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O ctober 31, 2008
International students not lost in translation By Benita Lee
Co-News Editor For most of us at Taylor, the English language is something that we never have to think twice about. But for some international students raised with another first language, it takes some getting used to. These students come from different countries all over the world, and they bring to Taylor rich diversity and new perspectives from unique cultures. International students often attend colleges in the United States to experience the American culture and lifestyle — and to make their second language second nature. Freshman Susan Campbell, who grew up in Hong Kong, is most comfortable with Cantonese, a dialect of Chinese. The 23-year-old was drawn to Taylor because it offered the Art Education major she wanted to pursue. She did not learn how to read and write in English until she was homeschooled in fifth grade. “It was really strange how I, being
apparently American, could not read or write English,” Campbell said. “I still have trouble with writing, but I fell in love with reading.” Fortunately, languages come naturally to Campbell. She worked hard to perfect her grasp on English and can now speak the language fluently. She began learning Mandarin a year ago, and desires to study Spanish too. “It’s easy for me,” Campbell said. “I mimic people in the beginning, and then I just pick it up.” Outgoing and friendly, Campbell loves meeting new people. But she also keeps in touch with her roots by making it a point to speak Cantonese to other international Taylor students. Sophomore Dan Saldi is from Bolivia, and Spanish is his native tongue. He experienced difficulties reading and writing English in high school, and had to repeat seventh grade because his language skill was not up to par. But he was determined to improve his English, as he knew this would open up more opportunities for him in the
future. Having grown up in a Spanish-speaking culture before coming to Taylor, Saldi had to transition and adapt to the American culture last year. “One of the things I’ve struggled with is expressing myself in English,” Saldi said. “In Spanish I’m very outgoing and extroverted, while here I’m more of an introvert because of my fear of making a mistake in something I say.” “Being away from home, I really miss speaking Spanish,” Saldi said. “It’s a great part of who I am, and I love expressing myself in Spanish.” Upendra Kumar is another student who does not consider English to be his first language. India is his home country, and Hindi is the language he grew up with. What sets him apart from other students is his 32 years of age and the MBA degree he is here to pursue. Kumar learned English in sixth grade, but all his classes were taught in Hindi until college. He grew up in an orphanage and pursued English with
determination after seeing how the foreigners in India used the language. Reading books aloud helped him to improve, although he still struggles with writing. “The first thing is to be disciplined and take your time,” Kumar said. “Where your weakest points are … work on them, don’t delay ... The more time you put in, the faster you will learn. Be consistent, that’s the most important part.” For junior Cartoon Givanon, who has lived in several countries including Thailand, China, Japan and Korea, English is just one of the many languages she speaks. Thai is her first language, and English is her second, but she also knows Japanese and Mandarin. Givanon learned the basics of English in elementary school, but most of her English education came later when she attended an American high school in China. She compares learning English to “playing a classical instrument, like a violin”: the beginning is tough,
but it gradually gets easier with determination and perseverance. “It was really hard at first, and you have to work hard to get it to the point where you are good,” Givanon said. “You have to be really strong … sometimes you communicate to people and they get the wrong message ... and they get offended because you said something wrong unintentionally.” Givanon’s transition to Taylor was smooth, compared to her transition to high school. In the past, she would not speak up in school for fear of saying the wrong thing and creating misunderstandings. But she feels comfortable enough at Taylor to express her true personality. She enjoys understanding the American culture and lifestyle better, and loves meeting people from all walks of life at Taylor. “At Taylor, my English is so much better … and I don’t feel the fear of speaking something wrong,” Givanon said. “I’m glad that people correct me when I say something wrong … so I learn from that.”
All’s well at the Well: a student’s perspective By Cara Strickland Contributor
Photo illustration by Katy Andres
Sophomore Corrie Dvoratchek shows junior Cara Strickland how to properly use the rowing machines at the Well.
I like to think of myself as savvy. Don’t we all? But put me in a room full of exercise equipment capable of torture, and my bravado goes right out the window. At least, that’s what happened until last week. Yes, I admit it; I was one of those people who worked out mostly on the “female side” of the Well, scorning the weights and machinery that might kill me. After all, college is dangerous enough, right? I’ll stick to the elliptical, thank you very much. All of this was before my Well orientation with Corrie Dvorchak, who had offered to explain the mysteries of the Well away. I have often read that one of the most
effective ways to banish fear is to look it full in the face and laugh. With that in mind, I laced up my tennis shoes and made my way to the KSAC. Corrie shook my hand as we met and reassured me about my safety. We walked past the lengths of elliptical machines and treadmills and she explained their various functions, strengths and weaknesses. We hopped on the rowing machines and she showed me the art of rowing with finesse and a straight back. All of this was very cheerful and productive. It was then that we crossed over into that forbidden territory populated with professionals. Considering the demographic most often seen there, I might dare to call it “no woman’s land.” But all that was about to change. Corrie left no machine confusing
and no weight scary. What had once seemed like instruments of torture now took the form of helpful tools for achieving your goals and toning your physique. Corrie left me with the knowledge that I could do whatever I needed to in the Well using any piece of machinery that I required. After she left, I grabbed my iPod and hopped back on the rowing machine, a new friend of mine, allowing the music to give me a rhythm as I practiced my form. Now, when I enter the Well, I still head to that row of ellipticals, but often, when I finish there, I walk confidently over to the free weights or resistance machines for a little strength training to even out my workout. I’m no longer afraid of being out of place. I’ve seen and done it all—both sides.
How can I get a Well Orientation? PHP students offer this service midway through each semester. Be on the lookout for communications through all-campus e-mail and News of the Day. Sign-ups will also be available on the front counter at the Well. For questions about Well Orientations, please contact Larry Winterholter or any member of the PHP department. If you just can’t wait for spring semester, the Well staff is always happy to help you with questions. Don’t let lack of information hold you back!
2WO brings women’s Backyard Brawl championship back to TU
George Fox University Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology
psyd.georgefox.edu Accredited by the American Psychological Association 750 First St. NE, Washington DC 20002-4242 www.apa.org | 800-374-2721
Photo by Timmy Huynh
The women of Second West Olson’s flag football team shout out their team cheer after defeating IWU 8-6 in overtime. Taylor and IWU annual flag football championship, known as the “Backyard Brawl,” was held Monday night at IWU. Phurst West lost in the men’s championship to IWU 40-6.
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