The Wives of International Graduate Students: Session 2

Each meeting provides its own meaning. And with each meaning, I feel like I know a little bit more not only about the women in the group but also about myself. Today I would like to take the time to describe some of the women I work with. Each one is so charming in thier own way that when it comes time to leave I find myself not wanting to leave thhis group of women that I feel very much close to. Although I know the names of most of the women, I would like to keep it annoymous in order to protect thier thoughts and thier own privacy.The lady that sits beside me is from Iran. She has been here with her husband for three months and is very much delighted to come to English classes. She speaks very well english but sometimes has trouble with idioms and slangs. She intently listens to Sylvia, the instructor, and writes in a bright red pen. I have gotten very fond of this particular lady. Every time I explain somehting to her, she is overjoyed and thanks me with all her might and heart. I was delighted when I got a chance to meet both her and her husband at the street fair. It was nice interacting with her outside the classroom and getting to know the wonderful person that she is. The lady that sits across from me is from Germany. She has really curly blond hair and is always on or before time for the class. She is very proficient in English but she too has trouble with the numerous idioms that Americans use. She rides along on her bike every morning and talks of Germany frequently. SHe expresses that she likes it here, but she wishes the air were cleaner. There is a Mexican woman that has come two times during my whole service learning experience. She usually sits on the floor behind the tables and takes care of her little son. When asked about her likes or dislikes, she talks about her husband's likes and dislikes, and does not ever refer to herself individually. When asked about her opinion about living here. She soft spokenly responds that her husband has a good position here and a place like this would provde a good education for her children. Never have I once heard or seen this lady refer to her individual needs. WHen i first met her, I was rather shocked that there were still women that dedicated their whole lives to thier families. It made me wonder if I was ultimately the antithesis of this woman, and was that a good or a bad thing. As I listened to her talk of her devotion to her family, I thought of my devotion to a career in medicine. I began to ponder whether I was selfish not to want a family until I was 30, or perhaps it was her expreinces that made her want a certian way of life, and my experiences that shaped my way of thinking.