My experience in the CESL was very enticing. I met a student from Korea named MJ. MJ majored in computer sciences in Korea and has received both a Master’s and Bachelor’s Degree, and is in America going for his PhD and perfecting his English. MJ is now 29, and is living in the Sahara apartments. I found out that MJ really likes working out, and I could tell because he was pretty buff. He explained to me how in his country he was a personal trainer, and knows a lot about working out. He told me how he likes staying very healthy and only eating and drinking things that will help keep him fit. It didn’t surprise me when he said that the beverage he would compare himself to is water. He likes staying pure and clean. He seemed like a very kind and down to earth person and lives by the motto, “Honesty, endurance, until the end.”
MJ said that the transition to America has had its pros and cons. He told me that in America people are much nicer and considerate than in Korea. For example, he said in Korea if you want to cross the street and there is traffic, you’re basically on your own and cars do not stop for you. On the contrary, in our country you can walk around campus without even having to stop and watch for cars because everyone is kind enough to allow pedestrians to cross the road. One of the troubles he has had is communication. He said that it is hard talking to the other students at CESL because they are mainly from China and he does not speak Chinese. He also said he feels his English has not improved that much because he lives in an apartment alone so he is not practicing his English too often.
The story Letter to Mexico explained the author’s hatred of her own society which points to hatred of herself because she is a product of her own society. When American’s venture into other countries I am sure there is some sort of resentment. My guess is that people in other countries feel that American’s think they are better than everyone else…
Meeting MJ was definitely a cool experience.
I had a similar experience when talking with the student that was from China. Like MJ she said that living in America had its pros and cons. For her it was hard communicating with Americans. It was easy for her to talk to the other students because she spoke Chinese but really wanted to improve her English. Another thing that was very similar to what MJ said was how friendly the people are in China. She told me that in China random strangers would never say hi and that strangers here what stop and say hi or smile. This was weird to me because she was very friendly.
ReplyDeleteI also thought it was cool that you were able to get to know what he liked to do. The 2nd girl I talked to was from Saudi Arabia and told me that she did not like talking about her culture. I definitely agree with you that meeting with the CESL students was a cool experience.
It is interesting that you say in the text "Letters to Mexico" that since she had hatred to her own society it points hatred to herself. I never thought of it like that, when I was reading it I was thinking the whole time that she was better than everyone else and hated anyone who was one of her. That is an interesting way to look at it. Also, I am glad you had a good time with MJ. I can see how it would be hard living on your own,not having any one to practice with. Hopefully we will get to see them again so you can help practice with him!
ReplyDelete