Spring 2021 THETHE PARROTPARROTYour ARC newsletter by and for ESL, multicultural, international ISSUE # 152 students, Californians, and, well, anybody really... Sayed Sadat: A Student Helping Students The Parrot: Could you tell me your tional journey; now we are studying at background and how did you come to this great college. ARC? The Parrot: What is your Sadat: My name is future career, and how are American River College Sayed Nafe Sadat. you planning to achieve it? 4700 College Oak Drive I immigrated from Sadat: The field which I Sacramento, CA 95841 (916) 484-8001 Afghanistan to the chose is communication, United States around and I would like to pursue three years ago. My my higher education at the wife and I decided Ph.D. level. Then I would like to enroll at a college. to be a university professor International Then, we found out or a college professor teach- that a college is near ing communication. Language Day us, which was Ameri- The Parrot: I changed my p. 12 can River College. tie multiple times before From there, we started our educa- Continued on page 24 “Love is like the wind, you can’t see Captures the Moment, in Verse it but you can feel By Alexandra Alter it.” Published Jan. 19, 2021 - Updated Jan. 21, 2021 The youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history read “ We Climb,” which Nicholas Sparks she finished after the riot at the Capitol. “I’m not going to in any way gloss over INSIDE what we’ve seen,” she says. ISSUE Two weeks ago, the poet Amanda monumental task she faced: com- THIS Gorman was posing a poem A Nice & Cruel Day.....2 struggling to about national finish a new unity to recite at The Curiosity...... 4 work titled “The President-elect Hill We Climb.” Joseph R. Biden The Path Blessed...... 6 She was feeling Jr.’s inauguration. American Dream...... 8 exhausted, and “I had this huge she worried she thing, prob- Mysteries & Logic...... 19 wasn’t up to the ably one of the Continued on page 10 THE PARROT 2 Student Chirpings A Nice and Cruel Day in My Life It was a beautiful morning and the sun was having fun. We started driving on that nice and shining everywhere. We started a nice and calm day, tiny road. In that situation, the road and mountain but at the end everything turned opposite. That didn’t look beautiful and nice to us. We were really beautiful day changed to be a terrible day for us and afraid. In the middle of our way, we were faced with we were really afraid at the end. We were stopped two armed men. Their faces were covered. I still by two armed men and I got a death threat. I still remember them; one of them was tall with black remember and I won’t forget that day in my life. local clothes and the other armed man was shorter It was on Friday. Fridays are the weekends in with dirty white local clothes. They stopped our car my native country Afghanistan and the people have and told me to get out of the car. My wife and kids one day off a week. We decided to have a picnic on were crying. One of the gunmen told me, “I will kill this beautiful day. We you now,“ and asked got prepared as soon me why I was working as we could. On our for the US army. way, we stopped and He was right. Many bought something people were killed by that we needed for insurgent groups in our breakfast and my country because lunch. We drove on of their support for a small and tiny road the international between the nice and U.S. forces. In my and big mountains good luck, another for 40 minutes. car was coming to We got there and our side, and it was a reserved a place police car. The armed close by the small men declared, “If river. you love your family After getting and yourself you there, we made must leave your job breakfast and or you will be killed enjoyed ourselves next time.” My kids a lot. On that day, were shocked and my aunt and my uncle’s family joined us too. We they weren’t old enough to talk. My oldest son was played cards, music, and then we swam. Everything just about five years old. I was really scared and my was going as we expected. We had barbecue and hands and feet were shaking for the rest of that day. we made kabob. After lunch, we felt that we were I will never forget that beautiful and nice day being observed by unknown people and my cousin with a cruel and unbelievable ending. I was lucky told me they were following us. It is still usual and and I need to say thanks to God because he gave me common in my country. Anywhere people can be a new life. I will pray for those people who live there killed for known or unknown reasons. My wife asked in Afghanistan in really bad and unsecure situations. if we could leave the area. Ahmad Fahim Haidari We collected our stuff and left the area. It ESL W50 was afternoon and the other people were still there, Narrative Essay THE PARROT 3 Dreams and Goals in the USA The United States of America is a dream checked our documents over and over. Finally, the country for many people. Some of them think that plane landed in New York. Our youngest son, Tim, met only in the USA they can become famous or highly us because he came to America seven months before. educated. Others dream about freedom, big business And our daughter was waiting for us in Sacramento. or new opportunities for their lives. Most people We had not been together in over three years. It was a expect to change not only a country, but their dreams very joyful time for me and my wife, Valentina. and life goals, too. However, my dreams and goals Now we live in , in the USA. My didn’t change a lot when I came to America, but now dreams and goals are still the same, and I even have I have new opportunities to pursue them. Let me one more. First, my family and I can worship Jehovah explain. God without the persecution of Russian government. My family and I are from Russia. When I lived I can without any fear read the Bible, and speak there, I had several dreams and goals. For example, with people about God’s promises when I preach one of them was to move from our northern and quite from house to house. I can smile when I see a police cold city of Yaroslavl officer or a police to a sunny and car. Second, our two warm part of Russia. children are here, and The next dream we can support each was and still is to other. Moreover, we have confidence in are expecting that the future for my our oldest son will children. But the someday be together most important with us, too. We hope dream for me is their future is truly freedom, however, confident especially not just freedom in with the worship of general. My family Jehovah God. Next, and I have been we live in sunny city Jehovah’s Witnesses of Sacramento, and for over twenty that is important years. All this time, for my wife’s health. the question of religious freedom in Russia was and What about my new dream? I am studying English at still is open. At a certain point, it became worse, so American River College, and I expect the time when over four hundred of my spiritual brothers and sisters I will speak this language fluently. Every day I try to were persecuted by the Russian government. We use my new speaking skills, and I see that people decided to change our life and immigrate to the USA. understand me and I understand them more and We moved on March 20, 2018. more. Honestly, before I came to America, I never The day we immigrated to America was very dreamed of speaking English. Now it is my reality. interesting, difficult and joyful. We understood that it Indeed, the USA is a country where dreams would change our life completely. Actually, it was my can come true. Of course, everyone will face new second time to leave Russia forever. The first time was problems, too. In my opinion, our decision for in 1991. Iwas twenty years old and wanted adventures immigration was right. As you can see, my family in Germany but nothing seriously. However, this time and I continue to pursue our old goals and use was very serious. The plane took off from Moscow. opportunities to make our new dreams true. The flight was really crazy. I couldn’t sleep because thoughts and feelings overwhelmed me. Over a Evgenii Maslov hundred children were among the passengers. I ESL 47 Descriptive Essay THE PARROT 4 The Curiosity Could curiosity that arose from any accidental event that related to the dying man was a reason for event make a person be bold or even brave, and Bunch to begin her own investigation to know who would it turn the person’s life into a full breathtaking he was, which made her feel courage and experience adventure? I believe that an event that suddenly a rush of adrenalin, and also this event gives her happened in life is able to turn a predictable life adventure, which turns her life into something truly into something interesting like it happened with interesting and exciting. the main character, Mrs. Harmon or just Bunch, of This extraordinary event calmly came into Mrs. the story “Sanctuary’’ by Agatha Christie. To follow Harmon’s life and made her feel courage and the story, she is a vicar’s wife and has been living in experience a rush of adrenaline from this dangerous a town, Paddington, and working at church. One adventure. At the beginning Agatha Christie shows day, Bunch finds a dying man in the church. He was that Bunch is an ordinary woman, who lives in a small injured and soon he died. Before he died, he only said quiet town. She was a vicar’s wife, and her duties were “sanctuary” and some words to work in the church. Bunch didn’t understand. There is no turmoil or Then, Mr. and Mrs. Eccles rush in this calm flow of introduced themselves as the her life, but one event man’s siblings. This meeting unexpectedly entered made Bunch think that this it and excited her. One story is not so simple, and fine morning, Bunch she starts to do her own accidentally met a investigation. So she goes to dying badly wounded her godmother, Miss Marple, man in the church. She and tells her the whole story with Dr. Griffith tried to full of oddities, and also help him, but he died. she shows her a cloakroom Later she found the ticket that she found in cloakroom ticket in his the dying man’s coat. Miss coat which, for some Marple and Bunch create a reason, was sewn up plan and get the dying man’s in its pocket. When she suitcase from the cloakroom met with his relatives, which was delivered to Miss the Eccleses, Bunch Marple’s house, and Bunch doubted this situation brought another suitcase from the cloakroom that was simple. This situation created a lot of questions, looked like the original one and went back home. so she decided to solve the mystery. As a result of her However, she was attacked at the platform. After curiosity, her life turned upside down, and the vicar’s Bunch was in safety, she got information from the wife became a detective. In this extreme situation, police officer that the dying man’s name was Walter she showed herself as an intelligent and bold woman. St. John, and he escaped from Charrington Prison. The situation on the train platform represented Also he arrived in town to see his daughter, Jewel. As her bravery because it was clear that she might be it turned out, Jewel had lived in Paddington with Mr. pursued by criminals that killed the man and could kill and Mrs. Mundy who were very ill and were going to her, too. However, her curiosity helps her overcome go to the infirmary. It was the main reason why Walter fear, and she just follows the trail. went here. He worried about her future because Jewel The second effect from this unusual situation would be alone. He wanted to transfer Jewel her was an adventure, which turns her life into something mother’s jewels which were in the suitcase. The whole truly interesting and exciting. Calm and comfort story is imbued with secrets and arouses interest. The surrounded her. The usual and monotonous life could THE PARROT 5 be boring for her. I think she secretly dreamed of into something extraordinary. having an adventure life, and it had made her follow Agatha Christie showed us Mrs. Harmon was her investigation. The passion to know transforms one of many ordinary women, but throughout the Mrs. Harmon’s life into something interesting and not whole story she suddenly proved herself brave, smart, boring. As a result, Bunch plunges into this story by kind, and attentive to the details. She has overcome living and breathing a detective life where she can fear in a dangerous extraordinary situation that use her intelligence and creativity. She gladly took in was the case of a dying man with the mysteries and any information and analyzed it. If she did not check secrets of his past and the reason he was here. It made the watch of the dying man and see the name Walter her feel courage and experience a rush of adrenalin written inside it, she would not know that the Eccleses and also this event gave her adventure, which turned were lying that they were not his real relatives. Also her life into something truly interesting and exciting. to follow her curiosity, she checks the pockets of the dying man’s coat; she finds the cloakroom ticket, a clue for Walter’s case, and creates a plan with Miss Marple like detectives. Thirst of breathing adventures pushes her not to give up. Mrs. Harmon really enjoys Tatiana Shuvalova time when she does her own investigation; as a result, ESL 315 her ordinary and predictable life of a vicar’s wife turns Cause & Effect Essay

Favorite Place for My Family and Me My family and I have lived in Sacramento for sunset opens from the height of this park. We often two years. During this time we have visited many large come here by sunset to enjoy the beauty of the setting and small parks, and in our opinion the best park is Jan sun. We enjoy Jan Park a lot. Park. This park is very nice, quiet and very comfortable. Second, Jan Park is very quiet. This park is First, Jan Park is very beautiful. I remember located in the old part of our city, and mostly old when we the first time people live there. accidently attended When we come to this this park, and we were park, we can meet surprised how amazing lonely lovely couples this park is. There are who walk slowly and many beautiful old smile sweetly at us. trees. Near each tree are This park is small information plates that and only locals know tell about the name and about its existence. age of the tree. The first Therefore, in this park tree was planted there at it is almost impossible the beginning of the last to meet noisy groups century. Also, there is the of people. Only in this huge always green lawn, park we have a great which is located in the opportunity to immerse center of park. On hot summer days in the evening, ourselves in an atmosphere of peace and quiet. We my family and I often come Jan park just to lie on the love to enjoy the silence in this park. green grass and look into the beautiful California. The wonderful feature of this park is that it is located on Kostiantyn Dososhenko a hill, and from it we can see beautiful views of the ESL W40 surrounding area. To illustrate, a beautiful California Opinion Essay THE PARROT 6 The Path Blessed by God Marriage is an important event in a person’s note. After many prayers, the newlyweds announce life. It affects the lives of not only those who are their engagement in a church. married, but the entire society in which they live. Second, newlyweds start preparations for a Therefore, much attention is paid to marriage wedding ceremony. This is a common prewedding in various social institutions, including religious routine, but these details create the overall festive organizations. In the cultural and religious diversity atmosphere. Newlyweds choose a preacher for the of the world’s population, we meet with different wedding. He should be a good speaker, be inspiring marital traditions. They and preach not for can differ in order, long. Also, they duration, solemnity, and hire a band. Their much more. However, music and songs their goals are the same: attune participants to give the marriage to the ceremony union legitimacy and dispose the and share the joy of guests to listen the creating a new family. word of God. A few In Christianity, there is weeks before the a special rite of creating wedding, the pastor a family wedding in announces in church a church. A church the date and time wedding is an important of the upcoming ceremony for newlyweds celebration. Anyone in the Seventh-day can attend the Adventist Church. wedding because it First, newlyweds is a big celebration have premarital for the whole church. counseling with a The dress rehearsal pastor. The purpose of is organized a such meetings helps few days before newlyweds reevaluate the wedding. The their relationship and latest suggestions protect them from and adjustments serious mistakes. They are made. Now meet with the pastor about seven times. Usually, everything is ready and frozen in anticipation of the at the first meeting, a pastor tells them about most important event in the life of the newlyweds. the goals of marriage in the Bible. At their next Finally, the happiest day comes. meetings, they talk about human psychology and Today, the newlyweds will become spouses. The physiology. Certainly, they discuss finances and temple is full of guests. Women wear elegant responsibilities in marriage. These meetings are dresses and hold flowers. Men dress in formal suits. important for newlyweds because they help them All present are with joyful faces. The parents of the better understand themselve sand their future newlyweds sit in front of the stage. They have tears marriage partner. Sometimes, after such meetings, of joy in their eyes and anxiety frozen on their faces. the newlyweds decide to end their relationship. What will be ahead for their beloved children? Will However, most consultations end on a positive they be happy in marriage? On the stage, next THE PARROT 7 to the pastor, the groom waits and worries. The face toward you and give you peace,” the pastor music sounds solemn, and the bride enters the says the words from the book of Numbers at the temple arm in arm with her father. “Wow, look, end of the prayer. After a loud “Amen”, the pastor is her wedding dress is nice”, the words of the young slightly agitated and in a solemn voice loudly says, ladies fly through the temple. “Oh my God, she is “By the authority given to me by God and by the beautiful”, the groom thinks. “O-O-O, my daughter church, I declare you husband and wife. What God is too young”, whispers the bride’s mother. “Love has united, let no man separate.” Again one family her as I love her”, says the bride’s father and puts is formed. Two more people decided to start life his daughter’s hand in the groom’s hand. The band together. See how happy they are. Around sound performs, and the pastor begins his sermon. “Do beautiful words of congratulations and wishes. The not forget your Creator all the days of your life, new family has a long way ahead to find the path to and your marriage will be blessed.” It is the main serve each other and develop their love. thought of all wedding sermons. The newlyweds You may visit Seventh-day Adventist believe the pastor, and in the presence of the churches around the world, but you do not meet church, make a promise of loyalty to each other. two wedding ceremonies that are the same. Each “My dear beloved, I set apartmyselffor you and wedding is a separate and personal story. However, promise to love you in joy and sorrow, wealth and one important detail unites them. On different poverty ... until death do us part”. Much tenderness continents, in different cultures, different in their and strength are in these simple words. The hall education and social status, newlyweds in the rises for a prayer of blessing. The most crucial Seventh-day Adventist Church begin their family moment comes. The pastor and the newlyweds journey with blessings from God. kneel. The newlyweds put their hands on the Bible, and the pastor raises his hands above their heads. “Look and listen carefully,” the mother says for her little daughter. “Dear Lord, please bless this new family and give them love and fidelity, health and Aleksandr Khanchevskii happiness, long years of life, ”the pastor prays.“ ESL 47 The Lord bless you and keep you...the Lord turn his Process Essay My Personality My name is Arpine. I am right-handed. I I think all subjects are possible in human life. It is a sometimes draw with general development. my left hand. I mostly I don’t have a problem use my right hand. with my hands All my friends and because I can use both my parents are right- my hands equally. handed. I am a feeling and artistic person. I am very punctual. I like punctuality, kindness, hospitality, and devotion. For me, Arpine Petrosyan that most important ESL 47 thing is human honesty. Descriptive Writing THE PARROT 8

My American Dream How does America help people make their never seen the ocean in our country. Sometimes, dreams come true? What do you do to make your when I told my close friends about my dreams, they dreams reality? America is a dream country. When did not believe me either, but at that time, I prayed I arrived in America, I started dreaming more and to Allah and asked sincerely. When your dreams understood that if I work hard, then all my dreams come true over the years, you will be in a state of in- will come true here for sure. describable excitement. I also felt very happy when When I lived in my country, since my child- one of the biggest dreams of my life came true and I hood I dreamed to study, work, live, and see the thanked Allah many times. big blue ocean in America. On October 2018, my family In addition, I wanted to and I were thrilled to talk to become a pilot of the the American Embassy of- Dreamliner. I tried hard to ficer in Uzbekistan. It was the realize my dreams. How- first step we took to make our ever, my parents did not dreams come true. We submit- understand or support me ted our documents and passed in realizing my dreams. I medical examinations as well. chose the profession that A few days later, we were given my parents wanted which our visa to come to America. was an economist. Later on, I was so happy, and I felt like I when I was 20, I got mar- was flying in the sky. Then, af- ried and forgot for a while ter we got our tickets to Ameri- about my American dream, ca, we packed our luggage and due to housework, family headed to the airport. Saying concerns, and kids’ birth, goodbye to my parents was but after reading about the the hardest part. On the one Green Card on the internet, hand, I cried because I was sad, I was thinking about my and on the other hand, I was dream again and imagined happy because I was on my myself many times walk- way to my dream. ing on a beach of the blue My family and I flew for 3 days ocean. After talking with long, and after a long journey, my spouse, we started to register for the Green we arrived at San Francisco Airport. Our relative met Card application, and we did not lose our hope and took us to his home in Sacramento. I couldn’t for 9 years. Honestly, the last time when we tried, sleep that day because I really wanted to see what my husband registered on the site not believing America was like. In the morning, after breakfast, we that we could win, but in our last attempt, we were walked around the city, but there were no big build- lucky, and I achieved one of my big dreams. ings like the ones I saw on TV. Still, what amazed me When we lived in Uzbekistan, our life was was that the place was clean, and people smiled at simple for me and my family, since we always had each other and seemed open. After that, we went good goals and results in our life and profession, to the ocean, and another of my dreams came true but our life seemed to be becoming less and less in- when I saw the ocean for the first time. My heart teresting. In those days, I dreamed of traveling a lot, was pounding when I heard the sound of the waves and I wanted my children to study in a good place. of the ocean. It was such a big endless, blue beauty. I really wanted to see the blue ocean because I had At that time, I thanked Allah again with tears in my THE PARROT 9 eyes because I had another dream come true in my now, is to have a baby girl with curly hair and big life. eyes. I also wish to graduate from college and find A few days later, we rented our own apart- my dream job. ment. At that time, we had nothing in our house. I realized that if I work hard in America, we In the early days, my family and I slept on the floor could achieve in a few weeks what takes years to with no bed, and ate in the kitchen standing up be- do in our native country. I always think a lot about cause we did not have any table, chairs, or enough my dreams so that my dreams come true, as I ask money to buy any. However, we walked towards our and pray to Allah when I face difficulties and it helps dream patiently. I looked for a job for a while and me a lot. If a person sincerely dreams and wants his got one. My husband also found a job in a few days dreams to come true, he should always wait pa- and we worked together to equip our home as we tiently without giving up quickly to the difficulties wished. Gradually collecting money, we bought a in the path of his dream. car, and we really enjoy living in America. My life has been filled with more fun and new dreams since I came to America. One of them is to get my children a good education, to have a big house with a beau- Shoira Atabaeva tiful garden, and to have flowers in the garden that ESL 47 I would like to grow. One of my biggest dreams, for Descriptive Essay

Letter of Thanks The Parrot

To The Parrot Editor: To The Parrot Reader:

Thank you so much for publishing my We are glad to hear that from you. Proudly, writing in The Parrot. I felt proud when I saw the we are so excited to receive more and more essays piece of my writing and my name in The Parrot. I from you and ESL students. Who knows, you might wasn’t familiar with The Parrot five months ago, be one of our Parroteers in the future. but after, Professor Joye introduced The Parrot for us in the class, and I read some pages then I was The Parrot interested in The Parrot. I usually read the writings of ESL students in case to find their mistakes and improving my English. I would like to see more of my writing in The Parrot in the future. Sincerely, Wahidullah Sarem THE PARROT 10

Continued from page 1 together and can still heal,” she said. “It’s doing that in a way that is not erasing or neglecting the harsh most important things I’ll ever do in my career,” she truths I think America needs to reconcile with.” said in an interview. “It was like, if I try to climb this mountain all at once, I’m just going to pass out.” On Wednesday, as she recited “The Hill We Climb,” in front of the Capitol in the bright sunlight, her voice Gorman managed to write a few lines a day and animated and full of emotion, Gorman described was about halfway through the poem on Jan. 6, her background as a “skinny Black girl, descended when pro-Trump rioters stormed into the halls of from slaves and raised by a single mother,” who Congress, some bearing weapons and Confeder- can dream of being president one day, “only to find ate flags. She stayed awake late into the night and herself reciting for one.” She spoke about the weight finished the poem, adding verses about the apoca- of loss that the country has endured, in verses that lyptic scene that unfolded at the Capitol that day: reflected the fragile state of the country. “We’ve seen a force that “When day comes, we ask would shatter our nation ourselves: rather than share it, Where can we find light Would destroy our country if it meant delaying democ- In this never-ending shade? racy. The loss we carry, a sea we And this effort very nearly must wade.” succeeded. Reading lines that echoed But while democracy can be the theme of the inaugura- periodically delayed, tion, “America United,” she spoke of the possibility of It can never be permanently unity and reconciliation. defeated.” “And yet the dawn is ours At 22, Gorman is the young- before we knew it. est inaugural poet ever in the United States. She joins Somehow, we do it. a small group of poets who Somehow, we’ve weathered have been recruited to help and witnessed mark a presidential inaugu- ration, among them Robert Frost, , A nation that isn’t broken, but simply unfinished.” Miller Williams, Elizabeth Alexander and Richard Gorman fell in love with poetry at a young age Blanco. and distinguished herself quickly as a rising talent. Raised in Los Angeles, where her mother teaches But none of her predecessors faced the challenge that Gorman did. She set out to write a poem that middle school, she would write in journals at the would inspire hope and foster a sense of collective playground. At 16, she was named the Youth Poet purpose, at a moment when Americans are reel- Laureate of Los Angeles. A few years later, when she ing from a deadly pandemic, political violence and was studying sociology at Harvard, she became the partisan division. National Youth Poet Laureate, the first person to hold the position. In a year that’s beginning with a “In my poem, I’m not going to in any way gloss over major milestone, with her appearance at the inau- what we’ve seen over the past few weeks and, dare guration, Gorman is set to reach a much larger audi- I say, the past few years. But what I really aspire to ence with her work. In September, Viking Books for do in the poem is to be able to use my words to Young Readers will release her debut poetry collec- envision a way in which our country can still come tion, also titled “The Hill We Climb,” which is aimed THE PARROT 11 at teenage and adult readers and will include the stone of the poem,” she said. “There is space for grief inaugural poem. Her debut picture book, “Change and horror and hope and unity, and I also hope that Sings,” with illustrations by Loren Long, comes out there is a breath for joy in the poem, because I do on the same day. After the inauguration, Penguin think we have a lot to celebrate at this inaugura- Young Readers said it would also publish a spe- tion.” cial hardcover edition of the poem on its own this Gorman began the process, as she always does, with spring, with a first printing of 150,000. research. She took inspiration from the speeches of Still, while she has been in the spotlight before, Gor- American leaders who tried to bring citizens togeth- man had never performed her work for a televised er during times of intense division, including Abra- audience that likely numbered in the tens of mil- ham Lincoln and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. lions, as a prominent part of a lineup that included She also spoke to two of the previous inauguration Lady Gaga and Jennifer Lopez. poets, Blanco and Alexander. “No pressure,” Gorman said When she asked Alexander with a laugh. for advice, “she just basi- Early reviews of Gorman’s cally told me, ‘The poem is performance were glowing. already written, it’s already On , former Presi- done. Now, it’s just up to dent lauded you to bring it to life as best her for writing “a poem that as you can,’” Gorman said. more than met the mo- To prepare for the event on ment.” Accolades poured in Wednesday, she practiced on social media from the reading the poem over and poet Jericho Brown as well over, to the point where as and Lin- she felt confident that she Manuel Miranda, whose musical “Hamilton” Gorman would not stumble over the words. “For me, that has said she listened to for inspiration. takes a lot of energy and work,” she said. “The writ- Biden’s inaugural committee contacted Gorman late ing process is its own excruciating form, but as last month. During a video call, she learned that Jill someone with a speech impediment, speaking in Biden had seen a reading she gave at the Library of front of millions of people presents its own type of Congress and suggested Gorman read something terror.” at the inauguration. She wasn’t given any explicit Gorman took comfort in something that Blanco told guidelines about what to write, she said. her when they spoke, when he said that “it’s just not “They did not want to put up guardrails for me at one of us up there, it’s a representation of American all,” she said. “The theme for the inauguration in its poetry.” entirety is ‘America United,’ so when I heard that was “Now more than ever, the United States needs an their vision, that made it very easy for me to say, inaugural poem,” Gorman said. “Poetry is typically great, that’s also what I wanted to write about in my the touchstone that we go back to when we have poem, about America united, about a new chapter to remind ourselves of the history that we stand on, in our country.” and the future that we stand for.” At the same time, Gorman felt the poem needed to acknowledge the dark chapter in American history we are living through. “We have to confront these realities if we’re going https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/19/books/amanda-gor- man-inauguration-hill-we-climb.html to move forward, so that’s also an important touch- THE PARROT 12 Stop “Um-ing” (and Using Other Fillers) Ummmm… Why do we use fillers? Like…. More often than not, we use filler words and phrases Well…. such as “um” and “like” because we’re thinking or What are filler words, sounds and phrases, and why we’re uncertain of what to say next. do we use them? Perhaps you are searching for the right word, or In short: fillers are empty words that pad your trying to formulate your next sentence. sentences without adding any additional meaning. Here are some of the most common reasons we use They can distract your audience from your message, fillers: and leave you looking uncertain of what you are • We are searching for the right word. The filler saying. word is the sound of your decision-making Public speaking experts strongly recommend process. Using a filler sound allows the speaker eliminating these words and phrases completely, to indicate to the audience that there is a delay in keeping your talk clear and succinct — without the flow of speech. distractions. • We are speaking about a difficult or abstract What are the filler words, sounds and phrases, and topic. During lectures, humanities professors use why do we use them? filler sounds 4.76 times per hundred words, which Filler Sounds, Filler Words, and Filler Phrases is substantially more than professors of natural This article uses the collective term “filler words”, but sciences who use them 1.47 times per hundred this is really a convenient shorthand for three speech words. It is believed that this is because it is fillers: filler sounds, filler phrases, and filler words. harder to express abstract ideas. If you’re THE PARROT 13 speaking about complex, abstract topics, your filler 2. Pause, think, speak words will probably increase. The number one way to get rid of the filler words is • We are lacking confidence in what we’re about to take a couple of seconds to think about what you to say. Often speakers will use more filler before want to say. These short pauses of complete silence responding to a question, especially when can serve two purposes: they will help you begin they’re not 100% sure about their answer. powerfully, and it will help you avoid using a filler People have a tendency to use fewer fillers if word. they are confident that their answer is right. When you are transitioning from one idea to • As placeholders to let the audience know we’re another, take another pause. Think about what your going to continue speaking. While this is more want to say, then say it. Don’t make these pauses common in conversations, often people will use very “heavy” (save longer pauses for more impact) fillers to make sure they are not interrupted. It but a two-second pause will help you reduce is a social cue that you are going to continue fillers. Don’t begin speaking until you are ready. talking. Remember: Pause, think, speak. Your specific reasons could be different from While we wouldn’t suggest practicing your speech someone else’s, but here are a few general tips that over and over until you sound robotic, if you are can help you minimize your use of fillers. struggling with distracting filler words, practicing your speech will help reduce the fillers. 3 Ways to Stop Using Filler Words The better you know your presentation, the more 1. Notice them: listen to yourself clear the words will be in your mind, and you won’t Listen to yourself talk, and try to figure out which need to use the fillers in place of searching for them. filler words you are overusing. This will result in you using them less. Here are three ways to raise your awareness when it 3. Use short sentences, s-l-o-w-l-y comes to filler words: “There isn’t any thought or idea that can’t be • Download the Ummo App. Most people use filler expressed in a fairly simple declarative sentence, or words like “um” and “ah” when they are speaking, in a series of fairly simple declarative sentences.” but when on stage they can be very distracting -E.B. White to your audience. Download the Ummo app to Use simple and short sentences. The longer and get a handle on your “ums” and “ahs”. The app more complex the sentence, the more likely you are records your speech, then generates a transcript to use fillers. Use more simple, clear sentences. highlighting where you used filler words, so you This will help you get your point across clearly, can work on omitting them from your future without leaning heavily on fillers. talks. Lastly, don’t be afraid to slow down. When you talk • Listen to an audio or video recording of yourself, quickly, your brain goes into overdrive trying to keep a list of the common filler words, sounds supply your mouth with the next set of words, and it and phrases, and then mark each time you use becomes very easy to let fillers through. one. Figuring out which fillers you use the most If you slow down, you’ll be able to catch and cut is the first step in working towards eliminating the fillers, with the added benefit of being more them. understandable. • Have a friend, colleague or mentor listen, and Remember that even though you are on stage, the watch out for each time you use fillers. They occasional “um” or “well” isn’t going to drive your can let you know in real time by raising their audience crazy. After all, the majority of people use hand every time they hear you use one, or by them daily in conversation: it’s how we naturally tallying and feeding back to you which ones you speak. Reducing fillers and keeping your language overuse. clean and clear is ideal, but coming off as natural and human is just as important to be relatable. https://speakerhubhq.medium.com/stop-um-ing- and-using-other-fillers-6a6cd85c30d THE PARROT 14 Some More Parrot Fun Stuff Interactive Chess Puzzles Easy Puzzle White to move, mate in 4 moves

Medium puzzle Black to move, mate in 4 moves

Click and Solve

Source: https://gameknot.com/chess-puzzles.pl THE PARROT 15 Parrot Student Voices Here, our students tell a story from their past. Their stories may be about happy days, or sad events... but the stories are always told in their own words.

“Hi, my name is Kateryna Kohutenko. I am from Ukraine. Today I want to tell a story from my childhood. I always remember that magic world of my native land where I grew up. My childhood was very happy and wonderful. I re- member...” Kateryna Kohutenko

Click on Kateryna’s photo to find out what happened next.

“I am from Afghanistan. Today I want to talk about my typical day in childhood. So my brother and I are the same age. Just my brother is one year younger than me...” Almas Mehrban

Click on Almas’ photo to find out what happened next.

“I’m from Russia. I would like to tell you about one day of my childhood in Russia. I used to spend my summer vacations in a small village with my grandparents. The village was located in very scenic place...”

Alik Sayfullin

Click on Alik’s photo to find out what hap- pened next. THE PARROT 16 International Mother Language Day February 21 The purpose of this day is to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and to Dutch: Nu komt de aap uit de mouw promote multilingualism. It was formally recognized Literal Meaning: Now the monkey comes out of the by the United Nations in 2002. Mother Language sleeve. Day is part of a broader initiative “to promote the Usage of idiom: Used to express “now I see what is preservation and protection of all languages used really going on.” It’s similar to English, “Now the cat’s by peoples of the world.” The idea to celebrate out of the bag.” International Mother Language Day was the ______initiative of Bangladesh. In Bangladesh, February English—from the area of Manchester, England 21 is the anniversary of the day when the people Would you like to spend a penny? of Bengal fought for recognition for the Bangla Key idea: It means, “Do you need to go to the language. It is also celebrated in West Bengal, India. bathroom?” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Mother_ Hindi: Language_Day बचत करना भी कमाई ही होती है| English transliteration: bachat karna bhi kamai hoti To celebrate the diversity of languages and hai. cultures at American River College, members of our Meaning: A penny saved is a penny earned. campus community shared some of their favorite Usage of Idiom: This idiom is usually used in the sayings from languages they know. Thank you, ARC! time of financial difficulties to make the person understand that a penny saved during normal times Arabic: is like a penny earned during hard times. Translation: Time is like a sword. If you do not cut it, it will cut you. Italian: “In bocca al lupo” which should be Meaning: It is an expression of the importance of answered with “crepi il lupo.” time and of using it well, and it also expresses the Literal meaning: in the mouth of the wolf. extent of your loss if you do not use your time well. Key idea: “In bocca al lupo” basically means good luck. It’s used the way theater folks in the United States say “break a leg.” The response, which is “crepi Chinese: 物 以 稀 为 贵 il lupo,” is translated different ways such as “break Pronunciation in Chinese: Wù yǐ xī wéi guì English translation: When a good is scarce, it the wolf” or “may the wolf die” and is similar to what is precious. As a result, the value of the good in English might be translated as, “down with the increases. wolf.” Italian: “Prendere un granchio” Dari: Literal translation: “To catch a crab” English transliteration: Poshta hart ariki, yak roshani How does it maybe sound in English? prendere oon ast grunkeeo. Meaning: Bad times will always pass and things will Key idea: to make a gross, glaring mistake. become better. Cultural background: This idiom is probably unique Usage of Idiom: It’s always used in the time of sorrow to Italian culture, and it is also very funny in Italian. and hardships. It gives hope that this is not the end In Italy a crab is not a staple that is particularly and there is always happiness after bad days in life. valued because Italians find that it doesn’t have There is always light after darkness. much taste. Italians much prefer crustacean such as THE PARROT 17 shrimp, prawns and scallops. Knowing this is key to Key idea: Sleep on it. If you don’t like to make rushed understanding the idiom. decisions, then this is a good expression for you. When fishermen drop the line and bait Ukrainian all the way to the bottom, it can happen that a Вiд гнiву старієш, вiд смiху молодієш. crab takes the bait rather than a big fish. The crab What might this sound like in English? Veed gneevu shakes the line violently giving the fishermen the stariyesh, veed smeehu molodiyesh. impression of having caught a big fish. They pull Meaning: You will get older from anger, and younger up the line and they find that they caught a crab from laughter. instead! Big disappointment! How to use it: A friend of mine tells me that she is Ukrainian traveling to Italy and that she’ll stop in Florence to Вчи жiнку без дiтей, а дiтей без людей see the Mona Lisa. I would respond by saying that What might this sound like in English? Vchy zheenku she is about to “catch a crab” because the Mona Lisa bez deetey, ah deetey bez lyudey. is at the Louvre in Paris, not in Florence. Meaning: Teach wife without children, and children without people. Pashto English transliteration: Da Keli wowuza, Kho la Urdu: nerkha ma wuza. English transliteration: Jalay par namak charakna. Meaning: You can leave the village but not your Meaning: Rubbing salt on someone’s wound. traditions. Usage of Idiom: This idiom is normally used when Usage of Idiom: The love of traditions is more someone has a bad/difficult time and the other essential for a Pashtun than the love of the person is trying to make it worse. village they are born in. In some ways, it can be the equivalent of the old English adage “when in Uzbeki: Rome, do as the Romans do,” but the intensity and English transliteration: Qimirdagan qirdan àshar meaning of the Pashto proverb is quite different. It Meaning: A person who moves, will climb up the says that one can’t give up the conventions of their mountain. village even after you move to another part of the Usage of Idiom: The person who strives to achieve world. something, will consequently gain it even if the first step is so small. In other words, every achievement Russian: говорят, что кур доят is started with a small step/move. English transliteration:: “They say they milk chickens.” Meaning: Don’t believe everything you hear, Vietnamese: Lấy độc trị độc. especially if someone starts a phrase with ‘they say’ Literal translation: Use poison to cure poison. and offers no proof. Key idea: Diamonds cut diamonds. It has three meanings. First of all, it means you use Spanish: Sabe más el diablo por viejo que por one kind of poison to cure another kind of poison diablo. (literal meaning). Secondly, you use bad people to Literal Meaning: The devil knows better because of discipline other bad people. Finally, you use the its old age, than from being the devil. same thing or better way to correct someone by Key idea: It means that the older we are, the more treating them the way that they treat other people. knowledgeable and experienced we are.

Spanish: ”Antes de hacer nada, consúltalo con la Gracias! Danke! Merci! Thank you to all of almohada” the ARC community members who contributed Literal meaning: Before doing anything, consult your their idioms to help celebrate International pillow. Mother Language Day! THE PARROT 18 Franny Noetal

Dear Franny Noetal, through any tourist situations and everyday intro- ductions. My ESL teacher said that there may be as many as a million words in English! I thought, “No, way! That • Conversational: 1,000-3,000 words. With guy must have overdosed on some bad grammar around 1,000 words in most languages, you’ll be books to think that!” But I Googled it, and found out able to ask people how they’re doing, tell them that my professor wasn’t making it up. I’ve seen the about your day and navigate everyday life situa- Unabridged Oxford English Dictionary in the library, tions like shopping and public transit. and I think it had at least 26 volumes!! It took up a • Advanced: 4,000-10,000 words. As you grow whole shelf!!! It scared me. Will I ever learn English past the 3,000 word mark or so in most languages, well enough to be fluent? How many words do I really you’re moving beyond the words that make need to know to graduate from college? up everyday conversation and into specialized Weally Word Weary vocabulary for talking about your professional field, news and current events, opinions and more complex, abstract verbal feats. At this point, you Dear WWW, should be able to reach C2 level in the Common Well, an average European Framework for Reference (CEFR) in most parrot has a vocabulary languages. of 300 words and can • Fluent: 10,000+ words. At around 10,000 words talk for hours on end, so in many languages, you’ve reached a near-native maybe 300 words is more level of vocabulary, with the requisite words for than enough according talking about nearly any topic in detail. Further- to BeakCraze.com, one of more, you recognize enough words in every utter- my favorite websites. But ance that you usually understand the unfamiliar for a student hoping to ones from context. learn English well enough • Native: 10,000-30,000+ words. Total word to graduate from college? That’s another question. I counts vary widely between world languages, honestly have no idea how many words you need to making it difficult to say how many words native learn if you want to be fluent in English or in any oth- speakers know in general. As we discussed above, er language for that matter. I know it’s actually quite estimates of how many words are known by the hard to even define what a “word” is if you want to average native English speaker vary from 10,000 start counting words. Fortunately, some really good to 65,000+. word counters at FluentU have thought about this a lot, and so let me share their answer to your question. How many words do you know, and how many do Well, Weally, I wager you won’t want to work for a you need to know? while after weading this, but I hope it gives you some hope that fluency in within weach. In general, we can describe levels of fluency in a for- eign language with these rough word counts: Wery Squawkingly Yours, • Functional beginner: 250-500 words. After Franny Noetal just a week or so of learning, you’ll already have (Source: “The Numbers Game: How Many Words Do I Need to Know most of the tools to start having basic, everyday to Be Fluent in a Foreign Language?” by Jakob Gibbons at www. conversations. In most of the world’s languages, fluentu.com/blog/how-many-words-do-i-need-to-know ) 500 words will be more than enough to get you THE PARROT 19 Reading for Beginners Preparing Food

Jack was hungry. He walked to the kitchen. He got Did you understand the text? out some eggs. He took out some oil. He placed a Please answer the following questions of understand- skillet on the stove. Next, he turned on the heat. He ing: poured the oil into the skillet. He cracked the eggs into a bowl. He stirred the eggs. Then, he poured 1. What food was cooked? them into the hot skillet. He waited while the eggs a. Rice b. Fish cooked. They cooked for two minutes. He heard c. Pork d. Eggs them cooking. They popped in the oil. 2. Where did Jack eat the eggs? a. In front of the TV b. In his room Next, Jack put the eggs on a plate. He placed the plate on the dining room table. Jack loved looking c. In the kitchen d. At the dining room table at his eggs. They looked pretty on the white plate. 3. What was the chair made of? He sat down in the large wooden chair. He thought a. Wood b. Stone about the day ahead. He ate the eggs with a spoon. They were good. c. Metal d. We do not know 4. Jack cooked in a skillet. What is another word for skillet? He washed the plate with dishwashing soap. Then, he washed the pan. He got a sponge damp. Finally, a. Microwave b. Pan he wiped down the table. Next, Jack watched TV. c. Slow cooker d. Oven https://lingua.com/english/reading/preparing-food/ Mysteries & Logic What Am I? X The more you take, the more you leave behind. X You may enter, but you may not come in. I have What are they? space, but no room. I have keys that open no lock. What am I? X I have streets but no pavement. I have cities but no buildings. I have forests but no trees. I have rivers X When I’m new, I’m tall. When I’m old, I’m short. yet no water. What am I? When I’m alive, I glow. Because of your breath, I die. What am I? X I live where light is but die if light touches me. What am I?

X It goes up but never comes down. What is it?

Footsteps, A map, A shadow, Your age, A keyboard, A candle A keyboard, A age, Your shadow, A map, A Footsteps, THE PARROT 20 Eat the World! The Parrot represents students of many hues and sounds --- no news there. Indeed, birds of a feather flock together, right? They also eat together. The Parrot is proud to present Parrot fodder from around the world in this and subsequent issues. Squawk! Steamed Sticky Rice Cakes with Banana to Celebrate the Lunar New Year

of the cooled rice in the center. Add a single piece of banana, followed by another tablespoon of rice (the banana should be sandwiched). Now fold the sides of the leaves over, as you would a parcel. Repeat with Ingredients: the remaining rice, banana and banana leaves. If you 1 pound 2 ounces glutinous rice, soaked in water have softened the leaves properly, you won’t need to overnight use anything extra to secure the parcels. 14 ounces coconut milk 7 ounces caster (superfine) sugar 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 4 large banana leaves, cut into 8- by 12-inch rect- angles 4 ripe bananas, peeled and halved lengthwise, then crosswise (**Add black bean as you wish)

Directions: 1. Drain the rice and place it in a hot wok or sauce- 3. Fill a large steamer, wok or saucepan halfway with pan. Stir in the coconut milk, sugar and salt. Bring water and bring to a rapid boil over high heat. Place to a simmer and cook until the coconut milk has the parcels in a steamer basket seam-side down and been absorbed and the rice is thick and sticky, 4 to 6 set it over the pan of water. Steam for 30 minutes. minutes. Stir in the oil, then transfer the mixture to a Enjoy the sticky rice cakes hot. baking sheet and cool for 5 to 10 minutes.

2. Soften the banana leaves by holding them over a gas fire, heating them in a hot frying pan, steam- ing or microwaving them for a few minutes. Lay Source:https://www.cookingchanneltv.com/recipes/luke- down 1 banana leaf. Place one heaped tablespoon nguyen/steamed-sticky-rice-cakes-with-banana THE PARROT 21 Parrot Warbling Idiom--Attic Grappling with when pigs fly Grammar Meaning: something that will never happen or is impossible.

Ex: William will keep quiet only Challenging Subjects when pigs fly.

Challenge 1: In questions, the subject is often either after the verb or between parts of the verb phrase. https://www.theidioms.com/ Example: Where are my slippers? Will we be going to the mall? B and P Sounds Challenge 2: In commands, the subject of the verb is always the unstated, “you.” The P and B sounds are often studied as a pair Example: Raise your hand. = (You) Raise your hand. because both sounds are produced in the front of the mouth with the tongue in the same place. Challenge 3: Inverted order: Sometimes for emphasis, The only difference is that theB sound is voiced writers will switch around the parts of the sentence. In and the P sound is voiceless. those sentences, the subject is usually after the verb. Example: Behind the bookcase is the door to the secret In the English language, we use many voiced room. sounds. That means that The door to the secret room is behind the bookcase. the vocal cords vibrate when you say that letter. Challenge 4: If a sentence begins with here or there, You can hear a voiced B here or there is never the subject. sound in words such as Example: Here are your missing earrings. What are “back” and “cab.” here? Earrings. The voiced B sound (IPA Your missing earrings are here. (In this case, here works symbol: b). as an adverb.) Example: bring, bubble, boy, lab, rob, and bi- The four o’clock train goes there. (In this case, there is cycle. an explicative expression.) The letter P is a voiceless sound because the Challenge 5: Subjects followed by prepositional vocal cords do not vibrate. Instead, we use a puff phrases of air to produce the sound. You can hear the P Sometimes a noun is followed by a prepositional sound in words such as “pack” and “cap.” phrase explaining more about the noun. It is easy to The voiceless P sound (IPA symbol: p). confuse the subject with the object of the preposition. Example: jump, pop, top, puppy, purple, tip, and Example: The box of books belongs in the library. The pray. box (of books) belongs in the library.

English Pronunciation, Lesson 18 - P and B Sounds (really- English Grammar 101 - Sentence Parts, Lesson 3: Challenging Subjects learn-english.com) THE PARROT 22

Ode to My Dog Rigoberto’s Riddles by Wordy Birdie Red crab is 6 inches. Green crab is 4 inches. They are An ode to my dog, racing. Who will be the Animal so true,

winner? Why must you go cooked. is crab red the because crab A:Green And chew up my shoes? You left them in shreds, Bits and pieces strewn. Boy, if you had shoes Silly Vasilly’s Chuckle Chamber I’d chew on them, too! Fun at the Movies Last week Ronnie Walsh went to the mov- Practice the key words from ies at the Rialto Cinema in Bristol to see "Ode to My Dog" in the quiz below! “Slumdog Millionaire” but because of Vocabulary for this poem: two women loudly chatting together who were sitting Ode (noun): a type of poem to show respect, in the row in front of him, love, or dedication for something or someone. Chew Ronnie was unable to hear the dialogue clear- up (phrasal verb): to tear apart using one’s teeth. ly. Ronnie leaned forward and said in Shreds (noun): small and thin pieces of some- a stage whisper, “Ex- thing. cuse me ladies but I can’t Bits (noun): very small pieces of something. hear.“ “I should hope not,” tormed the woman, “this is Strewn (verb): spread around a space in messy a private conversation.” way.

Let Us Practice! Test your skills with the Practice Quiz below! Use one of the following words to complete each sentence: ode, chew up, shreds, bits, strewn. 1. My sister’s room is so messy, she has clothes ______all over the place! 2. My 3-year-old son can’t eat a whole cookie, so I broke it into ______for him. 3. The cat used its claws to turn the curtains into ______. 4. I watched the tiger ______his dinner with his large teeth. 5. I wrote an ______to my mom so that I can read it to her for Mother’s Day. Answers: 1. strewn 2. bits 3. shreds 4. chew up 5. ode THE PARROT 23

GROUNDHOG DAY 2021: PUNXSUTAWNEY PHIL PREDICTS 6 MORE WEEKS OF WINTER

Pennsylvania’s most famous groundhog emerged tors — assisted by his Inner Circle — emerged at from his burrow on a snowy Tuesday morning on dawn. The lore goes that if he sees his shadow as he February 2 and saw his shadow, declaring there did this year, there will be six more weeks of winter. If would be six more weeks of winter. Members of he doesn’t, spring comes early. Punxsutawney Phil’s “Inner Circle” woke up the furry critter at 7:25 a.m. to see whether he would see his The livestream from Gobbler’s Knob, a tiny hill just shadow or not. outside Punxsutawney about 65 miles (105 kilome- ters) northeast of Pittsburgh, is made possible by the Pennsylvania Tourism Office’s Holi-stay PA. The event there, always on February 2, dates back to 1887. Phil this year, like many years in the past, gave his

Pennsylvania's most famous groundhog emerged from the snow and saw his shadow and declared there would be six more weeks of winter on Tuesday, February 2, 2021. Groundhog Club handler A.J. Dereume holds Punxsutawney The spectacle that is Groundhog Day at Gobbler’s Phil, the weather prognosticating groundhog, as Vice Presi- Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania went on but dent Tom Dunkel reads the scroll during the 135th celebra- this year, it was all virtual because of the coronavirus tion of Groundhog Day on Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney, pandemic. Pennyslvania, on Tuesday, February 2, 2021.

Shortly after this year’s prediction was revealed, one forecast during a major snowstorm that hit the en- of the members of the Inner Circle shared a message tire Northeast. he said Phil had told him earlier in the day: “After Jeff Lundy, the president of the Groundhog Club, winter, you’re looking forward to one of the most told CBS Pittsburgh: “I’ve been doing this for a long beautiful and brightest springs you’ve ever seen.” time. I did not really understand the economic According to records dating back to 1887, the Penn- impact until now. And now I see it, because so many sylvanian prognosticator has predicted more winter businesses they don’t depend on on Groundhog more than 100 times. Last year, Phil predicted an Day, but it really is that extra income that you may early spring. not get so it has had a, it has had a...very negative A livestream, which had more than 15,000 viewers at impact on the community.” one point, played footage from previous Groundhog Day’s ahead of the big reveal. Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/groundhog-day- Then of course, the prognosticator of prognostica- 2021-punxsutawney-phil-predicts-6-more-weeks-of-winter/ THE PARROT 24

Interview with Sayed Sadat second year, I thought I should bring some changes, Continued from page 1 you know, to other immigrant students’ educational the interview, so how many times did you change life. I thought, OK, I need to change something. your major at ARC? That’s why with the help of two dedicated ARC Sadat: Honestly, I didn’t change my major. Before professors, Professor Erik Haarala and Professor choosing my major, I looked at the entire ARC cata- Caterina Falli, we decided to establish the club. And log; I found that they have a communication major. since the establishment of the club, we have helped So, without blinking my eyes, I chose this major. I many students. am continuing, and I love my major. It’s worth men- The Parrot: I heard from a little bird that you ap- tioning that. This is the last semester for me, and I plied to UC Davis. What will happen with the ELLIS will get two degrees: one in social science and one club after you graduate? in communication. I didn’t change my major, and I Sadat: So, before I leave, we would have someone will not change my major. in place. Especially, we are considering having a The Parrot: Will you brief- woman lead the club ly explain what the ELLIS this time because the club is and what it does? last time I was the Sadat: Yes, why not. ELLIS club president. So, this stands for English Lan- time we are getting guage Learner and Sup- the chance to have a port. The club’s vision is to woman. transform immigrants’ and The Parrot: Is the ELLIS English language learners’ club just at ARC? I heard lives through education it is expanding. and community engage- Sadat: It seems the little ment. I have been serving bird gave you lots of as the club president since information. You have 2019, and that is the time lots of information, even which the club was es- more than me. Yes, it is tablished. And I have been expanding. Our team leading ten amazing and great ELLIS members who members are working on expanding it to other Los are from different countries and who have different Rios branches. We believe that there is a high need cultural backgrounds. They are from countries like for ELLIS in other Los Rios branches. Numerous Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Russia, Ukraine, and immigrant students in these branches need help. many other Middle East countries. So, we estab- That’s why we thought we should expand. Once I lished the club to help incoming immigrants and transfer to UC Davis, I will try my best to establish a English language learners. branch of the ELLIS club. The Parrot: What motivated you to start the club? The Parrot: So, how is that going to happen? Sadat: In the first year in college, I myself, as an Sadat: Actually, we contacted other professors at immigrant, faced many challenges. I remember I other Los Rios colleges and introduced the ELLIS had communication problems, especially language club. We found that some interested immigrant problems. I didn’t know much about the education- students want to help with expanding and who al system in the United States. And so, I have had want to establish the club there. We connected with some other challenges. Those challenges caused them, and we are going to open new branches. me sometimes to feel that I am hopeless and help- The Parrot: What is your favorite quote that you less. And even sometimes I was thinking of leaving believe describes you? college because of those problems. Later on, in my Sadat: Yes. My favorite quote is from Friedrich THE PARROT 25 Nietzsche. Probably you heard it before. The quote about my life. So, these are things which I’m doing is, “What does not kill me makes me stronger!” You in my free time. know, if you were born in a country like Afghani- The Parrot: Do you have a favorite word you always stan, where I was born, you would have faced lots say? of difficulties, lots of problems. That’s why you have Sadat: Probably you heard it in this interview, and to be tough in those kinds of situations. You have to that’s a kind of phrase, “Why not?” I like this one be strong. This quote helped me a lot when I faced because I think there are many solutions to our problems. I believe from my heart that if a problem problems and always, I use “Why not? Why not?” doesn’t end me, then it makes me stronger. Now, we You shouldn’t try new ways. Why not? We shouldn’t have this Covid-19 situa- work hard. Why not? We tion, and all human beings shouldn’t help each other. I suffer from this situation. like it, and I use it a lot. But, I still think after this The Parrot: How would situation, we are much you motivate immigrant more robust than the life students who struggle a lot we had before the situ- in achieving their educa- ation. So, it helps us. We tional goals? know that the problem Sadat: As a new immi- would help us to be stron- grant to the United States, ger. That’s why I like the I faced many problems, but quote and always repeat it I overcame those prob- to myself. lems. I never gave up, and The Parrot: If you had a I believe I could achieve chance to change one my educational goal. I am thing you did, what would going to get two degrees you change? this semester. I’m going to Sadat: OK. Four years ago, transfer to UC Davis. So, I developed a personal I believe if I can do that, life mandate. And that is other immigrant students “to learn and help oth- can do that as well. And I’m ers learn.” That’s my life asking all the immigrant mandate. If I had a chance, students not to give up, I would work harder to not to be disappointed, not achieve this mandate. to stop. Please keep and I want to inspire a vast please continue your edu- number of people, stu- cation. I believe you can do dents, to learn more. At it. I believe we can do it. I first, I want to learn more and then inspire them to believe everyone can do it. Please do not stop your learn. So, if I have another chance, I will work harder education. And that’s it. to achieve that life mandate. The Parrot: Thanks a lot for your valuable time and The Parrot: What do you do in your free time? words. Sadat: Sometimes I go to a park and walk with Sadat: Thanks for the interview. my family, and sometimes I play with my little and amazing child. Sometimes I read books, and some- times I go to the American River (the river is close to us), and I sit there alone thinking with myself and Parroteer: Alaa Shatat THE PARROT 26 Around the World CHIANG MAI FLOWER FESTIVAL THAILAND

A flower festival is taking place this year in the city of Chang Mai in northern Thailand. In 2021, people who live or come to Thailand will explore the color of flowers in this festival. Thr Chiang Mai Flower Festival is celebrated on the 5th to 7th of February this year in Suan Buak Haad Public Park. After a cool season, February starts the spring time with blossoms of many kinds of flowers.

Parade. The Street Parade will go around some specific places in Chiang Mai city with many flower floats, dancers, and marching bands performing on the street. The parade will go slowly so everyone can enjoy everything if they can find a good spot. There is also a Queen of the Chiang Mai Flower Festival 2021 contest. The candidates will not only show their beauty on the flower floats during the street parade, but also their skills of music per- People can enjoy the beauty ofnature through flow- formance. ers and and demonstrate their skills at decorating. Tuyet Le Thousands of floral enthusiasts gather here to show their skills through and demonstrate their skills at decorating. The judges will go around, visit all the

designs of decoration, and choose the winners in all different categories. Obtained information from: https://www.pm-tours.com/pm-tours-blog/ The main event of this festival is the Street chiang-mai-flower-festival-2021 THE PARROT 27 A Historic Day for ! In the old days of The Parrot, there was Trail Mick. Mick has now given way to Alpine Alex. Hello ARC family! This time I would like to share the news that happened at the beginning of Janu- ary. On January 16, at 17:00 local, Pakistani time, 10 Nepalese climbers for the first time in recorded history, stood on the summit of the 8-thousand (K2 / Chogori, 8611m), a mountain that until now remained the only unсonqured 8-thousand in the world during the winter. The 33-year history of attempts to climb the eight-thousander K2 in winter has come to the end. Chogori (K2) is the second-highest mountain peak on Earth after Everest (Chomolungma). It is located on the border of and in the Karakorum mountain range northwest of the Himalayas. K2 is only 239 meters lower than Everest, but many times more difficult to climb. This was our planet’s last challenge for climbers.

Sona Sherpa on the summit of K2 on 16 January 2021

The gigantic shadow of K2 stretches over the Karakorum at sunset, as Nirmal Purja holds the British and Nepali flags on the summit.

Night falls as Mingma David poses at -40 on the summit of K2.

Source: https://explorersweb.com/2021/01/18/k2-photos-details-and-reactions-to-an-epic-climb/ THE PARROT 28 Out of the Cage American River College

Link to register: https://events.com/r/en_US/registration/csac-statewide- cash-for-college-webinar-student-registration-796699 • Questions about college?

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QUESTIONS/COMMENTS? SQUAWK!! Student Editors: Alex Grynishyn, Alaa Shatat, Tuyet Le, and Dai Nguyen Please let us know what we can do to improve “The Parrot.” We appreciate any and all feedback you are willing to give us. Contact us by e-mail, call, or drop by. Professor Travis: Davies 370, (916) 484-4524, or [email protected]; Professor Hoggan: Davies 334, (916) 312-3574, or [email protected]. To see previous issues of The Parrot, go to https://arc.losrios.edu/academics/the-parrot-newsletter