My Funny Friday Night

     This past Friday I made a spontaneous trip to Shell on the corner of South University and Barry.  As my roommate and I bundled up in about five layers we faced the cold and started walking. Michaela, my roommate made a pit stop at Sweet Frog to indulge in some froyo as I continued to Shell to get a fountain drink. I tried opening the door but for some reason it was locked. Even though it was about 9 at night, I knew they weren't closed because there were lots of people in the parking lot. I walked around the convenient store and tried the second door. It was unlocked so I proceeded inside. I headed towards the drink station as I look around and realized there was no one in the store, not even a cashier or sales clerk. Feeling slightly out of place, I headed to the door to leave seeing as though if there were no cashier, I wouldn't be able to buy a soda. Somehow both doors were now locked. I walked back in forth inside the store and called Michaela who was just next door.
     Michaela answered as I began to ramble/panic because I was now locked inside the gas station...alone. In the midst of me trying not panic, I could hear keys clattering as the door was being unlocked. In walked the cashier who was probably around sixty or seventy years old. He didn't even notice or question as to why and how someone was inside the store since he had been outside the whole time I was in the store alone. Relived to the fact that I wasn't going to have to spend the night in a Shell convenient store I proceeded to get what I had went there for originally. I bought my Diet Coke and met back up Michaela to walk back to our dorm.
     While the event was happening I wasn't laughing too much, rather I was trying not to have an anxiety attack. But as I look back just a few days later, I can't stop laughing! It was definitely an event I will remember, but I'm so glad I can look back at myself and laugh. It is evident that I was a victim of the relief theory because as I told my friends the story they couldn't help but laugh either. I'm sure they were glad to not be in my shoes in that moment. It's safe to say I can add this event to one of the many events that has triggered myself to laugh uncontrollable.
     As many say, I believe laughter is the best form of medicine especially being able to laugh at yourself. To leave you with one last memory of me as a blogger, I would like to share a humorous video that resulted in me rolling on the floor laughing.   

Farewell my blogger fans!

My Final Meeting With Johnathan

     As I sat in Union Grounds waiting to meet Johnathan for the last time, I began to reflect my time with him and our past conversations. John being as he would like to call "fashionably late," I sat and talked with Ryan. Upon John's arrival he began telling us about his visit to a local museum. He was unsure as to what museum he had just went to, but he showed us some neat pictures. Of them I saw a large building piece that remained from the twin towers and a huge Christmas tree. When I think of museums, I always think of my senior class trip to Washington D.C.. Prior to that trip, I was never interested in going to museums, but D.C. changed my perspective drastically. Ryan and I agreed that John would someday have to visit the National Air and Space Museum since he is so fascinated by aircrafts.
     As I had mentioned in a previous blog, John will be transferring to Kansas State next semester to pursue a degree in aeronautical engineering. He conveyed his excitement being able to pursue his dream job of flying air planes, but was also sad to be leaving behind the many friends he has made at TCU. We reassured John that he would love Kansas even though we all can agree that TCU is the greatest. I am positive that with John's social and outgoing personality he will make friends in Kansas in no time. Of course John wasn't looking forward to having to study "all the time" while at K-State, but Ryan and I encouraged him to find a good balance between school and social activities.
     I am so glad I had the opportunity to meet John. We never had a dull conversation and I even learned from our cultural differences. I am confident he will be a successful pilot and wish him the very best and successful future. Our final conversation was bittersweet and I hope we will all stay in contact over the years to come.

Johnathan and I Meet Again

     After Johnathan graciously agreed to take on another conversation partner, I figured I could at least help him kill two birds with one stone. Ryan, his original conversation partner and I scheduled to meet John last Friday afternoon at 2:45 outside of Chick Fil A. As I frantically ran across campus that afternoon I arrived to our meeting a few minutes late. Ryan and I sat there talking, waiting for Johnathan. Ryan quickly informed me that John was notorious for being late. I'm highly understanding of people being late because as a Bowman, I unfortunately received the "being late to everything gene," not by choice, but because I as well as my family members seriously struggle to be on time, yet alone early. However, John has officially taken "being late" to a whole new level.
     I texted John as I was walking over to Chick Fil A from the library, reminding him of our meeting time. Technology is both a blessing and a curse because in this case Johnathan had his read returns on so I could tell he had read the text and wasn't responding. Ryan and I continued on with our conversation of how fast the semester was flying by and comedic topics we had discussed with John. As the clock struck 3:15 I decided to give him a call. He answered and was uncertain as to who was calling. "Ohhh this is Kate" he said. I questioned him as to whether or not he was coming since he told me he was already there. I chuckled and said we were sitting outside as he said he would be there in 30 seconds. Jokingly, I told Ryan I was going to start counting.
     At last, John finally arrived! Little did I know, when I called John earlier he was on his way to Plano for a dentist appointment. I felt so bad because we could have easily rescheduled our meeting. Ryan and I talked about our plans for the weekend with John as he listed all the exciting events on his weekend agenda. Of them they included going to a new outlet mall with his friends and "lots of partying." I laughed because I began to notice a trend in his behavior. It seems as though shopping, spending time with his friends, and partying are his top priorities. Feeling slightly jealous of his substantial amount of free time, my weekend was going to involve lots of studying and preparation for the chaotic week ahead. We reminisced Halloween, describing our favorite Halloween costumes, hunted houses, and traditions. What I found interesting is that he had never been trick or treating. Although we are too old to do that now, I vividly remember trick or treating as a kid which encompassed most of my memories from Halloween. He noted that trick or treating was strictly an American thing as I nodded in awe.
     What I enjoy most about meeting with John is that I always learn something new. Whether it be about his culture or just differences in our daily activities it helps me gain a better perspective of others. I cannot wait for my final meeting with John tomorrow afternoon, as I'm sure he will come with some humorous stories from last weekends social activities.

Funny Poems

The Seafood Diet

By: Kenn Nesbitt

I've started on a seefood diet.
I highly recommend you try it.
You eat whatever food you see;
a grape, a crepe, a pear, a pea,
a candy cane, some bubble gum,
a piece of pie, a peach, a plum,
banana pancakes, chicken legs,
a dozen donuts, deviled eggs,
spaghetti noodles, sirloin steaks,
vanilla ice cream, birthday cakes,
a hundred pizzas, chocolate mousse,
and gallon jugs of apple juice.

The seefood diet. Just can't beat it.
Whenever you see food, you eat it.
I'm pretty sure you won't lose weight,
But, what the heck? The food is great!

Half Baked

By Joanna Fuchs

On your birthday, it's time to reflect,
For the passing of time leads to change.
What once was important we leave;
Our priorities and goals rearrange.

It's official; you've lived one more year.
You're birthday gifted and caked,
But don't think you're fully mature,
'Cause you're really only half-baked!

Over The Hill At Forty

By Joanna Fuchs

So it's your fortieth birthday;
Four decades have gone and passed.
They say when you get older,
Time goes twice as fast.

I wouldn't know, of course,
Since I am still quite young,
But for you, the music is over;
Your last song has been sung.

You're just over the hill at forty;
You went down without a fight.
Time rushes on, and soon
That "hill" will be out of sight!

Happy Birthday Anyway!

Nerdy, Technology Learning Expereince

     ​I always look forwards to the current event/technology report given each class period in Business Information Systems (BIS). Technology is always changing, improving, becoming faster, etc. The release of the iPhone 5s and 5c struck my attention more so than previous releases. When will Apple ever stop making and updating the iPhone? It seems as though the iPhone 50 will be released soon enough. Why do consumers feel the need to upgrade their products so often? Due to our high dependence and use of technology such as cell phones and personal computers, we are always looking for something that is going to make our workload a little lighter, even if that entails splurging to get the latest and greatest products. We are surrounded in a world of technology and our future careers will evolve around this. It is a critical time in my life to learn and use resources such as SharePoint and Microsoft Access in order to be knowledgeable of different realms of technology. I look forwards to see what the future holds in new additions and upgrades to technology.
      I must admit, BIS requires a large amount of dedication outside of class in order to keep up with the fast paced learning nature of the honors section. When we were assigned individual Access assignments in addition to reading and taking quizzes prior to class I became slightly overwhelmed. The first few individual tutorials felt long and monotonous. However, my interest in the program has exceedingly grown. After each assignment I am always amazed knowing that I, the once technology challenged created the resulting product. When each dialogue box pops up on the screen, excitement runs through my blood knowing that I programed that rule on Access. Up until now, I've always had to call my dad, the computer wizard when I had difficulty navigating new programs such as Access and SharePoint, but these individual assignments and in class labs have been helpful and beneficial. It's nice knowing and reassuring that what we are learning in the classroom will be applied to our work in the future. It makes all the time spent preparing outside of class worthwhile. I've never seen myself interested in pursuing a degree in BIS until now. Microsoft Access has changed me for the better.

Johnathan and I's First Conversation

     After scheduling conflicts with my original conversation partner I was assigned a new partner, Johnathan. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Mohammad, so I was excited to have the opportunity to learn from another international student. Friday afternoon in Union Grounds I met Johnathan and we quickly began getting to know one another. Since we both had a conversation prior to this account, all nervousness and anticipatory anxiety was set aside.
     Johnathan  started off by telling me his life history. He was raised in France and was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He fluently speaks five languages! I had to admit how impressive that was. When I told him I could only speak English, he blatantly replied "oh no! that's so bad!" I couldn't help but laugh because I know how beneficial it is to be bilingual. He has only been in the U.S. since August and plans to complete the IEP program at TCU and transfer next semester to Kansas State where he will study aeronautical engineering. As a pilot, he plans to travel the world and be able to say he has been to every country in the world. He is definitely off to a great start since he has lived in several different locations and can speak five languages. Fascinated by his endeavors, I am inspired to travel.
     Johnathan is in fact a very comedic guy. Throughout our meeting, he saw several of his friends and answered two phone calls to coordinate his plans for the evening. I can tell that he is extremely social and active with with his large friend group. He plays on the club rugby team and stays busy with practice and games. He informed me of his love to party. I laughed as I started to see a common trend among my previous conversation partner and Johnathan. His daily routine for rugby involves practice, games, followed by a party. He is intrigued and slightly confused by the way American's plan parties stating that, "someone just texts me the address and I show up to the party to have good time." Proceeding, he asked me how students at TCU plan parties because they're constantly occurring. I honestly admitted and said I had no idea. I continued to chuckle because I'm the last person that would know the "party scene" and both Johnathan and Mohammad brought the topic up.
     Johnathan continuously asked me "What's up?" I reassured him that his weekend was going to be much more exciting than mine. As my group projects are coming to an end, the stress and work load has reached a maximum. We said our goodbyes and planned to meet again next week. I am excited for our next conversation! I learned so much about Johnathan and cannot wait to see what our future conversations will entail.

Recent Learning Experiences Within Group Projects

     With only a little over a month left of the semester, I have learned more than expected about working in groups. Two of my business classes both have semester long group projects. Assigned to read many Harvard Business Review articles, I have learned the dynamics of the ideal group, how to effectively work as a team, how to confront conflict amongst members and so forth. Many of these articles have come handy and have helped one of my groups successfully work together. We are able to function as a collaborative group without one member being too controlling and most importantly we enjoy working with each other. Fortunately, one of my two semester long group projects is smooth sailing (I'll call this Group A), however, the second group (Group B) poses great difficulty for me and the other members.
     A critical step was taken amongst the group members of Group A that's prove to be successful thus far that was not completed in Group B. Prior to beginning the project Group A met to construct a team contract. Together we mutually established group and individual expectations, goals, and how we expected to treat each other. We agreed that constructive criticism was going to allow our project to reflect our best work. Not only was the importance of attendance at meetings critical, but coming prepared and ready to work. This team contract has proved to be the foundation of our team's success and has established guidelines for us all to abide by. This contract makes our team sound all serious and no fun, but by creating this prior to the start of the project there have been many memories and laughs along the way. Last night after finishing our assignment we reminisced the good ole days of Aaron Carter. Huddled around the computer screen we watched the music video "Aaron's Party."
     Group B is composed of intelligent students, but schedule and personality conflicts have proved to make this group project more challenging than it should be. This project has 5 members whereas Group A has a total of 4. I'm not sure if it's the extra person that makes it difficult or if it's the lack of mutually established expectations.
     As a business student, I know this is only the beginning of group projects. I enjoy working with others, which is why I chose to learn from the experiences in both groups. The team contract has proven beneficial and I would highly recommend creating one for every group project here on out. Whether it's 2 or 10 people, an honors class or not, a short or semester long project, this has served as my groups foundation and has held members accountable for assignments and expectations.
     As we draw near to our final presentations, I will anxiously await the results of each group. I plan to use what I have learned this semester and instill a positive outlook in Group B to ensure we perform to the best of our ability. As we have all worked in groups in Lit & Civ, I hope y'all have experienced great team dynamics and results within in this class and other group projects. I would love to hear some of the learning experiences and success stories you've encountered within your groups.

Here's a little trip down memory lane:

A Daily Dose of Laughter

    One of my best friends, Taylor is a youtube addict. She is always up to date on the latest viral videos. Luckily, she keeps me informed by sending me links to clips and videos worth watching. This past list of links included the video below. Please watch it so you can understand what triggered my laughter for what seemed like hours.

      This young girls boastful attitude sets her up for failure which is why I think I find it so funny when she falls out of the chair. I was once a girl scout so I know what it's like to sell cookies. Like her, my mom helped me become top cookie seller in my troop by selling cookies to her extensive network at the hospital she works. Being a young, naive little girl I thought I was pretty cool since I was the top cookie seller, although I was to bashful to boost to anyone other than my immediate family members. Part of why I find myself laughing uncontrollably time after time watching this video is because this girl reminds my so much of myself as a child. Once again, I'm caught laughing at the expense of others which isn't always the right thing to do, but in this case I can't help it. This video is too darn funny! How can you not laugh?
     In relation to the theories of humor, this video encompasses the relief and superiority theory. As you can see she's perfectly fine once she gets back up and I'm relived it's not me that it's happening to. Her insentient whining is simply because she's a drama queen seeking attention. With respect to the superiority theory I find myself laughing because I would never brag publicly about something and also because I'm laughing at her expense.
     I love how I can watch this video time after time and still experience the same comedic effects. Whenever I'm in need of a good laugh I always turn to Taylor and ask her for funny youtube links. Laughter is fun, rewarding, contagious, and can lighten any mood. I try not to take life too seriously, which is why I tend to laugh all the time. As Charlie Chaplin once said, "A day without laughter is a day wasted."

Fall Break?

     The past few weeks I have been anxiously awaiting fall break. Although, I'm from Houston and can go home whenever, I couldn't wait to be home to just relax with my family. After a very busy and stressful week comprised of a presentation, a stats test, an Access midterm, advising, and several group project meetings I am finally home. As I take this time to reflect on my past learning experiences, I now know the feeling of a much needed break.
     It has come to my attention that the only real break from school we have is Christmas break. December is the one month out of the entire year that we don't have to study for tests, complete homework assignments, or attend countless meetings. Some may argue that summer is a long break, but many students take summer classes which interferes with the break you thought you were going to have.
     This fall break will consist of some quality family time with a side of studying. One of my professors has graciously scheduled a test the day after fall break. Thank you professor, I truly wanted to spend my fall break studying for your test. So while my family will be lounging in the living room watching football, I will be preoccupied reading my foundations textbook and preparing for a test from hell. On the flip side, Christmas beak is around the corner and I look forward to dong absolutely nothing. 
     This week alone has been a life lesson I wish I would have known a few years back. Your work load never ceases, you just have to learn how to manage your time. I've always considered myself to have efficient time management skills, but what I didn't realize is that dedication requires sacrifices. Setting aside my favorite TV shows I watch religiously, spending time with friends, declining social invites, etc. has been the only way I've managed to complete all the work that's assigned. As much as I hate it now, I'm waiting for it to pay off in the future.
     My classes are much more difficult and time consuming this year. Last year I was able to successfully manage 15 hours in addition to working 10 hours a week. The amount of time I spend a week with my two semester long group projects is enough to call it a job, minus the perks of being paid. One is going smoothly and we all work well together. However, the second project poses more of a challenge as we're all a little clueless as to what is going on as well as a lack of team goals and expectations. I foresee many more group projects ahead similar to the one that's challenging right now, which is why it is important I learn from the experience. In reality, not everyone is going to get along with everyone so it's important to facilitate discussion and establish team goals and expectations prior to the start of the project. Perhaps that's why my other group seems to collaborate so well? I'm a convinced personality is a major factor of how the group is going to function. 
     In the meantime, I'm going to use this break as a mini getaway from all the group project meetings we have as it will all still be there when I get back. I hope you all have a fabulous fall break. Relax and have a great time. Promise me you won't study too hard!

A Rather Comedic Lunch Break

     Mohammad was once again surrendered upon his will to talk to me while I scarfed down my lunch, due to our busy class schedules. He kindly reassured to me that it was not a problem as I indulged in a high quality meal purchased from the library cafe. I failed to mention one small detail to Mohammad prior to beginning our conversations several weeks ago. I notified him that I was blogging about the conversations we were having for my literature and civilization class. He was both shocked and amused that I was writing about our exchange in dialogue and excited to know that people in the blogging world may actual read my posts. Taking pride in his remark I didn't mention that "the people in the blogging world" most likely consists of only my professor and a few other students in the class.
     After learning a lot about Saudi Arabia and his culture, I was curious to ask him what American TV shows and movies he thought were funny. He quickly blurted out the words. "How I met Your Mother!" Seeing as though I do not watch the show, the only relation we could agree on was that it helped him with the English language while also experiencing an abundance of laughter. Hoping that I had seen the movie he was about to describe as his favorite, funniest American movie I moved on to ask him what it was.  "Hmmm the funniest movie is definitely Project X." I begin to laugh for a while as I thought oh no, this is how he probably pictures the stereotypical high school student. I couldn't help but agree that it was a funny movie, I must admit I laughed uncontrollably throughout the entire movie. I was really interested to ask why he thought the movie was so great. Mohammad answered that question without any hesitation. "The parties of course!" I couldn't help but laugh because for a kind, easy going guy I could sense his love to rage and "have a good time." I agreed that the party depicted in the movie was pretty epic, but commented that I would never want to have that at my personal house because everything would be destroyed. "So what," he replied "as long as I have fun it's all good!" If I had to guess, I'd say that having a similar party is most likely on Mohammad's bucket list.
     I asked him to describe the plans and events that would occur if he were to have his own Project X party. "If it were in Saudi, it would be in the desert with big tents, there would be lots of girls, and I would play loud music all night long." I asked him to play an excerpt from a song he would play and all I can say is that it was very different from American party music. He enjoys music with a good beat and shared his interest in Kayne West, Bruno Mars, Avril Lavigne, Def Leppard, and Lil' Wayne. Rest assured he has a wide variety of American music he is exposed to. He made certain to mention that guys would wear jeans and a shirt and not the formal attire they typically wear on Fridays and special occasions.
     I always like to end with asking him how his classes are coming along. He was slightly overwhelmed with the research paper we discussed last Friday because he did not work on it over the weekend as he had planed. Frantically he asked for help on APA citations and how to create a work cited page. I should him the helpful resources on Microsoft Word and he was beyond grateful. As our conversation came to close I informed him that his fictional Project X party was bound to be a memorable event and I expect an invitation. Our conversation about comedic movies was by far the highlight of my day.
     See ya next Tuesday Mohammad!

Candles

Fall is my second favorite season, after all what season can top summer? Many people anxiously await the cooler weather and being able to not go outside and not break a sweat. Being from Houston, it's always warm, humid, and 9 times out of 10 you're going to sweat when you step outside. With that said, I prefer warm weather over cold 365 days a year. My favorite thing about fall is hands down, fall scented candles. As I write this post, I am currently burning Bath and Body Works "Pumpkin Cupcake" and I don't think my room could smell any more delightful. If my RA or hall director were to walk in they would probably think I was a pyromaniac due to the ridiculous amount of candles and lighters you would find in my room. It's safe to say that's one of the dorm rules I fail to abide by considering I light a candle in my room at least once a day. It's amazing how much joy and happiness a candle can bring to the room! I do my best thinking and school work when a nice scented candle is burning. To all of you who do not share my candle obsession, I recommend you go to the store, stock up on your favorite scents and light away. A simple mold of scented wax can transform an average room into a cozy and magnificent smelling room of tranquility and relaxation.

P.S. don't forget to trim the wick to maximize the burning time of your candle
P.S.S. feel free to check out some of my favorite candle distributors

Yankee Candle
PartyLite
Bath and Body Works
Nordstrom

Mohammad and I meet again

     It is evident that we have reached one of the busiest times of the semester where almost every professor assumes we're only taking their class. After several reschedules, Mohammad and I had the opportunity to meet again. Although this was only our second time meeting, we somehow get off to a great start and chat non stop. An hour has never passed so quickly in my life as he told me his adventures of getting a new car and the development of his research paper for IEP.
     After driving a rental car for several months, Mohammad decided it was time to go car shopping. Quickly picking up on his love and fascination of cars without him disclosing the brand of his new car, I knew he probably settled on a luxurious car that's designed to speed. Proceeding, I asked him what kind of car he got and low and behold, he is a proud new owner of a Mercedes Benz. Unfortunately, he already had to take it to the shop to repair the carburetor, but was excited to pick it up this evening. Knowing that he lives off campus I asked how he had been getting to school the past several days. He laughed for a few seconds before describing his attempt to walk 15 miles to school. I quickly said, "Wait, what!?! You walked 15 miles to school!" Replaying his morning, he set his alarm for 6 am in order to be at class by 9. He began walking approximately 2 miles before looking at his watch to read the time of 8:15. Pulling his phone out of his pocket, he immediately dialed and begged his friend from Arlington to pick him up and drop him off at school. Arriving 45 minutes to class, he was in for a rough day ahead. Reassured that he didn't have to walk 15 miles to school I was happy for him to be getting his car back.
     After asking how his classes were going and his performance on the economics test he was concerned about last meeting he began to vent about IEP. He was shocked and slightly upset when his teacher assigned a research paper. Claiming that his teacher never told him how to write, format, or research the paper and topic he demanded some guidelines, although he openly admitted "I know how to do it, but I want her (his teacher) to tell me how." Understanding where he's coming from, I laughed because I too admit guidelines and structure makes the assignment a little more black and white. Trying to let him see the bright side of the creative assignment, he told me he was going to write his paper on the hate crimes of the religious police in Saudi Arabia. Intrigued  and unaware of this topic, I asked him to describe the religious police. Little did I know, in Saudi Arabia, they are all strictly enforced to practice Muslim and religious freedom is nonexistent. Although Mohammad is a devout Muslim, he said the religious police have entirely too much power and have similar authority to the princes' in Saudi. I'm always very interested when he describes life in Saudi Arabia, being the ignorant, sheltered American that I am. Wrapping up our meeting, I reassured him that it sounds like his paper is going to be great.
      I look forwards to meeting Mohammad again, as we have now established a set time that will hopefully work with both of our schedules.
     Until next time!
         Katelyn
    

Cartoons

Start Spreading the News

How to House Break your Dog

Reflection

     These past four weeks have flown by as we have discussed humor in class. Our most recent assignment: to find and present a funny cartoon and or joke to the class has been rather challenging.  I will be the first to admit that I laugh at just about everything (so I thought). But what I laugh at and why has been brought to my attention. 

     As I searched the web for hours on end, I found it difficult to search for something funny. The most humors jokes or cartoons are the ones that you see or read at random. The harder I looked, the less amusing the jokes and cartoons became. With that said I believe that you cannot search for something funny; humorous aspects of life (jokes, cartoons, videos, etc.) occur naturally and most often when you least expect it. 

     Prior to this assignment I believed I laughed at just about everything, however, my belief has shifted. I find myself laughing more so at people, situations, and especially crude humor. This realization is one that I am not proud of and is a work in progress. Laughing at other people can be harmful and down right rude. Crude humor is funny in my opinion, but when you're embarrassed to tell it to your mom or someone you respect I'd say the line has been drawn. As I continue to learn the realms of humor, I would like to see myself diverge from humor that is at the expense of others and crude. After all, humor exists that is so to speak "G" rated.

    I tend to laugh in everyday conversation with my friends, family, and even people I've recently met, but not necessarily because our conversation is funny or humorous, rather because it feels instinctive and natural, like smiling. That leads me to facial expressions, smiling in particular. I once again admit that if I'm not laughing, I'm always smiling. In my case, simply because smiling lightens the mood and gives me a positive attitude. I'm generally a relaxed, easy going person who doesn't take life too seriously. Don't get me wrong, I have a busy schedule and am a goal-oriented person, but I constantly remind myself to have a little fun. Laughing and smiling is a great way to transform a good day into a great day.

     Don't forget to laugh lots and smile often :)

Meeting Mohammad

When I received my email from Zhenya with the contact information regarding my IEP student I was nervous and excited at the same time. I quickly emailed Mohammad to arrange a meeting time as soon as possible. We began texting back and forth to find a time that would work for both of our busy schedules. Tuesday at 3:30 it was.

            As I walked up the stairs to the third floor of the BLUU I was slightly concerned because I had no idea who to look for. I continued to walk around for several minutes before I saw a curly haired Saudi casually sitting on the sofa. We shook hands and greeted one another as we sat down to join in conversation. He seemed very nervous at first, but quickly began telling me about himself.

            From our conversation I leaned that he is twenty years old, from Saudi Arabia, and grew up speaking Arabic. In 2010 he went to South Africa to learn English, however, he openly admitted that he was there for the social aspect and to have fun, going out nightly with his friends. His trip was too short to learn and pick up on the English language. Upon his request, his father allowed him to come to the United States to learn English and pursue a business degree. He began an international exchange program at the University of Florida, but soon came to Texas Christian University. He misses his family and six siblings, two older sisters, and four younger brothers. He said it is common for women in Saudi Arabia to have many children and to grow up with lots of siblings.

            He explained how different school, people, families, and social norms are here in comparison to his home. I told him how amazed at how well his English speaking skills were for only learning and practicing English for a year. Although, he is very loquacious he explained how challenging it is to comprehend professors’ lectures when they have such limited time to convey a large amount of material. He has found that recording professors’ lectures and replaying them at home is most helpful. Mohammad is determined to complete the IEP program and pursue a degree in supply chain management. He is currently taking microeconomics and has a test tomorrow which he is worried about because he has not yet received the textbook from Amazon.

            Living off campus, he has rented a car to drive to and from school. I was thrown off guard when he asked if I speed while driving. I couldn’t help from smirking as I told him I that I am guilty and have received a speeding ticket before. He became very enthusiastic when I told him this because he said he was pulled over for speeding while driving from Florida to Texas. He couldn’t help but drive fast in his sleek car as he clocked 120 mph. I encouraged him to be careful and to slow down. He was relieved because he could relate to the feeling you get as soon as you see the red and blue lights flashing in your rear view mirror.

            Mohammad asked me about American family dynamics and so I asked him what he thought the typical American family was like. He described American families as to what he has seen in movies. “When the children turn eighteen, their parents kick them out of the house and they are forced to work and live on their own.” Although, some experience similar situations I tried to portray my image of the average American family similar to mine. I showed him a picture of my mom, dad, sister, and five dogs and told him that my family is very loving, supporting, and motivating. He was happy to hear that there are American families similar to his own family. He described his father as supporting because he helped him come to America and learn English.

            As our hourly conversation came to a close, he was so excited to meet again and asked to arrange a time for tomorrow. I smiled and reassured him that we would meet next week. I couldn’t believe how well he was able to communicate and carry a conversation, there was never a silent pause. I am inspired by Mohammad’s hard work to learn the English language and culture and look forwards to meeting with him weekly this semester.