Career Corner: A Chat with Malikah Morris

It gives me great pleasure to introduce you to Malikah Morris. Malikah is currently a junior majoring in English and Spanish at Hampton University. Gotta love my fellow hamptonians!!! Malikah is the current president of the Hampton University Chapter of Alpha Mu Gamma Modern Foreign Language Honor Society and promotes language learning on and off campus. As a former president of Hampton University's chapter of Alpha Mu Gamma, it was so interesting to share stories about the organization and learn about each others study abroad experiences. I was honored when she agreed to let me share her study abroad experiences with you!!! So with out further ado check out Malikah's interview on KoMiSa's World.

1. Where did you study abroad?
 I studied abroad in Granada,  Spain

2. When did you study abroad and how long did you stay?
I attended the University of Granada during the Summer 2013 term for a 6 week program.

3. What was your sole purpose for studying abroad? Did you accomplish that purpose?
My purpose for studying abroad was to advance my pursuit of my degree in Spanish. I left receiving 6 transferrable credits towards my Bachelors in Spanish, so yes I did accomplish my purpose. 

4. Were you initially excited and ready to go or were there any fears or reservations? If so what were they and how did you overcome them? If not what expectations ignited your excitement?
I was very eager to go. I've always been the one to break barriers and lead my mentees by example. I wasn't nervous at all. I was forewarned that it was uncommon for Black people to study abroad. My father had his own reservations about me going somewhere that I wouldn't be warmly accepted. When I arrived in Spain the people loved me. They treated me like a celebrity. In my program, I was one of two black girls. The other girl Camille, was raised in a very suburban privileged family while I come from one of the worst cities in the United States, Newark, NJ. The first two days, everyone in the program spent time together, getting to know one another. I quickly proved that I was just as eligible to be there as anyone else. My Oral Spanish aided to get us "lost Americans" back to our hotel and my comprehension of the language became a very useful tool throughout the entire program.

5. What was your experience like studying abroad? 
My study abroad experience was incredible. My host mom made great food everyday, three times a day. She also did laundry three times a week. I think it is important to have a host family who doesn't just do the minimum. My host mom noticed that I was very advanced and she and my roommate pushed me to speak more. I would answer questions but I never started a conversation. When I would speak she would always encourage me saying "well spoken/well said." She also made me break out of my shell and some nights she would tell me "go to karaoke tonight and sing, song beautifully Micah," and thus began me being a regular entertainer at the local karaoke bar.

 It was a unique experience learning things about the culture through experience and not via textbook. Even when we were learning via textbook the teachers spoke with more knowledge and more passion of the topics. 

Also, studying abroad is like a sophisticated party life. We went out almost every night and some of my friends even stayed out so late some nights that they left the club, and caught the bus to school. Sounds crazy, but it created priceless memories. Also, the fact that you couldn't uses your cell phone unless you found a place that had wifi force us to get to know each other and the people around us. The disconnect was very beneficial.

Being one of 5 black people in the entire school, and 12 in the province was a wonderful experience but it took getting used to. People would stop their eating and just look up at me. Other ethnic people like the Africans and the French people would come up to me speaking their language and I hadn't the slightest idea of what they were saying. Nevertheless they were happy to see their "sister there." I can't count how many times someone yelled Obama while I was walking down the street. Once you can accept the fact that you are unique to them, your experience will be better. I had chefs come out to meet me, people purchase me drinks, people take pictures of me with and without asking and so much more. It was eye flattering. 

6. How has studying abroad changed your life? You as a person? 

I see the world through another perspective now.The world is so much bigger than the U.S. Studying abroad has also helped me to have patience.  I am now being asked to do presentations and forums about my experience. Studying abroad has opened up so many windows of opportunity for me. I feel like I definitely have something on my resume that has the potential to separate me from my opponents.

7. Are you bilingual or multilingual? If so what languages do you speak? If so...(continue to the questions below)        

In Spain I was finally dubbed "bilingual" 

7a. How has studying/working abroad impacted your languages skills? 
My understanding grew significantly. I now know little jargons. I also now understand the Andalusian accent, and the Latin American accent of the Spanish language. 

7b. How has speaking another language or your willingness to learn the native tongue of the country impacted your abroad experience? 
When I finally let down my guard and spoke to people other than my teachers, waitresses, and my host mom when forced I noticed that the words and the language just came to me naturally. Often times we spend our lives holding on to our inhibitions, not realizing that if we just release them we can feel greater and be greater if we allow ourselves.

8. How has studying abroad affected your outlook on your collegiate experience now that you have returned to Hampton University?

Now that I've come back to Hampton I feel impelled to encourage my fellow classmates to do the same. When people notice my knowledge of certain topics, and see how studying abroad has made me take on the language with a new approach they commend me. I now also tutor students at my school because I am comfortable doing so and I teach 3 and 4 year olds at a local school here.  

9. What are your career aspirations and how has studying abroad affected those aspirations? 

I am very interested in law and public policy. I have always aspired to be a government official. After studying abroad, I am now looking to intern abroad this summer. If I do not receive and internship, I intend to intern in one of the respective fields above. After graduation, I would like to possibly build a career abroad and eventually return home to continue my quest in changing lives and making the world a better place.

10. Do you have any advice for others who want to study abroad?

Just do it! Don't let fear hold you back. First Lady Obama said it best "you can't make decisions based on fear and the possibility of what might happen."

11. Do you have a website, twitter name, Facebook  page, etc that you would like me to share so that the readers can find out more info and/ or connect with you?

Facebook: Malikah Morris

Website:spaintasticstudies.blogspot.com

Hasta el Proximo Vez,

KoMiSa

Career Corner: A Chat with Fatimah Rashad

 

2013 Cherry Blossom Festival in Seoul, South Korea

It is my pleasure to introduce you to Fatimah Rashad. Fatimah and I studied abroad together in Guadalajara, Mexico and is a fellow Hampton University Alumnus. Since her time at our Home By the Sea,  she has taken the world on by storm as she earned a PhD in Developmental Psychology and is now living her dreams as an *expatriate (expat) abroad. With that being said check out Fatimah's experiences abroad as first a student and now an expat.

1. Where did you study abroad?   

I studied abroad at Universidad de Guadalajara (U de G) in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.  

2. When did you study abroad and how long did you stay?

I'm pretty sure it was in April of 2004 for 5 weeks of intensive Spanish immersion. 

3. What was your sole purpose for studying abroad? Did you accomplish that purpose?

My sole purpose was to improve my Spanish communication skills. I totally accomplished this goal. I learned more Spanish in that short period of time than I did in 3 years of studying in Undergrad.

4. Were you initially excited and ready to go or were there any fears or reservations? If so what were they and how did you overcome them? If not what expectations ignited your excitement?

Initially, I was excited and ready to go to Mexico. The idea of leaving school before the end of the semester to get a head start on living abroad was wonderful. The closer we got to our departure, the more I had doubts about my Spanish skills. Would I be able to communicate to the taxi driver at the airport so I could arrive safely at my host family's house? All I had was a piece of paper with an address on it. I didn't even know how to give basic directions such as turn, straight, left, or right. Thankfully, the fear was unfounded. I'm really good at charades and cab drivers have no shame in stopping to ask someone who is more knowledgeable. I arrived safely without issue… and made it my business to learn what I call taxi Spanish immediately thereafter.

5. What was your experience like studying abroad?

*The Hampton Ladies - Study Abroad in Mexico, 2004.

I absolutely loved studying abroad. In addition to Spanish language classes, I took dance and cooking classes at U de G. I remember meeting a group of Korean and Japanese students who didn't speak English, so our only form of communication was in Spanish. By the end of the program, I realized how cool it was that we all had a foreign language in common. It was also in Mexico where I learned to be independent and began my journey as a solo female traveler. I visited Manzanillo, a sleepy beach town on the coast, while my friends went to Puerto Vallarta. I boarded a bus and found an affordable oceanfront hotel upon arrival. My first night there, my neighbors - an older gentleman and his very young girlfriend -  introduced themselves and we became fast friends. They fed me, introduced me to their friends and locals my age, took me around the city, and showed me a great time. None of that would have been possible if I didn't know Spanish and/or was with a large group. That trip was near the end of my study abroad experience and was sort of like a progress report for myself. I had grown in my communication skills from not knowing basic directions or commands upon arrival to being able to converse with others. I think the moment I knew I had improved was when I was able to give taxi drivers directions to my host family's house - navigating through detours and other construction in my neighborhood.

6. How has studying abroad changed your life? You as a person?

Studying abroad made me comfortable with being uncomfortable. I'm no longer intimidated by foreign languages or the idea of making a complete fool of myself in front of others when I try to communicate. I've learned that it's OK to make mistakes. Studying abroad also ignited a fire in me to become an expat one day. Now, some 9 years later, I'm finally living my dream to live and work abroad. I've been in South Korea for 7 months and will likely stay another year or continue my career in another country abroad.

7. Are you bilingual or multilingual? If so what languages do you speak? If so...(continue to the questions below)  

I speak basic French, Spanish, and enough Korean to help me survive my day-to-day life.

 

7a. How has studying/working abroad impacted your languages skills?

There's something about being thrown in the fire - total immersion - that quickly boosts your language skills. It's one thing to study a language in a book or online, but I've found that type of studying pales in comparison to learning the language as your needs arrive. For instance, I had to learn how to read, pronounce, and understand menu items and grocery store labels rather quickly upon my arrival in Korea because I had no food in my apartment and was scheduled to work the next morning. Studying/working abroad has taught me not to fear new languages, but to embrace them as a beautiful challenge.

7b. How has speaking another language or your willingness to learn the native tongue of the country impacted your abroad experience?

Add caption

Speaking Spanish helped me most recently when I visited Cartagena, Colombia for 2 weeks to volunteer at a friend's youth center. It also helped me to easily navigate the city and surrounding areas. I got to meet many people in town who are now close friends. They opened their homes to me and showed me what life was really like outside of the tourist areas. That wouldn't have been possible without my language skills. In Korea, my willingness to learn Korean has made my experience positive and entertaining. I'm told by my Korean co-workers and friends that my pronunciation is very good. In turn, native speakers think I'm more fluent than I actually am. This turns into many rounds of laughter at my expense, but it's all a part of the learning process. 

8. How has studying abroad impacted you career path and outlook?

After Mexico, I knew that I could not only survive, but thrive abroad. As a researcher and educator, I don't feel limited to locations in the States whenever I look for positions. The world really is my oyster.

8a. What is your current position and what does your position entail? 

I'm currently an English teacher in the Gyeonggi English Program in Korea where I develop English communication skills of children in grades K-6 at a Korean elementary school. I use art, music, creative games and other interactive activities in the classroom to create a comfortable yet engaging learning environment. Essentially, they pay me to continue being a kid and talk to people all day. It's an awesome gig! Before this I was a professor at a college in New York City where I taught Psychology courses on child development and English language acquisition. It's nice to finally have some classroom experience to compliment what I know from years of research and theoretical perspectives regarding young learners.

8b. Is there an international aspect to your position?
 I introduce my students to as much culture as I possibly can. I let them know that, just like Korea, America is much more than the images they see on popular music videos. I also encourage them to learn more about how children live in other cultures around the world. My 6th graders are currently doing an email and video exchange with children in America to improve their language skills and learn about the day-to-day lives of children abroad. I also had an English Summer Camp with the theme of Passport to the World. We created our own passports, "visited" a new country each day, and learned about various cultural activities in places such as Ghana, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, USA, and India. The children and their parents loved it!

 

9. What characteristics does one need to pursue a position such as yours?

Outside of excellent English communication and organization skills, I think some of the best characteristics to have for my position would be passion, flexibility, creativity, and compassion. Try to remember what it was like when you first learned a foreign language. Think about what types of activities helped you learn and don't be afraid to utilize them in the classroom - no matter how zany you think they may be.

Bali, Indonesia in August 2013

10. Do you have any advice for others who want to study and work abroad?

Do it! Seriously. What's holding you back from pursuing this? There are plenty of resources via websites, Facebook groups, forums, and blogs to help you navigate the process to study or work abroad in several places around the world. If teaching English is something you're considering, you can easily obtain a TESOL/TEFL certification to boost your application. Groupon often has courses available for less than $100 each quarter, so keep your eyes open for that.  You can also check out Dave's ESL Cafe for English teaching opportunities in many countries. The internet is a powerful tool. Use it.  
 

Tokyo, Japan (September 2013)

11. Do you have a website, twitter name, Facebook  page, etc that you would like me to share so that the readers can find out more info and/ or connect with you?
My website is livetravelmore.com. I discuss life as a new expat, provide tips on preparing documents and teaching English in Korean public schools, and chronicle my travel adventures throughout Korea and wherever else I land during my vacation time. You can also like my Facebook page of the same name (Live, Travel, More) on Facebook. 

KoMiSa's Thoughts: Thank you very much to Fatimah for sharing her study and work abroad experiences on KoMiSa's World!!! Don't forget to check out Fatimah's website livetravelmore.com (The name itself speaks volumes). She shares a wealth of information and great stories that sure have inspired me. I sure they will inspire you as well!

 Hasta el Proximo Vez,

KoMiSa

*expatriate (expat) - a person living outside of the country/culture they were raised
*Did you see me in the light blue shirt in Fatimah's "The Hampton Ladies" picture?

3 Keys to Help Cross the Language Barrier When Teaching: a Nod to My Korean Exchange Students

Language Barriers are real but like with any barrier with an open mind, open heart and some creativity you can overcome any barrier. In the beginning of this year I had the opportunity to teach Korean students English. They came to Bloomfield College during their winter break to learn English and about American culture. I was used to teaching Spanish speaking students how to speak English and knowing the Spanish language has come in handy. Teaching English to Korean students whom I don't know there primary language could prove to be a real challenge. Neither I nor they could fall back on pure translation of the other language. We had to figure out a way to communicate in English so that I could understand them and they could understand me. With patience, my understanding of what they were going through as language learners, and myself having teachers who did not speak my native language when I studied abroad gave me a strong foundation to teach new students. As we went through class I encouraged them to use what English they did know no matter how little and we built upon that. Below are three things that helped me to navigate and conquer the language barrier to most effectively teach my amazing students.

1. Show genuine interest in your students.
Showing interest in your students often helps them to open up to you. Although my students were here to learn English and about the American culture, it was important for me to show interest and learn about their country and culture as well. A little bit can go along way in this area. It helped me to understand my students better and it allowed me to develop a good relationship with my students. For example, I took keen interest in how to pronounce my students names in Korean, no easy feet but very worthwhile to help them feel comfortable and respected.

2. Building relationships is key.
 Before I tried to teach my students anything I first did my best to get to know each of them. In addition to learning their names in Korean I learned their majors and something unique about them. For example Haram loves photography and she has an amazing camera so I made sure to include readings about photography and the arts in my lessons. Not only did it show that I cared about each of my students, it helped them to be more open and receptive to the lessons I was teaching them.

3. Have fun with the new language.
I taught a science reading comprehension class to my Korean students. I made sure my students were having a good time by using what I learned about them to make the science articles interesting. I incorporated their interests and the science theme as they learned the vocabulary and practiced their English pronunciation and reading comprehension. We often had more time to explore other subjects in American culture after completing the science coursework so I made sure to do fun cultural things with them. My students enjoy listening to music so I brought in some of my favorite music and shared it with them. I started playing Tamia's "So Into a You" and to my surprise they found the Korean music artists that remade the song in Korean. Talk about sharing our cultures! :-).  It was a lot of fun going back and forth listening to each version and talking about what we liked about that song and other songs and artists of both cultures and languages.

I love Tamia's song so much I thought I would share it!

A huge thank you to my Korean students. I had such a great time teaching them and learning from them.

Hasta el Proximo Vez,


KoMiSa

My First Major Spanish Music Concert

One of the best ways to learn about a culture is immerse yourself in it and traveling to another country is considered the optimal way to do so and I agree. However for many of us there are but so many trips we can take in a year so what do we do in the mean time? We look for experiences and events that will allow us to experience the cultures that are captivating our interests. These events could include a foreign film festival, a restaurant with a specific nationality's cuisine, going to an art museum showcasing painting and pictures of an international artist, etc. As for me, I went to my first major Spanish music concert, SalsaPalooza, featuring Eddie Santiago, Tito Nieves, Tito Rojas, and my favorite, La India 20 minutes from my house with Carmen and Neva. We had so much fun!!! Although there was no need for an airplane ticket or hotel room you could not tell me I was not transported to Puerto Rico or the Dominican Republic. One of the best and unexpected personal highlights was the confirmation that my Spanish language journey was coming full circle.

The entire concert felt more like a party than a concert. The energy was electric/ contagious. Each performer had a live band that rocked the house, while each performer had great vocals and put on a really great show. The entire audience was up and out of their seats dancing in the isles and wherever there was a space, yes including me. It seemed like everyone had an amazing time. I know I did! Although I cannot bring the concert to you, I can share one of my favorite salsa singers and one of the songs that I love to hear her sing.... La India,"Si Tu Eres Mi Hombre."
Can anyone guess what song it is in English? I will give you hint... Celine Dionne performs this song.
(Scroll down for the answer)

Answer: Power of Love

KoMiSa's Takeaway Thoughts: Experiencing and learning about other cultures can continue whether you are in that cultures country of origin or not. So use your resources like the internet to look for experiences like a concerts, movies, books, etc that will allow you to venture into the cultures you are interested in.

Thank you for reading!!!

Hasta pronto,

KoMiSa

Sharing Some Good News

In Honors College at Hampton University, Dr. Davy would usually put students and alumni on the spot during an event, workshop or ceremony and ask, “What’s the Good News?” and you better be prepared to answer. In that spirit I wanted to share some good news you.

Last week I taught my first English as a Second Language (ESL) class at a local community college. The opportunity presented itself the day before I was to teach the class when I received a phone call from the Coordinator of the Corporate and Business Training Department asking if I was available to teach the very next day. I quickly thought about how I could rearrange my schedule and accepted the class. At that point I was only obligated to teach the one ESL class with a possibility of it being extended to last the entire semester based on enrollment. Due to the high enrollment and student attendance for the first day of class I was extended the offer to teach for the entire semester.  I am officially teaching my first ESL class. What a blessing! And to think I called the Coordinator of the department because of a question that I had regarding another one day training class that I will be teaching in a different subject area in a week yet another opportunity availed. God is good!

I have always loved teaching and helping others to learn and accomplish the goals set before them so when I was contacted 2 weeks ago to interview to become an instructor of the Corporate and Business Training Department at a local community college I jumped at the opportunity. I knew this would be a great way for me to get my foot in the door to Higher Education and earn valuable experience while doing something that I love, which is sharing my knowledge with others. Although I have taken many language classes and have tutored students in both the English and Spanish Language, I have never taught an ESL class before but I was up to the challenge. 

Teaching my first ESL class with less than a day to prepare was a thrill. I had no time to be nervous so that worked in my favor. I prayed, prepared my lesson, and went into the class with confidence. My students warmed up to me quickly and were receptive and actively participated in the class. It was an honor to teach so many different ages. Some of my students are a few years younger than me while some are old enough to be my grandparents. It was a great first class. One of my students came up to me after class and thanked me for teaching such a good class. During the interview to become an instructor I was asked how I measure success as a teacher, and that is one way I measure success, when my students feel that they have learned something, enjoyed the class, and look forward to returning to learn more. I look forward to helping my students improve their English through out the semester. 

Thanks for reading my good news! I look forward to sharing more good news in the near future.

Hasta el proximo vez,

KoMiSa

My Introduction, My Inspiration- Language Learning

Growing up in Northern New Jersey and going to my grandparent’s and aunts houses in Harlem, New York City many times a year, I heard English, Spanish, French and Creole. As a little girl English and Spanish is what I was introduced to first and heard the most. I come from an English speaking family so English is my native language. That did not stop my interest in the Spanish Language once I realized the difference between languages as a toddler. I would be in Harlem and Spanish music would be playing. I would walk past people conversing and realize that they were speaking Spanish. I always wanted to know what they were saying, not because I was nosy but because I was intrigued by the language that I heard. I fell in love with the rhythm of the Spanish language, the color and vibrancy in the way it was spoken and I started to observe the culture of those who spoke it. I knew I wanted to one day be fluent Spanish in particularly then maybe learn other languages in the future.

I used to love when my cousin Robbie would come and visit. He is one of my Mom’s first cousins and he spoke Spanish fluently. I vividly remember sitting on Robbie’s lap on the porch at my house asking him how to say various words in Spanish. He would patiently translate the words that I  inquired about. I also asked him how he learned Spanish since no one else in our family spoke Spanish that I knew of at the time. He told me that he learned in school and perfected his skills when he traveled and lived in Santo Domingo, in the Dominican Republic. Robbie could speak, read and write in Spanish just like a native speaker. I thought that if he did it and I could do it too as long as I kept at it. He became my inspiration. I don’t know if he knows it but I looked up to him then and I still do.

Learning another language is often challenging. There were many times when I questioned my progress and felt discouraged. If you are learning a new language or trying something new that takes time to grasp you may feel the same way and that is normal. In those discouraging times remember

your introduction and initial spark of your interest and all the work that you put into achieving your goal of learning that new language. Let that serve as your motivation to keep moving forward.

My surroundings growing up planted the seed for my Spanish language interests. My cousin Robbie was one of the first people to water that seed and nurture my Spanish language endeavor. For that I will be forever grateful.

KoMiSa’s Take Away Thought:

It’s not always easy to learn another language but remembering and drawing upon the introduction and inspiration that leads to this desire can be a great resource of motivation. It’s often a powerful tool to overcome the challenging times as you achieve your language goal.