ELI Newspaper

Spring 2013, Issue 1

online at eli.gmu.edu

THE ELI MIRROR

Article written by

Noha

Photograph fro m

ELI webpage

Contents

ELI News p 1-2

Movies p 3-5

Culture p 1-14

Relaxation p15-16

Healthy lifestyle p 17-18

Sports p 19-20

President’s Day at the ELI

ELI students at the president day’s reception with Dr. Angel Cabrera

President’s day marks a special day in the United States. It’s a day created to celebrate George Washington’s (the first president of the United states) birthday.

Last President’s day, George Mason University’s president Dr. Angel Cabrera extended an invitation to all the international students in the English Language Institute at the Johnson center. He was very friendly and

spoke to us with a smile on his face. He greeted us and shook hands with everyone.

He shared with us his story of how he learned the English language when he came here from Spain. He stressed the importance of practicing English in order to improve. He was accompanied by his wife who he said helped him a lot in learning the language as she is an American.

Later on he gave out books he authored to some of the students as gifts.

This small celebration made everyone’s day because it gave us hope and encouraged us even more to work harder to learn the English language.

Dr. Angel Cabrera

The ELI Mirror

Spring 2013

Issue 1, p 2

LI trip to Madam Tusaud’s Wax Museum

written by Noha,

Abrar & HaeSung

NB trip to the NRA Gun Museum written by Abdullah,, Abdulrahman, Cheongyu, Hamdan, Hasan, Lin Lin, Mansour, and Tariq,

HI trip to Ballston Mall Ice Skating Rink written by Shatha. Afraa, Mohamed & Youssef

HI trip to Sully Plantation

Written by

Doaa Alrefaei

Maha Alghuraibi

LA trip to Fairfax Bowling

Written by

Jessica & Xiao

In the beginning of each

semester, the ELI organizes

a field trip with core classes.

Our LI teacher decided to

take us to China Town to

Madam Tusaud’s Wax

Museum It has branches in

different parts of the world

such as London which is the

largest and most famous.

The museum has wax

replicas of presidents and

celebrities in various fields,

such as actors and singers

from the US. During the

trip we took lots of pictures

with American presidents

and celebrities like George

ELI FIELD TRIPS

After a long discussion, my friends and I finally decided to go ice-skating at Ballston Mall on our HI class field trip. First, we all were so afraid to try this new kind of entertainment, but we took a step and did it. Although we fell and hurt ourselves a little, it was an exciting and unforgettable day. After hours of falling, we started to feel hungry. Therefore, our teachers divided us into two groups; Kate’s group went to Noodles, and our group went to Panera with our amazing teacher Steve. During that time we had a lot of fun; we talked, laughed, and ate.

Washington, Abraham Lincoln,

President Obama and his wife,

Michael Jackson, Angelina

Jolie, and Tom Cruise.

After we finished visiting the

museum., we all had lunch in

one of the famous restaurants

in China Town. Trips add to

your knowledge and

information, Also it is exciting

and interesting. It also gives

you a chance to meet you’re

your class mates and get to

know them closely. And this

trip was even more special

because it was Abrar’s

birthday!

The NB class went to the NRA Museum for our field trip. We met at Starbucks at 11:00 am, but we were delayed 45 minutes because some students were late At the museum we saw many kinds of guns from very old ones to recent ones. We saw some strange guns. Some were very small – as small as a thumb. There was a pistol with a knife blade. Also we saw a Nazi belt buckle gun. There were many old and expensive weapons including shot guns, pistols and rifles from England and Italy. We came across a machine gun like the one our classmate Cheongyu used when he was in the Korean navy. We saw the real weapons used by actors and actresses in films in Hollywood. Then we bought souvenirs in the gift store. Last we ate lunch at the museum cafeteria, and then we came back to the university. It was an interesting day.

Thomas’ HI class went to

the historical Sully

Plantation house which is

located in Chantilly in

Virginia. This house exhibits

the lifestyle in the colonial

decade. Sully house has

special features that

impressed us. There are

small houses around the

main house where the slaves

lived. Our classmates met

with a tour guide who

explained every room and

how the family dealt with

their lives. The house

contains seven rooms.

The master bedroom was

the most beautiful place with

comfortable wooden furniture

and lots of color

In our LA field trip, we went

to the AMF and Fairfax

Bowling. It was a wonderful

day! At the beginning, we

changed shoes, and chose

the ball which we could hold.

Then we practiced it. Finally,

we had two teams, and we

had a competition between

them. Although we were not

good at bowling, I got one

strike. We enjoyed great

American style food (pizza

burger, fried chicken…), and

we had a great time.

The ELI Mirror

Spring 2013

Issue 1, p 3

Written by:

Shuruq

Alharthi

and

Majedh

Alsewaiah

The ELI Mirror students did a survey at George Mason University after the Oscars. They wanted to see what the students thought about the best movie and best actors and actresses.

The survey showed that most of the male students choose Argo as the best picture. This was the winner in the Oscars.

On the other hand most of the females thought that Life of Pi should have won best picture at the Oscars.

Very few students , especially females, agreed with the Oscar choice of Daniel day-Lewis for best actor. Hugh Jackman (in Les Miserable) won the vote for best actor among the women. While Bradley Cooper (Silver Linings Playbook) and Daniel Day-Lewis (Lincoln), and Denzel Washington (Flight) were voted in equal proportions as the second place best actor.

However, most males voted for

Denzel Washington

BEST MOVIE IN 2013 THROUGH MASON EYES

and after that came Daniel Day-Lewis in second place.

Joaquin Phoenix (The Master) got none of the male vote and only two women (out of 53 total) voted for him .

The majority of both male and female students agreed that Jennifer Lawrence (Silver Linings Playbook) deserved the Oscar for Best Actress.

Most of the male students thought that Spielberg should have won Best Director for Lincoln

But the females agreed with the Oscars that Ang Lee deserved the Oscar for Best Director.

The female students didn't like Beasts of the Southern Wild very much, and this movie got no votes for Best Movie or

Best Director and Quvenzhane’ Wallis only got four votes from females for best actress in this movie.

On the other hand, the males didn't like Silver Lining Playbook very much. None of them voted for it for Best Picture or Best Director and only four voted for Bradley Cooper for Best Actor in this movie. However, they did like Jennifer Lawrence who was their pick for Best Actress.

The survey showed another surprising fact. Males like to watch the movies in the movie theater and on TV or on their computer or smart phone in equal proportions. However, most of the females preferred to watch movies on their computers or smart phones.

ELI MIRROR LIFE

Spring 2013

Issue 1, p 4

MARYAM

Firstly, I want to

introduce myself My

Name is Maryam. I

am from SAUDI

ARABIA. I might be

at the far point of the

earth. So, watching

movies is the easiest

way for me to sail

around the world, by

my little ship

“movies”.

As Christopher

Columbus when he

discovered the new

world by sailing, the movies always make

me discover new

things, and open a

door between me

and other people

IT STARTED WITH MY SHIP

TV Series

WHITE COLLAR

Creators: Jeff Eastin Stars: Matt Bomer, Tim DeKay, and Willie Garson. Released in 2009 4 seasons until now

White Collar is all about drama, action, and mystery. The main point is about anFBI agent who has an obsession about catching a particular criminal, who was playing cat and mouse for many years with Neal

from diverse

countries.

Moreover, I believe

that, watching

movies will help me

to have an idea and

capture the other side of the world.

Also, I would love to

learn different

languages at the

same time.

Although, I might

not see these people

in real life, all kinds

of situations I

watched, might has

an impact on me, and

most of my time I

learned from it.

Caffrey, the person

who was tricking him for a long time. After years, Peter Burke (FBI agent) could finally catch him with great effort, but Neal was very clever when he made a deal with agent Burke to assist him to apprehend other criminals, and disclose the planning for the Gangsters as he considered the specialized thief in Art and Security. This deal was

supposed to give Neal a wide space to find his girlfriend while he works as a partner with Burke. From the first season we have noticed that, he was extremely crafty when he tried escaping after he realized the painful reality of his girlfriend, while agent Burke was forcing him to complete his penalty and keeping him safe as long as he became a good friend for him. I grade it 10 stars while the real rate is 8

ELI MIRROR

Spring 2013

Issue 1, p 5

Alyami, shehab

Why Am I here??

First I would like to

introduce myself. My

name is Shehab Alyami. I

am from Najran, Saudi

Arabia. I am 24 old years.

And I live in Fairfax. And I

have a big family - ten

brother and six sisters.

I am in the second

semester studying English

language at ELI George

Mason University. I have

to go to a lot of workshop

to improve my language.

Soccer is my

favorite sport to watch and

play. I always play card

games with my American

friends. Reading is the

best thing to do when I

have free time.

There are some goals

that we need to fight to

get. I never gave up my

goal before to come here

even now. And now I am

Why Am I here??

Valentine's Day in U.S.A.

Valentine’s Day is

on February 14 each year.

And many people in the

world celebrate this day.

This day is about love

between people. And

there are many gifts

people send. But the day

is not just between

boyfriend and girlfriend or

husband and wife. It can

be to acknowledge

parents or children or our

friends.

The last celebration

was with my friends. And

we had English corner at

George Mason. And there

were a lot of international

here I will never lose.

My dream is to

complete my bachelor in

U.S.A. I’ll study Petroleum

Engineering. That is my

dream and I’ll fight anyone

in my way. I am now on

my way to making my goal

come true.

My friends are

amazing to have fun or to

help you to improve your

language.

My whole family is

happy to be here. And I

am happy to have new

friends from different

countries. And I hope to

be happy all my life.

student to celebration that

day.. I saw in this day how

the people behave to each

other. And I saw guys give

roses to girls.

I had a great time with my

friends. There is one great

message for this day

” live your life with love “

My niece Tolen. She is one year old

My friend’s from different countries

The

ELI

Mirror

JESSICA

Spring

2013,

ISSUE 1

Pp

Perhaps the

word "average" can best

describe me. I am of

average height, average

weight and of average

complexion. My name

is Jiaye Guo; my

nickname is Jessica,

and I’m from China,

Shanghai. I look like

both my mother and my

father, but I have

inherited their best

Things about Me

Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year is the biggest festival in China. When Chinese celebrate this festival, the family must be together. My family has the meal. in my hometown, Shanghai. It still has some old temples there. On New Year’s Eve, some old people will go there to pray for their families. At the same time, they will give to these temples some money, because they believe that behavior is good for their luck. It is not only for their health, but also for their children

parts. Beijing Royal is my

high school. It is an

international high school

where I studied for 4 years. It is very big, and I very

much liked studying there.

Actually I learned a lot

from my teachers in Beijing

Royal School. I believe, in

George Mason University

(ELI), I can study more

interesting things here. One

particularly good thing

about being a student is that

I am learning something

new each day and thus

making progress each day.

This is wonderful. I keep

growing all the time. I have

many hobbies: reading

books listening to pop

music, watching films, etc.

I derive great pleasure out

of my hobbies. Generally

speaking, I am an honest

and easy-going person. I

hate hypocrisy and

injustice. Fairness is very

important to me. I try to

be fair in everything I

do. I have great the

appreciation for physical

and spiritual independence. I am a bit

disorganized and

impatient sometimes. I

don’t have many friends,

but I do have a few. Of

course we help each

other if necessary. I

always consider myself a

lucky person. I am lucky

in my family, I am lucky

in my study, I am lucky

in my friendship, I am

lucky in many things. In

one word, I am lucky in

life. I am really grateful

for all these things. I

have both male and

female friends. We do

sports together, go

shopping together; and

we exchange our views

and ideas and share our

happiness and sadness.

and their grandchildren’s lives. On New Year’s Day, every one needs to wear new clothes, it means the new start. And the oldest people will give to their grandchildren some money. This behavior is called “Ya Shui”; it means this money will bring some luck for their grandchildren in the next year, and protect them from bad things. Also on that day, there are some traditional customs, like cleaning house, eating traditional candy, and praying to God, These behaviors means getting

rid of the bad things, and bringing the good things. At night, the family gets together and has dinne

called“New Year’s

celebratation meal”.

ELI MIRROR

Spring 2013

Issue 1, p 7

Mohammed

AL-HARBI

I think the Stribling

Orchard is the best place

for anybody who wants to

see an apple farm near

our university GMU. It’s a

very nice place. I have

never seen anything like

this apple farm in my life

before. There are more

than 15 kinds of apples in

this big farm. It’s a very

huge place. We went with

the ELI program and also

some teachers from the

ELI.

The day we went there

was the first day of the

weekday. At 8 am Monday

everybody had to go to

the bus stop. Then the

bus took us from GMU to

Stribling Orchard. It took

maybe around 1 hour to

get there. When I arrived

there I was surprised

because it was the first

time in my life I saw an

orchard in front of me!

WITH MY FRIENDS IN THE APPLE FARM

THE Jenadria EVENT

The Jenadria Event is the

most popular event in

Saudi Arabia. This event

happens every year near

the capital city Riyadh.

This event is very famous

in my country because it

makes our communities

come together with each

other and also know every

part of Saudi Arabia and

their culture.

The Jenadria place is very

huge to collect all the

different cultures inside

this place. There are

many parts inside

Jenadria. Every part has

many different interesting

I was really excited. Then

our teachers called us to

listen to the instructions

before we went inside the

apple farm. Then they

give us a paper. It told

information about all the

kinds of apple in this farm

and where we could find

them.

After that everybody

walked inside the farm in

small groups. Every group

had a teacher to tell them

more information about

the apples. I was with my

friends Aziz, Youssef,

Faisal, Abdullah, and

Mobark. I really enjoyed it

with them. I thought

before I came to this apple

farm that there were just

two kinds of apples, green

and red, but it wasn’t true.

There are more than 15

kinds of apple.

We walked around all

those kinds of apples 3

hours. After that we knew

every kind of apple in this

huge farm. Then we went

back to the front of the

farm where there is a

small store selling

products of their farm.

There were many very

good things you can buy if

you want like cherry juice

and jars of honey. I took a

small jar of honey and it

was very delicious.

Finally after 3 hours onn

this farm we went back to

GMU.

2nd

column

things that you want to

see or know, such as

food, drink, and old

products for their culture.

Also every year the

Jenadria has some new

part from another culture

from all over the world.

Like last year the

Japanese culture came to

the Jenadria event. They

told everyone about their

culture and what is most

popular in Japan, and

also what they did before

the development of the

world.

I went there one year ago.

I really enjoyed sseing all

the culture from my

country. This event told

me something new I did

not know before.

Here is the place on the

left of the old building.

A long time ago, all people wore the normal Hanbok. Oneday, people can choose the clothes’ color. There were so so many colors of silk. If Someone choses the color, seamstress starts to make the Hanbok. Girls like fancy Hanbok. But, men like dark color. I don’t know why.

The ELI Mirror

Spring 2013

Issue 1, p 8

Hae Sung Park

My Introduction

My Trip

My Hobbies

My Plan

.1st

My Introduction

How are you? My name is

Hae-Sung. I lived in Korea

and Seoul. I have

been here 10 months. I’m

a Sangji University

student in Korea. My

major is economics.

2nd

My Trip

I have 2 sisters and

parents. They live in

Korea. And I went to

San Diego and Las Vegas

and LA. because my

second sister lives in San

Diego.

That’s why I could see

these places. I saw Sea

My introduction

Korean Traditional clothing

The traditional clothes are so popular in Korea, because, they look very fancy and cute! The picture’s clothes is Saekdong Jeogori. When someone wants to get merried, they can wear these clothes.

The clothing is very beautiful. There are so many colors on the clothing. And then many people couldn’t wear these clothes., because, they were very expensive at the time.

World. Also, I went to a

casino. I won $30 in Las

Vegas. However, LA was

not good. because It was

cold and there are no

good places. There are

freeways and high rise

buildings everywhere.

1st

My Hobbies

My interests are watching

movies and surfing the

internet. When I have

time, I do those anytime.

2nd My Plan

My plan is to open my hair

shops. I’m going to open

my hair shops in the US

and Korea. I really want to

open 3 shops before

I’m44 years old. I’m sure I

will do that.

Thus, When I become

older, I will be earning so

much money steadily. So

I will go to travel all over

the world with my family.

Im going to be happy in

my life.

3rd

column

This is the last column for your

first article

It’s important to keep tradition. So, we can wear those, and we are able to be interested in this clothing.

.

ELI mirror

Spring 2013

Issue 1, p 9

Shuruq alharthi

THE USA

Hi, I was born and raised

in a small city called Taif.

It is a beautiful city with

cool weather on the top of

a mountain. I lived in a

big family, with six

brothers and one sister. I

left my country to

complete my education in

the USA with two brothers

and my sister. I liked

Some challenges that I faced in the USA

Taif Roses

If you are Saudi definitely

you know about Taif

roses. My hometown is

famous for anything

related to roses. It has a

very special nice smell. If

you smell it you will notice

that it is from Taif.

Taif also makes many

different kinds of products

from roses. They make

rose water; which is very

good for the skin, and

helps the skin to be

healthy and bright. Some

of our roses have been

sent to Paris, to make

some of her perfumes.

Usually Taif roses are big

and beautiful pink roses.

People often grow these

roses in the garden in

America specially Fairfax.

It is quiet and a nice place

to study in.

When I came to the USA

my life became so

different. I had to learn

how to take care of

myself; I had to learn how

to cook and how to clean,

and how to make new

friends, how to go to

college by myself. The

transportation is very

difficult and it takes long

time to travel by using bus

or metro, so I had to learn

how to manage my time.

In Saudi I didn’t have to

do anything or worry

about something.

Everything was ready for

me; my food and my

clothes, my room always

cleaned. I miss Saudi

Arabia and I miss my old

friends and the rest of my

family. I can’t wait to finish

my education and go back

to Taif.

their houses.

Other Saudi people come

from other cities to see the

beautiful sight of these

roses growing.

Taif also has a lot of

different activities for

people who come to see

the roses, such as the

famous rose festival.

They begin the festival by

throwing roses at people

form an airplane. Then

they do some art with the

roses to make it grow in

some places with different

colors to complete a

beautiful picture.

Everyone in Saudi knows

about the beauty of Taif

roses.

Taif

ELI Mirror

Spring 2013

Issue 1, p 10

Majedh

Alsewaiah

Oh! From Riyadh to America is a great leap in My life.

When I opened my eyes to find myself surrounded by the gold sun in the U.S, I couldn't believe how I reached here!

Oh! From Riyadh to America is a great leap in my life.

A year ago I took the hardest decision of my life. I turned from journalism to academic work in King Saud University in the media department.

The first year in academic work was very difficult because I

After One Year the Sun Surrounds ME

A Special Day in the History of Saudi Women

A gold Friday- the people will remember this special day on 11/1/2013.

On This day Saudi women entered political life for the first time.

The king Abdullah appointed 30 women to the Shura Council, representing 20% of the total members.

After 20 years when women first joined as Shura members, they now have the right to vote just like men.

moved away from journalistic work which filled me with excitement and love in the Al Jazirah newspaper to do theoretical and routine work.

In fact, when I turned to serious academic work,I set myself a goal and plan to study P.H.D in new media (Journalism), and to benefit from my experience in teaching after returning to Saudi Arabia.

Now I hope to learn the new world media and

training on writing articles and news.

In a like manner, I hope to train on correct rules in the skill of journalism writing.

3rd column

This is the last column for your

first article

Most of the women who were chosen to work in Shura are academics or researchers: women with biographies full of creativity.

For example Hayat Sindi who worked at NASA and was appointed a UNESCO Ambassador of Goodwill, and Khowla Alkeria who won Harvard scientific excellence in cancer research.

Shura women deal with a lot of sensitive issues, that need to be placed under the microscope such as women working,

poverty and violence.

I am happy to enter the Women's Shura as a first step for a political reform, but I think that it is not enough because I hope that we choose future members by election.

Also I do not want it limited to academics. We can choose any woman chosen by the people, and I suggest that members are chosen at the age of 20-30 to represent the youth.

Finally, I think Shura women's step will be followed by other steps to reform.

The Sun Surrounds ME

ELI Mirror

Spring 2013

Issue 1, p 11

Doaa Alrefaei

Since I came to the

United States I have

felt change in my

life. It is the first

time in my life

traveling alone and

carrying many

responsibilities. In

fact, I am not really

alone at all because

I came with my

lovely son and my

little brother.

I left my family and

my husband with

much love and

many promises to

come back to the

country with a

degree which will

The Moments That Changed My Life

The bride of the Red Sea

Six years ago, I decided

to leave my hometown

Al Medina and move to

Jeddah. I was so sad

because I love my

hometown, and I wish

to live there all my life.

In fact, Jeddah forces

me to fall in love with

her.

Jeddah is the key city in

western Saudi Arabia. It

is the largest city after

the capital city Riyadh.

make them proud.

Even though the

first days in the U.S

were so difficult for

me, I felt happy

doing everything by

myself. For

instance, I thought I

could not rent an

apartment or even

register my son in

school, but I did it.

In addition, I learnt

many things I could

not learn beside my

family. I learnt how I

can be more

independent and

stronger.

Living far away from

my family makes me

thankful and

appreciates

everything that I

have in my life. Also,

I realize the results

have sweet tastes

after much effort.

It connects two

significant holy cities

for Muslims Mecca and

Al Medina.

Jeddah has a giant sea

port which is very

important for Saudis’

economy.

Jeddah is a combination

between past and

present. On one hand,

it is an old city named

Al Ballad with old-

fashioned buildings;

traditional restaurants;

traditional malls

and heritage districts.

On the other hand, it is

a modern city with

modern malls;

restaurants; towers and

beautiful beaches. It

deserves the lovely

nickname the bride of

the Red Sea.

The ELI MIRROR Spring 2013 Issue 1 , p 12

ABRAR ALREHAILI

When I look at myself in the mirror. I see a naughty girl, a tender mother and a diligent student. But, when I focus my eyes I see a wonderful mother and gentlemanly father; I mean my parents. They gave me my name. Abrar. I was born on 27th February 1988. I live with my small family; my smart daughter named Lara, and my lovely husband.

Also, I have a big family in my country, Saudi Arabia. I have three princess sisters and two crafty brothers. However, I can't forget the maid who’s also part of my family.

my mirror . . .

Almadenah's flower

The flowers are a beautiful creation of the creator. They are the pride of spring. They are the prettiest and sweetest gift of nature which is put on display in the spring season. No one denies that all kinds of flowers are attractive. So everybody loves flowers. In my home country Almadinah Almonawrrah we have a lot of famous things. For example, Madeeni roses, all kinds of mints and all kinds of dates specially pressed dates.

I studied in Taibah University. My major is home economics and art education. There are many skills in this major. For example, motherhood and childhood, sewing and weaving, interior design, food and nutrition. My goal is to concentrate on interior design which I like a lot.

Regardless of my major, there are a lot of hobbies I can do. From my hobbies I have learned to change the place of the furniture in the house. When I'm sad I do that; I don't know why. But I feel better. Also, l like to draw on T-shirts. The Firs t-shirt I drew on was for my daughter Lara.

And I like to prepare

some kind of dessert. For example, blueberry cheesecake, cinnamon rolls and other things. I love Martha Stewart and I hope to become like her because she is successful in her work.

In the end, I hope to go

back to my country and my family with

something that makes mom and dad proud of

me. Anyway, every night I hope all my wishes will be

real some day. Finally, I have a wisdom in the

life(the greatest pleasure in life is doing what

people say you can't do ).

Almadinah's flowers have an absolutely amazing pink color. They can be large or small size. This kind of flower must be displayed on all occasions in Almadinah. Also, it’s used to give a special flavor to red tea. In weddings, strings are made of these roses. Usually we have a small celebration which comes before the wedding. The brides put some flowers in their hair and also young bridesmaids. Also we can make kinds of

candy, sweets and jam from Almadinah's flower. We also get water form this flowers and use it for skin care in beauty centers. How beautiful are Almadinah traditions and great memories. Where ever we go, we see flowers. We thank the almighty "Allah" for this gift.

ELI MIRROR

Spring 2013

Issue 1

p 13

Shatha Balto

I always said if my parents hadn’t got divorced, I’d have lived a better life, and I’d have had a different personality: talkative, social and

confident, but when I think about it once or twice, I believe that that decision was the best thing that could have ever happened in my past because I wouldn’t have all those friends who care about me In my life, or maybe my sister and I wouldn’t be so close, or maybe I wouldn’t be that shy girl who makes her husband crazy about her every time her cheeks blush.

Who’s Shatha ?

Sahlab.

We all need comfort in

this cold weather.

Some may find it when

they cuddle with their

lover, others may find it

by being close to the

heater, but I find it in

my favorite Hot drink,

which in Saudi Arabia

we call “ sahlab “ . I’ll

teach you how to make

it, and you may find

your comfort in it, too.

First, put three cups of

milk and four teaspoons

I achieved my dream of living in the United States, and I know from the bottom of my heart that this big opportunity will make me more confident. I won’t say that this is the present that I always dreamed about, I should have graduated from the university by this time; I have never wished to be this far away from my country, family, and friends. But I found out that having your love beside you, and making new friends could make living away from home a new home.

What do I want to be in the future? This is a question I haven’t been able to answer since I was eleven. Last December I decided to be psychologist, to help and be around those children whose parents got divorced, or of course anyone who has a problem in his or her life. I also want to be the thing that made me hold my own doll in my arms "a mother", and of course to be a good daughter for the man who means the world to me, and a good wife for the man who loves me the most

of sugar in a pot on

medium high heat, and

stir until the sugar melts

and the milk starts to

boil.

In a bowl put another

cup of milk and add two

tablespoons of corn

flour and mix it

together. Add the

mixture to the pot and

whisk fast to avoid t

lumps.

When it starts to

thicken lower the heat,

and add a little bit of

cinnamon. Then put it

in your favorite cup and

enjoy drinking it.

I know there is nothing

that makes us worm like

being around the one

we love, but believe me

this drink will make you

warmer and warmer.

ELI Mirror

Spring 2013

Issue 1, p 14

Xiao Yang

. I’m Xiao Yang, a student from China. I have been in The United States 5 months. I graduated from high school, and want to get my bachelor's degree here.

I am enjoying my new life. When I came to the campus the first day, I was excited and surprised; the campus was totally different with my imagination. I like the environment and atmosphere. I was looking forward to campus life. Nevertheless, it has

My new life

My Favorite Food

. My favorite food is Hot Pot. It is Chinese traditional food, called Huo guo.

Generally speaking, we use a big pot, put the water in it. Also you can choose the soup, such as spicy soup, bone soup and so on. And you can select many flavors of sauce (chili sauce, seafood sauce, szechuan sauce).

After that, you turn on the fire; wait for the

many challenges. For

instance, I cannot speak English very well; The Chinese culture is very different from the US culture, so I should change some habits. During this period, I met lots of difficulty. Fortunately, the ELI teachers are very kind and nice. They helped me, and I met many Chinese friends, we can solve the problem together. Right then, I realized that the problem can help me grow up and cultivate my independence.

Now, I have many different countries friends, I heard various stories. Also I learned each country’s culture. I feel happiness!

soup to boil. Put in the meat (like beef, lamb, and pork), vegetables (all the vegetables you like toeat), eggs, noodles.

The reason that I like hot pot is that it tastes so delicious. The hot pot also is easy for people to prepare at home.

The ELI Mirror

Spring 2013

Issue 1, p 15

Maha Alghuraibi

About a student. Pottery Painting.

On the seventh of August, my Mom and Dad’s first daughter was born. She grew up with her younger brother and sister. After ten years, she had a new brother.

When she was in school, she liked to talk on stage. Her talent was declamation. When she was in tenth grade, she tried to draw pictures. However, her pictures were not perfect enough. In high school, she started writing a diary. She loved to write about everything which happened to her.

Nowadays, her favorite hobby is writing. Because writing skills cannot improve without reading, she always reads about different topics. For instance, she reads about

About a Student

Pottery Painting I believe that the

greatest thing is when we

make stuff by hand. One

interesting craft is pottery

painting. It is a perfect

way to show your painting

talent. In fact, you do not

need painting skill to do

that because it is easy.

There are only three

steps to paint the pottery.

First, pick a pottery piece.

Second, paint it with

acrylic glaze. Third, glaze

and fire it.

Because painting

improves our taste, I think

that painting pottery can

help us to be creative and

proud of ourselves.

Different ages of people

can paint their own

pottery. Also, they can use

it as a gift.

self developing, biographies, technology, novels, and poems.

She has a big dream, and she will try to achieve it by writing. Even though her photographs are not professional, photography is one of her favorite hobbies. She came to the United States to study for a bachelor’s degree. This girl is called Maha Alghuraibi!

For the time being, I am studying English language in George Mason University. After I finish my English program, I am going to apply to the School of Management. In free time, I would like to do many different activities. Some of them are shopping, cooking and blogging.

There are many stores

in the United States to

paint pottery such as

Color Me Mine and Clay

Café Studio.

One day, I went to one

of these stores and

painted my own cup. It

was the first time for me. I

enjoyed it there with my

family. Everyone chose a

specific pottery and some

colors for painting. Then,

we started by using

sponges and

paintbrushes. Finally, we

gave our pots to the

employee to fire them.

Pottery painting is a

fun project. Just try it and

you will like it.

Maha

Lastly, the United States has strong education. Therefore, I came here to get my Bachelor's degree. I am looking to have a wonderful education with great teachers and friends.

The ELI Mirror

Spring 2013

Issue 1, p 16

Afraa

If you ask me who I am or what I know about Jeddah you will be surprised because I will tell you extensive information.

I was born in Saudi Arabia in Jeddah city. Jeddah city is a huge, beautiful city. It is a tourist city especially in the summer season. In 2010, I graduated from King Abdulaziz University. When I decided to complete my master degree in United States, I applied to scholarship program.

Who am I ?

Why does Music affect us ?

Everyone has a sort of

music that can be

unforgettable music for

him or her because it put s

a vivid picture in their

mind which is associated

with a certain story.

Titanic is a great example

of this. When we hear

titanic's rhythm, it

reminds us of the whole

movie or romantic love

story.

Have you ever asked

yourself why it happens?

or Why do some kinds of

I have been studying English since March 2012. This semester I am very excited to be one of Goerge Mason's ELI students because it is a magnificent school that has many student from different cultures. Therefore, I can meet new friends from different countries despite having extensive friends from my countries in this school.

Also, I have two international friends. If you want to join with us you are welcome to come. My hobbies are swimming, shopping, writing news, too.

Thanks

music put a vibrant

picture in our mind?

Some experts have

researched this case. As a

result, they estimate that

situation might occur for

several reasons.

One reason for this is

that people may feel love

or they may be thinking

about a particular person.

Another reason, is that

when people are in a

particular situation they

remember a specific event

that happened for them at

a period of time in their

live they could not forget

it easily.

For these reasons, it is

clear why some kinds of

music affect us in many

ways.

Jeddah Fountain

ELI Mirror

Spring 2013

Issue 1, p 17

Noha Al. najjar

All of us know that

education in the US. is the

best . SO, I came here to

complete my study in

PHD. My name is Noha. I

am from Saudi Arabia.

I would like to tell you

about my experience in

traveling. I will also talk

about the benefits of

traveling.

I visited a lot of cities

around the world. Also I

saw a lot of things that are

very interesting.

From the most beautiful

countries that I have

visited before are London

and Paris

The first thing you notice

when you walk in the

streets of London is the

noble history and Big Ben

The first time I visited

London was in 2007. It

had exciting museums

Traveling

Healthy habits in modern life

There are a lot of

students that practice

some unhealthy habits in

their lives and that

negatively affects them.

So they need to change

these habits in order to

lead healthy lives.

Sleep early

Some students consider

sleep something that

doesn’t have a high

priority in their lives, but

enough sleep helps a

person feel fresh and

focused the next day

instead of feeling nervous

and disoriented.

that show the British

culture. Also touring around

London will never get boring

because it has a lot of

beautiful nature views.

On the other hand I don’t

forget that charming

moment in Paris, or as they

call it, the city of lovers. It

looked amazing at night.

The Eiffel tower was at the

center and shining so that

everyone in Paris can look

at it from any side.

Travel adds to your

knowledge, removes stress

and brings friends.

My advice is that you must

know how to pick the cities

that you can travel to and

enjoy with your family also to

make sure you are in a safe

place.

The famous Russian Nobel

prize winning novelist,

Alexander Solzhenitsyn, said

.“Own only what you can

always carry with you : know

languages, know countries ,

know people. Let your

memory be your travel bag “

The nicest times to travel are

often in the summer. So, I

hope for all of you to travel

and enjoy your vacation.

Eating healthy

Students assume since

they don’t have enough

time to focus on eating

healthy, they go the faster

way and eat junk food.

Eating healthily helps

students maintain healthy

bodies and healthy brains.

Eating lots of fruits and

vegetables helps

students concentrate and

focus better on their

studies.

Exercising

Dedicating time for

exercise every week

is important for every

student. Exercise helps in

decreasing the risk of high

blood pressure and sugar

levels. It also decreases

the risks of heart disease

and ensures blood

circulation.

There are a lot of

exercises that relaxe the

body and relieve stresses

and tensions, which are

necessary for students.

These exercises include

yoga and aquatic

exercises.

And these are ways to

maintain healthy habits in

modern life..

“Own only what you can always carry

with you : know

languages, know countries , know people.

Let your memory be

your travel bag .”Alexander

Solzhenitsyn, (1970)

ELI Mirror

Spring 2013

Issue 1, p 18

Doaa Alrefaei

Depression and giving

up are two hazardous

feelings that students

can feel. Hence, that

will affect their

achievements, and it

might demolish their

plans and dreams. They

have to change their

mood and integrate

themselves with the

new cultural and

environment.

According to a USA

College Health

Association study , 27%

of students get

depressed in their first

year. So, how can

students avoid

depression?

US News published

some steps that can

help students avoid

depression .

How can Students avoid depression?

1- Sport :

Physical exercise makes

people relax and

changes their mood.

That means sport

contributes to fight

depression and stress

2- Do not Isolate

yourself:

Life is easier than we

think. It is a key thing

to study and achieve a

high GPA. But do not

be too tough on

yourself. Have fun

and create new

relationships with new

friends.

3- Use technology:

Technology has become

the main thing in our

lives. As international

students we know how

much technology

benefits us and keep us

in touch with our

families. So use your

phone, computer,

Facebook, and twitter to

feel you are with your

family and your friends.

4- Sleep early:

Most students spend

their night studying but

that affects their health.

Researchers have shown

that sleep can help

prevent depression and

help the brain work

better in the next day .

5- Use the university’s

counseling service :

If you feel depression and you think it is not normal, ask about the GMU Counseling and Psychological Services. They are always around to help.

The ELI Morror

Spring 2013,

Issue 1, p 19

FAISAL

ALHARKAN

My name is Faisal. I

was born and grew up

in the capital city of the

kingdom of Saudi

Arabia, Al-Riyadh. I

lived with a big family.

I have 2 brothers and 3

sisters also. I am

number 2, so I am in the

middle of my brothers

and sisters. My father

works in Saudi

Government and my

mother works too.

I finished my high

school in 2010, and now

I am studying English at

George Mason

University in Virginia. I

wish to get a

recommendation from

this semester or summer

semester to join Access

program next fall.

MY LIFE IN SIMPLE WORDS

THE WINNER OF INTRAMURAL SOCCER CHAMPION SHIP

Last semester was good for me. We won the intramural champion for soccer. It was hard at first but at the end I think it was worth it. We played more than 10 games against a lot of players from all over the world. In some games we laughed and in some games we fought. I met a lot of friends there and I enjoyed meeting them.

On the last day of this Championship we played three games: one at 3:00 one at 6:00 one at 9:00. I know it sounds crazy but we played and we won. I hope to play again this semester but I don't know if Mason will have this tournament again, but really I enjoyed it.

After that I wish to

major in systems

engineering in George

Mason even though I

am not very good in

math, but it will be a

strong challenge for me

to make my dream

come true.

I am a quiet person in

general, but I was not

when I was a kid. I like

to play soccer and play

cards best when I have

free time. When I was at

home I liked to visit my

grandparents every

week, because I like to

speak with old people in

general, especially

when they are talking

about their life in the

past and how it was

difficult and how they

helped each other.

In conclusion I hope I

explained my life in the

best way, and I wish to

make my dream came

true in the future.

ELI Mirror

Spring 2013

Issue 1, p 20

Youssef

Alnajrani

I’m Youssef I love soccer

more than any sport.

The soccer is interesting.

Sometimes I do something

crazy when I watch a

Barcelona match.

The Barcelona team makes

me crazy and happy .

Sometimes I wonder why

I’m not like Messi . I know

that’s a strange thought.

Sometimes my friends think

I’m really crazy, so they

start to laugh when the

match starts because I start

to do stuff. Also my friends

ask me why I always speak

about Messi.

You know no matter about

soccer I'm still a quiet

person, funny, friendly and

a little bit crazy , but my

hobbies are different from

soccer or sport . My hobbies

are singing and drawing.

I am a family person ,

carefully and clever.

My favorite player

Second Story Headline

I think Messi is the best

soccer player in the world.

Messi started playing in a

team in Argentina when

he was 11 years old, then

he went to Barcelona,

Spain because he was

suffering from a disease,

and he couldn't find

treatment at home

because Argentina was

loo expensive for his

family.

Messi tried to get into the

Barcelona team and then

they saw his talent and

helped him to get

treatment.

This is the last column

for your first article

Now Messi has become

the best player in the

world for four times from

2009-2012.

Why? Because He got

four golden balls and he

made 91 goals in one

season. A lot of teams

cannot do that, but he did

it . Also every one who

likes soccer knows about

Messi and what he can

do with a soccer ball. Until

now Messi has broke all

soccer records and he got

all the awards around the

world except the World

Cup. He just needs that. If

he gets the World cup he

will be the impossible boy.

My favorite player Messi