INTENSIVE ENGLISH UPDATE
A
Newsletter for the Students of the Intensive English Program
Volume 10 Number 6 October
2002
Friday, October 4, will be
the last day for Shih-ping Edmondson, ELI secretary, in the ELI. She has resigned her position.
She has been working at UTA/ELI for almost
twelve years. As she wrote in an e-mail,
“I enjoyed working here so much that I didn’t want to work for
other departments. But after 12
years I want to take a rest and take care of the house and yard, spend some
time learning good cooking and maybe travel a little bit. Maybe in a year or two when I get bored
I will come back to UTA.”
Shih-ping plans to keep in
contact with ELI. She will miss
the opportunity to interact with students.
Shih-ping says this about
ELI students, “I really admire all our students for their tremendous
courage to leave their comfortable homes to come the this country to pursue
their studies for their future.”
Needless to say, the ELI
is losing a great employee and friend.
On Saturday night, October 26, when you go to bed,
you need to set your clocks back one hour. For example, if you go to bed at midnight, then turn your
clocks back to 11 p.m.
Student Success
Former ELI Student Receives Position
at UTA
Meire Cavalho, a former ELI student from
Brazil, is now a part-time UTA employee in the LAC. She is an Audio-Video Specialist. In this position she takes care of all audios and videos in
the LAC. She duplicates the
cassettes and videos. She adds and
deletes material in the database program. She prepares the Spanish and French
tapes the LAC sells.
I asked Meire what does this promotion mean
for you? She answered. “It
means that the manager and the director recognized by work. It means a lot to me because I am
working here for 4 and 1/2 years.
I am the only woman that is in this position.”
Meire began working in the
LAC 4 and 1/2 years ago when she was studying in the ELI. For this 4 and 1/2 years, Meire has
done many chores in the LAC. She
has sold cassettes, duplicated cassettes and videos, cleaned the LAC, print
labels, organized all audio and video materials, and waited on students and
faculty.
Meire’s major is
Spanish and her minor is history.
Having only two math classes to take she plans to graduate this
December. Then in January she
would like to begin graduate school. In addition to continuing work in the LAC
Meire is also seeking permission to work outside of campus. If she gets the permission she plans on
getting another part-time job.
We in the ELI would like to congratulate Meire on this
success and wish her the best in her future endeavors.
State Fair of Texas Opened Last Friday
The Texas State Fair
opened Friday, September 27 and continues through October 20.
It is a must see cultural
event. It is a yearly event that
thousands of people from the world over attend. It has something for everyone. It has carnival rides, games of skill, a wide variety of
free shows, exhibits on tons of topics, food, etc. You can check out its website at http://www.bigtex.com/. At this website, it has pricing,
directions, general information, daily schedule of events, etc.
Ticket prices are as
follows:
*General Admission: $11
(MAVExpress is selling
adult tickets for $9 and children tickets for $6.)
*Children 2 and under:
Free
There are some special
deals on tickets:
*Kroger Combo: $13
(includes general admission & round-trip on DART - Saturday and Sunday
only)
*Season Pass: $29.95
(available only at Kroger with Kroger Plus Card). This means you can return to
the State Fair multiple time. In
addition, you will receive a
ticket to Six Flag Over Texas and a CINEMARK Movie Pass (see store for
details).
Parking is always a big
issue anywhere you go. Parking
is $7 in lots operated by the
State Fair of Texas. Look for “Official State Fair Parking” signs.
Valet Parking offered at Grand Avenue Gate for $20.
If you plan to attend the
fair, I suggest that you make a plan before you go. Check out the web site to see what shows they will have on
the day you plan to attend.
Other suggestions:
1. wear comfortable shoes. The fair is huge and you
will walk a lot.
2. Money:
there are many free things at the fair to look at and do. But, the food, rides, and games are not
cheap. If you plan to play games,
ride rides, and eat a lot, be sure to have money with you. For example, to ride the Big Ferris
Wheel cost around $5 or $6.
At the State Fair, you pay
for the rides, games, and food with coupons. Everything cost so many coupons. When you enter the State Fair you need to go to a Coupon
Booth (there are many all over the fair grounds) and buy coupons. Then at the rides, games, food booths,
you use these coupons like money.
When I went with my family, we always took some drinks with us because
they are expensive at the fair.
3. Go in a group.
It’s more fun and safe to be with your friends. Also, if you are with your friends, you
can take an ice chest or cooler filled with drinks.
4. Keep your money in a safe place. At any public event
there are always those undesirables who are lurking around to see what they can
steal. The State Fair does have security.
5. If
you plan to stay the day, take a sweater or something with you. The weather can
change very quickly.
ELI
Student Profile
The ELI provides a
wonderful opportunity to meet people from around the world. You come to America to learn English
and as a bonus you get to “travel” around the world.
This semester there are
166 students in the FallSemester Program.
Of the 166, 148 are full time and 18 are part-time or Bridge
students. There are 86 male
students and 80 females. Eighty
students are new and 86 are returning.
Of the 86, returning students, 19
have been in the ELI for 2 semesters. Twenty-four students returned from the Spring semester after
taking the summer off.
As far as countries go,
there are 30 countries represented in this semester. The top countries with two digit numbers are:
Korea with 42 students.
Japan has 34 students.
Taiwan has 27 students.
Thailand is fourth with 16
students.
Other countries include:
Turkey: 6 students each.
Colombia and Mexico have 4
students each.
Three students are from
Palestine.
Two students are from each
of the following countries: Chile,
China, Congo, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Syria, USA, and Vietnam.
The
following have one representative:
Algeria, Brazil, Ecuador, Gabon Germany, Iran, Israel, Italy, Mali,
Nepal, Peru, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Venezuela.
Sam
Maverick Ride Service
UTA began a new service
this semester for students, faculty and staff. It is called Sam Maverick Ride. Sam Maverick is a transport service that operates from 7:30
p.m. to 12:30 a.m. It is free.
The service will take you to various
locations around campus. For
example, it will take you to parking lots, buildings, dorms and close to
apartment complex areas.
To use the Sam Maverick,
you need to contact the UTA Police dispatch office at 817-272-3381. Or, you can
go by one of the staging areas located at the Fine Arts/Architecture Turn
around, Ransom Hall and Central Library locations.
For the day time, there is
a daytime shuttle bus service is available Monday through Friday, 7:40 a.m. to
4:20 p.m. This service is
also free.
For questions or comments,
you may contact the Transportation Department Monday through Friday 8:00 am to
5:00 pm at 817-272-2848.
ELI Events & Activities
Extra Testing to Improve Future
Student Promotion Decisions at the ELI
By Keith Maurice, Director
Dear
Students,
In the last two years, the ELI has had one
faculty workgroup to study student promotion issues and another workgroup to
study testing issues—all with the idea of improving the program. The testing group is now in the middle
of looking at different kinds of testing that will improve the student
promotion system by next fall, one year from now.
To do that, we are doing
some extra testing of students this semester and next semester. We will give
extra testing to students at all levels, but especially those at levels 4, 5,
and 6. We thank you for your
participation in this extra testing.
Your involvement will help to guide us to make the best decisions for
the future.
Thank
you,
Keith
Maurice
Mid-Term
and Final Promotion Grades in Fall Semester
1. Mid-term student
promotion. The policy in the
Student Handbook is that those students with a 90% or higher average may move
up to the next level at mid-term.
That means 90.0%, not 89.2% or 89.5% or 89.9%.
2. Final student promotion. The policy
in the Student Handbook is that those students with a 75% or higher average may
move up to the next level at the end of the semester. That means 75.0%, not 74.2% or 74.5% or 74.9%.
ELI Party
On Friday, September 13, ELI held a party
at Stovall Park in south Arlington.
The picnic began around 12:15 and ended at 3:00. Students, faculty, and staff were
treated to a catered meal from Boston Market. Transportation was provided by Central West.
Below are comments from
students who attended the picnic.
Wei Lin (Taiwan): I like the party. Once more.
Asuka (Japan): I wanted some water.
Teresa (Chile):
It was good. Personally it
was an opportunity to meet many people.
Patompong “Pat” (Thailand): Very happy
because I can find my new friend another class.
Kyoung-Ae (Korea): It was an excellent memory.
Jae Sung (Korea):
I was food party but there were no activity. Of course some people
played sports however most students sit and talked.
Shinya (Japan):
It’s day is too hot.
Young Ji (Korea): So-so I expected great party, but we
don’t have special events. We just took a picture, ate lunch. That was
it. It was under my expectation.
Young sim (Korea): The food was really good. I had
good time with foreign friends.
Juan (Colombia): It was very good.
Yi Ching (Taiwan): It was very interesting, anybody can
group of the place together. Maybe we can have the picnic on every four weeks.
Yuki (Japan): To many same country students stayed in
their own group.
Kha (Vietnam):
Funny and serviceable.
Somsak (Thailand):
It was very good, but the weather was bad. It was very hot.
Bhumika (Nepal): It was wonderful. I had a lot of fun. It
was my first time is USA. The party was really good for the home sick
students.
Eun-Jin “Leah” (Korea): The picnic of
fun. We waited on the bus more than one hour. I like everything I meet a lot of
friends.
Eun-Kyung “Emily” (Korea): I was boring. I
wanted know more friends. But I could not do.
Seung Hyun (Korea): Very fun but not fun more than
last spring semester.
Heung Kyu (Korea): That’s a good idea.
Suwat “Scott” (Thailand): It was cool.
Yuya (Japan): One more time!
Pei-Wen “Rae” (Taiwan): It was wonderful.
Sheng-Chih “Sharon” (Taiwan): It was ok, but if the ELI students or
teachers could do some more team exercises, the party should be good.
Keisuke “Kei” (Japan): It was so happy
for me.
Jinching “Woody” (Taiwan): Good.
Saiko (Japan): Food was delicious.
Seol Jeong “Sharon” (Korea):So so. Because
everyone played separate.
Tomohiro “Tomo” (Japan): Fun but too hot
to play.
You Mi (Korea): The food was good.
Chung-Sheng “Joshua” (Taiwan): Boring. If
there was other plans, like
divided into serval groups.
Elsa (Ecuador): It was good but we need some kind of
activities like music or teach us how to dance.
Alexandra “Alex” (Colombia): It’s good
I enjoy a lot.
Chao-Ping “Sylvia” (Taiwan): Good you can
know more people besides your classmates.
Hsin-Yun “Chris” (Taiwan): Pretty good.
Sophida “Fon” (Thailand): Take a photo
with me friend played. Sports.
Shu Chen “Emily” (Taiwan): Very good.
Bilge (Turkey): Successful and helpful for the
international students.
Laura (Colombia): It was special to meet with all ELI
students, knew another student departed with teachers like friends. All of
students were so happy, food was good, but I suggest for next time, there
different kinds of the food, not only Tea.
Pairote (Thailand): It was great. I can enjoy my friends. But the weather
was so hot that I didn’t go to play in the field. I was in the center and talked with
friends. But some groups still in
their country group. ELI staff
should try to make everyone speak and listen.
Boondarika “Aon” (Thailand): It was good. I loved it.
Komsorn “Kom” (Thailand): Good job.
Sang “Sean” (Korea): Last party was
good but bad last semester picnic place is better and more because these is
trees and more cool than this semester picnic place.
Lorena (Chile): It was a great experience to see people
from different culture sharing food, talks, playing games together and having
fun.
Satoshi (Japan): It was good to come to know many kinds of
people.
Wei Yang “Perry” (Taiwan): So Great!
Ariya (Thailand): It wonderful.
We talked and changed
ideas.
Hsin-Yin “Anita” (Taiwan): It is good for
usto know other levels classmates.
Ammar
K.
(Algeria): It was very organized,
very nice staff. It was wonderful
and fantastic.
Yoo Jung (Korea): That corn bread from Boston Market was the best corn bread I
ever had.
Jung Yoo “Michelle” (Korea): Fine and interesting.
Guy
Michel
(Ivory Coast): Good, but too
short.
Page 3
Anything Special Happen To You???
Wei Lin
(Taiwan): Before semester started on August, I went
here, Arlington. I live in Linda Vista Apartment. It’s the first time
that I lived in America. The apartment that looked like my house and I cleaned
it. Everyday is very magic in my life. That’s included Wal-mart Target,
because many kind of foods that I never wanted to try it.
Medhi
(Iran): Bad reaction from police.
Teresa (Chile):
I met many people. Something
important or relevant maybe was that I was here during the 9/11 and it was very
important to me to see how the people love each other,. They are very kind and
respect the other.
Asuka
(Japan): I moved Centennial Court and I have to cook every day.
Sookyung
“Sue” (Korea): If school have weekend trip schedule,
students may not boring on weekends.
Sang
“Sean” (Korea):
I have met the conversation partner Vera Sweet and she helped me about
communication and American culture.
Yuki U.(Japan):
My sister got married.
Sang Woo
(Korea): Security number received.
Patompong
“Pat” (Thailand): I make many, many friends. I am very
happy.
Yi-Ching (Taiwan):
Many Taiwanese live in my apartments, everyone was kind for me. That’s a
big surprise.
Tomotaka (Japan):
I couldn’t get my PC monitor because it was lost somewhere while it was being
delivered to me.
Bhumika
(Nepal): We went to picnic on Sept. 13th
I learned a lot of things in English.
Eun-Kyung
“Emily” (Korea): I met a lot of international friends.
Before I had only Korean friends. So it is very exciting.
Seung Hyun (Korea): I have meeting new friends.
Debra
(USA): My husband and I celebrated our 10th
wedding anniversary this month.
Suwat
“Scott” (Thailand): I have joined a conversation partner.
Yuya
(Japan): I’ve belonged to UTA soccer club.
Minwoo
(Korea): I met good friends from all over the world.
Jinching
“Woody” (Taiwan): Picnic maybe.
Saiko (Japan):
I was able to make friends.
You Mi
(Korea): This semester is easy for me because I studied summer semester. So I
have many international friends.
Keisuke “Kei”
(Japan): I have experienced operation in the hospital.
Chung-Sheng
“Joshua” (Taiwan): My car was broken and then I fixed it
after two weeks.
Elsa
(Ecuador): Sure, this semester has been really special because I am sharing
more than for hours every day with people around the world and I am learning a
few words of other languages.
Ho Young
(Korea):I have to get at 11:00a.m not 2:00p.m.
Guy Michel (Ivory
Coast): I met new friends.
Yuna (Korea):
I often met friend So-Jung. It’s so happy thing to me.
Hea In “Hanna”
(Korea): I got a driver license.
Laura
(Colombia): All my life changed, go back at the University as years after is
special and funny because I never thought theat it was possible, in my country
is almost impossible.
Si Jeong (Korea):
I cut my friends hair. Although it is my first time, he was satisfied with his
hair.
Kosuke
(Japan): I missed a math class because I overslept the class which was to start
early morning.
Wael (Palestine):
Somebody hit my car from the back.
Hsien-Hsiu
“Jey” (Taiwan): My girlfriend and I had our first
anniversary party at the 7th of this
semester. We went to a fancy Italian restaurant and had a really wonderful time
together.
Wei Yang
“Perry” (Taiwan): Actually all things here special! Play
and be with different countries friends.
Jia (China):
I have gone to a Texas high school football gam. I have passed my driving test.
I have already received my driver’s license.
Young Ji
(Korea): I have met many another friends since the semester started. It is my
big event because I had never another countries friends before.
Young sim
(Korea): My writing skill has improved has been surprisingly. I don’t
waste time..
Shinya (Japan):
I went to my friend’s birthday part. While the party was held we throw
all fried in the pool and I got wet. It was very fun.
Pairote
(Thailand): I think my special think for my life is the time I can met the
foreigner. I come her to study and improve my English. That is a good time for me.
Satoshi
(Japan): I started new own my job and same side projects with friends.
Yoo Jung
(Korea): I was caught by policeman for the speeding. What a day!
Kyoung-Ae (Korea):
I lost someone but I find my lost friend again.
Reina (Mexico):
I am very happy because friends Elkan and Lee come back is nice to see them
again.
Suhad
(Jordan): I passed my driver’s test the first time. For two days my mother send tome a
wonderful necklaces as a gift. I
went with my husband to Six Flags.
Pei-Wen
“Rae” (Taiwan):
I had my birthday.
Page 4
Meire Carvalho was in the ELI in 1998. Then in 1999, she became a student in
the Bridge Program. She was just
taking GW 6 when she entered the Bridge Program.
For Meire, the Bridge
Program provided her the opportunity to begin her university studies even
though she had taken her TOEFL and didn’t get the required score to enter
UTA.
Meire is grateful to the
Bridge Program for getting her started in UTA. She said that it really helped to make the transition from
ELI to UTA much easier. The one
thing she felt she wasn’t prepared for was the length of the UTA
classes. That is, the lectures are
longer than lectures in ELI. She said, “The classes (in UTA) are longer
(than ELI) and as an international student, we get tired soon.”
When asked if university
life is different from ELI life, she quickly responded, “100%
different! The student is the one
that makes his/her own schedule.
To make a schedule is like putting some pieces of puzzle together, but
sometimes the pieces are different. When this happens, we need to make and
arrange. The first thing is to talk with the advisor. The second is organize the days of classes. It is better to have just one or two
different classes every day. The third is to organize the schedule of work.
What advice does Meire give to current ELI students? “Please put your studies in the
first place in your life. Money
you may have today and probably will not have tomorrow. The knowledge will be
difficult for someone to take away from you.”
Dianne Check, Academic
Advisor for the ELI, congratulates Meire Carvaalho, her former student, on her
academic success. Not only has
Meire persevered in her studies, she has worked in the LAC while taking
undergraduate classes. Our ELI
students can be encouraged by Meire’s success and follow her
example. The Bridge Program is a
gateway to UTA undergraduate studies.
Upcoming ELI Events in October
Oct.
18: State Fair Trip, 11-5
Oct.
31: Fall Festival, 3-5
More details forthcoming!
Life
in your country and the United Stated is different. For you what has been most
interesting change in your life since you came?
Jia (China): I have driven
a motorcycle in my country for many times. I have nevr lined up for get in a
restaurant in my country because there are many in my city. I have
never looked at the map for the direction in my country.
Shu-Yi “Candy”
(Taiwan): The weather in Texas is
very hot.
Teresa (Chile): In Chile we
don’t have different cultures where you can see talking black with white
and Asian people. I like that
because I believe that the most important thing is that we are persons and we
can be together without violence of any kind. I feel proud of this.
Sheng-Chih “Sharon”
(Taiwan): I used to be a nurse so for me the most interesting change is I
don’t need to work anymore.
That’s great.
Wei Lin (Taiwan): In my
country. I rode my motorcycle to go to work. Motorcycles are very convenient in
my country. In Arlington. I don’t
have a car.
Wei Yang
“Perry” (Taiwan): Classes start in the afternoon.
Guy Michel (Ivory
Coast): Meet people from all over
the world.
Hsin-Yin “Anita”
(Taiwan): I think the most interesting thing is whole English environment. Of
course I am in America. Because I lived off campus everything I need to do by
myself. SO I fell more independent.
Kha (Vietnam): I don’t live with my parents and
must speak English.
Kyoung-Ae (Korea): I can drive
by car. Sometime I want to talk on the street but I can not because of a strong
sunshine.
Shinya (Japan): in Japan I eat
a meal two times in a day but in Texas I eat just one time and that is for
dinner.
Young sim (Korea): I can
study more. I have a lot if opportunities.
Suhad (Jordan): First of all, I speak more English more
than I speak in Jordan. Second, I have my own home and separate life. Third, USA is free in many things more than in my country esepcially
the clothes.
Sang “Sean”
(Korea): Most of my country people eat rice for breakfast but Texan usually eat
donuts for breakfast also it is sweet.
Ariya (Thailand): When I came
here I have eaten different food and I have seem Rodeo.
Satoshi (Japan): Between my
country and U.S are very much different culture and lifestyle even people
personality. When I was came U.S I had much shock and I experienced no
facilities to me but lately I getting like here more than before.
Boondarika (Thailand): I used to go to shopping by bus when I
stay in my country. Mow its not easy for me to go anyway, because don’t
have car. I think country should to has buses.
Sophida “Fon”
(Thailand): When I came to Texas I felt homesick and then when I had return the
summer I returned to my country for one in a half and I felt I missed my
friends and Texas so much.
Hye Kyun “Hera”
(Korea): I have backache because I sleep on bed.
Medhi (Iran): You can see a
lot of fat here.
Hea In “Hanna”
(Korea): First of all I can speak English with other people but I can’t
speak English very well.
Yuki U. (Japan): My dreams are
in English instead of Japanese.
Jae Sung(Korea): I’d
studied in a library in my country, but in the Unietd States I’ve never
gone to the library to study. Manabu (Japan): I often become
hungry in the evening because the time of dinner becomes earlier.
Hanae (Japan): I see many
students wear Jeans on campus which I don’t see that much in Japanese
universities.
Isil (Turkey): I’m
much calmer than I was in Istanbul or in a European city. Being on the other
side of the world makes me more careful and tolerant.
Bilge (Turkey): My country
is not hot. Here is very not and flat. I am a student again ten years later. It
is very interesting for me. I am going to school like ten years ago. I was a
manager, but I am a student now. This is interesting change in my life.
Cheng
Tao (Thailand): Yes, because go to have just only study
and learn I am enjoying that now.
Asuka (Japan):We usually use chopsticks every meals.
Sookyung “Sue” (Korea):
If I was to go some places I have to move by car. I think knowing the road map
is very important. So if school give
information about road and suggest good place to student, life fo
student is more fun.
Patompong “Pat”
(Thailand): About driving every thing is different. Because steering wheel in
Thailand is light size. It make me confuse.
Juan (Colombia): The most
interesting change is the food.
Yi Ching (Taiwan): I love rode
the motorcycle around my country, but when I come here, I can’t do it,
because everyone drives car in Texas. Because the mall was so far. The
important reason is “I have no car.”
Laura (Colombia): My life
change completely; work is different,, transportation is quiet than my country,
food is fast food but I prefer cooks. I hated warm in Texas. I never have time
for family life. I wake up at 5:45 a.m and go to bed at 11:30 p.m. One thing is
clear for me, I’ll go to learn English, it doesn’t matter what can
I do.
Shu Chen “Emily” (Taiwan):
I meet many countries people.
Bhumika (Nepal): There are many
different things in my country and in the United States. One of the things is
living style.
Suwat “Scott”
(Thailand): I open up my mind a little more to accept everybody suggestion or
opinions which I had not done before.
Eun-Jin “Leah” (Korea):
I confused everything. I study English everyday and I learn new things and to
se and to listen. Chao-Ping “Sylvia”
(Taiwan): Here is not convenient of you do not have a car. In my country bus,
taxi, and food is everywhere.
Hsin-Yun “Chris” (Taiwan):
Get up early.
Alexandra “Alex”
(Colombia): The life style such as: transportation, in my country are many ways
to move yourself, but here no. Also the time management, here if you invite
people for a party, the people go 15 minute late in my country 1 hour. Eun-Kyung
“Emily” (Korea): I could not drive because I was not
brave. But I can d it now! I can go to everywhere myself. I became a brave
woman.
Jung Yoo “Michelle”
(Korea): I was married. I am going
to try to make me happy.
Young-Ji (Korea): I had the first flight in my life. It was interesting. I have met many native English speakers
since I came to Texas.
Seung Hyun (Korea): If I
need to buy something such as cigarette, food and everything I have to go
driving. United States is a really large country.
Heung Kyu (Korea): I meet many
another country friends. That is the most interesting change in my life since I
came here. I hope that I meet more many friends.
Ammar K. (Algeria): Everything
in my daily life has changed.
Yuya (Japan): There are no
my family.
Jinching “Woody”
(Taiwan): I met many people from other countries and I have to talk to them in
English.
Saiko (Japan): There is no
transportation. We may bring something to drink to our classes.
Tomohiro “Tomo”
(Japan): I wash my clothes myself.
You Mi (Korea): I think I
don’t change.
Kosuke (Japan): I got wed to
the cafeteria food rather, I like
to have it very much.
Wael (Palestine): Being more
independence about myself.
Keisuke “Kei” (Japan):
Road is too broad.
Chung-Sheng “Joshua”
(Taiwan): though till now I have
not yet seen the snow I think it will be the most interesting thing seeing snow
in the winter.
Elsa (Ecuador): Yes the
life here is different, especially in the university because you can find
students of different ages and no body have a problem with maybe teach, speak
with them.
Yuna (Korea):Becoming small
mind.
Ece (Turkey): Of course
people, neighbors, classmates and food.
Seol Jeong “Sharon” (Korea):
Mostly my country people they a night time person. But American people are
morning people.
Somsak (Thailand): I need to
take care of everything by my own.
I need to solve every problem by my own.
Pairote (Thailand): East and West cultures are
different. I used to be in East
for a long time and just learn about West only a short time. Everything seems to be interesting.
Page 5
Special Messages
Shu-Yi “Candy”
(Taiwan): To Anita don’t give up! You are the best! To Somak
you will pass your GMAT! Go! GO! Go!
To Eric, You are a hero in our reading class because you
got 100% in timed reading. Amazing!
Hsin-Yin “Anita”
(Taiwan): TO Candy could you cook a dinner for me? I
so starving.
Somsak (Thailand): The
semester will be cold. Please take care yourself. If somebody has a cold please
do not drive fast. Do not go over the speed limit.
Young sim (Korea): Take
any opportunities.
Ho Young (Korea): To my classmates,
I like studying with you. To Joshua
and Yaroslav, you are good teachers and men whom I have met in
the USA.
Shinya (Japan): To me you
must wake up early time. I always get up a noon.
Yuki U.(Japan): Dear teacher,
less homework please!
Sophida “Fon”
(Thailand): I am sorry to all of my teacher that I don’t study in your class.
Medhi (Iran): I love study
with my teacher Terry in GW class, she is wonderful. I
always come from work but because
this class never I became tired.
Hsien-Hsiu “Jey”
(Taiwan): Far all my friends here in Texas I am going to L.A. City California
and start my new life there.
Kang-Ping “Joyce”
(Taiwan): To Debra and Bill thank for the cooking
class.
Patompong “Pat”
(Thailand): I have message for my family in Thailand, “I miss you so
much.”
Yi Ching (Taiwan): My teacher.
You are very king teach me. Let me know the knowledge more and more. It’s
good things for me. Thank you Teachers!
Eun-Kyung “Emily”
(Korea): Debra, Caroline, and Andy
thank you for helping me.
Seung Hyun (Korea): Dae
up I know that you have terrible your life in the USA
but everyone terrible in their nre life. You can do it. Come on! Hyung Seop.
Why do you make your body? I think that you need to exercise you got to wrong
exercise now! You need a new exercise method.
Hea In “Hanna”
(Korea): Thanks Terry. I am in debt to you for I have
interesting to grammar.
Hye-Kyun “Hera”
(Korea): Hi Asuka I am happy I know you.
Ammar K. (Algeria) Mr. Director, for help he gave it to me
for make registration.
Reina (Mexico):
Congratulation Gudelia
for you pregnant do uou preserve you happiness forever and good luck.
Wei “Perry” (Taiwan):
For everyone you are so friendly! Keep going!
Debra (USA):Thanks to all who
office in Trimble 24. This change of office space has been wonderful. To all my
students thank you for great start to our fall semester. I appreciate all of
your hard work! Keep smiling.
Hsin-Yin “Anita”
(Taiwan): To Somsak don’t give up your goals me
too.
Sang “Sean”
(Korea): Most student s worry about that explain the pain at the hospital but
we don’t have to worry because U.T.A Health Center help us anytime. Also
payment is cheap.
Laura (Colombia): Terry, I
admire you because is always take care many things about the students
well-being, it doesn’t matter how many times students need you help them
those times. (Social security, health insurance, immigration and more.
Jinching “Woody”
(Taiwan): I am glad to make friends with you.
Cheng Tao (Taiwan): Joan
nice to see you again. You usually help me learn and give me new information.
Thank you so much.
Keisuke “Kei”
(Japan): Let aim for perfect attendance with me!
Alexandra “Alex”
(Colombia): Phillip, Emma, Perry, Szuhua and Ylz,
we have been sharing wonderful moments, thank you.
Yuna (Korea): I miss Ah-reum.
Please come to me quickly.
Myung (Korea): Hi Cheng-Tao
Lee you are very cool.
Jae (Korea): Do you best to
speak English.
Young Ji (Korea): Matt! You
are my best friend! Hahan I am happy to know you.
And thank you for listening of my worry. If it had not been for your advice, I
should have been confused. Thank you so much.
Suhad (Jordan): Teacher Amanda, I don’t understand the tense
will. I am really confused.
Guy Michel (Ivory Coast):
For everybody, we have to have fun outside the ELI. Let’s make a party!! Hello Yeliz.
Elsa (Ecuador): For all ELI students, we can learn good English and share
good experiences with people around the world.
Teresa (Chile): To love everyone and to be always happy is the way you have to live.
Page 6
American Holidays
Columbus Day
October 14-Observed
Throughout most of the
United States, Columbus Day is celebrated on the second Monday in October. The
holiday honors Christopher Columbus, who is commonly called the discoverer of
America. All of North and South America and some cities in Spain and Italy
honor him although we know now that he was not the first European to land in
the New World.
Columbus was born in Italy in 1451. He made 4 trips,
all financed by Spain, to the New World.
The purpose of his trips was to find a better route to the Orient
(India, China, the East Indies, and Japan). He believed a ship could reach the East by sailing west
instead of around the horn of Africa. He made only one important mistake: he
underestimated the size of the earth. Columbus was looking for three things: a short sea route to the East,
fame, and wealth.
In 1492, Columbus made his
first voyage with three ships: the Pinta, the Nina, and the Santa Maria. The
entire crew of all three ships numbered about 87. The ships landed on two islands in Caribbean. When the ships landed, the sailors were
greeted by naked natives. Because Columbus thought he had landed on an island
in the Indies near Japan or China, he called these natives Indians. To this
day, we refer to these as the West Indies.
The three ships spent only
a few days at San Salvador. Then they sailed on to Cuba and Haiti. On March 15, his ships arrived
back safely in Spain.
Columbus was a great
national hero when he returned from this first expedition, but his popularity
did not last. He made three more trips to explore the West Indies and South
America. Some Spanish settlers remained in the new land to form a colony called
Hispaniola (where Haiti and the Dominican Republic are now located). These
settlers had expected to find huge supplies of gold and other riches. Instead,
they found primitive living conditions, strange foods, hard work, and constant
danger. Because of their anger at Columbus, he lost his popularity.
In a final attempt to regain his good name and wealth,
Columbus began his last voyage from 1502
to 1504, but Queen Isabella died
before Columbus returned. In great pain from arthritis, Columbus went to
King Ferdinand to request the money and titles he had been promised. The King
turned down his request.
During his last years,
Columbus was a poor forgotten man with few. He was in much pain and scarcely
able to move because of his arthritis. He died in 1506 at the age of 54.
Although it got its name
from a Christian festival, its customs are from two pagan sources. The first dates back hundreds of years before
Christ to the Druid festival of Samhain.
The second source is the Roman festival in honor of Pomona, goddess of
gardens and orchards.
The Celts were the people
who occupied the British Isles and northern France during ancient and medieval
times. They worshipped gods
of nature. The Druid new year began on November 1. This was the beginning of
winter and the reign of the Lord of Death. Since winter was associated with death and evil
spirits, the Celts were afraid of winter. Every year on October 31, the Celts
celebrated the Druid festival of Samhain, Lord of the Dead and Prince of
Darkness, who, according to Celtic belief took all the souls of all those who
had died during the year to Druid Heaven. Supposedly, on this evening, ghosts
rose from their graves and witches rode through the air on broomsticks or black
cats. Also, the spirits of dead relatives and friends were expected to return
to earth for a visit. Druids built huge bonfires on hilltops to scare away the bad spirits
of evil and death and to guide the spirits of their relatives back home. They
threw animals and crops from the harvest into the fire as gifts for the evil
spirits. The Celtic people also dressed in ugly, scary costumes in order to
resemble the evil spirits they feared. They believed that by disguising
themselves this way, the spirits
couldn’t find them and therefore wouldn’t harm them.
When the Romans invaded
Britain in 55 B.C., they added their harvest festival dedicated to Pomona, the
goddess of fruits to the Druid holiday. Thereafter, nuts and fruits especially
apples—became part of the Samhain ceremonies.
As Christianity replaced
the pagan religions, the church set aside November 1st to honor all saints and
called it All Hallows’ Day. When the eve of All Hallows came to be the
time of celebration, it was called All Hallows Even—later shortened to
Halloween. The Druid believe in witches, goblins, and fairies were included
into the rituals.
Halloween was not widely
celebrated in America until the large Irish immigration in the 1840’s.
Some of the Halloween customs brought by the colonists have remained as they
were but others have been altered.
Halloween has a variety of
customs dating back hundreds of years.
The colors, black and
orange, suggest both ideas of death and harvest.
The jack-o-lantern, most
typical of Halloween symbols began with the Irish. It was an Irish custom to hollow out turnips and place
lighted candles inside them to scare evil spirits away from the house. In the
United States, the native pumpkin is used to make a jack-o’-lantern.
According to legend a man named Jack, because of his stinginess, was kept out
of heaven, and not allowed to enter hell because of the jokes he played on the
devil. His only recourse was to roam the earth carrying a lantern until
Judgment Day.
In America, an old legend
says at mid-night on Halloween all
pumpkins leave their vines and dance across the fields.
“Trick or treat” also had its origin in Ireland, where children would go from
house to house asking for food for
the village Halloween festivities in the name of Muck Olla, ancient god of the
Irish clergy. English children carried on the practice when, dressed up in each
other’s clothes, wearing
masks, they went begging for ‘‘soul cakes’’ on All
Hallows’ Eve.
Throwing apple parings
over the left shoulder is another Halloween tradition. The unbroken paring was swung over the
head three times before it dropped in the hopes that it would form the initial
of one’s love.
Nuts are used in many places to foretell the future on
Halloween. Parties gather
before the fire to tell ghosts stories and to tell the future with the nuts as
they roast them. The nuts that burned bright when thrown into the fire supposedly brought good luck and prosperity to the person
who threw them. If a young man and girl
each threw a nut into the fire and the nuts burned at the same time, the
two would be married.
The custom of kindling
fire came from the druid priests and their sacred fires built at their stone
altars. To the pagans, fire was a symbol of immortality. It was to honor the
Sun god. It was also used to frighten away evil spirits.
The custom of telling
ghost stories on Halloween also comes from the Druids as they sat around the
bonfires talking about strange happenings they had experienced. Wise old women called
“witches” foretold the future and gave magic words to keep away the
evil spirits. Black cats were thought to be mascots of the witches, or witches
in disguise.’
Page
9
Compliments, Suggestions,
Complaints
Bilge
(Turkey): I like this school and helpful recommend to everybody.
Wei Lin