Blog 1: Initial Thoughts

Part of my requirements as Fulbright's Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA), I need to take courses each term as a student. To be totally honest, Writing 302 was not my first choice. I sent a list of subjects which I want to take this term to our Director, and one after the other, they were all declined either because the class is already full or the schedules do not just seem to fit with my free time. I felt really desperate at that time, and gave the course number come what may. Then an email told me that Prof. Scott Beal agreed to have me in class. 

And here I was, seated on a chair listening to Scott explaining some stuff that we are going to do in this class.

At first I thought, in this course we would only be having lectures about intercultural understanding, communication styles across cultures, etc., but this course is absolutely more than just that! It is actually better than I thought because we get to learn all those stuff while having real conversations with International students in the University. Isn't this exciting? Yes, it surely is. 

"You will be one of the conversation group leaders," Scott said. 

"Wait, what?" 

When the thought of starting the conversation, maintaining the energy while conversing, and thinking of what to bring to the table as topic for next meeting's conversation finally synched in, I doubted myself. I am anxious about not meeting the expectations of the group. I was worried about prejudices knowing that I, myself, is an International student here. I hesitated, and I must admit I was tempted to drop.

But in spite of all the nerve-wracking thoughts, a part of me is excited. Why not? 

I will talk to different people, get to know their real experiences (some obstacles) in living far away from home and how they deal with these challenges, acquire insights from them about anything under the sun, and for the most part, appreciate cultural differences. And since I, myself, is an International student here, I would be able to at least empathize with those who are also new here, and together we can gain the much needed confidence in order to survive America. And of course, it is always a thrill to gain new friends.

It is really a relief to read some of the blogs of those who attended this class last year. Somehow, their roller coaster of emotions of nervousness and anxiety to joy and satisfaction gave me a pat on the back. It is comforting to know that I am not alone. And that at the end of this journey, I hope to really learn many things - some, probably, no class has ever taught. 

So, what should I do to really prepare myself. Or, would anyone REALLY be prepared to have a GOOD conversation? :-D