America to satisfy her curiosity

Wednesday, 05 October 2011 21:41

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She wanted to know more about what her brother has been experiencing in America, so she came to America to satisfy her curiosity.

"My brother was in America first, and he told me that he had great experiences," Fatima Al Matouq said. "When I graduated from high school, I received a scholarship to go to another country, but I chose to come here. I just wanted to know what it feels like to be in America."

When she was home in Saudi Arabia, she didn't have a chance to take the TOEFL, or Test of English as a Foreign Language. And because she couldn't get into any college without the TOEFL, she decided to go to the CESL, Center of English as a Second Language, at the University of Arizona.

"I'm talking a class for the TOEFL preparation," she said. "I think each class has a different reason and purpose. They are all useful. The students and teachers are very friendly, too."

If she can get a high enough score on the TOEFL, she'd like to start her college career. She wants to major in medical technology because it's her dream to work in the medical field after she graduates from college.

"When I was in high school, I was a good biology student," Matouq said. "I can study applied biology more as a medical technology major but this major is not offered here, so I think I will go to another univeristy."

By staying in Arizona for a year and being forced to face a new culture, she is growing accustomed to an American way of life.

"I missed Saudi Arabian food a lot, but these days, I eat pasta and pizza a lot. They are my favorite foods here," Matouq said. "I'm not a good cook, but I'm surely learning how!"

Although she has been more and more comfortable with America, she still misses her country, Saudi Arabia, very much.

"I miss everything there. I miss food, family, friends and all the cultures," she said. "I live with my brother, but I don't really see him. I'm alone most of the time, and it's when I really miss my country. But I want to stay in America until I get my bachelor's degree. I think there are many things that I can learn in America."

Written by Sano Yujiro

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