The challenge of being an ESL student

The challenge of being an ESL student

When a person decides to be an ESL student he/she begins a big and challenging journey. First of all the biggest challenge is inside of yourself. You need to know what you really want and you need have full conviction of your goals, because you will have to live far away from your family, your friends and your country.

Second challenge is you unveil new unknown things. The biggest barrier is difficulty communicating in a new language and a new culture. Weather and food can be extremely different from your country. So if you are ready and disposed to move forward let it start. It also has great things for you to enjoy.

My journey began when I left my life in Brazil and arrived in Louisiana, United States. I am currently studying at Dillard University. In my Cultural Enrichment class, I got to know some places in New Orleans. The first place I visited was Louis Armstrong Park. Professor Ivan told us a little history about Congo Square. After I walked on Bourbon Street, visited St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square. Also I went to the Port, in the margins of Mississippi River. I ate beignets and drank hot chocolate in the Cafe Du Monde, a pretty famous café in this city. It was a wonderful tour. I enjoyed it very much. Another place that I visited was the World War II Museum. It was especially interesting to me. We watched movie about history of World War II. It was amazing.  In the same day, we also visited the Superdome, the biggest indoor stadium in the world. It was wonderful. I watched my first American football game. It was very confused to me, but I liked Tulane’s music band and team leaders. I had a good time. I also appreciated the awesome Thanksgiving celebration. On the other hand some things in New Orleans surprised me. What impressed me most was Bourbon Street and also seeing the famous Halloween.

In conclusion I am enjoying living in the United States. It is being pretty gratifying, because I am acquiring new knowledge and getting maturity. Like me you can be surprised or at the beginning maybe you will be scared, but at the end of every challenge has a reward. If you are ready, you will appreciate it.

Name: Debora Brito                                                                                              

Professor: Hannah Griggs

Class Name: Level 2 Reading and Writing

Date: 02/07/2014