Posted by annisleung on Apr 13, 2009 in
Culture,
Life,
Living Since day one I left my home country and came to US, I told myself that I had to learn and experience as much as I could about US culture in my college life. The first thing in my mind was to live with someone I didn’t know of, and knew American culture very much. Living with an American roommate in a dorm was the way to go. If you ask me again, it is still highly recommended.
I know that it sounds tough to some international students as culture shock will make them anxious and confused. When I was still in Ames, Iowa, I knew many of my Chinese friends who would rather live and hangout with other Chinese than American. Just because they couldn’t accept the American culture, food, etc. On the other hand, they were so proud that they had learned enough English in high school. There wasn’t a need for them to get to know more about American culture and the language.
In my opinion, it was such a stupid move as nobody would ever learn enough. If they were too proud of themselves, they would just be a frog in a well. I was glad that I didn’t know enough English in my Chinese high school to communicate with any English speakers back then. I still remembered that my Chinese friends teased my poor English because I flunked the English placement test and had to take ESL class in my first semester. Their innocent acts really motivated myself to study harder. When I lived with my American roommate, I gotta learn a lot of English and American culture from her and the girls on the same floor.
Throughout many years of living with different roommates, I was lucky that 90% of them were good, and they were Americans. If you really want to get over culture shock quicker, find an American roommate and learn from him/her.
Tags: culture shock, roommate
Posted by annisleung on Apr 4, 2009 in
Culture,
Life 
My 1st Henna Art
Sumaiya Mehreen, a very talented Indian graphic artist, who was showing off the ancient Indian Henna Art at Women’s Center Conference Room in McDermott Library in International Week 2009. It has been a great experience to see how Sumaiya skillfully and creatively drew the floral arts on the ladies’ hands. I must say that I love this temporary decorative flower tattoo on my hand.
AL: Annis Leung, the ESL blog host
SM: Sumaiya Mehreen, the Henna Artist
AL: Hi Sumaiya, may you introduce yourself?
SM: My name is Sumaiya Mehreen. I am a Henna artist, a graphic designer, a website designer, and a blogger.
AL: A blogger? Are you in ATEC major?
SM: I actually graduated from UTD last year (2008) and did my MFA in Arts and Technology.
AL: Sumaiya, how long have you been doing Henna?
SM: Umm… I don’t really remember when I started it, but first time I did professionally was at fifth grade. We were doing the school fundraiser
AL: What do you mostly draw?
SM: For personal preference, I like flowers. I notice that I do those design more. This is more Indian style henna. There are also African and Arabic styles.
AL: What is the difference between Indian, Arabic and African Hennas?
SM: The design motifs that are used are different in different cultures. The Indian Henna is sort of what I am doing. It is very intricate on the entire hands, and the lines are thinner. There are lots of details. Indian Henna, sometimes you can see birds. Arabic Henna, the design is more loose and floral. There won’t be animal and people. African Henna is more geometric, more squares and triangles, not as flowery like Indian, but comes out with thicker lines.
AL: How long will the Henna last?
SM: This one will probably last for a week. It will get a little darker. Once it dries, and she washes this (Henna) off, it will leave the orange-brown stain. And, that will get darker the next two days. But, in a week or so, it will start fading. In a week and half, it will probably be all gone. But it varies from person to person depending on the skin type and how absorb of the skin.
AL: Do you do Henna as freelance?
SM: Yes, I do freelance. I usually do bridal henna for Indian weddings, and workshop like this or session like this at the International Office here. I also volunteer events, but it would depend on the event and the people I know. If for individual, it usually depending on the design, is like $5 per hand and up. I do have a blog. It is TheHennaBlog.blogspot.com… easy to remember.
AL: How much do you charge for the bridal Henna?
SM: Oh, yes. Bridal Henna is so different. It is $150 and up. Coz’ for Indian weddings, like hands both sides until the elbows, arms, and legs up to their knees. Depending on how much they do it, it runs from $150 to $300.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vs9o1AK5pog[/youtube]
If you would like to experience this unique Indian culture – Henna art, please visit The Henna Blog.
Tags: art, Culture
Posted by annisleung on Apr 4, 2009 in
Culture,
Life The celebration of International Week 2009 is over finally. It was great that I went to couple of events. One of them was International Potluck Dinner, sponsored by Residential Life. The purpose of the potluck was not only to encourage students to bring in food representing their cultures and share with other fellow students, but also made new friendships with different cultures in the gathering.
Food: Arabic – Baklava, TexMex – Tortilla Soup, Indian – Rice Pudding
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwZELNAyFWA[/youtube]
Tags: Culture, food, international
