On a cool fall morning on November 19, 2013 we met Nissrine Houari at the American Language Center to get some insights from an ex-ALC student whose studies led her to the United States of America
How would you describe yourself? Well as a person, I see myself as an ambitious, hard working individual who wants to do something good in the world. How do you evaluate or determine success? I believe that success is in determining a task and completing it and being pleased while doing it. Success for me is not necessarily how much money you make or how many degrees you have, it’s taking on a project whatever it is and completing it ,doing good work and being satisfied with it . What exactly did you study in the USA? When I went to Florida, I studied business. You have to determine what degree you will study, have a major and a minor. My major was finance. Actually, I did two majors instead of a major and minor. They were finance and management information systems. How’s life in America and what was your first impression about the American society? America obviously is very different from here and from the picture we have in our mind. When we are here we usually see the USA from he point of view of music videos, series, and movies. I remember when I got there, and I was in a small city I was expecting to see big buildings, a lot of cars, and people, but in fact, it was a small city and I thought, "Oh!.....what is this?" So, at first the reality is not what you have in mind, especially if you go somewhere small, not necessarily like New York City or somewhere big, but then you start dealing with differences like languages. Even if you study English here in high school or at the ALC, when you get there, the language used is completely different. They speak fast, so it was very hard for me at the beginning even though I studied for four years at the ALC and in high school. The first day at the university I went home and I cried because I thought I was not going to make it. What are the differences in the school system? In the USA, especially in higher education, it’s very independent, which means that you are on your own and you have to study individually. However, they also provide you with a lot of help. If you go to a university and if it’s not a huge one, the professor takes the time to sit with you, to review whatever you need because they have office hours which make them available to students. They lend you books that you need and give you advice for your learning. Over there, they encourage you and want you to succeed. They do their best to help you. How has the experience of the ALC been useful for you? When I was here before going to the states, the ALC was kind of a comfortable place where I had fun, I studied English because I wanted to, not because I had to. They had different learning techniques which made me connected to the language, in addition to that, it gave me an idea about American people . What activities did you use to do at the ALC? The activities were mostly within the class. At that time, we didn’t have a lot of clubs as now, but the teaching techniques were good, just the way we sit, the way the teachers talk to you, the types of exercises we had. Also, we had extra activities including audio visual and it was very helpful to me. How can students get the opportunity to study in the states? There are a lot of opportunities; personally I have relatives in the US and that is how I got there. I know that a lot of universities have scholarships specifically for international students. Making the connection is the key. If you have a professor who knows about America or a friend from there or just go to the net, you’ll get a lot of information about this and universities have money for international students. How do they choose students? You have to have a high school diploma or if you want to do a higher degree like a doctorate. You need to take the TOFEL, participate in community service, and write an essay explaining why you want to be accepted into these universities. What advice can you give to Moroccan students? I encourage students to read more because when you read you enrich your vocabulary and your writing gets better. When you are with Americans, communicate with them in English, read English books and watch television in English.
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(This was previously published in 2013.)
Chaimae: How has the ALC affected your life? Imane: It was really interesting. We got the opportunity to communicate. It was different because in public schools in general, they don’t let you speak your mind and say whatever you want to say. You really have to pay attention to what you are saying, but at the ALC you are able to express yourself freely. And that’s what I liked the most. I also had the opportunity to participate in the public speaking competition; I was the youngest one, and I was stressed and shy, but now I like to speak in public. Imad: How would you describe your personality? Imane: I like challenges, adventures, and communicating. I can be a nice person, but when people are not nice to me, I’m not a kind person any more. I am open and accepting of other cultures and differences. Ghizlane: What is your greatest achievement? Imane: When I was in E.N.C.G., a national school for trade and management in Settat, I was the vice-president of SIDAYS. This association held an event for one week about Sida in 2013. In the first days, we held a conference and the members were ranging from governmental representatives to doctors. Then, we had a comedy show. After that, we had a big concert in which many famous Moroccan singers performed. We ended the event by organizing a race. This event took a lot from us. At first, people did not believe in us because we did not have much experience as students. We had to convince sponsors to fund this event. We faced many problems to organize this huge undertaking such as getting authorization. This was a great accomplishment. Imad: What are you most proud of? Imane: I do not think that I have achieved much, maybe because I am trying my best to do whatever I believe in. I think I am proud that I am following my own convictions and not doing something because everybody is doing it. Ghizlane: What are you most afraid of? I am afraid of not achieving my goals, for I have a huge list of things that I want to accomplish before I die. I am also afraid of not being there for my family, and not living the life that I want to live. Ghizlane: If you could give young people a piece of advice, what would it be? Imane: Live your life. Do what you are passionate about. Try to be more open to the world. Try to meet people who come from different cultures. Do not be afraid of change, change is good. When change comes to you, just take it with both hands. A lot of people are scared of change, it is a natural reaction. Yet, you should make a change in your life by accepting it. (This was previously published in 2013.)
Meryam: Why and how did you decide to become a vegetarian? Fatima Zahra: I decided to become a vegetarian because I love animals and I didn’t want to see them killed just to satisfy our needs. But the principal reason, which was beyond my choice, was what I discovered in a documentary about the dirty and unhealthy methods that butchers use to kill the animals and to cut their meat. This show also displayed the worst places where these animals are fed, which are mostly dumps. Houria: Did your parents support you? Fatima Zahra: Well, in the first year they didn’t. They were always making me eat meat, but now they don’t. They only try to educate me about the importance of meat. Meryam: How long have you been a vegetarian? Fatima Zahra: I have been a vegetarian for more than two years now. Houria: Once you became vegetarian, what did you think of meat? Fatima Zahra: I hated it more than before. Meryam: How do you feel as a vegetarian? Fatima Zahra: Today, as a vegetarian, I feel better because I help animals as well as the environment. Houria: Do you feel you have influenced the rest of your family? Fatima Zahra: No, not at all. My family has always been against my decision. Meryam: Would you like to say something for our readers? Fatima Zahra: I think being a vegetarian is a choice, but we should know that eating meat destroys animals that normally we should help to survive. So, why does God give us vegetables if we eat animals? Moreover, animals have souls and families and if we continue to kill them, we’ll affect the system of nature. Finally, I think every single one of us should do something for the environment by trying to eat less meat and it will be better than not eating it at all. Houria: Thank you very much for sharing this information with us. Meryam Alami & Houria Achibane Advanced Two Meryam: Are you a vegetarian?
Mrs. Mercedes: Yes, I am. Houria: How and why did you decide to become a vegetarian? Mrs. Mercedes: Basically, I became a vegetarian a long time ago, maybe…23 years ago. I remember I used to have a pet rabbit and when I went to Spain to visit my mother, my uncle had prepared a meal, and the meat he had cooked looked like it came from a rabbit. So, I felt something deep inside… I don’t know what it was… but it was something beyond what I can explain. I didn’t even eat the food that he had prepared. Afterwards when I returned to the USA, I started reading some magazines and corresponding with some organizations, as at that time there was no internet. They sent me some information about vegetarianism, and how animals were treated. From their birth to their death, animals are mistreated and suffer immensely all to satisfy humanity. So it really makes a difference for me and has a deep impact not only on my mind, but also on my soul. Meryam: Once you became a vegetarian, did you miss meat? Mrs. Mercedes: No, actually I didn’t, and I even didn’t regret becoming a vegetarian. Houria: How has your diet evolved? Mrs. Mercedes: Well, I started to give up meat first such as cows, sheep, etc. Then I gave up chicken. So, within three months I gave up all meat except fish, which I gave up one year later. Meryam: Describe yourself as a vegetarian today. Mrs. Mercedes: I am a vegan vegetarian, which means I eat vegetables, grains, and all kinds of nuts. But since I came to Morocco, I started eating cheese, eggs, and drink milk because soy milk is too expensive, and I find it difficult to find the right food to substitute. Houria: Do you feel that you have influenced the rest of your family? Mrs. Mercedes: All my family has passed away, including my parents and uncles, except for my brother who lives somewhere else. So, the only person I can influence is my husband since we live together, but I don’t force him to become a vegetarian. It is a personal choice. So if someone is interested in becoming one, I can help them with guidance and by providing a few useful websites. Meryam: Is it beneficial to be a vegetarian? Why? Mrs. Mercedes: Yes, it is very beneficial for your health because it reduces the chance of getting different dangerous diseases like cancer. More than that, human physiology resembles a rabbit, which eats only plants. You can check Google for that, and then you can find lots of answers. Houria: What advice can you give vegetarian people? Mrs. Mercedes: I would like to say to them that they have to strive to be vegan vegetarians in its literal meaning. In other words, they have to be pure vegetarians by cutting down on milk, eggs, and cheese because they not only want to strive to be happier, but they also want to help protect animals so fewer of them will pass away. Meryam Alami & Houria Achibane Advanced Two (This was previously published in 2013.)
What was the city of Meknes like when you were young? My youth coincided with the period of the French protectorate. At this time, a new city had been created on a land known as “Hamria,” and which was intended initially for agriculture. The main reason for this new part of town, was to separate the natives from the Europeans. A border was even set up on the bridge which allowed crossing the river Boufekrane in order to prevent anyone visiting the new city for any other reason except work. A pass had even been instituted to check people. How old were you when you began to work? I was a minor, but I had a sense of responsibility. Those days, age was measured by the number of years we had lived, but also with the showed maturity and the way you proved yourself. Have you always worked as a tapestry maker? Yes I have. But in the beginning, I worked as a simple apprentice and for many years I learned on the job. After this I benefited from vocational training in France. That was an interesting experience, but in spite of the insistence of my trainers who wanted to keep me among their staff, I preferred to come back to my home country. In fact, the atmosphere was somewhat spoiled with discriminatory behaviors. How was the tapestry profession organized? Then, this profession was strictly in the hands of the French people and at this time, orders were numerous, (new houses were built for soldiers and civilian experts working in many fields), and various (classic, Louis XV & XVI, contemporary & rustic styles). In short, I’ve learned rigorously how to accomplish perfect work. How is this profession is looking now? Nowadays, competition is hard. The industry makes tapestry affordable for a large part of the population and a large number of people act as tapestry makers with just a little training. The orders involve Moroccan styles, which are influenced by modern styles. (This interview took place on June 10, 2014 with then-ALC Director Ms. Kathy Lance, about her experience of having breast cancer)
Ghizlane: When were you diagnosed with breast cancer? Kathy: It was about one year before I came to Morocco. I was offered a job in Yemen. But, as part of this job, I had to have some medical tests. So, I went to my doctor, gave him my form, and he said, “Ok, well, I don't know what these are, but I know this one, so we can do this one.” So, we did a mammogram. A mammogram is like an x-ray that is for your breasts. So, I had this done. And I was waiting, waiting, and waiting. And he said, “I see a problem. You must go to the hospital for a biopsy.” A biopsy is when the doctor takes a small sample of tissues from your body to test it. So, it was about nine years ago. Chaimae: How did you feel the moment you were told that you had a malignant tumor? Kathy: Umm, I think I didn't believe it. I was shocked! But, I had a very good doctor. In fact, he was an excellent doctor. And he said, “Don’t worry, it's at a very early stage.” I wasn't afraid, but I was very surprised. Ghizlane: Did you receive your treatment in Yemen? Kathy: No, I was living in Slovenia at that time. Slovenia is part of what it used to be Yugoslavia. It is the part that is right next to Italy. So, I was living and working there. Umm, my doctor was Slovenian, and I had all my treatment there. Chaimae: Could you describe how you went through the treatment? Kathy: Yes, sure. First, they sent me to the hospital for a surgery to remove the cancerous cell. I stayed in the hospital for three or four days. The hospital food was horrible. It was full of salt. They gave me a lot of salty soup. But they were very nice, very professional. And my husband would come and visit me. One day, all of my students came to visit me. So, I stayed for about one week in the hospital. This was in the very end of November and the beginning of December. Then, the doctor told me that after the surgery, I had to have a second treatment. Depending on how serious your cancer is, there are two types of treatment. If the cancer is not very serious, like mine was, you have radiation treatment. I had it every day, except for the weekends. I had thirty treatments. If you have a more serious cancer, you have to have chemotherapy. This is when they inject chemicals, and you start to lose your hair. Ghizlane: How has your life changed since you were diagnosed with breast cancer? Kathy: It's very interesting when something happens to you that could cause your death; your life starts to change. For example, now, if someone wants me to do something that I don't want to do, I say 'no'. I only have a limited time to live. I'm not going to spend my time doing things I don't want to do. It also makes me think that if there is something that I really want to do, even if it's difficult or expensive, then I should really try to do it. You shouldn't pull back, and say later: I can do it some other time or when I am older. No, you want to do it, do it and go for it. You look at people in a different way. If I have somebody I like, then I really want to spend time with that person, get to know that person better. But if someone that is not so nice, I don't have to spend time with you. Chaimae: As the director of the ALC, how has this disease affected your professional life? Kathy: Not at all. I was very lucky because I finished all of my treatment before I came here. Now, I'm fine. Thank God. Ghizlane: As a breast cancer survivor, what is the main lesson that you have learned from this experience? Kathy: It's interesting that once I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I met a whole lot of people. People I had already known, but didn't know that they had had breast cancer. My sister-in-law, colleagues and friends. Why is this suddenly becoming widespread? Is there something in the air? Is there something in the water? Is there something in our food? What is causing this? It makes me wonder why it is happening now. Is it that women are more aware of it? There was no place in my town to have the radiation therapy, so I had to travel from my town to the capital of the country every day. I wasn't very far. It was about one and a half hours to go, and one and a half hours to come back. The treatment was three minutes. It was exhausting. I was very lucky because my husband would drive me every day. One day he couldn't drive me. So, a friend of mine drove me. That was scarier than having the doctor saying you have cancer. She didn't look at the road. I didn't work at that time. Radiation affects people in different ways. I had a friend, who had a radiation treatment, and she would drive to the hospital, and then go to work, and everything was fine. I had another friend who was like me. I would go for the radiation therapy and feel really tired. So, I didn't work for a month. Everybody said “Kathy, you're so brave” and I said “Well, they found it very early; the treatment was not terrible. It wasn't fun, but it wasn't awful. If this is what God had in store for me, this is what it was. I had to accept whatever happened to me.” Chaimae: What would you say to hopeless women who are suffering from breast cancer? Kathy: Well, number one: I think it's very important for all women to examine their own breasts and look for lumps every month. Number two: not to be afraid if you find something, but go immediately to a doctor. Things have changed. The treatment is much better now than how it used to be. Now, if you have breast cancer, it doesn't mean that you're going to die. I would hate to see other women saying “Oh, I'm going to have my breast removed because maybe I'll have cancer.” Now, it's possible that you might have it, but you can still live your life. I was very lucky. I had a very good support system. I had my husband with me; I had good friends, and a great doctor. I was very lucky because if I wasn't offered that job in Yemen, I might be dead now. Ghizlane and Chaimae Writing Club |
AboutInterviews give a clear idea about people's ability to communicate freely and confidently. Students have the opportunity to choose the topics to talk about, then it's up to them to design appropriate questions to ask. Archives |