Alisa's New Year

Alisa is from Korea, and she has a special day called “New Year’s Day.” She told me it is an important day for Koreans. They celebrate on January 1 of the lunar calendar. She will wear traditional clothes and visit her ancestors’ graves to thank them for protecting her. She will also celebrate with her whole family, like cousins, uncles and so on. They will eat dumplings, fresh fruit and rice cakes which can bring wealth. Before she celebrates, she has to clean the house, and prepare food and money to welcome New Year’s Day. She will chat, watch TV, play cards and visit famous sights with her whole family all day. She will receive and give cash and new clothes at the same time. She is looking forward to New Year’s Day coming because she doesn’t have to go to school. It is a very long vacation for her. New Year’s Day is a wonderful memory for Alisa.

by Anny

An Unusual Day

The last day in my country was wondeful.To begin with, my family and my friends were nice with me. For example they had a party for me, and I was very happy. Also, I had dinner with some friends and also with my family. Next, I went with my mom for shopping and I enjoyed it and everything. In addition, I played cards with my friends and we were at the sea. When I left, my mom was sad and I was scared about the trip. In conclusion, the last day in my country was great, not just for me but for everyone.

by Ammro

Sad Day >0<

I cried all night during my last night in Taiwan because I would miss everything. This was my first time to America by myself, and I was very scared and nervous. Dad, Mom and my sister encouraged me because I wanted to give up this trip. My mother cooked delicious food for my last dinner, and we had a very good time. My boyfriend and I bought two rings for each other so they could be a good memory for us. My friends wished me luck with everything in America, and also told me “don’t forget our presents.” They made me laugh and cry. My father and sister took me to airport by car. We were very quiet in the car. We swore that we wouldn’t cry at the airport. At the airport, I was very staunch and smiled at them to say goodbye. I swore I would speak very fluently in English when I would go back to Taiwan.

by Anny

My Trip

The first day in Carbondale was bad because I had a long trip from Saudi Arabia. I traveled to five airports. Also, the food was bad because every thing was cold. I ate pizza but it wasn't good. Also, I didn't sleep well in the airports, so I was very tired. I stayed in the INS a long time, but they were nice. Also, I needed to take a shower but I couldn't. In conclusion, the first day in Carbondale was my worst.

by Ammro

Chingy

Chingy is a famous rapper in The United States and I like him because he is from St. Louis. His music is exciting and fun to listen to. He is very casual man also he is a good dancer. You can read abut Chingy here. Chingy sings with Houston in a song I like called "I Like That".

by Awni

Carbondale

I was so worried about many things on my first day in Carbondale. First, I was worried about American people. However, I found most of the American people friendly and very cool. For example, in the airport, I was so worried about finding my way around, but everyone helped me. Also I was worried about my English because I couldn’t speak English very well. Next, my plane arrived on time, and the immigration officers helped me in the airport. Third, my brother and some of his friends were waiting for me, and I was happy. After that I was hungry so I ate a delicious dinner at home. Finally, I went to SIU and I liked it. I also liked CESL and all of the CESL teachers. The first day in Carbondale was a great day and I have never forgotten this day.

by Awni