Iraqi Student Project

“Getting to Know Chicago and DePaul” by Hala

Since I arrived in Chicago in August I was and am still fascinated with the beautiful city of Chicago. It’s the city of Art and Diversity. I can’t describe enough! Also I’m fascinated with the great people who believed in me even before they saw me (I love you my Support Group!). They are such kind and welcoming people who were patient enough to wait 4 hours in the airport to welcome me and my fellow ISP students.

Two days after arriving I started my journey at DePaul University in a class called “Discover Chicago’s Art and Creativity.” I had a full Immersion Week of visiting the most beautiful Museums and Artistic Places in Chicago. A thought came into my mind at that time which was: Why don’t we do the same thing in Iraq? There are many, many places in Iraq that are “Must Be Seen” like museums, artifacts, the old city…etc. Most of these locations are damaged because of the occupation, but I will keep this thought in my mind till the situation in Iraq gets better and I hope with the experience I have had, I’ll be able to make a change in the future of Iraq.

The education system of the United States is totally different from what we have experienced in Iraq. In Iraq we didn’t have much interaction with the material that was given in a class, the key to success most of the time was to save the material by heart. Here in the United States we have more interaction with the material of the class through research, lab and discussion and what makes it even easier is the informality between the student and the professor. First I thought that it is disrespectful to be informal with an older person especially like a teacher but then I found that, in English you can be respectful and informal at the same time and I think that is important because it breaks the ice between the students and the professors.

As a commuter student I get to experience life and its challenges more than the majority of resident students. Every morning I take the “L” train to Lincoln Park or to downtown Chicago. Riding the “L” train is the best way to get to know Chicago’s beautiful neighborhoods. One of the challenges I face is “making friends” because I’m not always able to attend all the events that happen on the campus which allows me to meet new people. But I was introduced to many student organizations at DePaul University and now I’m more involved with the community and meeting new people. I’m a member of DISO (DePaul International Student Organization) and DePaul-UNICEF.

Having Bill and Jola (my host Parents) and all the members of my support group in my life make a big difference; they are always loving, caring and encouraging.

Tuesday, October 20th, 2009, by roriegle and is filed under "Uncategorized ". leave a response here, or send a Trackback from your own site.