Internationalmatt's Blog

Living History- my friend Arusha from India/Pakistan

me with Arusha

Arusha was one of my colleagues at the college where I teach. We taught at the same location and at the same time for a few years. I always appreciated students coming to my class from her class. She taught Level 6 English Second Language and I taught Level 7. The students that came from her class knew what they were doing and understood the material she taught which made my job easier. Arusha retired a few years ago and I  miss having her at the college.

I saw Arusha at India night at the University of Nebraska. It was good to run into her there. She was with her daughters and was having a good time. The next day I thought about writing about her but did not want to do so unless I asked her first. Her story is an interesting one. That is why when I saw her last night at the Christmas program at my church I asked her if it was okay for me to write about her. I am happy she said yes.

Arusha remembers when India and Pakistan were one country under British rule. She lived through the early years after the British left and India and Pakistan split off from each other. India under mostly Hindu control and Pakistan under Muslim control. Arusha is not a Hindu or a Muslim. She is a Christian. She began to teach English in 1949 in Pakistan. In 1980 she came to America with her husband. Her daughter came to America a few years before Arusha did.

Arusha taught English as a Second Language for many years at Southeast Community College. She helped numerous refugees and immigrants to learn English, so they could improve their lives in America. She was always thorough and the students knew their stuff. It is not easy to change countries, but Arusha did so and helped improve the lives of others. I am proud to say she is my friend.

When I think about Arusha, I think about the history she has lived through. She lived through World War II. She lived through India and Pakistan separating and becoming Independent of the British. She experienced coming to America and has spent most of her life improving the lives of others. If we slow down to get to know our international friends, many times we will hear some amazing stories like Arusha’s.

December 12, 2009 Posted by internationalmatt | Cross Cultural, Cultural Ambassdors, Experiences of international friends, India, International Friendships, Refugees, world issues | Leave a Comment