Monday, December 11, 2006

The Semester Wraps Up

With the semester winding down, it seems appropriate to reflect on the various accomplishments of the Madison International Language and Communication Committee. Each subcommittee experienced success in our quest to become more culturally tolerant.

Subcommittee the First: SkyLine Literacy

Teaching people how to read is an interesting and educative experience for both parties involved. One is not aware of what one knows until (s)he has to teach it. The many nonsensical aspects of language are an endless source of curiousity which has made teaching them to other people enjoyable and a growing experience to say the least. The group that we are working with just began their studies in English but they have made great progress in their short time. The group consists of people varying from 19 year olds to 70 year old students. Also, people from South and Central America as well as people from Eastern Europe and from Russia. They all approach the subject of English with gusto as the advantages of speaking the language are obvious.

Subcommittee the Second: Cultural Presenters

The "Around the World" event at Berkley Glenn Elementary was very successful and was enjoyed by both the children and presenters. The children got their first glimpses at countries that many were not familiar with including: Serbia, Germany, Australia, Japan, and Ghana. More presentations, with more countries, are planned for next semester.

Subcommittee the Third: US Citizen Classes

Teaching foreigners about the complexities of the US political system/ US history was a task not taken lightly by our committee members. They quickly learned the disparties that exist between Americans concerning our own history. Especially when studying the Civil War! But all in all, much knowledge was exchanged, and Jared and Alex will resume their adventures next semester.

Subcommittee the Fourth: Foreign Language Club

Members of the French club were exposed to many a French film over the course of the semester and were able to partake in some francophone events put on by the French club here at JMU. One of our members, the Club's secretary, was able to espouse some of her love for the culture to other Ashby residents who joined the French club this semester.


Programming:

The Langauge and Communication Committee's programs enjoyed high participation in all of our programs. The Open Mic Night event saw almost all of Ashby come out, as well as some Ashby friends. Jared, a committee member, opened the show with an excellent rendition of "Crush" by Dave Matthews. He was followed by Filipe's sensuous performance of Stevie Wonder's "Sunshine of my Life," and then a duet with yours truly for Andrea Bocelli's "Vivo Por Ella." Christine, Shea, and Cookie put on a very organic a capella version of "Zion" by Lauryn Hill. Followed by a poem, and another song by Jeremy and Will, an original! The night was capped off with fashion "Walk-offs" and the highly anticipated Ashby Fashion Show.

For our last program, we had a foreign film night where we watched "Y Tu Mama Tambien." The film could not help but inspire conversation regarding love, sex, death, and LIFE! We watched it at 2:30 a.m. but still saw many people come out to the screening.


Though this past semester went great, We are sure to see even higher feats acheived before the year is out. Until next time~!!

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