things go their way, coasting without any effort. With my Choi Eun, South Korea, Grammar & Writing III life’s education from my family and my personal drive and self- I have lived in U.S. for six years, but I still have a lot of problems motivation, I want to be one of those that achieve goals by work- when I speak English. I believe that I would speak English flu- ing hard. I remember a famous saying I heard years ago: If you put ently, if I kept studying everyday. My sister and I came to the U.S. in the time, the harder you work, the more you will succeed. I try at the same time. She has continued to study, so she can speak to use this motto with my personal goals, including reaching my English very well. I always envy her. Sometimes I meet with my career potential. No matter if you learn it the hard way or the easy husband’s friends, and they ask me, “Why you don’t speak Eng- way, one way or another, those who work hard will prosper. lish, you must speak English!” Those times I am ashamed. I made I believe I am driven to succeed and will never give up my desire. a decision go to school and learn English. Even my boy speaks I truly believe you have to work hard for what you want in life. English, so I must study and learn. I have studied at Kingwood I Believe in Reincarnation College since 2006, and I believe it helps me a lot. Tatiana Scharstein, Reading & Vocabulary III I Believe in God A few years ago, a friend of mine advised me to read an interest- Manuel Esquivel, Venezuela, Grammar & Writing III ing book about reincarnation. The book changed my perception I believe strongly in God. Many people do not believe in God, but of life after death. After that, I read a few more books on the same I am not one of them. I am 100 % Christian. I do not believe in topic. I began to believe that the human spirit is reborn again and any image. I just believe in God and his son Jesus Christ. I stud- again in a new body, changing into other living forms and higher ied at an Adventist High School, and there I learned a big concept spiritual forms. of the meaning of life. I know who I am and where I am. I feel at Reincarnation includes Karma, which is earned during our lives. peace with myself. Everybody commits sins, but the secret is to Your next form depends on your past experiences on the earth. learn from them. In the whole world there are many religions and Sometime people ask, why do bad things happen to good people? different ways of belief, but the differences don’t matter. There is The answer is: they are reincarnations of sinners of the previous a real truth and that truth is God. There are many theories about lifetimes. Reincarnation is a circle where we have to realize that our creation, and they are just theories. Some scientists strongly worldly pleasures are not going to bring us happiness and peace believe only in the theory of creation, but if we think more inside, for a long time. Each of us must aspire to the highest level of I am very sure that we couldn’t find any answer. I sometimes think awareness -- happiness, or Nirvana. The circle will stop when we about it, and I’ve had to stop because our minds are too small to understand that. We will not be reborn to a human body again; understand. There is just one truth: God made us. It is something our next level is a spiritual world. This I believe. we cannot change. •••

Page 7 What I Miss Most About My Country

Maru I Miss My Country Chiai Hamai, Japan, Grammar & Writing III Thais Mendoza, Venezuela, Grammar & Writing III I miss Maru, my cat and my best friend. He is special for me. Maru When I first arrived to the U.S., I didn’t think that I missed my stayed with me when I stared to live alone in Tokyo. I changed country that much. But that wasn’t true. For example, I miss and rooms or jobs or boyfriends a few times since he came to my house. always remember the warm people that are there. There are many Although I straightened myself up or fixed things when I changed typical foods, but I mostly miss the food that I used to eat in my something, he did not change and stayed with me. I had to decide an mother’s home. I miss my mother’s arepas and lomo asado, too. I important thing about us before moving to the U.S.: which is better really don’t forget other things, either, like the beaches of Falcon for him, to come with me with the stress of a 13 hour- plane ride, State and the national park of Moshima in Sucre State. They are in or to stay in Japan? I wanted to continue living with him, but he is the northeast of Venezuela. Their beaches are very nice and the water an old cat. The answer was easy, and staying in Japan was the best is a deep blue color. The sun shines on the water and the waves are for him. Now he lives with my mother in Japan. I always shed tears very quick. The scenery is very beautiful. When I go to bed, I dream about my country, and I would like to travel to Venezuela for sum- when I think about him. I still miss Maru very much. mer vacation. I am always happy to see my family and my country. I Miss My Family I Miss My Parents Claudia Angeles, Mexico, Grammar & Writing III Alondy Gonzalez, Guatemala, Grammar & Writing III Last year I decided moved to Houston, TX, because I wanted I have been in this country for many years. To start, what I really to learn English. Then I quit my job in Human Resources and miss most are my parents. They are very special for me. I miss moved here. I never thought of living here before because my them a lot. They were and are such a lovely couple, and I also miss life in Mexico was very comfortable and happy. Monterrey is a my brother and sister. We were a very close family, all of us. My big city, and I miss all the friendly people there. I can drive eight mom used to cook for everybody, and I remember at dinner time hours to be there, but even though it’s close, I miss many things. we used to talk and joke when we were all together to eat. Also, My life in Monterrey was very different. Monterrey is an industrial on the weekends the family members used to come and visit us; city. The people have many ways to have fun. I like to go to the aunts, uncles, cousins, and even neighbors. The ladies got together mountains, rivers and parks very much. Also I like to dance and to cook tamales, soups, fresh hand made tortillas, rice, or whatever celebrate all the good things with my friends. I miss my job and they felt like eating. I remember, too, that my dad had chickens, work partners, but most importantly, I miss my family. ducks, dogs, and roosters, and they woke me up early in the morn- ing with the “cocodurodu” sound. I miss all those things from my I Miss My Family and Friends country: Mother Nature, the weather and mostly my family. But I Dicson Leon, Venezuela, Grammar & Writing III believe I will see them again. The love that I feel for them will be What I miss most about my country is my family and my friends. the same or even more than ever. First, I always was with my cousins and my brother, and we used to go to many places together. For example, we used to go play I Miss My Country and My Family soccer in Cabimas, Venezuela, just a few minutes from our town. Dina Acevedo, El Salvador, Grammar & Writing III Also, I miss my grandfather’s house that is huge. My grandfather My country is little and wonderful, but I miss most my family has a game room behind the house, where I used to play pool and my grandmother who always stayed with us. I miss the family every weekend, and outside of the house, my aunt has a cyber café meetings, my house and my friends. I miss when I used to go to where I used to play on the computer after I finished playing pool. middle and high school and the mischief that my friends and I did I miss when I used to travel to “La Puerta,” which is a town in the in there (and that my mom didn’t like.) In high school everybody mountain region of Venezuela because my uncle has a house there. thought that I was the nina fresca or “fresh,” but when somebody Finally, my friends from the university are like brothers for me. came to know me or talked with me, they thought differently We had to go to classes by car together because the university was because I am very friendly and care a lot about my friends. When far from our town. We used to make jokes in the car, and we used I go to El Salvador I feel very happy because my family and my to plan the weekend. Sometimes we stayed the whole weekend friends visit me every day. In my home we talk a lot about what we in Maracaibo, which is a big city of Zuilia State, and we went to remember in the past or my uncles used to talk with me when I many parties there. Also we went to the mall once a week to eat was a child. I miss the Christmas parties and Happy New Year cel- lunch or dinner, and sometimes we went to a movie. I miss all this ebrations with all my family, and the food, the music, the candies and other things of my country. and fireworks. For me it is very different here in the United States because we don’t have family to visit in the holidays. All time the I Miss My Family people are working in different cultures and different languages, Ovidia Yoc, Guatemala, Reading & Vocabulary III but I thank God my life changed and now I have more opportuni- This is my story. I have been living in Houston for 13 years. I miss ties for continue my studies in the university. But for nothing in everything from my country, but the most important for me is my the world would I change the country where I was born. family. I miss them a lot, but I never lose hope that one day I am going to see them again. The good thing in this country is that you have very good opportunities to do everything you want. For exam- ple, you can have a better job, a better education, and a better life. The President of this country helps people in different forms. For example, he helps in schools, in hospitals and with the food. This is the good thing about the U.S. and why I really like living here. Page 8 What I Miss Most About My Country

I Miss My Friends I Miss My Family and Friends the Most Tatiana Wells, Russia, Reading & Vocabulary III Jirapa Wiyasilpa, Th ailand, Grammar & Writing III Most of what I miss from my country are my friends because I grew I was born and grew up in Th ailand. I left Th ailand two years ago. up with them and I know them very well. I know how to talk with I miss my family the most, and I also miss my best friends. Every my friends. Some friends like to joke, and some friends are serious. weekend I enjoyed time with my family, and we had many activi- With them I feel more comfortable, and we can talk about every- ties to do. I used to have dinner with my family and play games thing. I also miss holidays and parties in my country. We spend with my nieces and nephews. It was a very good time for me. the holidays with friends and family. In the holidays, we don’t talk My house was near the river, so I liked to sit there and see the about problems. We have fun dancing, singing songs, joking and water and fi shes for relaxation. Sometimes my nephews and I recalling childhood memories. We all sit around a big table with lots fi shed at the river. I spent a lot of time with my family when I had of food. In Russian, we have an expression: “duoma.” It means that time. Sometimes I went to the beach, camping and shopping with we should feel ourselves at home in a friend’s house, but we must my best friends. My family has a lot of love. Sometimes I had a not forget that we are guests! problem about my job, and my sister was a good consultant for I Miss Traveling in My Country me. When I think of that time, it makes me happy. Luis Munoz, Colombia, Reading & Vocabulary III So, since I came to Houston I have missed my family so much because I cannot share happiness and activities with my family Since I was 25 years of age, I had to travel for my job in Colombia. and my friends. For ten years, I was working all the time and traveling sometimes by plane and other times by bus. Th erefore, I can say that I know all What I Miss About Michoacan the states and capitals of my country. In my travels, I came to know many people, cultures, museums, kinds of food, and places of inter- Maria Flores, Mexico, Reading & Vocabulary IIII est that are always on my mind, and I remember them with much Hello, my name is Maria. I’m from Michoacan, Mexico. What I pleasure. Also, I had the wonderful opportunity to know several miss is the typical food, the family, the climate, and my liberty. countries: Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, Brazil and England. Nowadays First, I want to explain what kind of food I miss most. Th e food is I live in the United States and I hope to travel here. I love this coun- completely diff erent, or probably the taste is diff erent because in try very much and it seems to be very interesting. my Michoacan, people use natural spices that they grow. I miss the “corundas,” the typical dish in Michoacan. Th ere are two kinds of I like diff erent places for diff erent reasons. First, I like Brazil because corundas; one is called “ceniza corundas” and the other “manteca the people are very hospitable. Th ey are happy, but I really like their corundas.” Th e fi rst are called “ceniza,” or ashes, because the corn special steak and samba dance. I also like the famous festival of Rio is boiled with tree ashes. Th e other, the “manteca corundas” are de Janeiro. Second, I like London, which is a very calm, organized cooked with pork grease or lard. Th e process of cooking them is and also exciting city, especially with the changing of the guard at diff erent. But both corundas are made of slices of pork with green Buckingham Palace. Also, it is wonderful to walk near the tower of pepper, called “rajas,” or chilies in tomato sauce. Also, the perfect Big Ben. Th en in Colombia, Leticia is a city that is located in the combination for corundas is Mexican cream or cheese, called south and has three borders: Brazil, Peru, and Ecuador. I loved trav- “cotija.” Th e food is delicious and healthy and you can comple- eling in Amazonian jungle by the river. I saw pink dolphins there, ment a good meal with a big glass of beer or a fresh fruit drink. which was wonderful. Next, I miss my family, especially my mother. She is very special to Th anks to my job in Colombia, I was able to know many new me because she is my friend, my confi dant, and my counselor. I re- cultures, forms of life, fl ora and fauna, and delicious food. member when I was in Michoacan my mom and I were always eating together. Now, when I have problems or unhappy moments, I call her and she helps me resolve my situation. I miss my brothers and sisters, too, but I miss my mother more. I live my mom so much. Finally the other thing I miss a lot of my Michoacan is my liberty. In Michoacan, life is diff erent. For example, when I was there I felt like a bird out of its cage or a wild bird. I remember that every day in the morning, my wings would spread open and they didn’t hit the walls of the cage. Instead, here in the United States, I want to spread my wings, but I can’t because the walls are closed in with no space. In conclusion, I miss a lot of my Michoacan because it is beautiful in many ways. Th e climate, too, is gorgeous, exquisite and lovely. Michoacan has friendly and helpful people like my mother, who is always busy because she likes to help in the church or give food to the poor. I miss everything about my family and my Michoacan. •••

Page 9 If I Were In Charge of The World

A New Direction to live with fear about the next day. They should look forward Anna Carroll, Russia, Grammar & Writing V with hope and smiles, and enjoy their lives. Would you go to purchase a gun if you do not have any inclina- The young generation needs not only financial support but also tion to kill someone? The answer is obvious — “No.” Govern- sincere love and the right to an education. These small people are ments of nuclear powers contend that they are not going to innocent in our imperfect and unjust world, but they are our main use nuclear weapons except for the purpose of defending their potential that could change our world for the better. countries. However, even an unloaded rifle may shoot one day. Without any regard to world power, everyone can change our Consequently, we all are involved in a new kind of investment, the planet for the best. We could start to do it today, now. Just help investment in potential death. If I were in charge of the World, I someone next to you; just present your genuine care and kindness would terminate the dead-end, dangerous, and wasteful weapon for someone in need. Our lives are too short to waste them on contest. Furthermore, I would be obliged to invest “weapon” mon- wars and hate. We should have only good, kind, nostalgic recollec- ey in public health and support of the most unprotected groups of tions in old age. I would consider that my life was successful if I population, children and people who are getting on in years. were able to put an end to wars and the increase in weapons while I would establish a peaceful coexistence and forbid wars, terror- helping people to obtain health and hope. ism, violence, and any weapons of mass destruction. Do people A Weaponless World really need to use arms force in order to settle a conflict? We live in a civilized world and should use corresponding approaches to Wan Chow, Hong Kong, Grammar & Writing V obtain a reasonable compromise. Now, our planet is carrying such If I were in charge of the world, I would realize my dream, ban- a quantity of various types of weapons that it sounds as if we have ning all weaponry and unifying holidays all over the world. The only one aim —to kill each other. It must be stopped. Unques- first thing would be to destroy all weaponry in the world, includ- tionably, the use of nuclear weapons once will obviously lead to a ing nuclear bombs and rockets. If someone made weaponry, or chain reaction. We all are aware of the irreversible consequences wanted to make it, I would send them to jail. I think all people of a nuclear explosion. Who will survive? Who would desire to would be afraid of weaponry. Humans have fights and wars continue to live among those survivors? How would our surround- whether they have weaponry or not. We are human, so we can- ings, cozy houses, boundless fields with modest wild flowers, thick not prevent battles. If I banned all weaponry, I think the damage forests and majestic mountains keeping their mystery and our would decease. secrets, endless powerful oceans, and tender sun look? What will Secondly, I would like to unify all holidays. If I did that, I would we face the next day? Perhaps we would hear an ominous silence have many, many holidays. I could play all through the year. I and a mortal wind carrying away all recollections about “Yester- study in the United States, so I have different holidays here and day” and our formerly serene life. in my country. Moreover, some days are very important in my Today, people are looking to gain world superiority by continu- country but not here. ing their self-destructive ways. Tomorrow, very few of us might be Finally, it is impossible. It is because it is my dream. What is left to search in vain a breath of fresh air and a sip of clear water. dream? The dream is something that is impossible to appear. How- The opposite side of this problem sounds even more amoral. Is ever, I wish it could. anybody able to say exactly how huge the World’s nuclear weapons budget really is? Even apocryphal information about that amount World Peace and Prosperity perplexes my mind! How many brilliant scientists invest their Diomi Burgin, Venezuela, Grammar & Writing VI unique talents in weapon explorations in order to establish an What would I do if I could control the world? This is a very advantage over one’s rival or defense from a potential enemy? If I ambitious question, but more than ambitious, it is a complicated were in charge of the World, I would reinforce people’s struggle one. Two of the main problems are hostility and poverty. Both of with our real enemies, such as mortal diseases and poverty. these things are related. Wars put many countries in poverty and, If I were in charge of the World, I would consolidate money for therefore, chaos starts to take place. weaponry and arrange a healthcare fund; also, I would provide First, I would aim to recover peace around the world, among na- support for the most vulnerable people ñ children and the elderly. tions, and between brothers and sisters. Being ethical, respecting Today, a large number of people suffering from cancer urgently and tolerating others, and treating people the same way you want need our help. I would let them travel freely between countries to be treated are the keys. It is a difficult, but not impossible, mis- in order to find an appropriate hospital. They would receive free sion. A peaceful world would be a better place in which to live and treatment and medicine. I would arrange the best experts to raise our children. struggle with this insidious disease. The best doctors would treat the patients; the best scientists would explore and investigate con- Once world peace has been accomplished, I would address temporary ways of recovering. I would never let these people stay poverty. Poverty comes along with ignorance. The majority of alone with this illness. The second group of people whom I would children in poor countries do not go to school because they need take under patronage is the children and the people who are to work. Consequently, the education rank in those nations is getting on in years. The first are very young; the second are very low. One of the strategies to ward off poverty is establishing deals old, and both them are too weak to protect and care properly for between countries; these would provide revenues in those where themselves. I really love these people, especially the elderly. Their the poverty level is high. age, gray hair, and wrinkled faces with kind and wise eyes deserve This is just an idea of what I could do if I controlled the world. a deep respect, homage, and genuine care. They should not have Dreaming is free, so why not dream?

Page 10 If I Were In Charge of The World

Providing for the Less Fortunate No More Discrimination Maria Vargas, Mexico, Grammar & Writing VI Miriam Mendoza, Honduras, Grammar & Writing V If I were in charge of the world, I would do what the government If I were in charge of the world, many things would be different. has not been able to do. I would pick up all the people from the Most importantly, I would eliminate discrimination. Discrimina- streets to provide them a place to live and a place to work. Health tion occurs all over the world every day. It is wrong in every way. care would be provided for the homeless; however, it would not be It contradicts the part of the constitution that says, ìAll men are free, just very affordable. created equal.î Throughout history, we have seen many cases of There would not be any people living on the streets of the world. discrimination because of race, color, religion, social standing, and Every homeless person would have a place to live and to work. education. Discrimination not only makes people feel bad but also To start with, I would start a law and demand that the presidents causes violence. Discrimination has been the cause of much death, of each state build a welcome house and a business only for the destruction, and wars. An example of this is Adolf Hitler and the homeless. The welcome houses that I would like to build would be discrimination against the Jews. Another example is the discrimi- as big as three football fields. The government would be in charge nation against the women in the Middle East. The world I will be of the welcome houses and the homeless would repay us with their in charge of will not have discrimination; it would be much more dedication and work in the company. The company would not be peaceful and would be a better place to live in. very fancy, but it would have the necessary things for some one Caring for the Hungry, the Poor, to work. One purpose of the company would be to make people more sociable. and Victims of Aids The governments would provide health care for the people living Fanny Revilla, Venezuela, Grammar & Writing V in the welcome houses and working in the government companies. If I ruled the world, my first concern would be to obtain a better It would not be free, but it would be affordable for everyone. This understanding of some of the major issues facing the world today is the first thing that I would do if I were in charge of the world. like Aids and Hunger. HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It is the virus that causes Aids. HIV infects human cells and An End to Hunger uses the energy and nutrients provided by those cells to grow and Sivakorn Kornkasem, Thailand, Grammar &Writing V reproduce. Since the beginning of the epidemic, Aids has killed If I were in charge of the world, I would make sure that no one more than 25 Million people worldwide, including more than would gets hungry. I would create a world with enough food to 500,000 Americans. Aids has replaced malaria and tuberculosis as support any population in the world. In my view, there are two the worldís deadliest infectious diseases among adults and is the major factors that contribute to this phenomenon. fourth-leading cause of death worldwide. The first factor is that I would grow plants as much as possible in I would provide leadership in helping to control the HIV/Aids the world, and feed then to people in every country. I would try to epidemic by working with community, state, national, and grow the plants in every country, even in the remote ones. If those international partners in surveillance, research, prevention, and countries could not grow plants, I would use new technology to evaluation activities. I would also work to improve the treatment, grow them. For example, I would provide all kinds of vegetables care, and support of persons living with HIV/Aids and to build to the poor countries so that they would have food to feed their capacity and infrastructures to address the HIV/Aids epidemic in families. In addition, people could consume as much as they the United States and around the world. needed for free and no longer be hungry. The world produces enough food to provide every man, woman, Another significant reason why people would have no more and child with enough to eat. Yet, 852 million people suffer from hunger is that I would establish the Food and Agriculture Orga- chronic hunger. Why does hunger persist? Often, food does not nization of the World to help all poor people. I would create the reach those who need it the most. Millions of children go to bed organization in every country to help people who are lacking food hungry in poor communities around the world. Whether due to to feed them a healthy food. This organization would reduce all drought, conflict, or disease, mother and fathers are not able to kinds of problems that happen in every country. It would help me find enough food for their families. to understand the demands of people. This organization would People are hungry not because of a lack of availability of food, gather the food and research new technology to make people eat or “over” population, but because they are poor and unable to healthy. It would send the food as demanded by every country. afford the food. Politics and economic conditions have led to In conclusion, if I were in charge of the world, I would make sure poverty and dependency around the world. Addressing world that people get free food and have the Food and Agriculture Or- hunger, therefore, implies addressing world poverty as well. If food ganization to help them no longer be hungry. An increase in food production decreases and the underlying causes of poverty are is a fundamental of life; the world would become a better place. ignored, hunger will continue because people will not be able to Everyone would be healthier and have a better life. purchase food. We must work closely with all governments to come up with new ideas for dealing with the issues of hunger and poverty, while find- ing solutions for HIV/Aids to ensure a justice for all. More >>>

Page 11 If I were In Charge of The World

Pure, Clean, Breathable Air Grief and Desperation Chunjing Cui, China, Writing & Grammar V Tuyet Vo, Viet Nam, Grammar & Writing V If I were in charge of the world, I would make eff orts to improve We always expect happiness and the great things for our life. Un- the quality of the world. I would make our world peaceful, happy, fortunately, many people have so many unmet expectations; some clean, and wealthy. One part of this plan would be to reduce air people are still in dangerous trouble. Th ey are poor, lack educa- pollution. tion, and have no careers. Th ere are many reasons that people are First, I would use some people who have specifi c abilities and still in wars, dangerous disasters, or in countries with weakened moralities to help me. Laws would be legislated to restrict factories political regimes. If I were in charge of the world, I would put an and vehicles from using non-qualifi ed gas, and I would urge local end to these dangerous troubles. governments to plant trees and grass to enlarge green areas. Next, I Th ere are many people in trouble around the world. People die ev- would establish a special organization to execute the law. ery year. Both resources and properties are destroyed by disasters. No person can do all of the work by himself, even though he is Some people are controlled by a cruel leader who does not give powerful. Th e fi rst step of my work to reduce air pollution would people choices about how to live their lives. Instead, they give high be to use the proper people to help me. I would collect three kinds taxes. Th ey ask people to work hard but give them nothing. Only of candid talents. Th e fi rst group would be projectors. Th ey would the cruel leader gets the benefi ts. not only have a concern about the air’s problem but would also Th ese things must not be endured in the world. If I were in charge give me many good ideas. After that, they would immediately of the world, I would put an end to these dangerous problems. design useful plans. Th ere are good things that I would do for the people. First, I Th e second group would be high administrators with outstanding would change policies by building up the regime, changing the abilities to manage all my works, while I would give them authority laws, and punishing only criminals. Second, I would improve to operate the administrative system. I would be the leader of them. education for everyone. I would encourage people to work hard. Finally, I would prevent dangerous disasters. Th ere would be no Th e third group would be experts and scientists. Th e purpose of re- more death and deep grief for everyone. As a result, people would search would be to fi nd a way to purify the gas released into the air live in a peaceful world. by factories and vehicles and to discover a new, non-polluting fuel to supply us. Th ey would off er me the newest research results. Th e A Closer Look at Social Injustice entire world would use the new achievements to benefi t our air. Javier Coronado, Mexico, Grammar & Writing V Th e next important step of my work would be the law because laws If I were in charge of the world, I would change the following tell people what is right and what is wrong. Th e law to reduce air aspect of life — Social Injustice. Once this aspect was improved, pollution would be specifi c and detailed. It would tell what percent we would live in a better world. of natural areas qualify to become “green areas.” Laws would have strict punishment contents and force the owners of a non-qualifi ed All of us have suff ered injustice at least one time in our lives. We factory to deal with the problems created by gas in the air. all know that everybody must be equal; nevertheless, injustice has ruled the world since ancient times. You see injustice every- Th e law would restrict individual persons. If your car could not where, at work, at school, and even in your home. Th erefore, pass a government inspection, you could not drive it; otherwise, when people say, “We live in an unjust world,” they are right. It is you would get your punishment according to the law. regrettable in modern times that we still live with social injustice. Th is law would have some special clauses for local governments. One way that I would correct social injustice would be by treating For example, if a government governs an area that has a large people equally and not judging people by their social status. All of proportion in the desert, the law would force the government to us have the right to be treated equally and with respect. have a green place. Meanwhile, they would get help in funds and technology. It is not enough to just have the law. We would also need an or- ganization to execute it. Th at would be the third part of my work. Th is branch would enforce laws. It would be in charge of the investigative work, judicial work, and judging work. Th e purpose of reducing air pollution would be to protect every- body who lives on our earth. If some people refused to care about others and pollute our air for their profi t, they would deserve their punishment. My executives would not ignore it. To reduce air pollution is always hard work. If I were in charge of the world, I would insist on it. I would use my eff ective ways, including human resources, the power of law, and proper operat- ing to deal with it. As of that day, the sky would be pure blue, sunshine would be brilliant, and air would be clean. People would enjoy the fresh air. I hope the day comes soon.

Page 12 If I Were In Charge of The World

Less Traffi c would have their own route. People could go to work or school in Th itaree Chaisawat, Th ailand, Grammar & Writing VI a short period. In this world, there are over seven billion people. Many issues are Finally, making public transportation more aff ordable and of critical to solve as soon as possible. If I were in charge the world, good quality means more people would use it. Instead of feeling changes would take place in countries that have bad traffi c prob- obligated to ride public transportation, people would view it as a lems. In many countries, they have traffi c problems such as traffi c new and exciting way to improve their cities. By giving everyone jams and traffi c pollution. Th is problem leads to poor qualities of a chance to participate in the improvement of their cities, they life for people in those countries. would feel better about themselves because they would be making a diff erence in the world. People have to wake up so early to spend their time on the road to go to work or school. I would build a bridge over intersections. Th rough a decrease in cars and traffi c and an increase in the Th is would make the traffi c fl ow better because it would distribute public’s involvement in better maintaining their environment, the amount of cars over a large area. As a result, cars would spend the world would become a cleaner and healthier place. If I were less time on the road. Less time on the road means less pollution. in charge of the world, I would give everyone an opportunity to Everyone would be healthier than before. change the world simply by improving traffi c conditions. Th eir participation would make a diff erence. Th ey would realize that Another solution would be to build a subway and sky train. People they have the power to solve other problems that our world who normally drive to work could take the subway and sky train, faces. ••• and this would greatly decrease the traffi c on the streets. Th ey

My Most Favorite Thing

Meeting People from Other Countries Studying English Luz Herrera, Mexico, Listening & Speaking IV Etsuko Lee, Japan, Listening & Speaking IV One of my favorite things is to meet people from diff erent coun- What is my favorite thing? I used to like taking pictures, until my tries, because I can learn a lot of new things. Here are a few ex- camera broke. I like walking on the trails, but I do not have much amples of what I have learned. I didn’t know that if you are a girl time for it. Now, my favorite thing is studying English. I was wait- from Armenia and you belong to a certain religion, you cannot ing for a long time to fi nd a serious English study. Finally I found wear earrings. Another friend stated that she traveled to Europe it at Kingwood College. I learned a lot of stuff , but sometimes I and was used to taking daily showers. She said everyone she met still do not understand what some American people say. Th at is was not used to that and thought she was sick. According to this why I am taking this Listening and Speaking class. I hope that it person, Europeans believe perfume was invented so that people do will improve my listening and speaking abilities. I started working not have to shower everyday. I have learned many things during at the school’s cafeteria. Th is has given me more opportunities to this last year in the United States, especially about religion. I am listen and speak to American people. I enjoy studying English and from Mexico, which is almost entirely a Catholic country. At a working at Kingwood College. Everybody has diff erent learning Halloween party I was surprised when a neighbor from India stat- styles. I am a sight learner. It might take a long time to learn Eng- ed he could not eat hot dogs because they contained meat. I was lish. Th is discourages me sometimes, but this is my favorite thing wearing a belly dancer’s outfi t and asked a lady if she knew how to right now. ••• dance. Th e lady did not answer me and walked away. My husband later explained to me that that was kind of off ensive because belly dancing is an exotic dance; it’s like strippers here in the U.S.A.! Another friend told me that she had a boyfriend from Saudi Ara- bia and she ordered a pizza to surprise him. She couldn’t resist the temptation and she ate one slice. When he suddenly arrived and saw this, he threw away the pizza! Th at is just weird to me, and if I were her, I would have broken up with that guy at that moment. I am learning a lot about this country and hope to use all of the experiences I’m having to share with my family and friends back home.

Page 13 Living In Houston

Brick or Wood House? Houston, a Special Place in Patricia Baxter, Mexico, Grammar and Writing IV Southeastern United States When I compare Houston and the place where I am from, I see Luis Forero, Columbia, Grammar & Writing IV a lot of differences. Some are concrete differences associated with Houston is a large city in the United States. It is different from physical aspects, and everybody can see them by just observing large cities in South America because Houston is a large city with both places. But there are other kinds of differences, less obvious, different architecture and city-form. that we can call abstract. These differences have relationships with In terms of architecture, the cities in South America are more the culture and the ways that the inhabitants from both places had together; the streets are narrow; the buildings are together; and the to learn to think, act and feel. Sometimes it is not easy to find this space is more efficiently used. In Houston, the only place buildings second kind of difference, but an experience showed my husband are together is downtown. The same form is found in the colonies and me some interesting differences about our cultures. in South America; meanwhile, in Houston, the houses are built in Some months ago my husband and I started to think about the large spaces, and the houses are in the center of the yard. It’s com- possibility of owning a house. When we started to think about the mon for each house to be far from other houses. In South America, best way to buy a house, we found out that we had very different this style is only in suburban areas. The name of the style is “village.” ideas in the way we would obtain the house. I was born and grew Other architectural aspects are the shape of the highways, because up in a small town in Mexico, and all my life I watched how my Houston has concentric shapes with Loops 610, 8, and 6, and parents, my family and some friends came to own their houses. For other highways that go north to south or west to east. In South me the process of owning a house is more or less in this form: the America, the highways are linear, north to south or west to east. first step is to obtain land for the house; sometimes you buy it, but The only city I know with a similar idea in the highways is a city most of the time in my community people obtain land as a part of in the Santa Cruz in Bolivia. an inheritance, so frequently you can build your new house close to the rest of the family. The next steps usually are the most dif- Another comparison is the speed limit on the freeways. The speed ficult, that require more time, effort, energy and creativity. In these limit is crazy, because the speed limit is 60 miles per hour; this steps you have to save money; at the same time an architect or an is equivalent in kilometers to 100. It’s a crazy speed; never in the engineer makes the design, of course considering your preferences, South America do people drive this speed. style, necessities and economic possibilities. When you have the Another aspect that is different in Houston and in the United blueprints and enough money at least to get a good start, the next States is the education system. Education goes by school districts, step is to buy building materials (cement, bricks, steel, pipes, etc), and Houston has many school districts. Education is a right for all and hire the best construction workers that you can find and afford. children and is mandatory, independent of their status as an immi- In Mexico, building a house is a process that usually takes between grant. In South America, though, it is a right and mandatory, but 2 and 6 years. The time depends on many factors. An important the education systems are public and private. Many children can- aspect is that people build the houses just with the money that they not go to school because they don’t have supplies and uniforms, save or with the money from their work during the time that they or they cannot pay the tuition. In the United States education is are building; therefore, some times the houses are not complete. guaranteed, because the people pay taxes yearly, and parents only However, when people finish building their houses, they feel happy need to pay for supplies. In South America, the education system to have their own house and the peace of mind of not having debts, is financed by the Central States. so they use their money for other things, like improving their house, In conclusion, Houston is a large city, a special place, a crucible of or building a new one. cultures. For my husband, who was born in Corpus Christi and grew up in Houston, obtaining a house is something that requires a different Houston, My Favorite City strategy. For him the first step is to find the adequate companies for Gudelia Cavero, Peru, Grammar & Writing IV building the house. Then, select a model from among their options. Houston’s qualities make it one of the best places in the United After that the next simple step is to apply for credit, and just some States and in the world for these reasons. First, Houston has a moments later you can know which one you will be able to afford. truly diverse culture and great educational opportunities for all The process for building the house can take some weeks or even people. In addition, Houston offers county parks with all sorts of some months, which depends on the company. At the end of some amenities like pools, dog parks, playgrounds, community centers, transactions and some weeks waiting for the company to finish and performing arts. The weather in Houston is a fantastic mix of with the construction, you can enjoy a new and completely finished sunshine and more sunshine. For example, in January the temper- house. Nevertheless, not all is happiness because you have acquired ature is 45 and July is 75 degrees. The average annual temperature a great debt that will take an important part of your income for 30 is 70 degrees. Third, Houston is smart, and it has one of the lowest long years. It is important to notice that at the end of this period costs of living anywhere in the country. For example, I could buy you will pay approximately 3 times more than the original price. my house with years of hard work, but in my country, I never was The final cost will depend on the amount of interest that you will able to. In my opinion, Houston is a wonderful city that has a lot need to pay back to your lender. One other difference, if this were of things to show us and to enjoy. not enough, is that in Mexico the houses are made with concrete and bricks; by contrast in Houston they are made with wood. This difference by itself brings many more differences. In conclusion, these differences are just a sample of the small and big differences in our cultures, which show how Houston and the people that grow up in Houston are so different. Page 14 Living In Houston

Houston Is Different submitted to the human resources office, they found out that the Elizabeth Silva, Grammar & Writing IV person who had been hired the week before was 52 years old. Her boss called her to his office and let her know the policy of the Houston is a pretty place to live, but there are a few things that company and she was fired that day. The only reason was that she I don’t like about it. Before I moved to Houston, I usually went was 52 years old. That was a very depressing situation; my mother camping in the summer, and also I enjoyed going to the beach. I cried with no hope in her life. enjoyed going to parks and having cookouts, because the weather in California is very cool, so you can do different activities. Every- Nevertheless, it is even worse for people with disabilities. Many thing changed when I moved to Houston because over here the disabled people are on the street asking for money or any other whether is hot and humid, and it’s constantly raining. Mosquitoes help that they can get. This is a very sad situation that causes them come and make it hard to enjoy the day out. Also, it’s hard to find to feel even more down. enough parks where you can go to run or workout. The nearest Companies also hire more men than women just because them beach to Houston looks dirty; that’s why I never go. Even though men are physically stronger. Employers assume that they will be there are these differences, I have found Houston to be a very more productive. On average, 2 women are hired for every ten relaxing and good place to live with my family. men who get hired, making the situation of unemployed women even harder. Job Opportunities in Houston For all these reasons, people immigrate to Houston. Houston has Maritza Armstrong, Honduras, Grammar & Writing IV a lot of job opportunities with no discrimination. In Houston, we Are people struggling to find a job in Honduras? It’s no wonder believe if everyone has opportunity, we can create a stronger city that many people emigrate from Honduras to Houston looking and give us a better life. There is no way in Houston that you can forward to a better job opportunity. There are many forms of discriminate because of age, gender or disability. We all have op- discrimination against people in Honduras. I will mention some portunities, no matter how old, or what gender. We all are treated of the most serious: age, gender, and disability. In order to be with respect and dignity. For people with disabilities, companies hired, you need to be 15-35 years old in Honduras. According to provide facilities for them and give them opportunities to get company policy, people 35 and up are considered old, even if the ahead in their lives. Houston gives everyone hope and makes us person has a good-looking appearance. For instance, my mother feel important. This is why many people emigrate from Honduras was 52 years old, but she looks younger. She applied for a job and to the land of hope. ••• they hired her. She worked for a week, but when her papers were My Best Vacation A Great Vacation close. When we located the camp, the rain was calm and we began Esperanza Cavero, Peru, Reading & Vocabulary V-VI to fix our tents. We were trying to fix them when the rain started It was the most exciting moment of my life when I finally met my falling again, but everyone was just fixing and laughing despite the son and daughter. I always talked by phone to them, but I hadn’t weather. After that we decided go to sleep because with the rain seen them for years. There were a lot of reasons why I couldn’t we couldn’t do anything. Just a few hours later, my husband woke make this trip. Now, I am remembering all the things that we did up and we noticed that my brother was awake, so we went with together. We went to different places to visit our families. We also him to a table below the sunroof. Later, as my father was leaving went to Madame Marie Wax Museum, and the Natural History his tent, he was whispering that in his tent it seemed that the rain Museum. I stayed for 45 days with them, and enjoyed each min- was coming inside. I didn’t believe what he was saying. We turned ute like it was the last in my life. It was wonderful. I am thinking and saw that he was completely wet. All of us started laughing. We of returning this December. I will enjoy great moments again with could not stop laughing; it was really so funny. Days later, as we my son and daughter. were remembering all of the things that had passed, we agreed that My Most Enjoyable Vacation the trip was really our most fun. Sylvia Contado, Reading & Vocabulary V-VI Italy One day my family and I decided to camp on the beach of Galves- Ismar Sosa, Venezuela, Reading & Vocabulary V-VI ton, and I still remember that trip like it was just yesterday. It was I was eleven years old when I first traveled outside of my coun- maybe five years ago, a normal Friday morning when my little try. I visited a great country in Europe, Italy. I came to Milan’s sister called me to ask me if it would be a good idea to camp in airport and my uncle Oscar picked me with my cousins. Even Galveston. It seemed like it was a good idea. today, I remember that I was very happy. He drove to Ancona My parents, two sisters, and one brother came along with their town. He and his family lived in Ancona. It’s a little town families. Everybody decided to go that Friday before it got dark. located in the North East of Italy. My uncle planned a great My little sister, however, the one who had the idea to go to schedule for me to visit the most important cities and towns Galveston, was waiting at her home because her husband was still in this country. We were in Rome and I visited many beautiful working .While we were driving to Galveston the rain began to places: Coliseum, Roma Forum, Trevi Fountain, San Giovanni in fall. When we arrived in Galveston, the drivers looked like crazy Laterano square and The Basilica of Saint Peter in The Vatican. people because the traffic was terrible. All the streets were con- Also, we were in San Francisco of Asis (little town), San Marino gested and flooded, so we could not be together. Everyone got lost and the beautiful Venezia. The most beautiful places for me were and no one knew where the camp place was. After one hour, we Rome and Venezia. In these cities your mind is relaxed and you found ourselves at a gas station. We decide to stay together all the can imagine yourself in past times. I would like to travel to Italy time, try to find where we were going to camp and see if it was again. It was a wonderful experience for me. More >>> Page 15 My Best Vacation

I Enjoy Traveling that many of the structures were preserved during World War II because Hitler was planning on making Prague Nazi Germany’s Lu Shu, Japan, Reading & Vocabulary V-VI eastern capital. I also visited the many diff erent countryside of I enjoy going on vacation. Sometimes I travel with my children Th e Czech Republic. Many buildings were designed and built a and sometimes I travel alone. I have taken my children to diff erent long time ago. I could see and feel the history behind them. While parts of the United States. Th ey have traveled around California I was in the countryside, I had the most interesting experience and Texas. I have traveled to many countries alone, including in a church. From outside, it looked like any ordinary looking Hong Kong, Th ailand, and the United States. I do work when I church, but once I walked inside I was amazed. Everything inside visit other countries. I have worked on and off at the Kingwood was made from human bones. From light fi xture to decorations, College cafeteria for two years. I still see this as a vacation for me. there are thousands of bones. It was very interesting and eerie at Europe, My Best Vacation the same time. Th e sight of those bones is something I will never forget. One of the things that impressed me a lot was the road Grace Kim, Korea, Reading & Vocabulary V-VI people were walking on. Th e roads were made long time ago from My best vacation was when I went to several diff erent countries in cobblestones, and it withstood time and weather for hundreds of Europe. I visited France, Czech Republic, England, Hungary, and years. I was amazed at the ingenious nature of humans. While in Austria. My passion for travel started when I was in junior high Prague, there was a festival for Kafka I was able to visit. He was and high school. I enjoyed reading literature classics and also en- another classical author I admired, and it was very nice to see the joyed listening to classical music. I became more interested in the festival created for him. inspirations that enabled these authors and composers to create Th e next stop was Vienna, Austria. Th is country inspired many such masterpieces, and I dreamt of visiting places and surround- famous composers, including Mozart and Johann Strauss. Maybe ings that inspired them. that was the reason why I heard violin music on almost every Th ree years ago that dream came to reality when I visited Paris. In street corner. I also visited Schonbrunn Palace where I was able to Paris, I visited museums and well known places such as Th e Eiff el see and experience the lifestyles of Maria Teresa of Austria. From Tower and Th e Arc de Triumph. I was able to see many works of this palace and other rich looking buildings, I could imagine how rich and powerful this country once was. art that I had been reading about in person. Some of the memo- rable works I saw were Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. Another Next, I headed to Budapest, Hungary. Th e main reason for my visit sight I enjoyed looking at in Paris was the fountains at Chateau was to see the diff erence between Eastern and Western Europe. de Versailles. When the water fountain show started, hundreds of Coming from Vienna, I could still see the traits communism has left diff erent fountains looked like they were dancing to the music that and see the diff erence between two economic systems. Th ere were was playing in the background. I was also able to travel through still many historical structures in the city. I was also interested in the countryside of France. I took a train to Loire Valley which was fi nding out what inspired Brahms to write his masterpiece “Hungar- south of Paris. I felt like I was a part of a romantic movie when I ian Dances.” I could see the beauty in the city and it was amazing. saw the castles and rivers surrounding them. It was quite magical Traveling is one of my favorite things to do. When I talk to people and the emotions I felt were pretty amazing. Once I came back to I highly recommend traveling whenever they get a chance. A Paris from Loire Valley, I took a train to London. I really looked person can learn so much from talking to people from diff erent forward to going to England because of Shakespeare and Bronte. backgrounds and experiencing the culture. It is far more valu- I was interested in visiting sites that inspired these authors. I able than what can be learned in school or books. I believe that if visited the Parliament and saw the Big Ben clock, Tower Bridge, people traveled more and experienced more, there would be far London Bridge, and Westminster Church where many famous less confl ict because traveling makes people more open-minded about others. Th is is the point I make to people when I tell them people are buried. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to visit the about my travel experience. I tell them to create an opportunity Liverpool area where Wuthering Heights was based. Regardless, it to travel, and I also tell them that when the opportunity comes was a very memorable trip. along, do not miss it. After I came back to United States, I wanted to go back to Europe, I felt like there was so many more sights I didn’t get to see. After a year, I was fortunate enough to go back to Eu- rope. Th is time I went to Th e Czech Republic. I wanted to visit Prague after reading a poem written by a Korean poet when he came back from Prague. “Prague Spring” described the beauty and magic of the city. Since then, I always thought about visiting the city. Once I got there I under- stood how that poet was able to write such a beautiful poem. Th e whole city was beautiful and romantic. Every building and structure was very in- spiring. It was also interesting to learn

Page 16 My Best Vacation

New York, My Best Vacation at the MGM parking lot. We left the next morning at 4 a.m. We Lorena Lopez, Venezuela, Reading & Vocabulary V-VI drove to Los Angeles and went to Hollywood. Later we went back to San Diego. Definitely, I will remember this trip for the rest of My best vacation was when my friend Emily and I went to New my life. York two years ago. It was a new experience for us because we had never been in that city before. We went shopping in different My Best Vacation places: Macy’s, 5th Avenue, Chinatown, etc. We went to China- town because my friend wanted to buy souvenirs for her family Narges Molaei-Dinmbali , Tehran, in Venezuela, but she could not speak English. I was laughing Reading & Vocabulary V-VI because she asked me all the time “What were they saying?” I tried The vacation that I will never forget was my trip from Tehran to to translate to my friend, but sometimes I did not understand any- Las Vegas in December, 1999. I am an Iranian dentist. I was work- thing because Chinese people speak differently. I saw my friend’s ing for a children’s hospital in Tehran, in the mornings and in my face, and I started to laugh. My friend was worried about the fact private office on the afternoons. I used to come to the U.S. every that the people over there walked so close to her. It scared her. We year to take some dentistry courses and improve my professional went to Broadway and went to the theatre. We saw “The Phan- knowledge. In order get the visa, I always had a letter of invitation tom the Opera.” That experience was so incredible, but my friend from an American Dental School. On the trip to the U.S., I could did not understand anything. When we returned to the Hotel visit some of my family who were living in here. Pennsylvania, we were laughing so much because I told Emily the In the winter of 1999, I received a letter of invitation from the truth. I tried to understand English, but sometimes I invented University of Indiana for a continuing education course in Janu- when I was translating to her in Spanish. She told me to stop ary 2000, but since we do not have a U.S. Embassy in Iran, I had laughing, “I need to take an English class now. I don’t trust you.” I to go to another country to get a visa. It was at 3 p.m. on Tues- told her that I love her so much because she is my best friend, and day, December 15. As I was getting ready for work, I received a she shouldn’t get mad at me. We started to laugh again. That trip surprising phone call from my sister in Indiana. She was calling to was a good experience. That was my best vacation. invite me on a trip to Las Vegas for New Year’s Eve. I didn’t have My Best Vacation Eve in Nigeria much time. I knew that my other sister who was living in Tehran had recently made a trip to Dubai. I tried to call her to get some Nseobong Etokebe, Nigeria, Reading & Vocabulary V-VI information about Dubai, but I had gotten the wrong number. I have enjoyed many vacations ever since I came here in the year A friend introduced me to a travel agency near my office. I went 2002. I used to visit the Museum in order to study history. I also there to see if I could get an emergency visa and ticket to travel to played video games and read my books, but my best vacation Dubai. was last summer. I traveled to my country to see my parents and On Wednesday, I got the ticket to travel on Sunday. By the time also took an algebra class which I passed with a good grade. Last I reached my seat on the flight, I was surprised to find that my summer was my best time because I went to see my parents who friend, who had introduced me to the travel agent, was in the seat I hadn’t seen for the past two years. They were in good health and next to me. She had decided to go to Dubai with me. Early Mon- were happy to see me. day morning, we went to the American Embassy. Successfully, I It was also my best time because I utilized my time wisely by tak- was able to get my visa by the end of the day. My friend and I had ing an algebra class instead of wasting the whole time in enjoy- three days of fun and laughter before we returned to Tehran. On ment. I realized what gave me satisfaction was making good use the following Sunday, right before Christmas, I was on the flight of my time. Everyone should utilize their time by doing tangible to the United States of America. After one day’s rest, my sister, things rather than trivial things. I learned that spending time with her family and I headed to Las Vegas. It took four days of driving my family and taking a class were good experiences. In the future I to make the journey. We drove through many states enjoying the will know how to spend my vacation. Christmas decorations and the snow. One of the most beautiful Las Vegas, My Best Vacation cities was Grand Junction, Colorado. On New Year’s Eve, we were walking along the main boulevard in Jordy Andrade, Mexico, Reading & Vocabulary V-VI Las Vegas, surrounded by large groups of tourists who were really My best vacation ever was when I went to San Diego California engrossed with the sights of the different casinos and shows in the last December. I went to visit my friend Victor Gersten. Two days area. We were really excited by the special New Year’s Eve celebra- later, another friend of my friend called. He lives in Mexico but tion of the year 2000. he called to let him know that he would be in Las Vegas the next morning. My friend and I looked at each other. He and I were After two days, we went to visit Los Angeles. We spent one week thinking the same thing. We should go to Las Vegas. In the next 2 there and then flew back to Indiana. My dental course lasted two hours we packed and we left without permission from his parents. weeks. I returned to Tehran on February 15th. We knew from experience that they probably would say no. We A Miracle at the Sena River left at 2 a.m. We got to Las Vegas at 8 a.m. Since we didn’t have reservations, it was impossible to find a hotel plus it was weekend. Bertha Perez, Mexico, Reading & Vocabulary V-VI We went to all of the casinos in Las Vegas from 8:00 in the morn- Many years ago, approximately 1980, my father gave my family ing until 6:00 in the afternoon. Since we didn’t have a hotel we and me a wonderful present. It was a trip to Europe for two and a went to the 24 hours fitness because my friend has a membership half months in a double Decker. This bus, typical of England, has there. We went to take a bath. At 8 P.M. we went to eat at Luby’s. two floors. On the top floor there were beds and on the bottom We went back to see all the casinos. It was all different at night. floor was the kitchen, bathroom and living room. We traveled Most of the casinos were beautiful, and it was awesome. Finally, with people from many other (Continued on page 23) night arrived. We didn’t have a hotel, so we had to sleep in the car Page 17 My Hobby

Street Car Racing Creating in the Kitchen Michael Maria Leon, Mexico, Reading & Vocabulary IV Barreto, I started cooking when I was 8 years old. My mother would make Colombia, me cook for my youngest brother who was very picky and I had to Reading & cook something diff erent for him. Although it was a chore at fi rst, Vocabulary IV later I started to enjoy it and I improved my meals little by little. Even as a teenager, I still thought it was fun. My favorite hobby is street car racing. When I got married, however, I started to cook for diff erent I like that because reasons. I wanted to please my husband and my daughters. Now I it is exciting. love to cook! I love the feeling of accomplishment when I perfect When you go a new recipe. Sometimes I invent new dishes and most of the really fast, you are time they turn out delicious. My daughters always tell me that I feeling free and am the best cook in the world. I like everything from chopping when you win a and dicing ingredients, to setting my table. I like to decorate the race, it is amazing. table with natural fl owers, tablecloths, and my china. Th ose are It is a little danger- special touches only when I cook special meals. I always garnish ous and it raises my dishes to look even more appetizing. In the future I hope to my adrenaline become a professional chef and open a restaurant to be able to level. Th is is how I share my dishes with everyone. spend my free time and in my picture Chatting Is A Way Of Life you can see it. Milagro Santos, Honduras, Reading & Vocabulary IV My hobby is chatting with my home girls and home boys. I like spending my time chatting because it’s fun. It is interesting how I send messages and they send some back to me. I chat whenever I’m bored. On Fridays I chat because I don’t have to do anything. My Dream List is Long I just spend my free day on the computer, chatting. Monday Jennifer Borrero, Brazil, Reading & Vocabulary IV through Th ursday I go to school, Saturday and Sunday I work. I Dreams are good to make you feel comfortable about your future. have been doing this since I got the Internet and my email. Chat- Most of my happiness comes from my thoughts about my dreams. ting is how I describe myself on the computer. Chatting is a way I I really would like to accomplish everything that I want in my life, love to communicate; it is better than the telephone. I use my free but just one person knows if I am going to realize my dreams, God. time very wisely — in the chat rooms. At fi rst, I have in my mind that I will graduate from a good What is a life without dreams? Nothing! university and have a good opportunity of employment and to be successful in my job. Sarah Th almann, Switzerland, Reading & Vocabulary IV One of my dreams is to get a Master’s Degree in economics. As Getting married is part of my dream plan as well, but fi rst I would soon as I have the degree, I would like to work in a marketing like to fi nd someone who makes me smile, loves me a lot, is department of an international company. My goal is to get an outgoing, could be a good husband to me and also be a wonderful interesting and self full-fi lling job in management. father for our children. I don’t mind if the man is plain looking, what matters to me is that the man is healthy and a good person When the right time comes around, I will quit the job and build in his heart. Th at way we could overcome any bad situations my own ranch with horses in Canada or in the North of the that appear in our lives. I like English men a lot because I think United States. Horses are my passion. Th at is why I want to train they are seductive. Th e right man for me has to be a fantastic and breed them. man because I consider myself a great friend, daughter and also a Another dream of mine is to travel around the whole world. I good-natured, kind and friendly person. Nowadays, it is hard to would like to learn about the diff erent places and cultures. fi nd a man like I wish for, but I will keep trying and I will wait for A further dream is to have a long and healthy life. Without health the right one in my life. Secondly, I want to be an excellent ten- nobody can live his or her dreams. Furthermore I dream of a world nis player. I like it so much, and also I want to be able to play all with no war, no violence, no poverty and no hunger. Th e high point kinds of sports because I love them. Th ird, I want to take a cruise of my dream list is a world full of love, peace, and happiness. I wish around the world with friends or with my husband in the future. to live on an earth where humans pay more attention to mother I want to travel around the world and go to all those famous cities nature. Idealistic, I know, but what else are dreams for? of United States, such as New York, and all those famous countries worldwide, such as Japan, England, Spain, and others. Finally, when I have my own money and have fi nancial stability, I want to help my mother whenever she needs me. By then, I want to have my big house, cars and a beautiful family and I hope that at least some of my dreams will come true.

Page 18 My Hobby

Fitness Can My Dream List Be Fun Ana Morales, Mexico, Reading & Vocabulary IV Sydia Patricia Th ere are a lot of goals that I would like to achieve in my life, Flor, Ecuador, but unfortunately, you cannot always do all the things you have Reading & planned. Th at is why I want to achieve at least fi ve. At the top in Vocabulary IV my dream list are these fi ve things: I have a lot of First, to fi nish my career in Visual Communications, in order to ways to spend my have a good job and fulfi ll my dreams. spare time. I like Like every woman, I also dream about my prince. Th at is why the to do exercises next thing on my list is to get married with my Prince Charming three times per and live happily ever after. week. Sometimes, Th en, I would like to travel around the world. I would like to I go for a walk, do visit Switzerland, China, Canada, Italy, and Russia. I think that aerobics or ride it would be very interesting to visit new places and to learn about a bike, but my diff erent cultures. favorite is biking because I enjoy Th e fourth thing that I would like to do is to build my house. riding around my I want a house with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a big neighborhood sur- backyard so that my future children can play and enjoy their rounded by trees. I childhood. can feel the air all Finally, the fi fth thing is to have children and live very happily over my body, hear as a family. I know that sometimes, things do not happen as you the birds sing and wished, but I hope that I can fulfi ll my dreams. it gives me a feeling of well-being. I have been practicing this sport for a long time, really since I was a child. Every week I invite my I Dream Of Seeing It All Again best friend to join me and we have fun. Th is sport helps us to have Gabriela Lleras, Mexico, Reading & Vocabulary IV good health and great fi tness. I was born in Cali Colombia, but I lived there just one year. So, I do not know Cali at all. My family and I moved to Bogota· My Rosy Dreams and then to Medellin. We left Colombia twenty-fi ve years ago Sofi a Villafuerte, Ecuador, Reading & Vocabulary IV, and I have not gone back since that time. I want to visit Colom- Th e fresh cut fl owers that we can see and buy every day are pro- bia again, especially Cali, because I do not remember anything duced in diff erent countries of the world like Colombia, Ecuador, about it. I would also like to visit Bogota·, Medellin, Cartagena Holland and Spain. Ecuador, South America, is the place where de Indias, and San Andres. I have beautiful memories of these the best roses of the world are found. places. I still remember the smell of the tropical restaurants when Th ere are many companies that work in the fi eld of growing and we walked at night down the street in San Andres. We also rode a exporting roses. A woman used to work for one of these compa- tandem bike on the sidewalk by the beach. San Andres is a small nies for 10 years, managing the production, growing, and deliver- island in the Caribbean Sea with a lot of stores where you can buy ing of roses. She was an agronomist and she loved her profession. treasures from around the world at low prices. Th ere is a beauti- She wanted to protect nature by maintaining the environment, ful, calm beach with white sand. Some of my childhood vacations which is an important legacy for future generations. took place in San Andres where I learned to swim in the sea and spent unforgettable times. In order to make her dream come true, she made a big, important decision. She knew she had to leave her country, family, friends I hope that I will be able to take my daughter and my husband to and job to study English and get a degree in Business Manage- San Andres and show them the special parts of Colombia, includ- ment. Th ings were not easy for her. In her heart and mind there ing Cali, where I was born. More >>> were several mixed emotions. On the one hand, she now fi nds herself in a fi nancial struggle and emotional sacrifi ce and feels frus- trated about not being able to communicate with other people due to the language barrier. On other hand, she feels sure she made the right decision. She thinks that her business degree will open the door of the future, helping her to accomplish her dreams. I am that woman, Sofi a Villafuerte, an international student in the ESL program at Kingwood College.

Page 19 My Hobby

My Time Spent With JCI In Honduras I used to be a person who preferred to stay at home. But on Janu- ary 27, 2001, I went forth fi rst time to an organization whose Isis Vasquez, Honduras, Reading & Vocabulary IV name is JCI (Junior Chamber International). Th is organization exists all overover the world. When I fi rst ststartedarted to go, I met many youngyoung people anandd beibeingng with them felt veryvery good. Th enen II ststartedarted ttoo gogo to a meeting everyevery SSaturdayaturday at 6:30 ppm.m. WWee talked about newnew prprojects,ojects, devdevelopmentelopment iinn the community,community, or at the levlevelel of JCI HHondu-ondu- ras or eveneven of JCI WWorld.orld. IInn this oorganizationrganization I learned many things. ForFor examexample:ple: ttalkingalking in public, winning a debate, meetingmeeting nnewew people, and going to many diff ererentent pplaces.laces. OneOne time wwee organizorganizeded a large ddriverive foforr fofoodod and clothes to take to the people ooff EEll SSalva-alva- dor who had suff erereded an earearthquake.thquake. NowNow I havhavee been herheree for almosalmostt oonene yyear.ear. SometimesSometimes I miss my JCI VVillanuevaillanueva whwhichich I came to lovelove and hope to rreturneturn ttoo sosomeday.meday. NowNow I dedicate my frfreeee time herheree ttoo rreading,eading, watching TV and listening to mumusic.sic. I alalsoso want to fi nd another organization whwhereere I can spend my freefree time on some woworthwhilerthwhile Isis Helped With Earthquake Relief in El Salvador projects.

Camping At Vung Tau Y Th uy Dinh, Vietnam , Reading & Vocabulary IV What do people like to do to spend their free time? Th ey like to play sports, travel, hang out with friends...for me, I like to go camping with my friends. It was my fi rst year at college when I had a group of fi ve close friends. We all had the same hobby: we all loved to go camping. We especially liked some places near the sea where we could see the sun set and rise. I remember, sometimes when my friends called me and asked me to go camping with them, I said yes without thinking. Here came the diffi cult part, I had to ask for my parent’s permission. Th ey usually let me go, but sometimes it was hard for me to ask them because I had to stay out for one or two nights. My friends and I normally went to the beach which was not too far from my house. It took us about two and a half hours to get there. However, we always got there really late with just enough time to pitch a tent and cook something for dinner. After we all settled, we sat and ate together, talked about funny stories or shared our problems, so we could help each other. Th en we strolled down the beach to get some fresh air. On the fi rst day, we barely slept. We stayed up really late to play games and waited to see the sun rise. We took a short nap and got ready for another day. We ate breakfast and went climbing to see some historical remains, or some pretty scenes...we never got tired of that mountain, full of mystery. Although we went there several times, we still thought that there was still something that we had not seen yet. When we went back to the tent late in the afternoon, we got everything packed up to go home. Sometimes we stayed for another night. I really love to go camping with my friends and traveling with my family. Now that I stay in the United States, I can no longer go camping with my friends. I miss those days so much. I hope that one day, when I go back to Vietnam, my friends and I will have a chance to go camping again. •••

Page 20 Holidays and Celebrations

The Piñata: A Tradition That Never Dies Juan Carlos Manllo, Mexico, Grammar and Writing III Fanny Castillo, El Salvador, Grammar & Writing III I want to share with you a little of the happiness I feel when The piñata is a tradition that is here to stay. Now it is not just Christmas approaches. I am from Mexico. I have been in the a Hispanic tradition. It has been adopted by other countries, United States for about nine years. Every year I go to my country including the United States. The piñata is a symbol of childhood. to celebrate Christmas with my family. I usually drive. It is a long In my country we use piñatas for children’s parties, baptisms, first way, actually 14 hours by car. It is really a very special time. All my communions, and many other occasions. Some countries also use family members come over to my mother’s house. It is very nice to them to celebrate their independence day. When I was a child, see those relatives that I haven’t seen in a long time. all of my birthdays were celebrated with piñatas. The number of On December 24th, the whole family gets together to celebrate piñatas used depended on the number of children at the party. In Christmas Eve. We begin by praying, and after the prayer we have my country it has become an art to make piñatas. They come in a delicious dinner. Some of us listen to music, dance and drink all sizes and some are nearly six feet tall. They are made of paper different kinds of alcoholic beverages. That night, at midnight and you can find almost any figure from Mickey Mouse to Spider everybody gives a hug to each other. There are Christmas lights Man. They are filled with several hundred pieces of candy. When everywhere and a Christmas tree. Children have to go to bed they break, candy flies everywhere and the children scramble to early because Santa Claus is bringing presents to everybody, but catch as much as they can. The breaking of the piñata is the high especially to those children who have been good all year round. I point of the party. The event is usually saved until the end. This is like this time of the year because everything is all about happiness definitely a tradition that will live on forever. and harmony. Christmas Teresa Petrushansky, El Salvador, Reading and Raul Garcia, Mexico, Grammar & Writing III Vocabulary III In Mexico we celebrate Christmas with my family at my parent’s I love the Christmas Holidays because we celebrate the birth of Jesus house. We enjoy many kinds of food, including pozole and tamales. Christ. No one knows the exact date of Christ’s birth, but most Afterwards, we listen to music, dance, and make homemade punch Christians observe Christmas on December 25. On this day, many with tequila. We do this all night long until the next morning. go to church where they take part in special religious services. Dur- ing the Christmas season, they also exchange gifts and decorate their Gloria Elizabeth Pedraza, Mexico, homes with lights, Christmas trees, and different ornaments. Grammar and writing III On Christmas Eve and Christmas, in many countries, people be- This Christmas was very special, because it was my daughter gin preparing traditional foods. This is also an integral part of the Yvette’s first Christmas. She is one year old. We went to Mexico holidays. In my country, el Salvador, my family and friends gather to celebrate Christmas with my family. We cooked tamales. It is in unity to have a good time for a tamalada, a tamale making ses- a Mexican tradition. My sisters and I helped my mom cook the sion. A tamale is usually made from pork or chicken, corn meal, tamales. We also like to do gift exchanges among family members. called meas, and are encased in plantain leaves and stuffed with This holiday season was very special because my daughter re- other ingredients. The popularity of Christmas has grown and has ceived her baptism. We also celebrated her first birthday. We had become a very important time for families to gather together. For a piñata, clowns, and live music. We all enjoyed the party. The many people, this is the only time they can come together and adults danced while the children played. The clowns did a show have fellowship. for the children and they sang the traditional happy birthday song to my daughter. They helped with cutting the cake and gave candy My Favorite Holiday bags to the children. My daughter had a good time and received Monica Ruiz, Mexico, Reading & Vocabulary IV many gifts from friends and family members. I really enjoy Christmas with my family because it is the most Nilsa Kleiber, Panama, Reading & Vocabulary III important holiday to me. I used to go to my country, Mexico, in Juarez with my husband. It is beautiful and I can see my Mom, I like Christmas in my country. My country is Panama which is a my Dad, my sisters, my brother, my nieces and my nephew. I live beautiful country. In my country Christmas is very beautiful and in Houston with my husband, and I miss my family a lot. On has great weather. My family and friends are very important to me. Christmas, it is so fun because my family and I do a lot of activi- On Christmas, the gifts aren’t that important, but what is most im- ties. On the 24th my sisters, my mom and I cook together. We portant is being together with my family. We cook a lot of food and love to cook turkey, tamales, salads, match potatoes, gravy, and we eat at twelve o’clock, then we dance, and everybody is happy. deserts. After dinner, we like to sing with the karaoke and doing that makes us to laugh. The next day we open the presents, one by one, because we like to enjoy every present of each one. Moreover, the same day, we enjoy a movie, and usually this movie is about Christmas. We like to wear very comfortable clothes, for example, pajamas. After Christmas, I stay a couple more days to keep enjoy- ing my family, and we used to play table games. Finally, I don’t like to say bye, but I have to because I need to back to my home to continue my life with my husband and my dog. More >>>

Page 21 Holidays and Celebrations

Sweet Fifteen New House Celebration Blanca Moreno, Colombia, Grammar & Writing III Cau Nguyen, Vietnam, Grammar & Writing III Sweet Fifteen is one of the most important traditions still alive Th ere are a lot of events that people celebrate. But in my coun- in Colombia. When a girl reaches her 15th birthday, her parents try, the celebration for building a new house is one of the most throw a party for her. Parents make all the party arrangements. important events in a person’s life. Th ere are many steps involved Parents with plenty of money to spend will rent a ballroom for the when a new house is to be built. First, the future home owner occasion. Th ey will also have a band playing music. A delicious goes to a fortune teller to get advice. Based on the home owner’s buff et will also be provided for the guests. Everyone shows up in birthday, the fortune teller will advise them of when to build the their best clothes. Th e party starts at about 7 or 8 PM and ends new house, what direction the house should face, and where the at about 2 or 3 in the morning. Th e fi rst dance will be with the kitchen should be located. As soon as this information is gath- girl and her father. After that, all the other guests join in on the ered, preparations begin for the ground breaking celebration. On dance fl oor. Th ey dance to all kinds of music like merengue, salsa, ground breaking day, the owner prepares off erings for the God of and cumbia. When the party is about to fi nish, the parents give the Soil to get permission to build the house. Th en a person, who their daughter a special gift. Th e Sweet Fifteen party is a nice and is considered to bring good luck, is chosen to make the fi rst dig beautiful family tradition. for the house’s foundation. Afterwards, everyone else confi dently joins in. Putting on the roof is also an important event. Permission Maria Chavarria, Mexico, Grammar & Writing III to put on the roof must be granted from the God of the Sky. My name is Maria Chavarria. I am from Mexico. I have lived in the United States for 13 years. I am married, and I have four chil- When the house is fi nally fi nished, it is time to invite the Buddhist dren. One of my favorite traditions in Mexico is the sweet fi fteen. priests. Th ey perform rituals to drive out bad luck and evil spirits. Th is is a party we have in Mexico to celebrate a young woman Afterwards, the house is ready for the new owners to move in and reaching her 15th birthday. I like this tradition because we can enjoy a bright future. celebrate it with all our family and friends. We have a big party Th is tradition has been around for a long time in my country and where everybody can dance and enjoy the food. it is unlikely to disappear. As long as there are houses to be built, the New House Celebration will continue to thrive. My Family Tradition Martin Silva, Mexico, Grammar & Writing III Bambuco, Music of Colombia One of the most important traditions in my family is passing the Amparo Jaramillo, Colombia, Grammar & Writing III engagement ring to the oldest daughter. Everything began in a In my country Colombia, in June of each year, we celebrate Th e small suburb of Mexico City about 50 years ago. My mom’s great Bambuco National Music and Dance Contest. Th is competition grandmother received a solitaire diamond ring from her fi ancé. for women is held in the city of Neiva in the state of Huila. All of Th is engagement ring has been passed down for three generations. the contestants come from diff erent states in Colombia. Women I love this tradition so much that I want to get it started with my participate in two main categories. Th e fi rst is in a parade travel- fi ancé. I just bought a ring similar to the one passed down in my ing through the main street of Neiva. Th e second is in a parade of family to give to my girlfriend on Valentines Day. I wish to con- boats traveling down the Magdalena River. Th e audience can par- tinue this beautiful tradition with my new family here in America. ticipate in all parade activities. Every contestant dances the Bam- buco song in front of the judges and the best dancer is crowned as Mario Lara, Mexico, Grammar & Writing III the Bambuco National Queen. Once a year, my family plans a trip to a park or lake. We have a good time with all of our relatives. Th e purpose of the trip is to re- unite with those family members we rarely see during the year. We always have a barbecue. We eat a lot of food and listen to music. Beata Bober, Poland, Grammar & Writing III Poles have a fi erce love for all things Polish. We love our country even if we don’t always like the government. It is true that Poland is not as rich as the USA, and lots of things in Poland are more ex- pensive than they are here. Many people have a hard time earning enough money to support their families. But we are a good nation, very friendly, helpful and family oriented. Polish cooks have a saying: “Gosc w domu, Bog w domu,” which means a guest in the home means God in the home. You will be fed very well if you are invited to a Polish house. Poland is a strong Catholic country and it has many religious holidays. Th e most important is Christmas. On this special day, family members share a delicious dinner and exchange wishes for good luck. After the meal everybody sings carols and attends services at their local church.

Page 22 Holidays and Celebrations

My Wedding the central plaza to watch the typical dances like the marinera, the Mary Taylor, Peru, Grammar & Writing III huayno, etc. I love these festivities; this is why I enjoy Indepen- dence Day a lot this. Years ago, my husband and I decided to have our wedding cere- mony in Lima, Peru. I still remember all of the details. My friends Rosca de Reyes and I spent eight months preparing for the big event. Carlota Chacon, Mexico, Reading & Vocabulary III First, we chose the date. It was to be on December 30th. Then we One of the holidays in Mexico is Rosca de Reyes, which is cel- flew to Peru to have a meeting with my family in which we told ebrated on January 6. This day is about Rosca (a round piece of them of our plans. We had a great trip. In the following months, bread). We put small plastic babies inside the dough and bake the we had many decisions to make. I had to select a dress, choose a bread. Then, we have a dinner party at someone’s house and we color for the cake, find a photographer, hire a band, find a place cut the bread in pieces. Everyone takes a piece of the Rosca and if for the reception, and choose a caterer. The most important you have a baby in your portion, you have to throw a party at your consideration was to have my father present at the wedding along house and invite everyone. You normally put about three babies in with all the other members of my Peruvian family. To be blessed each Rosca. We have a bakery in Humble called Mr. Pan Bakery with their presence meant a lot to me. and for the last two years we have made Rosca de Reyes there. The night of our reception was filled with family traditions. One such tradition is to have a silver ring hidden in the wedding cake. Chinese New Year It is up to one very lucky single lady to find the ring. During the Steven Nelson, China, Grammar & Writing III reception, guests danced to waltzes and Caribbean music. Later in In China, the New Year is the time of family reunion. We have the evening, I threw the bouquet. My young neighbor was the one many different ways to celebrate. Some people like to go out for who caught it. shopping and others may visit their families and friends. The New One hour before the end of the reception, we gave all of our guests Year is the time to wish for happiness, to forgive each other, and a silver souvenir engraved with our names. Everybody had a good to cheer together. Before the holiday, I buy food, flowers, and time. It was an evening to remember. several gifts for my wife and my friends. My wife and I cook pork with eggs and bamboo, rice cakes, and grill shrimp and chicken. Favorite Holiday We also decorate the house with “Hoa Mai,” a yellow blossom Emma Cabanillas, Peru, Reading & Vocabulary III that represents spring. The New Year is also a time to visit with One of my favorite holidays in my country is Independence Day. relatives and friends. When the holiday comes, we have a big party In Peru, we celebrate Independence Day on the 28th of July. There at home. We eat together and give lucky money in red envelopes is a variety of activities to commemorate that special day. One of to the children. Finally, the New Year is the time to enjoy being the biggest activities is the Scholar Parade. The parade has march- with friends and family. We always work hard throughout the year ing bands that start in the morning and continue through the day and seldom have time to relax and go on vacations. The New Year, and ends with the Military Parade which has the equipment of the however, is the time we take a break in order to have a wonderful military forces. Another fun activity is when the people gather in celebration. •••

My Best Vacation

(Continued from page 17) countries, most of them Europeans. is surrounded by walls that end by the sea. The people are sup- We began the trip in England. We posed to speak Spanish, but they speak Vasco. The hours passed visited many cities and met many people. After half a month of and we were still in the same place. The sun was very hot. We were traveling, we arrived at San Sebastian, which is a Vasco Country thirsty and hungry. At 3:00 p.m. my father arrived in a taxi. We at the border, between Spain and France. Every time we arrived at were so happy that he had found us. My father told us that the a city, we spent one or two days. When we arrived at this city, we bus continued on to Paris and that we would join them there. We visited the important places. Later, my siblings went to a disco- took the train still wearing the same clothes. Imagine the faces theque. We returned about 5:00 a.m. We felt very hot so one sister of the people as we sat on the train. We arrived in Paris at night and I decided to go take a shower. When we returned to where the and went directly to the hotel where everyone was supposed to bus was, the bus had gone without us. No one had noticed that be, but they were not. It was difficult to locate a hotel because we were not on the bus. They were all sleeping. The funny thing it was a busy time of year. Finally, we found a hotel and went to was that I was in my bathing suit, and my sister was wearing her eat. I still had on my bathing suit and my sister her pajamas. The pajamas! The first thing I thought was that when they arrived at next morning we bought some clothes. The next problem was to the border, they would notice we were not there. It took about try and find our family. We went to visit some places in the city, four hours to get to the border, so we sat down until 9:00 A.M. always trying to see if we could see the bus. After we visited some My little sister was very frightened, we were hungry, and we didn’t places, we walked by the Sena River. Like a miracle, my family was have any money or documents. I thought we could go to the on the other side of the river. We ran to them. No one believed police. that we would find them in Paris because it is a large city. My San Sebastian is an elegant port, modern and harmonious, with sister and I will always remember the day we were lost. Thanks to many stores where you can shop for old and new items. The city God, it ended very well. •••

Page 23 ESL Schedule—Summer 2007

All Classes are 6 Weeks (Start Date: June 4—End Date: July 10)

Courses Course Number Days Time Start End Day Classes—Summer’’07

Reading & Vocabulary Development I ENGL. 0311 MTWTh 8:00-10:00 a.m. June 4 July 10 Reading & Vocabulary Development II ENGL. 0312 MTWTh 8:00-10:00 a.m. June 4 July 10 Reading & Vocabulary Development III ENGL. 0313 MTWTh 8:00-10:00 a.m. June 4 July 10 Reading & Vocabulary Development IV ENGL. 0314 MTWTh 8:00-10:00 a.m. June 4 July 10 Reading & Vocabulary Development V ENGL. 0315 MTWTh 11:00-1:00 p.m. June 4 July 10 Reading & Vocabulary Development VI ENGL. 0316 MTWTh 11:00-1:00 p.m. June 4 July 10 Grammar & Writing I ENGL. 0321 MTWTh 10:10-1:10 p.m. June 4 July 10 Grammar & Writing II ENGL. 0322 MTWTh 10:10-1:10 p.m. June 4 July 10 Grammar & Writing III ENGL. 0323 MTWTh 10:10-1:10 p.m. June 4 July 10 Grammar & Writing IV ENGL. 0324 MTWTh 10:10-1:10 p.m. June 4 July 10 Grammar & Writing V ENGL. 0325 MTWTh 1:30-4:30 p.m. June 4 July 10 Pre-Comp & Rhetoric (Grammar & Writing VI) ENGL. 0326 MTWTh 1:30-4:30 p.m. June 4 July 10 Listening & Speaking I ENGL. 0331 MTWTh 1:30-4:30 p.m. June 4 July 10 Listening & Speaking II ENGL. 0332 MTWTh 1:30-4:30 p.m. June 4 July 10

Evening Classes—Summer’’07

ESL Reading/Vocab Dev I ENGL. 0311 MTWTh 6:30-8:30 p.m. June 4 July 10 ESL Reading/Vocab Dev II ENGL. 0312 MTWTh 6:30-8:30 p.m. June 4 July 10 ESL Reading/Vocab Dev III ENGL. 0313 MTWTh 6:30-8:30 p.m. June 4 July 10 ESL Reading/Vocab Dev IV ENGL. 0314 MTWTh 6:30-8:30 p.m. June 4 July 10 Listening & Speaking I ENGL. 0331 MTWTh 6:30-9:30 p.m. June 4 July 10 Listening & Speaking II ENGL. 0332 MTWTh 6:30-9:30 p.m. June 4 July 10 Listening & Speaking III ENGL. 0333 MTWTh 6:30-9:30 p.m. June 4 July 10 Listening & Speaking IV ENGL. 0334 MTWTh 6:30-9:30 p.m. June 4 July 10 Grammar & Writing III ENGL. 0323 MTWTh 6:30-9:30 p.m. June 4 July 10 Grammar & Writing IV ENGL. 0324 MTWTh 6:30-9:30 p.m. June 4 July 10

Copyright 2007: Kingwood College is the copyright holder of the materials in the Diversity. Page 24 Any use of the materials in this newsletter is only allowed with permission from Kingwood College.