End of an Era- Goodbye Thiago, Gabriella and Giovanna/ New Beginning for Cristiane
Saturday evening I went to a going away party for my friends Thiago, Gabriella and their baby girl Giovanna. They will move back to Brazil on Wednesday where Thiago has a new job awaiting him. They have left their mark on the International Student Community here in Lincoln as evidenced by all of the countries represented at the party which were Brazil, China, Iran, Korea, Poland and America. We met at Red Robin restaurant here in Lincoln.
me, Thiago, Gabriella, and Thiago's brother Thiciano holding Giovanna
One of my other Brazilian friends shared with me about how much Thiago and Gabriella helped him and his wife when they first came to Lincoln and that he considers Thiago to be his best friend here in Lincoln. I have heard such stories about both Thiago and Gabriella from many people from Brazil and from other countries.
It was interesting to note the opposite life experience of some of my friends. Thiago, Gabriella and Giovanna will leave Lincoln to return to Brazil this Wednesday which was the purpose of the party. At the party we were also able to welcome back Cristiane. She went to Brazil for a few weeks to switch her Visa to Student Visa from Spouse of Student. She will began her PHD studies today. Her flight came into Omaha about 5pm and she came to the party with her husband. One couple from Brazil is leaving and another is just getting started, so in the same evening I experienced the sadness of saying goodbye while being happy for Thiago and Gabriella’s opportunity and at the same time the joy of seeing my friend Cristiane return and her new beginning.
Cristiane with Gabriella and Giovanna
Being friends with International Students is fulfilling and rewarding. It opens up the world for you and gives you wonderful experiences. However it also means the time will come that you say goodbye when they return to their country. I keep that in mind whenever I begin a new friendship with an International Student. I realize we will be good friends while they are here and perhaps will stay in touch through facebook or email after they return home. However, It is an opportunity that is definitely worth it 
Best Wishes Thiago, Gabriella and Giovanna. I know God will bless you in your new opportunity!! Welcome back Cristiane I know God will bless you in your new opportunity also!!
The Star of Thiago and Gabriella’s Going Away Party- Their Daughter Giovanna
Last night I went to a going away party for my friends Thiago and Gabriella. They will be moving back to Brazil Wednesday. They leave behind friends from several countries. There were friends at the party from Brazil, China, Korea, Iran, Poland and America. The Star of the party was Gabriella and Thiago’s baby girl Giovanna. I noticed women from Brazil, Korea and America doting over Giovanna. It was interesting because Giovanna does not know any jokes to tell and well she actually doesn’t talk yet. She also slept half of the time she was there, but she has one major factor that helps her-she is very cute.
Gabriella with Giovanna
Giovanna is truly an international baby. Her main concern was whether the person was friendly, smiled and could make funny faces for her. The accent and ethnicity of the person did not matter.
Giovanna with her friend Miyeon from Korea
Giovanna sharing her wisdom with her friend Emmiline from Brazil
Giovanna demonstrated how she has benefited from having two intelligent and educated parents when she read the menu.
Giovanna reading a menu
It appears to be a cultural universal that a baby will steal the show and hearts of those around them. I saw adults from each of the cultures make silly faces trying to get her to smile. She may only be 5 months old, but she has captured the hearts of her parents friends and she will be missed as much as her mom and dad. I am confident she will have a bright future with her people skills and intelligence. I do however pity the boys 16 years from now who may think they are interested in her because they may not be very well received by her father lol.
Inspirational Thoughts My Students Do Not Always Appreciate :)
I like to use a little humor when I teach and have some sayings I use in my classes that sometimes get a response similar to the look on my face in the picture above. They also usually provoke some laughter or smiles as well. My sayings are somewhat like trying to use spin in politics. You know like in the Wizard of Oz when Toto pulls back the curtain to expose the old guy speaking into the microphone and he says “pay no attention to the man behind the curtain”. However in my mind the sayings I use have an element of truth behind them
When I share them, my students will laugh respond in a way that makes me laugh though not out loud. The reaction that is always fun is when they roll their eyes.
So here are my sayings that evoke fun responses:
5- The Homework This Weekend is Very Special.
4- Homework is an Exciting Opportunity to Learn.
3- Happy Homework for a Happy Weekend.
2- A Test is a Celebration of Knowledge.
1- We Will Now Celebrate Our Knowledge.
Lighthearted moments are beneficial in learning and I welcome those moments in hopes of reducing stress. Learning a Second or Third Language can be stressful. I have the utmost respect for my students because I admire how they are trying to improve their lives, but we do have some fun in the process. If you are a student with some homework this weekend try to remember- Homework is an exciting opportunity to learn. The next time you take a test tell yourself- I will now celebrate my knowledge. See if it helps
Pushing On to New Horizons- Those Among us May Have Ability We Don’t See
This afternoon I met with a friend who came here as a refugee from Vietnam in 2009. He is a talented young man with a Bachelor’s in Computer Science. Currently he is doing assembly work in a factory while he works to improve his English in hope of entering a Master’s program. We talked about how there can be times of transition in life when we know we are capable of doing more in life than our present job. We also talked about how it is during those times we need to persevere and not give up.
The conversation made me think about how it is too easy to pass by people and miss their potential. In my work I constantly spend time with people who have so much ability but tend to be overlooked. I meet people who are bi-lingual, tri-lingual etc. Some have college degrees from their home country. Some were professionals in their home country. Many of them have abilities and talents that are not fully appreciated.
I had a situation several years ago that showed me how I can that myself. I had a student who was nice old man from Afghanistan. he had a long white beard and would always smile and shake my hand when we would meet. I enjoyed teaching him English. He had heart surgery, so I went to his apartment to teach him when he got to feeling up to it. There was always plenty of food for me and the lesson would turn into a two hour event. I helped with his English for traveling since he wanted to go visit family in Pakistan. I called when I knew he should be back in Lincoln to ask if he wanted to continue his lessons. His son told me he was in Washington D.C. for meetings. I asked why he was there and was told he was in meetings to discuss the new Government there since he was a high ranking judge before the Soviets invaded Afghanistan. I realized that I had completely missed his hidden potential and ability because I only viewed him as the nice old man who was my student.
Congratulations Pablo on Passing the TOEFL- A Test I Enjoy Helping Friend Prepare for
Pablo was in Lincoln for a few weeks to visit his aunt and to practice English. He needed to take the TOEFL test, so he could transfer to New Mexico State University. TOEFL is Test of English Foreign Language which is test for English proficiency used to determine if an international student’s English level is sufficient to have success as a student. Pablo passed the TOEFL shortly after he returned to Mexico. I wish I could take credit, but we only practiced conversational English a few times. He did all of the work over the years to learn and improve his English. Nevertheless I am happy for my friend.
I have had the privilege of helping other friends prepare for the TOEFL more in depth. Normally I focus on the Grammar and Vocabulary/Reading sections with them and tell them to watch TV to practice for the listening section. Imagine that- a teacher giving watching TV as homework. For anyone preparing for the TOEFL a good Grammar Book is essential as are Vocabulary/Reading Books. I prefer to use Barrons TOEFL Prep books. Then of course comes the issue of whether a student will take the Paper Based, Computer Based or Internet Based TOEFL which is why I prefer Barrons since it has sample tests and practices for the different kinds of tests.
Each time a friend passes the TOEFL it represents their dedication to achieving their goals and each time a friend passes I rejoice with them. For my American friends who have never heard of TOEFL think of it as being like doing well on the ACT or SAT so a student can get into a University they have applied to.
Again congratulations Pablo. Felicidades mi amigo y Dios te benidga or Congratulations my friend and God Bless you.
A Few Years Ago They Were Newcomers to America/Now They Are Helping Americans- Linh and Tram
I have two young women from Vietnam who come to my weekend groups at my church. They are Linh and Tram who just began their Senior Year in High School. Linh came here in 2007 with her family and was an ELL student but quickly advanced out of ELL. Tram came here in 2008 and also began as an ELL student and quickly advanced. They are now taking challenging classes including Calculus/Pre-Calculus, Physics, AP classes etc. That would be enough of an accomplishment in a short time.
The picture of the flowers represents how they have blossomed and grown as young people. So much so they have become part of a leadership group at their high school and on Tuesday they welcomed incoming freshmen at their school. That involved giving the freshmen a tour of the school and being their host on freshmen day. Linh told me about how she helped huge people such as football and basketball players. That means that both of them helped American kids on their first day in High School. They at one time needed help and now they are the ones offering help not only to other Newcomers but also to American kids.
Sometimes Newcomers can be misunderstood or stereotyped. They at times encounter prejudice and always face some kind of obstacles as they adjust to their new country and new culture. If we see the potential that each Newcomer can have, and encourage them in their adjustment to their new surroundings, awesome things can happen. My friends Linh and Tram are excellent examples of how people can rise to their potential if given a chance and some help.
Old Friends from Korea at Graduation Ceremony at UNL
Last Friday I went to the PHD/Masters Graduation Ceremony at UNL and ran into some old friends of mine from Korea. It was awesome to see them again and to catch up with them a little. I saw Taiwan and his family and in fact watched Taiwan graduate and be hooded with his PHD in Management. I met with Taiwan and his wife Lee Joo for their first year in Lincoln to help them practice conversational English. I enjoyed several afternoons in their apartment talking and occasionally eating Korean food. They have two children now and moved to Pennsylvania this week where Taiwan will begin his next adventure of being a Professor.
Taiwan receiving his diploma
I am sure Taiwan and Lee Joo will be great assets to the community in Scranton. They are both quality people and have been great friends for Korean students here in Lincoln. I had not seen them for a while. I used to be much more active with the Korean community in Lincoln until God took my life a different direction. It was a wonderful blessing to see them and their children. It was awesome to see my friend Taiwan realize his dream after a lot of hard work. I also saw my old friend Dr. Sang Lee. He was Taiwan’s Advising Professor.
Taiwan and Dr. Lee
Dr. Lee has helped numerous students over the years whether as a Professor in class or advising PHD and Masters students. He has also mentored many young people from Korea over the years. When I saw him, we shook hands and he said “it has been a long time” as he smiled. I agreed that it has been a long time. I got to know Dr. Lee when our mutual friend In Keun Choi battled cancer and after In Keun died as we helped his family. Dr. Lee’s own story of growing up as a child during the Korean War, and the years after the war to becoming a professor in America, is an inspiring story.
Dr. Lee is an avid golfer and I think if he could choose to be one, he would be a professional golfer I used to joke with him and tell him there was no golf in heaven and he would correct me on that
It was such a blessing to see my friend Thiago receive his PHd. Seeing Taiwan graduate and seeing Dr. Lee again made it even more special. Congratulations Taiwan and Thiago and all graduates last Friday.
International Students- Friday Fun Celebrating Thiago’s Graduation
Friday evening I went to a party to celebrate Thiago’s graduation from his PHD program at UNL. We met at a sports bar downtown called Buffalo Wild Wings. There were people from several different countries there to celebrate with Thiago. It was fun to walk around and take pictures and observe the diverse cultures interact.
We enjoyed the Wild Wings and other tasty foods and treats. I told myself I was being healthy because I drank Mango Lemonade as I ate my wings. My friends ate a lot of wings that night. Some of them are not very big, so I wondered how they could eat so much and be so little.
I also observed that newlyweds act like newlyweds in every culture. Daniel did not want to leave Cristiane during the party, but other husbands who have been married for a while mingled apart from their wives.
Daniel and Cristiane with their friend Rachel in the middle
Friday was a good example of what the life of an international student is like and what it is like to be friends with international students. I found out Thiago and Gabriella and their daughter Giovanna will move back to Brazil. I also found out last week that Cristiane has been accepted into and will begin her PHD studies in Nutrition next week. One begins and one finishes. Some come and some leave to go back home. When I meet a new friend that is an international student, I know that our contact here in Lincoln is temporary. Our friendship can continue through facebook, email and such, but the day will come that we say goodbye. The main issue to me is being a good friend while they are here and while they are here we can have a lot of fun.
Thiago’s PHD Graduation- End of an Era/New Beginning for Thiago
Last Friday I went to the Graduation Ceremony for PHD and Master Degrees at UNL. My friend Thiago from Brazil received his PHD in Engineering. Graduation marked the end of an era for not only Thiago and his wife Gabriella and daughter Giovanna, it also marked the end of an era for students from Brazil here in Lincoln.
It was fun to meet Thiago’s mom in person. She came with a friend for his graduation. They had a long trip to get here from Brazil, but it I did not notice any effects of jet lag. Maria and Priscilla are high energy women. Thiago’s brother Thiciano was there as well. At first it was hard to believe Maria is the mother of Thiago and Thiciano due to the difference in height, but she is a good example of the saying dynamite comes in small packages.
It was awesome to see my friends celebrate Thiago’s accomplishment. When he was hooded, it represented many years of dedicated study. At the ceremony I found out that it was not only the end of an era of his life as a student, it is also the end of an era of Thiago, Gabriella and Giovanna living in Lincoln. Thiago has been taken a job in Brazil and the future looks bright for them. It will be a new beginning for Thiago, Gabriella and Giovanna back in their home country. A place where they can get good fruit all year. A place where it never snows. A place not too far from the beach. Maybe I should move with them lol.
It is also the end of an era for Brazilian students here in Lincoln. At the party Friday evening many of my Brazilian friends told me that Thiago and Gabriella have been their best friends. I have heard from many Brazilian students over the years about how Thiago and Gabriella helped them when they first came to Lincoln. They leave behind a legacy of not only Brazilian students but also other international students that they have befriended and helped. They move back to Brazil at the end of the month.
I will miss all of the Gabriella/Thiago parties, but most of all will miss them. My other Brazilian friends will miss their good friends. They leave behind a legacy of reaching out to and helping other international students. They will step into the new path God has opened for them and continue their exciting journey in Brazil.
Fashion Trendsetters- Yoshio and Me lol
On Sunday my friend Yoshio displayed his new fashion style at a going away party. With his new style he solved the dilemma of what to with utensils as one walks around a social event. Of course my friend Yoshio would figure out the solution to this problem since he is an engineer. You can see his creative solution in the photo below
I have also been known to find innovative solutions to fashion problems. In the summer many people like to wear white or light colors, but if you are a bit clumsy with food at times like me what do you do? Simple solution that I found is to buy shirts in July when they are cheap and buy more than one of the same shirt. Example- I bought three of the same shirts for a total of $20. The benefit is that if one gets ruined, there are two others. Of course I did have one woman from Colombia ask me once if I liked my shirt because she noticed I wore it every day. That was several years ago when I found a shirt that was $3.99 each and bought 5 of them. They were all the same color. When I told her that, she suggested I buy different colors lol.
me in my white shirt
So if you want creative solutions to life’s fashion dilemmas, feel free to ask either me or my friend Yoshio. Maybe we should open our own international studio lol.
About
I teach English Second Language and have a ministry for internationals at my home church First Evangelical Free church in Lincoln Nebraska. I have had the pleasure of traveling in Austria, Canada, England, France, Germany, Mexico, Romania and Switzerland. My hobby is to learn words and phrases from other languages. I have learned how to greet people in 30 languages.
My blog is about my experiences with international friends, my travels, and people I meet along the way. My international friends’ stories are fascinating to me. Experiencing other cultures makes life rich for me.
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