International student tea

                         Sometimes I consider leaving adjunct teaching behind, but then…
            Connecting with any young people is a treat, but international students offer something particularly wonderful. They are a self-selecting population. It takes courage, curiosity, confidence, and an open heart to leave your home country for college.
            I’ve taught students from Egypt, Nepal, China, Korea, Spain, Japan, Brazil, and Nigeria. Avinia, a longstanding favorite, is from Indonesia. She makes sure I’m invited to every International Students’ Association event and always gives me a hug. Today was their holiday tea. Students leapt up to introduce themselves. Smiling Avinia introduced me to the rest, and said, “help yourself,” with a gracious sweep of her arm towards the food table.
            Sadi from Nepal painted this henna tattoo on my arm. Ivanka, a Cuban-American (from Florida) who speaks English, Spanish, and German, told me she’s studying Vietnamese so she can communicate with her boyfriend’s parents. I love these guys! How can I give them up?
 
My 60th year in 60,000 words
Day 100: 155 words, TOTAL = 16,724; 43,276 remaining