The spring and summer semesters kept us very busy and resulted in many accomplishments. Eight students in the ESL7/Transition-to-College class received Certificates of Program Completion and several transferred to college or another educational program. Hy placed in English 48 and English 49 and his sister Tam placed into English 42 and English 49. He is working on a transfer plan while she wants to get an associate degree. Several students decided to work their way back into the professions they had left behind in their countries. Melee enrolled in a preparatory course and is studying for her U.S. Medical Licensing Examination, Step 1. Ruth is considering applying to a Master's program in law. Rafah has been accepted by the New School for Architecture and Design and the Woodbury University School of Architecture, the two NCARB-accredited schools in San Diego. Which one is she going to choose? Reclaiming one's professional career in another country requires great courage and perseverance. Congratulations and good luck to all the brave people in our class!
After a hard-working semester comes a well-deserved summer break. How did we take advantage of it?
After a hard-working semester comes a well-deserved summer break. How did we take advantage of it?
Some students went back to visit their countries. Reina we nt to Tokyo to attend her brother's wedding. Having practiced oral presentations for over a year, she paid careful attention to the speeches people made at the reception and was very impressed by her brother's choice of words. In her spare time, she climbed the 333 m. high Tokyo Tower. I also went to visit my family in Europe and guess what? On my way there, I met with Berta and her family!
Instead of traveling, many students enjoyed their staycation in San Diego. After all, it is one of the world's top summer destinations. Natalia could not go anywhere because she was expecting a special guest. Natalia's daughter Livia was born on August 31st at 7:55 AM. No-one was more anxious to touch and carry her around than her sister.
The ESL Tennis Club, established several months ago by Yoshi, also underwent some changes, but continued its activity during the summer. Yoshi took more classes at CE: while his wife Reiko was studying sewing fundamentals, he was studying accounting and business math. They are now fostering their 22-nd chihuahua, Clayton. Victor, on the other hand, neither traveled nor had a staycation. He worked because he got a new job at the Subaru dealer. And that is where he met with Yoshi, who (coincidentally) brought his car there for a repair!
When you have made so many friends, the world indeed becomes small.
When you have made so many friends, the world indeed becomes small.
Members of the ESL Tennis Club (clockwise from top left): Hy, Yoshi, Reina, and Gregorio.