Editorial – Thanksgiving By Ty Mussack, Program Coordinator at OC
When you get to live in another country, you have the opportunity to learn about language and culture. One part of a country’s culture is holidays. So, what holidays in America are really “American?” I mean, which holidays are rooted in American history and helped shape the character and values of the USA. One of the most truly “American” holidays is Thanksgiving. This holiday was born out of a historical context which all American children learn about in elementary school. Of course, history can always be interpreted from different angles and by different groups of people. Today, Thanksgiving is all about family, food, and for many, football! Those are the three “F”s of Thanksgiving. Each family has their own little traditions, but all of them will gather together on the fourth Thursday in November to eat a meal and to spend time together. Many Americans return to their hometowns for Thanksgiving. It’s a great time to reflect on the good things we have in life and to have an attitude of gratitude. If you’re in America for Thanksgiving, we hope that you will be able to feel the spirit of the holiday.
Language Systems Life Style (OC) – Halloween By Ty Mussack, Program Coordinator at OC
October in America is a really fun month because we get to celebrate Halloween! At the different Language Systems campuses, our students also get a chance to celebrate Halloween and have some fun. Of course the main ingredient in Halloween fun is costumes! Without dressing up in costumes, there is no Halloween, and wearing a costume is not just for kids. Many adults in America go to great lengths to put together a really cool, scary, or funny costume. Each year Language Systems hold a contest for the best teacher and best student costume. It is really amazing to see how creative some people can get when it comes to putting together a costume. Jack-o-lanterns are also an essential part of celebrating Halloween. At the Language Systems campus in Orange County, each year the teachers help the students learn how to carve a pumpkin and turn it into a jack-o-lantern. Halloween really is a fun time to be a student in America.
Discover LA (OC) – Beach Life By Ty Mussack, Program Coordinator at OC
If you are studying English in Southern California, you need to enjoy the California beach life. But if you take a trip to any beach, you will notice that American people have a huge problem with littering, or throwing trash on the ground. I live in Huntington Beach, and there are trash cans everywhere to help encourage people to throw their trash in the trash can. Even though there are trash cans everywhere, many people who visit the beach continue to throw trash on the sand, in the parking lot, and all over the place. As someone who calls Huntington Beach home, this makes me pretty disgusted. If you want to discover a cool way to help keep California clean, you can join the Surfrider Foundation as a volunteer and you can participate in one of their many “beach cleanup” activities. You can visit their website at www.surfrider.org
Free in LA (OC) By Ty Mussack, Program Coordinator at OC
- Veteran’s Day in America
November 11, 2017 is Veteran’s Day in America. It’s a day where we respect and honor members of the military who have served our country. Every year for Veteran’s day, Huntington Beach holds a free car show. During this event, vendors sell delicious street food and there are free concerts on a stage that is set up right on the beach. At this car show, you can see up-close hundreds of classic, collector cars, customs, motorcycles and more. The whole event is free to the public. One part of Southern California culture is definitely classic and custom cars. You should check out this cool event. Before the car show there is a ceremony to honor the veterans of America. This is a time when international students can experience a meaningful aspect of American history and lifestyle.
Student Articles
Halloween By Jimmy (Level 7)
Halloween is definitely my favorite holiday in America. I love it! I really like going to the Halloween costume stores with my friends. When we go there, we try on a lot of different costumes and we take pictures. Some of the pictures are so funny! On Halloween, everyone tried to look really scary or really funny. Everyone wants to wear a special costume. I also like to knock on doors and say, “trick-or-treat.” This is a very cool tradition to me and I can do it only in America. In my country we do not have this kind of holiday or culture. I love Halloween.
Worst Black Friday Ever By Emma (Level 7)
iPad Pro! I had been waiting so long to finally get one for myself. I had been waiting for Black Friday, and finally the day had arrived. I was so excited! The doors were to open in an hour, and at last I would have an iPad Pro in my hand. I waited in line overnight so that I could get into the store first. I was cold and hungry, and I really wanted to sit in a warm café drinking hot coffee and eating a fresh bagel with sweet cream cheese. But this would have to wait until after I accomplished my mission – getting my iPad Pro! Finally, the manager came to the doors to open for business. As soon as the doors opened, everyone from the line rushed into the store like a bunch of wild animals. I also tried to run into the store. Once inside, I tried to find the iPads. I was like a lion hunting a zebra. I kept looking around, but there were so many people I couldn’t see anything. I tried to focus, but the store was just too crowded. I waited all that time, but never found my iPad. It was the worst Black Friday ever!
Language Systems Faces Interview with Staff (OC) Interview conducted by Ty Mussack, Program Coordinator at OC
Meet Christy
Q: So how long have you been working for LSI and what is your main role/job?
A: I’ve been working at LSI for about 6 months. My position is “student advisor.”
Q: What do you like most about your job at LSI?
A: I like the environment and my co-workers. I like being around students who care about their futures and who are pursuing their dreams.
Q: What is the most difficult thing about your job?
A: Sometimes there is a lot of paperwork to do.
Q: Where are you from originally?
A: I’m originally from Thailand. I came to the United States when I was just 6 years old.
Q: What are your hobbies?
A: I love cooking. I like watching cooking videos on Youtube and the cooking channel. I like cooking any kind of food.
Q: What is your favorite holiday in America? Why?
A: My favorite holiday is definitely Christmas. During the Christmas season everyone seems happier. I also like shopping and going to the different sales at Christmas time. The weather around that time is nice too because it is not hot.
