Sowing Pearls ofWisdom Sowing Pearls ofWisdom - Literacy Suffolk

Reading for Life LifeSpring
2OO8
Issue #18
A M A G A Z I N E O F S T U D E N T W R I T I N G
Sowing Sowing Pearls Pearls
of Wisdom
Wisdom
Celebrating3O Years
1978–2OO8

Table of Contents
30 Years of Service and Counting! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Al Jordan, President . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Literacy Suffolk: Rich in Culture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gini Booth, Executive Director . . . . . . . 4
Pearls of Wisdom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Janet L. Downs, Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Credits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Our Country . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Graciela Medina/Ronald Zuniga . . . . . 7
What a Difference Four Years Make . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Juan Vargas Perez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Travel to Chicago . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lilia Angel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
My Great Adventure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Virginia Medrano . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
25th Wedding Anniversary Celebration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Luz Betty Angel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Married Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maria Garcia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Life in Two Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Josephine Pastore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Dumplings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yuan Jian Guo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
The Things You Leave Behind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Magna Nicotri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
An Important Question . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jaroslaw Olender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Hard Work Pays Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary Berrospi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Surprise for My Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . René Berrospi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Never Too Late . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eddie Byrams. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Life is a School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zheni Velasquez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Fall Poem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . America P. Arbizu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
God Has Blessed Me in a Special Way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nicole Hamilton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
My Hobby is Classic Cars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scott Cali. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Exploring Indonesia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yanti Wasserman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
From the Caribbean to the USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . José Muñoz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Two Days and Two Nights in 24 Hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Santos Monroy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Coming to the USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nataliya Sova . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Like a Dream . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YoungHee Chong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Two Spring Traditions Worth Knowing About . . . . . . . . . . . . Kasia Rzymska. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
My Mother . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joanna Moszczak-Juszczyk. . . . . . . . 23
Memorable Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rita Singh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Sea Kayaking: A Getaway to Get Involved . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Adaptability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Edison Mejia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
I Am the Youngest Boy in My Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oscar Giraldo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Opening a New Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maria Naupari . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
A Most Memorable Bus Trip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elsa Guncay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
The Best Things in Life Come Free . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anna Iannucci-Prochón . . . . . . . . . . 29
Life is Like a Box of Chocolates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jenny . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
BNL
Invitation! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cuicui Ai, Zhongyan Hu, Ling Lan . . . 30
Slave Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jinyu Fu, Shinichi Yamazaki . . . . . . . 31
Bitter Plums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cuicui Ai . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Snow Melt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hee-Ju Jung. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Cult-Tea-Vation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mizuho Izubuchi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Special Memories of My Shrine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Noriko Asaka . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Reading for Life is a collection of stories, poems and other writings submitted by student authors,
all of whom are participants in the Literacy Suffolk program. Many are writing for the first time.
Each author’s work is published as written, with occasional minor editing to improve readability.

Table of Contents
Stony Brook ALC Conversation Class
My Daughter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amy Shui . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Journey to USA – Land of Opportunity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . George Thomas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Are You Satisfied With Your Battery? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Naoko Yamakawa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Difficulties Living in the United States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gui Oin Yu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
A Great Experience in the US . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yoshinori Okamoto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Snow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Min Lu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Differences Between Real Life in NY and My Expectations . . Jeong Eun Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Father and I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Juan Cao . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Odd Orange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yoichiro Harada. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Funny Things in the New York Subway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Debiao Li . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Learning English Make My Life Interesting . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yi Shui . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
My Little English Teachers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Miyuki Okasaka . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Family Literacy
My Mom is in My Heart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maria J. Ruiz. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
My Family’s Visit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maria de los Angeles Vivian. . . . . . . . 45
Mom’s Arrival in America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Abida Sultana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
About My Family and Job . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Luz E. Zelayandia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Simple Joy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carole Aimable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Opportunities and Challenges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ramon Bonilla . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Moment of Eternity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Natalya Kanevsky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
C’est la Vie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vic Strelets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
An American Quinceanera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gabriela Sanchez/Nicolás Garduño . . 50
Grandma’s Cheesecake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eleonora. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Land of Coffee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Claudia Eklund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
My New Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maria Shayda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Mongol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eladio Medina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Argentina, My Country . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fabiana D’Ascanio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
A Positive Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . William Manuel Torres. . . . . . . . . . . . 55
The El Salvador I Know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Julio E. Musun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Trip to Washington, DC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cecilia Yepez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Angel’s Story – Incredible but True . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . José Martinez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
New Life in a New World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sergio Goncalves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
My Garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carmen Constanzo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Gloomy Digression . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Manuel Cruz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
A Foreign Woman Pleased with America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tinatin Javakhishvili . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
A Magical Christmas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oretta Pringle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
A Chilean Rabbit in New York . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andrés Estefane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
A Disney World Dream Came True . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Xiaodong McAvoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Sonnet to My Morning Coffee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paulina Lisowiec. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
My Story . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alejandra Gonzales . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Board of Directors/Advisory Council/Mission Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
RFL Guidelines and Submission Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67, 68
2 READING FOR LIFE 2OO8 • Student Writing
S
A Letter from the President
30 Years of Service and Counting!
By Dr. Al Jordan, Board President
The first requisite of success is the ability to apply your physical and mental energies
to one problem without growing weary.”
– Thomas Edison
ince 1978, Literacy Suffolk has stood firmly in the belief that the ability to read, write, and
communicate effectively is critical to personal freedom and the maintenance of a democratic society.
This statement is as true, enduring, vibrant, and necessary in the year 2008.
The quote above reveals a secret to the success and longevity of Literacy Suffolk. For 30 years we have focused
our “physical and mental energies” to one issue—adult literacy—yet we have been creative in our approaches to
teaching, learning, and service delivery. We continue to be responsive to the rapid growth and demographic
changes in Suffolk County including a more ethnically and culturally diverse population, an increasing need for
service to low literacy populations in areas such as health literacy and law literacy, and forming new partnerships
with other institutions and organizations.
“Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.” – Henry Ford
The 30-year success of Literacy Suffolk is grounded in the dedicated day-to-day commitment of many people.
Central to our mission is our tutors who provide the service precisely at where the rubber meets the road. Our
tutors perform an extraordinary service as both teachers and ambassadors. It is the one-to-one tutoring that
created our organization 30 years ago and continues to motivate us today. We accomplish our goals through the
shared vision, commitment, perseverance, loyalty, and hard work of our incredible staff and executive director,
Gini Booth; our volunteers, students, elected officials, and the Board of Directors and Advisory Council. We
are fortunate to have the continuing support of the Suffolk Cooperative Library System and the participating
public libraries. We are one big family, and in our family everyone is welcome.
“It is literally true that you can succeed best and quickest by helping others to succeed.” – Napoleon Hill
At Literacy Suffolk our motivation is to help others succeed. We have earned a reputation for providing caring
and culturally-sensitive service that maintains the dignity and self-respect of our students while providing the
most up-to-date curriculum for our tutors based upon sound research in adult education. In addition, we continue
to increase awareness of adult low literacy in helping others to overcome the myths and stereotypes often
associated with those in need of literacy services. Literacy has no face. It is you, me, our friends and neighbors.
But there is another ingredient and that is the incredible spirit that we each share. In the 60s we called it good
vibrations. In the 70s and 80s it was called positive energy. In the super fast-paced 90s it was called synergy.
I simply call it “fantastic.”
Call it what you wish, it is a spirit of contribution. The spirit is contagious, enduring, and moves each of us
beyond ourselves. Put simply, through Literacy Suffolk we all benefit, we all grow, we all learn, and we all walk
taller. We want everyone to share this spirit with us.
Happy 30th Anniversary to Literacy Suffolk!
LITERACY SUFFOLK, INC. • Sowing Pearls of Wisdom 3

Literacy Suffolk: Rich in Culture
Gini Booth, Executive Director
ach year, for almost a decade, I’ve been
E privileged to open the latest copy of
“Reading for Life.” And each time, I feel
more delighted than ever, to be invited into the
diverse lives of the adult students of Literacy Suffolk.
On a visit to London a few years ago, I was struck by
a different spirit in the air, the way ethnic groups
seem to sustain their own culture and identification,
yet, consider themselves “Brits” and communicate in
English. My youngest son at the time was a student in
London. I asked him about what I saw and felt, he
explained, New York is a melting pot, but in London
it is more like a salad bowl! I got it. A salad bowl
allows for a tomato to be tomato, a carrot a carrot,
lettuce is lettuce, an onion is an onion – each vegetable
shining in it’s own right, but is part of the
whole salad.
When I read the stories in “Reading for Life” — I am
reminded that each author has a culture, history,
point of view and a desire to read, write and speak in
English. Our authors share all of who they are, where
they’ve been and where they want to go . . . each
shining in their own right, but part of an amazing
collection of “Reading For Life” stories.
Last spring, a committee of energetic volunteers and
staff began work on a fund-raising project — In
Good Taste: International Fare Cookbook, which
debuted last October. A significant aspect to the committee’s
work was collecting the recipes. Discussions at
Thoughts from the Executive Director
“When we read a story, we inhabit it.
The covers of the book are like a roof and four walls.
What is to happen next will take place within the four walls of the story.
And this is possible because the story’s voice makes everything its own.”
John Berger – English painter b. 1926
meetings were always lively, sharing the stories behind
the recipes! Each recipe is rich in culture and taste.
Literacy Suffolk . . .
Students represent 59 countries
“Reading for Life” authors represent 24 countries;
In Good Taste: International Fare Cookbook
represents 49 countries
We are rich in diversity, respectful of each voice,
and encourage all voices to be heard through
increased literacy.
A few years ago, I was on my way to a meeting on
Fulton Street in Hempstead — I got out of my car,
and was immediately stopped in my tracks. There was
the most incredible aroma in the air, at first, I could
not identify exactly what it was — what I finally
realized, it was the colorful zest and wonderful smell
coming from the many restaurants in that area — no
doubt, Caribbean, Asian, Spanish, and American. One
day, I will visit every restaurant in that area, have a cup
of tea and absorb the aroma, culture, and spirit.
Today we have that same opportunity, just open the
virtual cover of each story and begin the journey,
allow yourself to be transported.
As the last line in my opening quote by John Berger
states:
“And this is possible because the story’s voice makes
everything its own.”
Happy 30th Anniversary Literacy Suffolk!
4 READING FOR LIFE 2OO8 • Student Writing
Thoughts from the Editor
he year 2008 marks the 30th anniversary of Literacy Suffolk providing literacy services (with the
T support and assistance of the Suffolk Cooperative Library System and the Suffolk County libraries),
to adult residents of the county. Amazingly, I have been a part of that delivery system for nearly 21
of those 30 years! Being a part of something as important as literacy for so long is certainly commitment!
Unquestionably for me, it is a proud commitment.
I knew ahead of time that I wanted to make reference to our 30th year milestone in this column for the 18th
edition of “Reading for Life” magazine. At the suggestion of a colleague, followed by a little Internet research of
my own, I learned some things about the traditional gift representing a 30th anniversary—the pearl. So, let’s
consider the pearl for a moment…
According to Wikipedia and other online sources, “Pearls are among the oldest and most universal of all gems.
They are the oldest jewels known to man, and the only gem made by a living animal. It is one of the few gemstones
that requires no cutting or polishing. Its beauty is evident from the moment it’s removed from the shell.
The finest quality pearls have been highly valued for centuries, and the word pearl has become a metaphor for
something rare, fine, and admirable.”
I can draw many comparisons between the life of a pearl, and the lives that become pearls after reaching their
goals through improved literacy skills. Just as the pearl is a universal gem, so is the power of language a universal
gem shared by all humans. The pearl is the only gem made by a living animal, just as language is the only gem
created by and transferred to other humans to enhance communication, express emotion, and increase understanding.
And just as a beautiful pearl is produced from the pain of the oyster, sometimes the struggles of our
adult learners are painful, too.
In fact, the stories you will read between these pages tell of struggle after struggle that ultimately turns into
pearls of victory. You’ll read of the beauty of the relationships that form between tutors and students as they
commit to the learning process together; a process that can sometimes prove long and difficult. But perseverance
has its rewards.
Since 1978, it has been our mission, our goal, our constant endeavor, to assist these courageous adults for as
long as necessary, and then salute them as they move on from Literacy Suffolk bearing their precious new gift—
something, rare, fine, and admirable—beautiful pearls of wisdom.
Happy 30th Anniversary Literacy Suffolk!
Pearls of Wisdom
By Janet L. Downs, Editor
“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeing new landscapes,
but in having new eyes.” – Marcel Proust
Wisdom is having gained knowledge, experience, and intuitive
understanding, along with a capacity to apply these qualities well.
LITERACY SUFFOLK, INC. • Sowing Pearls of Wisdom 5

Credits
Profound congratulations are extended to the dedicated and determined volunteers
whose steadfast tutoring, mentoring, and encouragement led their students to put
thoughts and feelings on paper and share with us all their pearls of wisdom.
TUTORS
Jean Almirall
Theresa Aloisio
Anne Azzaretti
Betty Baker
Bill Baker
Mary G. Bloom
Pat Bollerman
Marjorie Coleman
Maggie DeLollis
Chris Duignan
Caren M. Lucas
Anne Dragos
Marcy Emerson
Arline Fassman
Martha Fink
Nancy Lynn Gaugler
Ted Ginsberg
Lisa Greco
Adrianne Greenberg
Robert J. Hall
Ruth Harris
Jean Heacock
Jim Higgins
Ruth Hillman
Elizabeth Hogan
Stuart Jones
Diane B. Jost
To learn more about Literacy Suffolk
programs or to support adult literacy,
visit us online at
www.LiteracySuffolk.org.
Donna Karwowski
Erin Keffeler
Phyllis Kelleher
Marsha Kipperman
Bonnie Kisiel
Marylou Krzeski
Lynn Leistman
Carol Link
Jennifer Lynch
Elaine MacLellan
Eve Novick
Eleanor O’Connell
Rose Passannante
Linda Penn
Seth Pollock
Miriam Rondon
Aileen Salines
Carla Schulz
Barbara Siegel
Peter Soo
Tracy Speelman
Eileen Sribnick
Sheila Sussman
Ann Triolo
Marge Tuthill
Margaret Vahey
Claire Xeller
Editor-in-Chief.......................... Janet L. Downs
Design/Layout: .......................... Fleury Design
Many thanks for
your invaluable assistance:
Diane Jost
Carol Link
Sondra Swarbrick
Thank you for your support:
Elizabeth Hanlon, Allstate Insurance
6 READING FOR LIFE 2OO8 • Student Writing
Our Country
By Graciela Medina and Ronald Zuniga
e are from Peru. I, Graciela, studied business administration and tourism. I, Ronald,
studied systems computers. Our country is located in South America. The department
W is Arequipa. Arequipa is a nice city; it’s the second largest city. It is also the capital of
Arequipa province and is 633.8 miles from Lima (capital). The city lies in the highlands at the
foot of the snow-capped volcano, El Misti. El Misti is currently inactive but erupted strongly
between 1438 and 1471. Several smaller eruptions have occurred since then, most recently in
1784. Arequipa has over 80 volcanoes.
Our city has many fine colonial-era Spanish buildings built of sillar, a pearly white volcanic rock
used extensively in the city, and from which it gets its nickname “The White City.” The historic
centre of Arequipa was named a UNESCO world heritage site in 2000, in recognition of its
architecture and historic integrity. The city is located at an altitude of 2380 meters (7740 feet)
above sea level. El Misti is located beside a bigger volcano, Chachani “The Beloved” and the
peak Picchu Picchu “Top Top” both named in the Quechua language of the ancient Inca Empire.
Arequipa, founded as a colonial city, is influenced by both
Andalusia and Spanish ideas and architecture. Popular
tourist sites include the 16th century Santa Catalina
Monastery, the Goyeneche Palace, House of Moral, and
the district of Yanahuara, a point of confluence for visitors
seeking a viewpoint of the urban geography of the
city. Arequipa has many valuable archaeological and
tourist resources including the Colca Canyon, one of the
deepest in the world and an ideal spot for observing the
magnificent Andean Condor.
We arrived in this country seven years ago. The first times
were difficult because our family was separated. We were
here while our two children were in Peru. Then we
Arequipa
worked hard, and two years later our other children could
come be with us. We are looking for new ways for the future because our country has so many
problems with economics. A lot of people finish the university but they don’t find jobs and have
to go to other countries, like Europe, Asia and here. Now we want to learn more English
because we need to speak very well. We can get it.
“We, Graciela and Ronald, are married and have three children. Our first child is a girl. Her name
is Meyling. She is twelve years old. Our second child is Ronald. He is ten years old. The last one is
Brandon. He is six years old. We want to say thank you to God and thank Literacy Suffolk for giving
us this opportunity to write some about our city.”
LITERACY SUFFOLK, INC. • Sowing Pearls of Wisdom 7

What a Difference Four Years Make
By Juan Vargas Perez
I
was born in Mexico. My life in
Mexico was so difficult. My family
had three brothers and three sisters
and we were so poor sometimes we didn’t
have money to buy clothes or a pair of shoes.
My mother was washing the clothes of someone
else to make money for us children to go
to school. I always thought I will do hard
work and my family will be good. I finished
preparatory school but the little English I
learned there wasn’t what I needed here
because the pronunciation is different.
......................
“I must keep learning so I get more
chances. Nothing is easy [my tutor] says.
Practice, practice, practice—you can do it.”
.....................
The day I came to New York was very
difficult because I came alone without my
family and my son. But this country has
changed my life forever. Here I met my wife,
I was married, and now we have new friends,
new family, and a new language. My father
taught me, when I was a kid, to work hard
all the time for you and your family.
I got a job in a restaurant, a big one, with
a hotel, big rooms for parties, and three
kitchens. I began as a dishwasher but I didn’t
like it because it is dirty. But I did the dishwashing
and I learned how to do the salads
for the parties, writing down all the names of
the salads and ingredients. I studied those
night and day and I memorized them.
And now, I don’t wash dishes anymore
because the chef gave me a chance to be a
salad chef. I like to make food with a good
presentation and the chef and the cooks liked
the looks and they believed in me. It was one
cook, a new American friend, who gave me
the passion to make a good presentation. Now
I don’t make salads anymore, I make entrees:
meat, fish, and vegetables. All the big bosses
of the restaurant know me and I feel important.
I must keep learning so I get more chances.
Sometimes my co-workers make fun of me
when I say the wrong word, but I like it
because I write down the word and ask my
tutor what is the correct word. “Nothing is
easy,” he says. “Practice, practice, practice—
you can do it.” I have more goals and every
day I think that maybe today is my big day.
I will keep working hard for my family in
Mexico so my son, Mauricio, will have more
chances than I had, and also that my wife,
Fatima, and my new baby to come will have
a good life in America.
I want to say thank you
to Literacy Suffolk
and to my tutor,
Robert J. Hall,
and to my new
American
friends.
Juan and his wife, Fatima
8 READING FOR LIFE 2OO8 • Student Writing
Travel to Chicago
By Lilia Angel
O
n November 24, 2007, I went to Chicago, Illinois, to visit
my friends. It was an exciting trip. I went with my husband
and daughter.
We took an airplane from La Guardia Airport in Queens at 6 pm. The
flight time was three hours to Chicago, but there is a two hour difference
between New York and the Midwest, so we arrived at O’Hare Airport at
11:00 pm. My friends were there waiting for us. We had a good time in
their house and we had a very good dinner too.
The next day we went to visit the city; it is beautiful and clean. Chicago is called the center of
the Midwest. We saw many architectural landmarks in the downtown area.
Chicago’s tallest buildings are the John Hancock Tower and the Sears Tower, which is the
world’s tallest building. We also visited the Millennium Park, which is a nice place and has
many attractions and recreations.
Although miles from any ocean, Chicago is famous for its beaches. Most of the area along Lake
Michigan is open to the public as beaches and parks. Depending on when you visit, you can go
boating or swimming.
Chicago has one of baseball’s oldest, most traditional stadiums, and most devoted fans.
We came back to New York having had a nice experience and knowing a new place.
My Great Adventure
By Virginia Medrano
y name is Virginia. I am from
M Guatemala. I left my house on
December 8, 1997 to come to the
United States. Thank God nothing happened
to me on my way here.
The saddest part is that I left my family. I
came here to improve my economic situation
and I met my dream. I was lucky. It has
been good for me here.
I have been discriminated against by many
people, Latinos and Americans, all because
of my race, my accent, my personal image,
and for not being able to speak English. I
was humiliated by my former landlord for
six years.
Now I am learning English. I know this will
help improve my situation.
LITERACY SUFFOLK, INC. • Sowing Pearls of Wisdom 9

25th Wedding Anniversary Celebration
By Luz Betty Angel
n August 28, 2007, we celebrated
O our 25th wedding anniversary. My
husband spoke with the priest
about a celebration ceremony for us to get
married again.
It was a very nice day. Our children were very
happy because we were married a second time.
The priest blessed our rings. Some of our
friends and family went to the church for
the ceremony.
After the ceremony we met at our house. My
sister, Lilia, prepared rice with chicken and we
had champagne to drink.
Married Life
By Maria Garcia
I
used to be single, work at my job,
and go out on dates, but I want to
talk about my new life. I got
married almost two years ago. I married a
man who is a good person. His name is Jose.
He is hard working and I love him. Even
though he is from El Salvador, too, I met him
in this country. We are happy living together.
We live in an apartment alone.
When I was living with my mother, before
I got married, I didn’t have to think about
cooking, going to the laundry, keeping the
house clean, paying the bills, and many other
things. Now, I have to do it all.
After being married two years, we are expecting
a baby. We are happy because this will be
Luz Betty Angel and daughter, Jackey
our first baby. My mother is happy, too,
because she is going to be a grandmother. Both
of our families are happy for us. When I finally
have my baby I will have more things to do in
the house, and I will have to take care of the
baby also, but I don’t worry too much about
that because I will have my husband’s help.
“My name is Maria Garcia. I’m 22 years old
and from El Salvador. I want to thank Literacy
Suffolk for giving this help to me and other
people who want to learn English. I’d also like
to thank my tutor, Ruth Harris, for helping
me to improve my writing, reading, and
understanding.”
10 READING FOR LIFE 2OO8 • Student Writing
Life in Two Countries
By Josephine Pastore
hen I was growing up in Italy life was very different than it is here in America today.
My family struggled because there were five daughters to care for. My parents worried
W
about how they would pay for all of our weddings! That was the main reason that we
came to America.
I was fourteen years old when my father and I came on a ship from Naples to New York in
1962. We left my mother and my four sisters back in Italy. I started to go to school for a little
while to learn English. I had to drop out of school very soon and go to work to help
my father to bring the rest of the family to the United States.
A few years later I got married and had two sons. My husband helped me learn to do bills and
take care of the house. I went to Fitzgerald’s Driving School to learn how to drive.
......................
“I want to study spelling and writing
so that I can write out bills, notes, cards,
and letters. Sometimes I need to fill out
forms and questionnaires at work.”
.....................
Many customs were different in these two countries.
For example, when I was growing up in Italy,
Christmas was not like it is here today. My sisters
and I didn’t get any presents like you get here. We
did have a Christmas tree. We decorated it with fruit
like oranges and tangerines and chocolate bars. We
celebrated Christmas Eve with all kinds of food. We
had a lot of fish like calamari, shrimp, and cod fish.
My mother made spaghetti with fish sauce and
breaded broccoli. On Christmas day, my father and I
would go to church. After mass we would get together with our relatives. We usually went to
my aunt’s or my uncle’s house and had dinner together. Christmas was the big holiday in Italy.
After I came to America, Christmas was even a bigger holiday. When I was married and had
children we had a more decorated Christmas tree. We had more trimmings and we had lights
on the tree. There were many colored bulbs. My two sons each got some presents. They would
get toys and games and some clothes. They did not get nearly as much as my grandchildren and
everyone else gets. This is Christmas today in America!
After my husband passed away, my older son encouraged me to get U.S. Citizenship. I read the
book and studied the questions. I memorized the questions and passed the test. I became a citizen
of the United States!
Now I have a chance to go to school again. With my tutor I want to study spelling and writing
so that I can write out bills, notes, cards, and letters. Sometimes I need to fill out forms and
questionnaires at work. I need to make lists to do the shopping. I also would like to understand
the stories that I read for pleasure. I am glad to be here in America but I am thankful that I still
have a family in Italy that I can visit on vacations!
LITERACY SUFFOLK, INC. • Sowing Pearls of Wisdom 11

Recipe Ingredients
1 lb. of ground chicken
One green pepper
Half a cabbage (about 1 lb.)
Two carrots
Five mushrooms
A little bit of ginger
One cup of olive oil
One teaspoon of salt
1.5 tablespoons of light soy sauce
40-50 wrappers (may be purchased
at Asian stores)
Dumplings
By Yuanjian Guo
Procedure
The Things You Leave Behind
By Magna Nicotri
hen I was nineteen years old I came
to New York. It has been a long
W time for me. I miss being with my
family. There are many family events that I
cannot attend. My new life started when I
married an American man. He has always
lived in Long Island. His early life was very
different from mine. I was raised to be very
close to my family. My family has three boys
and I was the only girl. We spent a lot of time
together as children. We talk to each other
over the telephone often. I wish we lived closer
so that I could see their families grow up.
Mix ground chicken with salt, soy sauce,
ground ginger and olive oil by stirring
3 minutes. Use a knife to cut the vegetables
into small pieces and add to the chicken
mixture; stir for 5 minutes.
To fill the dumplings: put one wrapper in
your hand and put a small amount of chicken
mixture in the middle. Pinch firmly all around
the edge.
Put the dumplings into boiling water for
3 minutes; wait until the water boils again,
and add a half cup of cold water. Repeat this
step for a total of three times. The dumplings
are then ready to eat.
Sauce preparation: 1/4 cup vinegar, 1/4 cup
soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil.
Sometimes you have to sacrifice a lot to have
a better life. My dream now is to raise my
children. They need to know how important
a family is. Hopefully, they will learn to enjoy
each other and remain close and caring.
I want to thank Literacy Suffolk for giving me
the chance to improve not only my life but
that of my two children. I want to thank
my tutor, Eve. She has been patient and
understanding.
An Important Question
By Jaroslaw Olender
y name is Jaroslaw Olender. I was
M
born and raised in a small, poor
area in the country of Poland.
When I was a little boy I always dreamed
about travel, especially about travel across the
ocean. Very often I listened to someone tell
about their travel experiences on an airplane.
When I heard those stories I was there. Often
I tried to imagine my first flight across the
ocean. One sunny day my dream came true
and my brother sent me an invitation to come
and live with him in the USA. I said “I am
going”. My dream was about to happen. I got
a visa and a ticket. I remember the day I left
my family in Poland. I felt sad, afraid, and
scared but also excited. When my father and
I drove to the airport we didn’t talk very
much. We arrived and I said to my father
good-bye and I told him everything would be
okay. I think I will never forget that I had
never traveled that far before. I had many
good and bad feelings in my moment. As I
took the seat on the airplane, I was scared and
I was worried how it would be in the new
country. On the plane I had a window seat.
Time went on and I was admiring the view
when I heard a nice voice. She asked “what
would you like to drink?” I froze! I didn’t
know what that meant. I was very confused.
Luckily a lady helped me understand the
question. It was a very big question. It also
was my reason for making a very important
decision—learn English very fast!
At the airport in New York I told my brother
about the question. He wasn’t astonished
because he felt the same way a few years
before. After I was in the USA a short time I
started to learn English slowly. I watched TV
and tried to read the paper. I also learned
from a co-worker’s seven-year-old daughter,
named Allison. I soon knew that this was too
slow and I wanted someone to help me with
my English. I asked my brother’s wife to help
me but she said I needed an ESL course.
......................
“She asked,‘What would
you like to drink?’
I froze! I didn’t
know what that meant.”
.....................
When we moved to
Shirley I filed an application
at the Mastics-
Moriches-Shirley Library
and after a few weeks
I was placed in a class
with my tutor Mrs.
Lynn. We worked hard
for the next few years. I
watched Crossroads Café
and Connect with English. I learned grammar
day by day and after all our hard work I was
able to write this article for the “Reading for
Life” journal. Now I read, write, and speak
English. I thank goodness for the question
“What would you like to drink?” It really
helped me to make my dream come true. I
hope that my story will help many people
understand how important it is to learn English.
12 READING FOR LIFE 2OO8 • Student Writing LITERACY SUFFOLK, INC. • Sowing Pearls of Wisdom 13

Hard Work Pays Off
By Mary Berrospi
y husband René and I had a good life in Peru but we couldn’t pay for our children
M
to go to the university because it is very expensive. For that reason, we came to this
country. For years we worked and sent money back to them. Now they are here
with us. This year my husband and I will be in this country ten years.
Our son René went to the university in Peru for seven years. He studied law and finished his
degree. He worked as a lawyer for two years and then he came to this country. He brought his
fiancée and was married in this country. Now they have a little baby.
......................
The people in this country are different
because in Peru you will never find someone
who will work for free or give their time for
nothing as our tutor does here.”
.....................
Our daughter, Vanessa, went to the same
university and graduated in 2003. She has a
Bachelor’s Degree in elementary education and
she was a teacher for one year in Peru. She came
to this country in 2004 and learned English at
Suffolk County Community College and
graduated last May. Now she is working in the
language lab at SCCC. She met a young
American boy and two months ago she was
married. They are very happy.
Our other daughter, Miluska, is almost finished with high school in this country. She is a
smart girl and we feel proud of her because all her life she was a very good student. She will be
graduating on the high honor roll. She also takes piano lessons and she is an excellent piano
player. She wants to be a doctor but we can’t pay for that because it is very expensive, so she will
be going to college for a few years. We’re waiting for our residency. We hope that will happen
soon. Then maybe she will go to college to be a doctor.
My husband and I have worked hard for a long time, but we feel very happy to see our family
together. We give thanks to God for living in this country. We had a good life in Peru, but we
had to work a long time to get what we have here in a short time. The people in this country
are different because in Peru you will never find someone who will work for free or give their
time for nothing as our tutor does here.
In Peru, Mary worked for eighteen years as a bank secretary. After that she had a restaurant for five
years. Then she came to the United States with her husband and young daughter. For the past ten
years she has worked two jobs to help her other two children pay for their education in Peru. Mary
now works full time in a high school cafeteria and on Saturdays she works in a hair salon. She and
her family are very happy to be in this country. (Bonnie Kisiel, tutor)
Surprise for My Family
By René Berrospi
oday I am writing about my daughter,
Vanessa. She is a nice daughter.
When she finished college in Peru
she was the number one student in practice
teaching. She taught for one year in the elementary
school. Later she came to the United
States with a student visa. She went to
Suffolk County Community College, where
she studied English and worked in the
language laboratory.
One day she met John who became her
friend. After two years, my daughter married
John. It was a good day of happiness for all
my family. At the wedding I wanted to give a
speech, but John and his family do not understand
Spanish. My tutor helped me to write
the speech in English. I practiced saying it for
two weeks and I memorized it. After I gave
my speech at the wedding, everyone was very
surprised. My two daughters, my new son-inlaw,
and his neighbor all cried. John’s brotherin-law
said that my speech made his heart fill
with emotion. I felt very happy to make this
surprise for my daughter and John. This is
the speech I gave:
Never Too Late
By Eddie Byrams
ello, my name is Eddie. I am a
H fifty-year-old man. I grew up and
went to school in the area. My life
behind the scene was a bit shameful because
of my inability to read and write. I won’t
mention the high school that let me graduate
with about a fifth grade education, but after
thirty-two years and the great help of the
Literacy Suffolk program and God, I am on
my way.
“I want to thank God for this happy occasion.
My daughter is going to start a new life with
her husband, John. My wife, Mary, and I love
our daughter very much. We hope Vanessa
and John will always love
and respect each other.
Love is the basis for
happiness. We are very
proud to welcome John
into our family. I know
that my father and my
mother are looking down
from heaven and are
sending their blessings.”
In Peru, René was a major in the Police
Department. He worked as an Instructor of
Personal Defense at the Police Academy for
eighteen years. After he retired, he came to the
United States with his wife and daughter. For
ten years he had two or three jobs at a time so he
could send money back to Peru for the education
of his other two children. Now René has only one
job in a meat market. He is grateful to live in
this country. (Bonnie Kisiel, tutor)
Today I am reading and writing at a higher
level than ever before.
......................
“My tutor helped
me to write the speech in
English. I practiced
saying it for two weeks
and I memorized it.”
.....................
One of the things I stress, to not only my kids
but to all I know, is to get as much out of
school as possible. It’s something you can take
all over the world. Just open your mind and
grab the information. It’s there for the taking.
14 READING FOR LIFE 2OO8 • Student Writing LITERACY SUFFOLK, INC. • Sowing Pearls of Wisdom 15
T

Life is a School
By Zheni Velasquez
ince I was a child I have always been thinking about helping my family. I
S never thought about myself and my future. One day, I decided to come to
the U.S. It was a really hard decision because I had left my job, friends, and
family. When I came here, my life completely changed. My goal was to get money. I
thought more money included learning the language, so to learn English was a challenge.
I went many places to take English classes but I felt frustrated when I couldn’t
speak English fluently. One of the main reasons was because I didn’t have any practice.
I never gave up. I always thought I would be a success if I took the great opportunities
that we can have in this country. Studying hard and practicing the language gave me the
chance to know very interesting places and good people around the country.
Oswaldo and Zheni Velasquez with children, Natalie and Jason
Some friends helped me in many ways but life itself is a
school. Bad and good experiences gave me more strength.
Life in the U.S. is not as easy as we thought, especially
when you were a professional in your country. I was a
teacher in Ecuador. I was a housecleaner in this country.
My free time I used to study English. I tried to enter
college but I couldn’t because I didn’t have the right
legal status.
Later I decided to get married, which is another school.
Parenting requires a lot of patience but it provides many
rewards. Being a mother has brought to me a lot of
happiness. Time changed me when I started to work as a
“Spanish teacher.” All my sacrifices are finally rewarded.
Now I’m teaching Spanish at a pre-kindergarten, and I feel realized because I’m doing
what I really like to do. I continue studying English. Speaking the language is the KEY
to success in this country. Finally I can say again, life is a school because every day we
learn something new.
“My name is Zheni. I came from Ecuador a few years ago. I’m happily married with
Oswaldo. I have two children, Natalie and Jason. I live in Long Island. I would like to give
special thanks to my tutor. Her patience as a teacher gave me strength and has encouraged
me to improve my English skills.”
Fall Poem
By America P. Arbizu
I smell delicious turkey, fresh vegetables, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes with gravy,
cornbread, and apple and pumpkin pies. They are cooking slowly in the morning.
I taste delightful apples, carefully biting them piece by piece. My favorite hot drink at this time
is hot apple cider.
I hear the wind blowing the leaves around on the ground, making them fly in the sky.
I see the red, orange and yellow leaves falling gently from the trees to the ground all day long.
Fall brings the most beautiful colors and prepares nature to get ready for winter.
Temperatures gradually decrease, and daylight gets shorter.
Migratory birds travel to the south and my favorite songbirds have disappeared by this time.
“I love and really enjoy my days in this country learning English, one language that always captivates
me. I give thanks to God for letting me be in this country and meeting wonderful people like Bill
Baker, my tutor, Maria Gonzalez, my classmate, and my
friends from Literacy Suffolk Western Region.”
America came to the United States with her husband
Francisco and daughter Andrea in 2002. America and
Francisco are particularly proud of the accomplishments
of Andrea, now twelve years old. Andrea is a straight
A student, an award-winning artist, and an acting
participant in many school sports and extracurricular
activities. (Bill Baker, tutor)
God Has Blessed Me in a Special Way
By Nicole Hamilton
od has blessed me in a special
G
way with a special gift. Some
people see things from a different
point of view; imagining tomorrow as it could
be, seeing the good that can be done. These
people always try to walk within His will
......................
“I love and really enjoy my days in this
country learning English, one language
that always captivates me.”
.....................
and do their part. They’re sure to make a
difference in their world because there’s such
a difference in their hearts.
I feel that I have been blessed in this way.
16 READING FOR LIFE 2OO8 • Student Writing LITERACY SUFFOLK, INC. • Sowing Pearls of Wisdom 17

My Hobby is Classic Cars
By Scott Cali
M
y hobby is classic cars. I own a 1985 Cadillac Eldorado. It is beige inside and outside.
The seats are made of leather. It is all original parts, which makes it more valuable.
As part of my hobby, I belong to the Moose Car Club. The Club is involved in various
fundraisers and social events for its members. One fundraiser was for the Army and another
was a food drive and toy drive for the poor children of Brookhaven Town. Another activity the
Club sponsors is car cruises out to Greenport and
Montauk. In September, the Club sponsors its own
car show. Members display their cars while guests
compete for prizes with their cars. Proceeds from
ticket sales are donated to the Cub Scouts and other
charities.
The Club meets once a month to discuss upcoming
events. Besides my involvement in the Club, I also
enjoy driving my car whenever I get the chance.
“My name is Scott. I am 41 years of age and live in Calverton, New York with my mother and
father. I came to Literacy Suffolk for help for my reading and writing and I think it is going very
well. It has made a big difference in my life. My skills are improving every day. Last year I could not
have written this story. After a year of tutoring, my eyes have been opened to new things.”
Exploring Indonesia
By Yanti Wasserman
D
o want to know what we did on
vacation?
My family and I went on vacation to
Indonesia. My husband’s family visited
Indonesia for the first time. First we went to
Makassar for three days to meet my brother,
sister, and their children.
After that we went to Bali for five days. We
stayed on the beach, and went out for some
sightseeing. We also went to a waterpark.
There the children enjoyed the rides on the
jet-ski and banana boat. The last week we
went to Lombok, next to Bali. We went to a
pottery factory, weaving factory, and a
folk-village.
My in-laws loved Indonesia especially the
wonderful weather, friendly people, and all
the spicy food.
18 READING FOR LIFE 2OO8 • Student Writing
From the Caribbean to the U.S.A.
By José Muñoz
I
was born in the Dominican Republic in
1960. I had many brothers and sisters from
both my mother’s and father’s sides. I was a
good student in school. I studied education and then
languages in Santiago before I had to leave university.
The Dominican Republic is a real paradise in the
Caribbean. It has a beautiful tropical climate and
many people from Europe and the United States come
there on vacation. The climate is perfect for outdoor
fun. There are beautiful waterfalls, beaches, and rainforests.
But life can also be hard there. Even if you
work very hard, it is still difficult to earn enough
money for yourself and your family. For many years
I worked at different companies and resort hotels. I
kept earning a better salary but when my mother
came to the United States, I decided to come and be
with her. I thought I could help support my family
more here in the United States. My son and daughter
are still in the Dominican Republic finishing school.
My life in America is very different from my life in
the Dominican Republic. There are many wonderful
things about the United States. There are so many
freedoms here, so much economic opportunity. I have
met with so many people from different cultures and
races. I have the privilege to visit the majesty of
New York City with her impressive buildings and
neighborhoods, like Chinatown and Little Italy. I can
go uptown where I can see and share with the
Dominican community—my music, foods, and stores.
But life is more hectic here. I work many hours, six
days a week. I sometimes miss the easier lifestyle in
the Dominican Republic. At home, everyone would
come out in the evening, after work, and socialize
with each other. We would listen to music on the
corner and share a drink or two. Here, I don’t know
many of my neighbors.
Getting sick is a different experience in the U.S. The
medicine is much better here, but I sometimes miss
the care I would receive in the Dominican Republic.
Doctors there know everything about you. They
become part of your family. They even ask about your
pets! They interact with you in such a way that people
feel better after the doctor’s visit, even if there is no
medicine to treat you.
I have so many freedoms here to enjoy life, and so
many opportunities to improve it. It makes me sad to
recognize that in the U.S. there still exist prejudices
against people who come here from other countries
and who look different or sound distinct. Everyone
deserves a chance to prove they can be good citizens.
They can make America better. This also happens
between races of people who are native-born Americans.
We need to understand that we can all live together,
accepting each other just the way we are. If we could
do that, we could build a better future, a better
nation, and a better society.
José has been living here in Long Island for five years.
He and his mother, Candida, live together and help each
other. He and his tutor, Anne, have worked together for
two years. José works long hours so he’s happy when he
gets time off to relax and visit with family and friends.
He enjoys going to New York City, and would love to visit
other great cities and parts of the United States one day.
José and his mother, Candida
LITERACY SUFFOLK, INC. • Sowing Pearls of Wisdom 19

Two Days and Two Nights in 24 Hours
By Santos Monroy
A
......................
It was noon and the sky was clear,
but for a few minutes it became
night. I could see some stars.”
.....................
bout sixteen years age there was a beautiful and spectacular event in
Central America’s sky. A total eclipse of the sun took place.
There are many superstitions in regard to these kinds of events. Many
people believed (and there are many that still believe) that when an eclipse takes
place people may get sick; especially pregnant women and their unborn children if
they went outdoors or saw the eclipse while it is occurring. My mother was one
who believed in these things.
It was a beautiful day and around noon the sky began to
darken. I was young and was forbidden to go outside. I had to
see it through television. I was able to see through the window
when the street lights turned on. I knew nobody was able to
see without protection towards the sun, because you could get
blind, but I also knew that, when the eclipse was total you
could see it with your naked eyes for a few seconds. The lapse
of time that the sun was covered was eight minutes.
My mother was keeping an eye on me (and the other on the TV). When the
moon completely covered the sun, I managed to slip away outside. I crawled and
evaded the guard (my mother). What I saw was a lifetime event; the most spectacular
phenomenon that I have ever seen. It was noon and the sky was clear, but for
a few minutes it became night. I could see some stars. Nothing compares with this
scene. Then the “dawn” began and the street lights gradually turned off. I had to
go back inside my house in the same way that I got out. My mother did not realize
that I had gone to do some errands outside. Better yet, I did not get sick.
“My name is Santos Monroy. I come from Guatemala. I have been studying English
for two years in the Riverhead Public Library. Thanks to my tutor, Margie, who has
helped me a lot, I am now able to speak and understand English even better, and I
also can write in English.”
20 READING FOR LIFE 2OO8 • Student Writing
Coming to the USA
By Nataliya Sova
I
am from Ukraine. I came to the USA in 1999. I settled in Long Island, New York.
I never thought of staying here. I thought I would go back after three years but I
stayed on. The first three years here my life was very hard. I had a big problem getting
a driver’s license. I couldn’t find a job because I couldn’t speak English. I went to Suffolk
County Community College, bought a car, got a driver’s license and started to clean houses.
My life changed. I still want to improve my English and change this job for a better one. I
continue to learn English every week. I have lessons with my Literacy Suffolk tutor, Mrs. Mary
Bloom. She helps me very much as does Mrs. Marylou Krzeski, another Literacy Suffolk tutor
whose sessions I also attend. I want to say thank you to Literacy Suffolk and to my tutors.
THANK YOU!
Nataliya has been here since 1999. She works full time cleaning houses and most recently being a
health care companion for an invalid man. She is very conscientious. She has family in Ukraine and
hopes to visit them soon. Nataliya is gifted, with a delightful sense of humor and an obvious love of
life. In addition to Literacy Suffolk sessions she has completed the third level ESL at Suffolk County
Community College. (Mary Bloom, tutor)
Like a Dream
By YoungHee Chong
y husband and I went to New York
M City to see the Radio City
Christmas Spectacular. I was very
excited. We sat down in the middle of the first
floor. The hall was very large and beautiful. I
was excited from start to finish. I have never
before seen such a wonderful show. The show
has a variety of beautiful songs, art, and
dances…like a dream. The dancers, the
Rockettes, were on a double-decker bus on the
stage. The scenery was photos of New York
City and they kept changing. I was almost
crying over the beauty of the show.
After the show we went to the Lower East Side.
I wanted to go to Katz’s Deli. It is a famous
restaurant. It was in a scene in the movie
“When Harry Met Sally.” They are famous
for pastrami sandwiches. I ate one. Its taste
was as good as a Lone Star’s Philly cheesesteak
sandwich. It was a very good day.
YoungHee lived in Seoul, Korea, St. Louis,
Missouri, and Germany before moving to Long
Island a year and a half ago. At every chance she
visits New York City theatres, museums, landmarks,
stores, and restaurants. (Carol Link, tutor)
LITERACY SUFFOLK, INC. • Sowing Pearls of Wisdom 21

Two Spring Traditions Worth Knowing About
By Kasia Rzymska
o you know what “Sinking Marzanna” or “Truant’s Day” means? No? Each country
has its own traditions, traditions that a lot of people do not know. Sinking Marzanna
and Truant’s Day are two of the most popular traditions in Polish schools. According
to some sources, “Marzanna” is also called Mora, Morena or Morana. The name Marzanna could
originate from Marzec, the Polish name of the month of March, when the ceremony takes place.
At this time, birds are a sign that nature is awakening to life after a long winter. People, especially
students, will for what is called “the sinking or drowning of Marzanna.” Marzanna is a straw figure
representing death, winter, disease, and in general, evil. The figure is made from straw into the
shape of a human and dressed in traditional local women’s clothing. The students and teachers
walk through the houses of the village holding the Marzanna in their hands. After that, the straw
doll is thrown into the river or pond with the words:
Kasia, her husband, Marcin, and son Jakub
D A
“Go ahead Marzanna, go ahead winter, and do not return to us.”
That means the people want to change the season, from winter to spring.
The drowning (or sinking) of Marzanna is part of the Polish culture and
school traditions; it is a ritual game played by children and teenagers since
the 19th century. Now, this tradition has been made popular by media and
television too. Celebrated on the first day of spring, it has taken on the
form of a spring festival celebrated all over Poland.
The other different kind of spring tradition is Truant’s Day. From the 1970s, high school students
started skipping school on that day but this became a real problem for the Department of
Education. That day, the first day of spring, was officially named Truant’s Day (in Polish,
“Dzien Wagarowicza”). There are no regular classes on March 21st. Instead, special school activities
are organized. Students wear masks, funny costumes, and generally take the liberty to do
what they want. It is a really funny day for all the students and teachers. In the afternoon, there
are also festivals organized for teenagers.
I think that every country has different traditions to welcome spring. In Poland, students celebrate
the first day of spring in that way and everybody has a really good time. Because we now
live in a country where there is a mix of cultures (the United States is really a multicultural
country) it is good to know the traditions of other countries, and not only our friends’ traditions.
“My name is Katarzyna. Usually, everybody calls me Kasia. I am happily married with a son, Jakub,
who is seven years old. He is a very friendly and happy boy. I live in Calverton and have been in the
United States for four years. Since I came to the United States I have been learning English. Last year
I was studying the Foundation of Early Childhood Education at Suffolk County Community College
in Riverhead. I learned about the different teaching methods in American schools. I could compare
the educational methods because in Poland I worked in the school system. I am a teacher. In America,
I teach Polish students in the Supplementary Polish School Saint M.M. Kolbe in Riverhead. I hope to
find work in an American school soon. When I was a child, the first day of spring was my favorite
school day. This is my second contribution to “Reading for Life.” Thank you so much for being my
tutor, Sheila Sussman.”
22 READING FOR LIFE 2OO8 • Student Writing
My Mother
By Joanna Moszczak-Juszczyk
ll mothers are blessed during their
lifetime of motherhood. Everyone
has their own childhood memories
of their mother. All parents are different, but
your own mother and father are special and
particularly important to you.
My mother is an exceptional person for me.
She taught me many things, especially how to
love and how to help other people and not to
expect recognition for doing so. My mother
was a signpost in my life.
I remember when I was preparing to start
school. She kissed me and drew the sign-ofthe-cross
on my forehead. I remember her
slim figure and the warm light in her loving
black eyes. I also remember the delicate touch
of her hands when she was combing my long
hair. It seemed the sun would not shine without
her. Our home was full of her. She was
making sense of our lives.
Now she is ninety. She is weak and sick and
needs a companion to care for her. My mother
Memorable Day
By Rita Singh
y husband was in Denmark studying
at Copenhagen University in
M
1997. I remember the day he called
me to come to Denmark. At that
time I was living in India. I was very happy
but scared too. I never traveled to another
country before. My parents gave me support
by encouraging me. They made me strong.
My whole family came to the airport to
see me off on my travels. When I went inside
lives in Poland in a little town, Sztum. I telephone
every weekend and speak to her. She
talks with difficulty due to her condition but
she is always glad to hear my voice. We both
miss each other. Time is going to be up for
her shortly, but when she is gone she will live
in my mind and heart forever.
......................
“Home is where one starts from.”
T.S.Eliot
.....................
Joanna is here in the USA alone. Her husband
and son may join her this year. She has a fulltime
job in a factory. She attends tutoring sessions,
as well as a brush-up one on another night. She
also is a student at Suffolk County Community
College in Brentwood—she is starting the Level
5 class for ESL. She is quite conscientious. She
is also interested in poetry and has translated
Polish poems into English for her own enjoyment.
(Mary Bloom, tutor)
the airport, I felt very alone because I missed
my family.
When I came out of the airplane in Denmark
I didn’t know where to go. I saw a policeman
and I told him I needed help but I didn’t
understand Danish, so I asked a passenger
who knew English to help me. But he couldn’t
help me. I felt like crying. I saw an “Exit” sign
and the sign for luggage. I found my luggage.
Then I saw my husband
watching me through
the glass and I felt very
happy inside.
LITERACY SUFFOLK, INC. • Sowing Pearls of Wisdom 23

Sea Kayaking:
A Getaway to Get Involved
By Dan
feel everyone needs a hobby and sea kayaking is mine. Sea kayaking is what
I you make of it. It can be calm and tranquil, giving you time to reflect and
find inner peace. Or, you can take it to the limit to where it is exciting, invigorating,
and adventurous.
The difference between these two extremes is great. But if you learn the skills and gain
knowledge about the sport, it is great fun. After all, the difference between an ordeal and
an adventure is knowledge and training. But how does a beginner learn these skills? They
need to learn from someone with experience and this is why I decided to teach kayaking—to
pass on the necessary knowledge and techniques to people new to the sport.
......................
“With the help of Chris, my tutor,
I was able to put together a required
written lesson plan, helping me pass
the [certification] test.”
.....................
To teach kayaking, I first had to get certified so I could pass
on the things a person needs to know to safely participate in
the sport—paddling techniques, rescue maneuvers, and the
ultimate self-rescue, rolling.
The certification test was made up of not only a practical
exam, but a written exam as well. With the help of Chris,
my tutor, I was able to put together a required written lesson
plan, helping me pass the test.
Sea kayaking helps me clear my head because it takes all the concentration I have to
ride the waves and fight the currents. Out there it is just you and the water. But it can
also be a very social sport. I belong to a kayaking club and I meet a lot of interesting
people there. Through the club, I get to help a charity I am involved with that collects
food and supplies for the homeless. By running programs like Paddle Out Hunger and
the upcoming Paddle Sport Show, where I’m doing a demonstration, the club collects
canned food as a donation to its events that aid the hungry and the homeless.
Through my hobby, I am able to help others as well as help myself at many different levels.
24 READING FOR LIFE 2OO8 • Student Writing
Adaptability
By Edison Mejia
have been living in the US for eight
I
years. They are full of wonderful
experiences which prove how
resilient and adaptable human beings are. I
endured new situations that made me realize
how important it is to thrive and adapt to new
surroundings. Here, I faced difficulties such as
meeting new people, language hindrances, and
employment that at the end helped me to get
strength to continue my life. First of all, living
on Long Island has given me the opportunity
to meet a great person, my tutor, Anne. She is
charismatic, and a unique person.
At first, it was only about learning English,
however when time was passing, we started
developing deeper conversations and friendship.
I recall the first time I met her at the
Sayville Library for my interview. I was a little
nervous, nonetheless it went fine so I came
back home and I told my friend I wished she
would be our tutor. Our meetings are not
only about learning English, we read books,
write essays, and chat. Anne has taught us
about American culture, politics, history, the
English language and its roots. For instance,
she explains to us the democratic process of
how Americans elect their president. She is
so devoted to helping us to improve our
English skills.
I have a degree in Medical Technology from
Colombia. At the beginning, it wasn’t easy for
me to work in my field, and many people told
me it was going to be difficult and unlikely.
However, I worked hard showing my skills,
knowledge, and desire to work and learn, and
I made it. Right now, I am working in a very
good university doing Molecular Biology. I
have had the opportunity to meet and listen
to researchers about the work they are doing
in different areas like cancer, virology, and
microbiology. Every day I am amazed at how
science is developed in the industrial countries.
They discover treatments, and therapies
to control illnesses, so it is very rewarding.
Third, I’m in love with New York City. It is a
city with its own life which never rests. New
York has given me the chance to experience so
many activities which I really enjoy. I have
watched opera and ballet at Lincoln Center
where the most extraordinary singers and
dancers from around the world perform. In
addition, I often visit a great variety of
museums such as Metropolitan Museum,
MoMA, and Guggenheim Museum, so I am
glad to be able to see famous art exhibitions
which I couldn’t see before. Now, living in
New York, I can be in contact with a lot of
people from different backgrounds who enrich
my life. Therefore, I know why they call
America a melting pot.
......................
“At first it was only about learning
English, however we started developing
deeper conversations and friendship.”
.....................
LITERACY SUFFOLK, INC. • Sowing Pearls of Wisdom 25

I Am the Youngest Boy in My Family
By Oscar Giraldo
I
did not know how lucky I was to be
born into a big family until I left
my country and started to live in
the U.S.A. Calarca, my beautiful little town in
Colombia, is located at the foot of a big mountain
chain of the Andes. It is a very peaceful
place where time seems to stand still and the
stress of the modern world doesn’t touch.
......................
“I was like a ghost
in the house—nobody saw me,
nobody except my mom
touched me, but I existed.”
.....................
I am the youngest
boy in a family
composed of seven
brothers, three sisters,
mother, father,
and two housekeepers.
I mean a
big family. When
my parents got
married they wanted
to have two boys and two girls but instead
they had seven boys and three girls; all this
because the girls came at the end. When I was
born they had six boys in a row and just one
girl and they were looking for another girl. I
know when the doctor told my dad that I was
another boy he did not want to see me and I
have had that sensation all my life. I was like a
ghost in the house—nobody saw me, nobody
except my mom touched me, but I existed.
She was always so special to me. She always
talked to me, helped me out with my homework
and was so tender. (Thanks mom.)
However, we were already eight brothers and
sisters and they had another girl. Then they
stopped. Years later they adopted a girl. That
is why we ended with seven boys and three
girls in my family.
I grew up in a big beautiful house with a center
court garden with corridors and a veranda
with three building wings surrounding it. Life
was so quiet and pleasant and I was very free.
I grew up with my sister playing with her
friends until I was five years old. One day my
father approached me and said, “You have to
go outside the home and play with your
school friends. Don’t come back home before
9 pm from now on. I was so upset in the
beginning but at the end I became used to the
situation of being outside with my friends
playing soccer, baseball, basketball, etc. It was
fun and I never came back home before 11
pm. My dad was always so mad at me, but I
think he preferred that.
In conclusion, being the youngest boy in my
family was fun.
26 READING FOR LIFE 2OO8 • Student Writing
Opening a New Door
By Maria Naupari
came to this country many years ago wishing for a better future. I realized that
I
learning English was very important to achieve my dreams. I arrived in Queens and
graduated from High School there. Then, I started to work as a salesperson for a
clothing store and practiced my English with my co-workers and customers. After that I worked
for a clothing designing company for ten years, starting in filing and ending as a bookkeeper
assistant. In those years I married my husband Elvis and had a son, Daniel.
When I had my daughter, Christina, we bought a house in Long Island, and I stopped working.
We moved here because we wanted to give our kids a brighter future and more room to play. I
stayed home with them and became a housewife. I spent a lot of time teaching, playing, and
preparing them for school. They are now very good students and make me very proud with
their accomplishments.
When my children started going to school, I felt that I needed
to do something more than staying at home. I decided to
improve my English skills, and one day I went to the library
to see if they could help me. The library had a literacy office,
and I spoke to Ana Lara, asking her if she could help me. She
told that there was an ESL class where I could study and
there was childcare provided during this time. I had another
daughter, Jennifer, that was too young to go to school, so this
was perfect for me. I started the class right away, and was very
happy with the class and with my tutors, Eileen and Carmen. I have been learning and practicing
more of my English, and enjoy meeting new friends from the community.
Although I enjoy this class very much, I felt that I needed something more advanced. My tutors
told me that there was a tutor named Carla Schulz that was starting a more advanced class, and
that I should register for it. I started the new class with Carla, and felt that I had learned a lot
from her and continued to learn. Carla has also helped me study for my citizenship test. Thanks
to her help, I studied hard and passed the test this last February.
As I was doing all this, Beth Donovan got to know me and told me that she saw that I had
learned a lot and was capable of also being a tutor. She asked me if I wanted to take the upcoming
Tutor Training Workshop and I agreed. Thanks to her incentives and belief that I could help
other people with my experience, I graduated as a tutor. I am now tutoring two students.
Teaching others to learn English and accomplish their goals makes me feel that I am helping
others open a new door of opportunities, as others had helped me open mine.
I thank God, and everyone that has taught and encouraged me to achieve these goals.
......................
“Thanks to her help, I studied hard
and passed the [citizenship] test
this last February.”
.....................
LITERACY SUFFOLK, INC. • Sowing Pearls of Wisdom 27

A Most Memorable Bus Trip
By Elsa Guncay
y mother and I took a trip to Cali, Colombia,
M to see a doctor there who could help me
get pregnant. It was also an opportunity for
us to visit my mom’s friend. Mom and I decided to
travel by bus from Quito to Ipiales, which is normally
a five hour trip. There was a stop at immigration in
Rumichaca (the border). They asked us for our IDs
and a police officer asked us how long we were going
to be staying and where we were going. He also questioned
how much money we were carrying. He warned
us to hide it since it is dangerous, and to be very careful.
......................
“We had to remove our clothing
so he could search for money, jewelry,
and other valuables.”
.....................
At 8:30 pm we got onto the bus. I asked a woman how
long the trip will be. She said 9 or 10 hours depending
on the driver and the bus. I asked my mother if
we could sit in the back of the bus. Two hours later
the bus had a flat tire and it took the bus driver and
hour to fix it. I knew we were in for a very long trip!
I am not sure how long I was asleep but something
woke me up. I saw a short young man standing in the
front of the bus. We had to remove our clothing so he
could search for money, jewelry and other valuables.
I was wearing a hoody so I put some money in the
hood and hid the rest under my arms. When it was
my turn to pull down my pants, pull up my shirt,
and remove my shoes, the man couldn’t find anything.
My mother had put some money in a sock and
hid it in her panties. The man saw the lump and
asked what it was. She said she had her period. He
said it’s okay and to get off the bus!
Outside, it was hard to see. There were people on the
ground with their hands on top of their heads. My
mother and I did the same thing. We saw a truck
coming and the driver stopped to see what was going
on. We told him to go get help because we were being
robbed. He put his truck in reverse and left right away.
On the bus a young man was searching for money
but wasn’t finding any, which made him very angry.
He was yelling at all of us. He called to the other men
to help him load the larger merchandise into their jeep.
I am not sure how long we were lying there but then
everyone started to get back on the bus. We realized
that the man had thrown the keys from the bus. We
all searched on our hands and knees and, finally, we
found them.
Three or four hours later the bus stopped in a small
city. The bus driver tried to get help. If the local people
said anything to the police or military the robbers
would come back and burn their homes or kill them.
After three hours we arrived in another city. We
noticed military men on each corner and knew that
we were now in a big city. The bus driver told the
military men what had happened. They said they
were surprised to see us alive since the robbers usually
kill everyone.
Finally, we arrived at Cali’s bus station at 8:30 am.
My mother’s elderly friend was waiting for us. We
didn’t want to upset her so we told her that our trip
was very nice but just a little too long. We just
couldn’t tell her the horrible truth!
My mom and I will never travel in a bus again.
Money is not everything; we prayed to God for our
safety and we will never forget that night. My mother’s
friend still doesn’t know the truth.
“I was born in Ecuador and came to the US in 1999.
All of my family lives here. We came because this country
is full of opportunities. I work part-time in a flower shop
because I enjoy creating arrangements of flowers. In the
future, I would like to open my own flower shop. If you
work hard you can make your dreams come true.”
28 READING FOR LIFE 2OO8 • Student Writing
The Best Things in Life Come Free
By Anna Iannucci-Prochón
I
would like to share with you my life experience in America. I came to the U.S .from
Poland in 1997. Studying hard and working even harder didn’t leave me much room
for pleasure. In the year 2000, I completed the ESL program at SCCC in
Brentwood. That summer I met Mrs. Marylou Krzeski, my tutor with whom I’m still working
on my English. Our continuous and diligent work allowed me to take classes at the college.
On February 12, 2004, I was getting ready for one of those classes,
studying at the bookstore, when out of the blue a young and gorgeous
man came, sat next to me, and started a conversation that never ended.
On August 4, 2007, we said “I do.” Love and marriage is one of those
things that we can’t buy. That was definitely the best thing that could
happen to me, but that was just the beginning of wonderful and lifechanging
surprises.
Soon after we bought a house, a little kitty, homeless and scared but
beautiful and loveable, came into our life. Before we knew it, there was another young mamacat
in desperate need of a home for herself and her newborn kittens. She brought them to our
door and handed one by one to my husband. He had no choice but to accept them.
Today we can’t imagine life without them. It is impossible to describe how much fun and joy we
are having from the interactions with those cats. They want lots of attention, so we have to take
breaks in our busy schedule and simply play with them. To my surprise, we are those who benefit
from it. They make us laugh, they make us happy, they make us better people.
Life is Like a Box of Chocolates
By Jenny
or six years I have been in the United States. I have seen
F
lots of things change for me. Being a nail technician was
my first choice. I like doing nails. I learned most of about
life here from there. I also like to make my clients feel special after I
performed the art of doing nails; I can see beautiful smiling faces in
front of me.
......................
“A little kitty, homeless
and scared but beautiful and
loveable, came into our life.”
.....................
I love the movie “Forrest Gump” because I believe if you know your
destination and keep going on you’ll have many surprises on your
journey. Since I started ESL for adults at Emma S. Clark Library, Seth,
who is my wonderful tutor, let me know the best way to deal with my family business. Now I
think I need another skill. The transfer of skills is very important for me. I’m 39 years old and it
is also a very good opportunity for me to start my journey. I’ll work on it.
My tutor and I after reading Frankenstein
LITERACY SUFFOLK, INC. • Sowing Pearls of Wisdom 29

Brookhaven National Laboratory
BNL Acronym Assignment
At Brookhaven National
Laboratory, Jennifer Lynch,
ESL coordinator, asked the
students to create conversations
using acronyms. The following
are the two conversations they
created. The women in the class
composed two conversations
and the men composed one.
ACRONYMS
24/7 24 hours, 7 days a week
AC Air conditioning
ASAP As Soon As Possible
BLT Bacon, Lettuce & Tomato
BYOB Bring Your Own Beer
FYI For Your Information
EOD End of Day
JFK John F. Kennedy
(often used for the NY airport)
MST Mountain Standard Time
PB&J Peanut Butter and Jelly
RSVP Répondez s’il vous plaît
(French for Respond Please)
Invitation!
By Cuicui Ai, Zhongyan, & Hu Ling Lan
L to R: Cuicui Ai, Zhongyan Hu & Ling Lan
There are 3 figures in this story: CuiCui (hostess),
Ling (a friend of Cuicui’s, who lives in Kansas), and
Zhongyan (another friend of Cuicui’s, who lives in
California)
Event: Cuicui wants to give two friends an invitation
for a party. She makes two calls.
Cuicui invites Ling
Cuicui: Hello, may I speak to Ling?
Ling: Yes, Ling speaking, who is speaking?
Cuicui: This is Cuicui. How are you?
Ling: Fine and you? I miss you much.
Cuicui: Me too. So I plan to have a party at my house on
July 14th. The time is TBD.
Ling: That is great.
Cuicui: I will prepare BLTs and PB&Js, and can you
BYOB?
Ling: Sure, no problem. Oh, 7 pm. You know I live in
Kansas, so I have to arrive at 4pm MST, right?
Cuicui: Yes, quite right.
Ling: Bye.
30 READING FOR LIFE 2OO8 • Student Writing
Cuicui invites Zhongyan
Cuicui: Hello, Is this Zhongyan?
Zhongyan: Yes, Who is this?
Cuicui: Cuicui speaking.
Zhongyan: Nice to hear you again.
Cuicui: Same here. I want to invite you for a
party at my house on July 14th. The time is
TBD.
Zhongyan: That sounds good. I also want to
take a trip for coolness. You know California is
very hot now.
Cuicui: I just installed a new AC. It functions
well, which can make you cool.
Zhongyan: OK, I will make it.
Cuicui: Great, thanks. Bye.
Zhongyan: Bye.
I’m Zhongyan Hu. I came from China. My
husband and I are going to stay here for two
years. I usually go to ESOL to improve my
spoken English and meet some new friends. I’m
happy to talk with them. I love the life here.
My name is Ling Lan. I am from China. I have
been in America for half a year. I like to make
friends. It’s exciting. I enjoy my life here. I like
Chinese calligraphy. I think it is graceful and can
make my mind peaceful.
Hello, I am Cucicui Ai, from China. I came to
America in 2006 and I enjoy American life,
which has given me many pretty memories.
Certainly, I have many more memories of China.
Slave Driver
By Jinyu Fu and Shinichi Yamazaki
Boss: Hi, Andrew, could you send me your report by EOD?
Andrew: I am sorry, sir, I might not be able to because I have to
finish another job ASAP.
Boss: What about after finishing your present work?
Andrew: I am terribly sorry. FYI, don’t you realize it is 6:00 pm
now? And I have to be home by 7:00 pm because some technicians
will come to repair my AC. By the way, I also need to stop
at a deli and get some PB&Js and BLTs for my child.
Boss: No, you have to work 24/7! After you finish doing your
report, I will celebrate for you. But the time is TBD and don’t
forget to BYOB.
Andrew: Are you kidding me?
L to R: Shinichi Yamazaki and Jinyu Fu
Brookhaven National Laboratory
My name is Jinyu Fu from China. I am a mechanical engineer.
I like playing ping pong, billiards, listening to music and
watching movies.
My name is Shinichi Yamazaki. I came from Japan as a visiting
scientist last June. I am studying polymer chemistry at the
National Synchrotron Light Source at Brookhaven National
Laboratory (BNL). To improve my English skills, I joined the
ESOL class at BNL. That’s interesting and fun!
My hobby is photography. There is a lot of nature, museums, and
famous places in New York State. I visited them and look at lot
of pictures. Though I’ll leave this country soon, I had many valuable
experiences in the U.S. Thank you.
LITERACY SUFFOLK, INC. • Sowing Pearls of Wisdom 31

Brookhaven National Laboratory
Bitter Plums
By CuiCui Ai
veryone passes through their childhood, which
many think should be a naive and lovely part of
one’s life. Of course not all believe or experience
this. I know there are different feelings for different
generations and backgrounds. When I recall my childhood,
numerous funny scenes flash into my mind. It is like watching
movies. I’d like to mention one thing, which impressed
me much during my childhood. It happened in summer,
the good season for fruit trees in prosperity.
E M
One day, my little friends and I were
playing on the street. A boy suddenly
cried out, “Look at what I found on
these trees.” We stopped to look up
and found plenty of plums hanging
from the trees. We rejoiced so much
that some boys could not help climbing
the trees for fruit. But another
boy interrupted this excitement with
startling words, “The plums are
bitter.” We asked how he knew and
he explained that if the plums were
sweet, the people who passed by the trees would certainly
have eaten them up by now. Some little friends thought that
reasonable, but others could not accept it and climbed the
tree to pick the plums. When they took their first bite, their
frowning expression proved the boy’s words right. We all
admired him for his wisdom and said he had a careful mind
to observe things around him like that.
That day, I got a lesson that we should think it over
before doing something new, or we may eat the bitter fruit
of impulse.
“Hello, I am Cuicui Ai from China. I came to America in
2006 and I enjoy American life, which has given me many pretty
memories. Certainly, I have many more memories of China.
Here I describe a special one.”
Snow Melt
By Hee-Ju Jung
hen I arrived at
BNL, it was early W
spring. But I saw
snow on the ground, everywhere;
unfamiliar place,
unfamiliar people. It made me
feel almost frozen with cold
weather. I thought there was
no spring in BNL. After I met
some kind people, I found
warm spring and their love.
My life changed.
Love is the origin of life.
Teachers and tutors of ESOL
had the passion of teaching
and loved their students.
Although my English speaking
was poor, they listened to me
patiently and guided kindly.
They are good teachers and
friends who have a gold heart.
Now I know love is everywhere
if I have love in my
heart. I want to say let us love
one another.
32 READING FOR LIFE 2OO8 • Student Writing
Cul-Tea-Vation
By Mizuho Izubuchi
y hobby is the Japanese tea ceremony.
It is something I feel has cultivated,
or “cul-tea-vated” me.
First I would like to tell you about the history
of the tea ceremony. The culture of tea was
introduced from China to Japan in the seventh
century. It seems to have been like the
oolong tea that came down at that time. Then
it was brought again in the style of a green
tea, “Matcha,” at the end of the 12th century.
And it was spread with Zen (Buddhism) in
Japan. After that, a person named Senno
Rikyu completed the prototype of the current
style in the 16th century.
I go to the tea ceremony lesson three times
every month. I learn how to treat tea-things,
the protocol of this ceremony, and the
etiquette. Through the tea ceremony, I study
the spirit of respecting each other with
modesty and a hospitable heart.
This means I practice to make a good space
and an atmosphere so that we can value the
opportunity to meet any persons and deepen
friendship more. It is necessary to apply those
methods in our daily life because they are
traditional methods from the 16th century.
I think it is a happy thing for me to acquire
the spirit of this tradition.
In the process of the practice, first of all, we
purify ourselves by rinsing the hands and the
mouth. Next we give a hanging scroll a neat
salute and then we do our teacher a neat
salute, too. Then we make the tea bowls of
green tea, called “Matcha,” and we drink it
and eat a Japanese cake. It is very hard for me
Brookhaven National Laboratory
to remember a lot; for example, the changing
procedures for making tea with the appropriate
tools and the teacher and friends.
To tell the truth, I am looking forward to
going to practice after my work because I have
the delicious tea, the wonderful cake, and the
other good sweets every time. Moreover, I
enjoy talking about the story of our loves and
the story of a lot of topics like movies, shopping,
books, our health and travel, etc. with
the teacher and friends.
The practice of the tea ceremony is a space
that can feel refreshing for my feelings and
relaxing for me.
“My name is Mizuho Izubuchi. I came
from Kanazawa city in Japan. I was a
medical research coordinator. I have stayed in
Brookhaven National Laboratory for nine
months. I make friends here, and am happy
every day.”
LITERACY SUFFOLK, INC. • Sowing Pearls of Wisdom 33

Brookhaven National Laboratory
Special Memories of My Shrine
By Noriko Asaka
I
always recall my childhood with a memory of a shrine, Iigaoka Hachiman
Jinjya, near my house. The shrine was a place where I was given my first
name, and my parents threw me traditional ceremonies. My father often took
me there for a walk until preschool. When we reached the altar, my father let me pray to
God. According to a recommended procedure for praying at a shrine, we donated a
small amount of coins and rang a bell before praying. I could not reach the bell, so my
father helped by uplifting me. I used to play there with my friends or even alone after
elementary school. My country was very safe at that time, and children were allowed to
go out without parents.
At the shrine entrance, there was a front gate called Torii in Japanese. We
walked down a long, wide, stone-paved approach to the central part of
the shrine called Keidai. A playground and a big pond were on each side
of the approach. There were steep steps at the end of the approach with
a pair of large stone sculpture dogs called Komainu, which served God as
guardians. I often climbed up on them, though this behavior might not
be respectful to God. Ahead of the steps, there was the altar in the rear
of the Keidai. I played ball games with my friends there. Though we
played in front of the altar, we never stopped by to pray to God. In the
playground, I practiced riding a bicycle and swinging on a horizontal bar
to catch up with classmates. Most of all, I liked playing by the pond
alone. It was mysterious place for me, a gloomy area with tall trees, and usually no one
else there. The pond was deep and filled with dark green water. Some scary creatures
seemed likely to live in the water. I felt so adventurous walking and jumping on the big
irregular-shaped stones lying along the pond. Whenever I finished going around the
pond, I felt exhilarated, as if I accomplished something wonderful.
I gradually left the shrine as I grew up. Around ten years later, I visited the shrine and
found that the shrine was not at all like it used to be in my memory. I was surprised that
it was a small shrine with small front gate, short stone-paved approach, normal-sized
stone dogs, gentle steps, and a small playground. Even my favorite pond was tiny and
not mysterious at all. I realized that my memory was an illusion from a child’s point of
view. But, I prefer the image of the shrine in my childhood memory, and I will cherish
this memory now and forever.
“I am Noriko from Japan. I came here to Long Island in October, 2006, because of my
husband’s job. I got an opportunity to learn English in ESOL. I thank my ESOL tutors in
Brookhaven National Laboratory for pushing me to progress in English. I love
American English!”
34 READING FOR LIFE 2OO8 • Student Writing
SBALC Conversation
Class
The Adult Literacy Center
at Stony Brook University has
offered a Conversation Class
one evening a week since
April 2007. The class welcomes
anyone for whom
English is a second language
or who wishes to become
more comfortable speaking
English.Participants have
come from China, Japan,
Korea, Taiwan, Russia,
Eritrea, and Argentina.
Cindy Brodsky, coordinator
of Stony Brook ALC, has
guided and supported the
tutors responsible for the
class. As the class has grown,
the original tutors, Peter Soo
and Martha Fink, have been
joined by Ted Ginsberg and
Milton Hostetter.
Among the topics discussed
in class this year: idioms,
slang, current events, recipes,
restaurants, obtaining drivers’
licenses, renting apartments,
buying used cars, exploring
Long Island and Manhattan,
making doctors’ appointments,
going on an interview,
reading maps, celebrations,
and families.
My Daughter
By Amy Shui
e Hyang is my daughter’s name. Dodo is her nickname. Dodo
Y means “bean.” The tips of her fingers looked like beans when she
was a baby. Now she is 16 years old and 1.7 meters tall. It’s
unbelievable! She was just 0.47 meters when she was born.
Two years ago I was selected by Yunnan Province Education Department to
be an exchange scholar to the USA for one year.
My husband and I planned for our daughter to go with me. To the surprise
of us all, she said, “No.” She said that if she went with me she would not be
up to date in her high school when she returned. She must take examinations
to enter any university. The exams are very difficult and very competitive for
teenagers who hope to study in universities in China.
My husband and I were upset. We thought going to the US would be a
valuable opportunity for her. We discussed and argued this topic many
times, but she still resisted. She said that she could go to the US to study by
herself after she graduates from the university in China. That is my daughter!
She can think as a mature girl. She has grown and is still growing. We are
very proud of her. We always learn from our child.
It is true that parents grow up with their children.
Amy Shui, and daughter “Dodo”
Stony Brook University
Adult Literacy Center
“My name is Yanqing Shui and my English
name is Amy. I came from China on Nov. 20,
2007. Kunming is my hometown. It is in
Southwest China, near Vietnam, Laos, and
Burma. It is the capital of Yunnan Province.
Kunming is a beautiful city with four seasons
like spring. I work at Kunming Medical
College Dental School. As a professor, I have
had 22 years experience in the Dental Clinic,
teaching and doing research. I’m a dentist and
a teacher. Now I am working at Stony Brook
University Dental School as an exchange
scholar. I will stay here ten months. My work
focuses on tissue culture. I hope to learn new
techniques and knowledge. It is essential for
me to improve my English because I have a
problem communicating. I’m lucky because I
met my English tutor, Martha, and my
English should improve with her help.”
LITERACY SUFFOLK, INC. • Sowing Pearls of Wisdom 35

Stony Brook University
Adult Literacy Center
Journey to the USA – Land of Opportunity
By George Thomas
n March 20, 2006, we boarded
the Air India flight to the destination
of JFK Airport. We had lots
of fear and uncertainty in our mind about
the culture and survival situation of new
country. Nobody was close to us for
guidance in the new country. We were so
worried about our daughter, who was six
years old, how she would manage in the
school, how she was going to make new
friends, since she does not know how to
communicate with others.
But the circumstances were different when
we got to this place. We got many people to
help. The first thing I felt was that America
does not have many people, because we
could hardly see people walking on the sidewalk
along the roadside. Back in India more
people walk on the road than ride in the
vehicles. I saw that only cars are moving so
fast. It took a few weeks for us to get used
to the new circumstances. My wife started
going for duties and our daughter started
school. She got a nice teacher, Mr. Puglisi.
With his help she picked up English very
fast. We still remember him thankfully.
I got the driving license within three
months and bought a ‘94 model car.
Gradually we got familiar with the new
place. Now my daughter has so many
friends and she likes the school
better than the one in India. I got an
opportunity to do the surgery tech program
at Stony Brook.
O M
......................
“Back in India more people walk on
the road than ride in the vehicles.”
.....................
We got the help of so many people and
never felt any prejudice or partiality. Even
though I have problem with communication,
my teachers and co-workers are very
tolerant to me. My supervisor advised me
about the conversation class which has
been conducted by Ms. Martha, Mr. Ted,
Mr. Peter and other staff. Really, they are
graceful teachers. I am grateful to their
dedication and great efforts. This class helps
me to boost up my confidence and I am
sure that I can manage any challenges in
work and life.
Are You Satisfied with Your Battery?
By Naoko Yamakawa
y name is Naoko, and I am from
Japan. I came to Stony Brook
University in August of 2007. I had
worked for a Japanese company for five years
before I came here and now I am studying
and researching in a university again as a visiting
scientist from industry. I enjoy campus
life. I live near a beautiful harbor and have fun
walking and having lunch there.
I have studied battery materials for mobile
equipment such as cell phones and laptop
computers. Everyone wants long-lasting batteries
and also a reduction in their size and
weight for their equipment. Many researchers
have a constant challenge to satisfy their
demands. I am one of those researchers.
Difficulties Living in the United States
By Gui Oin Yu
came from China. When I first
came I didn’t speak much English.
Shopping was very difficult for me.
One afternoon in the supermarket, I bought
some ground beef for $1.70. I gave the cashier
$20.70. I waited for her to give me my
change. I waited and waited. She did not give
me change.
She asked me, “What are you waiting for?”
There was a long line behind me. “Give me
change,” I said. “You only gave me $1.70,”
she said. “I gave you $20.70,” I said.
Another cashier came over. She didn’t
believe me either. Finally they opened
the drawer of the cash register. There
was my twenty dollar bill on top of
the pile of one dollar bills.
This made me feel so frustrated I knew I had
to learn English in a hurry.
“I have been coming to the English Conversation
Class at Stony Brook University on Tuesday
nights. My teachers, Peter and Martha, have
helped me learn English. They are good teachers.
I am a good gardener.”
Stony Brook University
Adult Literacy Center
A battery is composed of two materials
for positive and negative electrodes.
These two materials decide
their character and performance.
We keep looking for the ideal combination
of these materials to meet
the needs of battery users. However, there are
hundreds of millions of possible combinations.
A battery is one of the products which their
users demand should last forever. Fortunately,
the combinations of the two materials also
have unlimited possibilities. This means that
the possibility of developing a “perfect”
battery is eternal, and our challenge is everlasting.
That’s the reason I am fascinated with
battery research.
36 READING FOR LIFE 2OO8 • Student Writing LITERACY SUFFOLK, INC. • Sowing Pearls of Wisdom 37
I

Stony Brook University
Adult Literacy Center
A Great Experience in the US
By Yoshinori Okamoto
y name is Yoshinori. I graduated from Meijo University in Nagoya,
M Japan, in 2006. When I was a PhD student in summer 2005, I had
a job interview at Stony Brook University and the Dana-Faber
Cancer Institute in Boston. After being made offers from both institutions, I
finally chose Stony Brook because of my interest in their research project.
I came to America in March, 2006, to conduct breast cancer research in the
Department of Pharmacological Sciences. My wife, Kanako, also worked as a
research technician in the same laboratory for one and a half years. She is a
great contributor to our project and, also to my life.
The aim of our project is to find a new breast cancer drug. Based on cell-culture and animal experiments, we
identified several drug candidates that were superior to the drug in current clinical use. I hope our drugs will
help many people who develop breast cancer in the future.
I’m going back to Japan in March, 2008, to be an assistant professor in a private university located near Kyoto.
My experience in the USA is not only my research work but also my English class where my tutors Martha and
Peter encouraged me to improve my English speaking skills. This would be the best part of my American life.
Snow
By Min Lu
Min Lu and husband, Tingbo
t snowed these past days. The world out-
I side changed to simple colors: white, black,
and brown. White snow covered the whole
ground, hiding grass, leaves, and pine cones. Brown
trees denuded of leaves stand still in the cold wind.
Black paths cleared by the snowplow were shining
under the sunlight. It tended to remind us of the
stories of Narnia.
Dr. “Yoshi” Okamoto and wife, Kanako
I lived my first twenty years in Chongqing, one of the
hottest cities in China. The temperature there rarely
falls below 32° F. It snowed just once in those twenty
years. So I was so pleasantly surprised to see so much
snow here in Stony Brook. I planned to make a snowman,
but I could not, since the snow was frozen hard.
There were no footprints even when we walked on it.
We could not open the door of our car because of the
ice. It was funny when I found my friends’ door
crowned with snow and the box on their door filled
with snowflakes.
“I am Min. I came from a hilly city, Chongqing in
China, with my husband in August, 2007. He is a student
at Stony Brook University and I’m a housewife at
present. I am busy studying English and preparing for
my TOEFL and GRE tests. I want to enter Stony Brook
University next year. I hope my dream will come true
with my tutor, Martha’s, help.”
38 READING FOR LIFE 2OO8 • Student Writing
Differences between Real Life in New York
and My Expectations
By Jeong Eun Park
oday, a lot of Korean students are crazy about watching American dramas: for
T
example, Grey’s anatomy, Sex and the City, Prison Break, and so on. I also was one
of the students who enjoyed watching these dramas. While being fascinated with
characters in drama, I imagined about my life in New York before coming here. Now, one
month has already passed and I am used to my new life. However, the first impression of real
New York was different from what I expected.
Stony Brook University
Adult Literacy Center
First of all, I had a kind of stereotype about New Yorkers. I thought
that all people in New York would be dressed up every day and
always busy for their work, so that they would be indifferent to
other people. But my experience for one month made me change
my stereotype. In Korea, we are used to indifference to unknown
people especially when passing by on the street. However, I am surprised
to see that although we don’t know each other, Americans
always smile when eyes encounter and hold the door for the next
person. I think that they are used to showing their consideration
for others.
Secondly, I think that it is different the way of enjoying parties. I
live in a dormitory now, and every week, especially Thursday night, parties are held somewhere.
In Korea, it is uncommon to have parties in a dormitory with unfamiliar friends and a bad culture
still exists to force other people to drink more, especially in university life. However, here
are a lot of students who have different cultures, so it is easier to talk with people naturally even
though we don’t know each other. Also, drinking is not a major thing in parties but just a tool
which helps people to feel better.
I have more time than I have already spent here. I
really expect new experiences that I will face in the
future. I will understand the differences naturally by
encountering new events. So when I go back to my
country, I want to be a help for my friends who
have a plan to study in New York.
......................
“I thought that all people in New York
would be dressed up every day and always
busy for their work.”
.....................
LITERACY SUFFOLK, INC. • Sowing Pearls of Wisdom 39

Stony Brook University
Adult Literacy Center
Father and I
By Juan Cao
y name is Juan, and I come from Hangzhou, China.
M I arrived in the US about four months ago. I am an
exchange student in the Department of Computer
Science at Stony Brook University. After I arrived here, I missed my family deeply and many
memories came to my mind. Fathers usually love their children in a hidden manner. Sometimes
we even don’t notice that they love us so much. But I believe that, as we are growing up, we will
be aware of our dad’s love more and more.
When I was a baby, my dad was a soldier. Since he could not come back home frequently,
mom took me to visit him sometimes. Dad always took photos for me once we were together.
I have a large number of photos which record my early childhood life and have become my
cherished possession.
When I was a little girl, I was very naughty and always fought with my dad when he pricked my
face with his beard. I was angry at him since he usually corrected me when I fought with other
children or when I broke my alarm clock. But I was always looking forward to his coming back
from business trips, since I would receive gifts I desired, such as sweet candies or toys.
During my study, the heavy courses made me tired. When I didn’t do well on the exams, I felt
frustrated. Dad always told me that failure is the mother of success. He suggested that I sum up
the experience to get success in the future. Dad became one of my best friends since he also
gave me much valuable advice about life.
......................
“Dad trusted that I could pass the exam and
asked me to trust myself, too.”
.....................
My dream is to become a teacher at a university,
so I decided to take the graduate entrance exam
to pursue study after my first degree. Although
mom hoped I could help shoulder the burden of
the family soon, dad still supported my decision.
The exam was so difficult that I felt depressed
and lost confidence. I almost gave up after nine
month’s effort. Dad trusted that I could pass the exam and asked me to trust myself, too. Under
dad’s encouragement, I made great grades on that exam. It was after I finished the exam that I
knew dad had stayed in the hospital for about one month because of bad health.
Now I miss my dad and mom very much during this Spring Festival holiday, when families
should get together. I am also worried about my dad’s health. But what I can do now is to give
him some calls in my spare time, and tell them I am fine here. I know I always am a little girl in
their eyes, so I hope I can soon become a person with mature thoughts and a strong will. Then
they can shift some care away from me. I hope that one day soon my parents can visit me in
the US.
40 READING FOR LIFE 2OO8 • Student Writing
Odd Orange
By Yoichiro Harada
T
his recipe was given to me by my
friend in France who is also a
researcher. The combination of
orange and garlic made it strange for me, but
the sweetness of orange, bitterness of parsley
and spiciness of mustard made it filling and
tasty! You may want to prepare two batches.
Ingredients (for 2 persons)
The orange should be sweet, cut off at the top
and bottom, peeled, and horizontally sliced
into 6 pieces.
Two teaspoons of virgin olive oil
Two teaspoons of Dijon mustard
A piece of garlic, cut in pieces
Several clusters of fresh parsley, torn up
Directions
Place sliced oranges in two rows in one dish.
Put olive oil on oranges.
Spread mustard on oranges.
Sprinkle the garlic and the torn-up parsley on
the dish evenly.
Let’s eat.
ew York City is one of the biggest cities
N
in the world. I have never seen so many
people from so many different countries in
one place: Chinese, Italian, Indian, and African.
There are always wonderful things happening in this
magical city: on the street corner, in Central Park, in
the subway. Let me tell you an interesting thing that
happened to me in the subway.
My first impression of the New York subway is the
crowd. I am excited and wonder what they think of
me behind their no-expression faces. Most people
here seem busy. They enjoy music in their iPods and
books in their hands. There are always some wonderful
shows to break this peace.
Many artists and musicians prefer having a show in
the New York subway. I know that Avril Lavigne, a
Stony Brook University
Adult Literacy Center
“I am Yoichiro Harada
from Japan working as a
post doc on the yeast
science at the Life Sciences
Building in SUNY
Stony Brook.”.
Funny Things in the New York Subway
By Debiao Li
Canadian, Grammy Award-nominated, pop singer
performed here. When I take the subway, I wonder if
I will be lucky enough to see one of the rising stars.
Although I have not seen some real stars on the train
I did hear one African music group of four people.
They sang in four tones making a simple song sound
like stereo. I will never forget this amazing song that
I had never heard before.
Here is some advice for you.
Don’t forget to get off at the
right stop when you are
watching a show on the
subway. By the way, ask for
a free subway map as your
guide to this complicated
subway system.
LITERACY SUFFOLK, INC. • Sowing Pearls of Wisdom 41

Stony Brook University
Adult Literacy Center
Learning English Makes Life Interesting
By Yi Shui
I
came from China. My name is Yi
Shui, “a beautiful girl of the family
water” in Chinese. My husband is a
professor in Peking University. He got a grant
for overseas research one year ago. He is now a
visiting professor in Stony Brook University,
and we live in a log cabin on Stony Road in
Long Island now.
I had been a lawyer and very busy in China. I
used to help people when they needed it. As I
arrived here with my husband, life was very
difficult and boring for me, and because I didn’t
have a car and I couldn’t speak English, I
had no friends. This difference in life between
America and China made me homesick.
However, I tried to change this situation and
decided to learn English.
......................
“I suddenly realized that she took
my pronunciation of ‘dance class’ to mean
‘dentist.’ Oh my poor English!”
.....................
I filled out an application form for an English
tutor at the Adult Learning Center at Stony
Brook University. I also attempted to find
some interesting lectures in the classrooms of
Stony Brook. I sat often in a corner and listened
with patience because some friend told
me the best method to learn English is just listening
and trying to understand. It is, maybe,
a good way for other people but not for me. It
didn’t work; I couldn’t understand anything.
One time I tried to visit a dancing class. I
thought that could be easier, watching people
move their bodies and understanding what
they spoke. I asked a student to help me find
the classroom for dancing class. She asked me
to follow her. I saw a building with a big signboard
on it, “DENTISTRY”! I suddenly realized
that she took my pronunciation of “dance
class” to mean “dentist.” Oh my poor English!
After some unsuccessful practices I went to
Emma Clark Library in Setauket, where I
found some information about English classes.
I took several of the courses. Finally I found
something interesting for me, I began to learn
English and understand American culture.
Now I visit the English classes at Smithtown
ESL Adult School on every working day. I
also participate in the evening conversation
class at Stony Brook when possible. I meet my
English tutor, Jo Arkin, once a week. Now I
am very busy and lucky again. By early morning
I am out of the home and come back in
the later afternoon. My husband said I am so
busy every day that it seems I had the J visa
status here rather than him. After a while I
found my English improved. I understand
what people talk about on the train, and I
dare to enquire about surface mail at the post
office. I begin to enjoy life in Stony Brook.
My husband and I will leave for Beijing in
May. I know I will miss my English teachers,
my tutors, and all my friends I got to know in
English learning. I will also miss this beautiful
country I just started getting to know.
42 READING FOR LIFE 2OO8 • Student Writing
My Little English Teachers
By Miyuki Akasaka
came to the USA at the end of
2002. After I left a job, which I was
I working at for six and half years,
I came here as an au pair, which
was part of an international cultural exchange
program. An au pair is a person who comes to
the US to stay with a family and take care of
their children while she is learning American
culture.
During the au pair year, I met many people
and learned many different things. It was very
interesting but, on the other hand, I was
struggling with my English. I could not
express myself. I could often not laugh when
my friends were laughing because I could not
understand what they were talking and laughing
about. My first ESL teacher and classmates
helped me a lot to improve my English.
I remembered the first day someone told me
that my English was good. It was the child
that I was taking care of. He was five years old
at the time and he told me that my pronunciation
of “a couch” was good.
I set up my next goal to go to a university
to learn Child Life and work for children. I
decided to go to a community college to
improve my English. I stayed with my family
and went to school during the next year. The
family taught me more about their life and
American culture. The family has four children.
The children made me very happy and
have fun. I spent a lot of time with them
when I did not have my classes. In the summertime,
I took them to a pool, a park to play
tennis, an ice cream store, and more. In the
winter we played with snow. I also taught
origami, Japanese letters, and
songs for them. The youngest
girl learned two Japanese
songs just from my singing
and could sing the songs. The
oldest girls and a boy could
write their names in Japanese
and could say a couple of Japanese greetings.
They were also very good at origami.
Moreover, they were the best English teachers
for me. I remembered the oldest girl often
explained to me English vocabularies. I
learned pronunciation with the middle girl
when I was watching her do her first grade
English homework. I improved my English
more and was able to transfer to the State
University of New York at Stony Brook.
Stony Brook University
Adult Literacy Center
I have been at Stony Brook for 1 1/2 years
and am going to graduate from here this May.
After I came to this school, I had several
opportunities to work with multicultural
children. After I graduate, I would like to
contribute my skill and knowledge for children
especially those who are hospitalized and
with chronic illness. Many children have been
giving me a power to study. I would like to
bring something back to children as well.
......................
“I would like to contribute my skill and
knowledge for children, especially those who
are hospitalized and with chronic illness.”
.....................
LITERACY SUFFOLK, INC. • Sowing Pearls of Wisdom 43

Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Family Literacy
Family Literacy Group
The Family Literacy classes meet
at the Mastics-Moriches-Shirley
Library twice weekly during the
school year. The classes usually
consist of 10 to 15 non-Englishspeaking
students, mostly mothers
with very young children. The
toddlers are separated and are part
of a wonderful learning program
directed by the library. In our class,
we stress practical situations such
as meeting with a child’s teacher,
shopping, asking directions, making
and keeping a doctor’s appointment,
and applying for a job.
This is the third year I have taught
this program. Because I do not
speak a foreign language, I would
not be able to teach this class without
the help of Carmen Gao and
Maria Naupari. Both of these
women are former literacy students
who have now become tutors.
(Eileen Sribnick, tutor)
My Mom Is in My Heart
By Maria J. Ruiz
y name is Maria Jose. I was born in Spain. I came to
the United States eight years ago. I live in Shirley, New
York. I like this country.
M I
My two sons and my husband are my life, but my heart belongs to
my mom. My mom is my friend, my sister, my confidant. My mom
is part of me.
I phone my mom two times every day. We talk about my sons, the
house, the weather, food, and about me. I ask about my brother,
my niece (the princess), my sister-in-law, my father, my aunt, and
all the family. My family is very big.
I have not gone to Spain for eight years. My mom comes every year
at Christmas. She did not come this year, but that is another story.
In 2003, she went to the First Communion of my oldest son,
Samuel. In 2004 she came for his 5th grade graduation. She was
here for three months at Christmas in 2006. When she comes to
New York she brings energy that I don’t have.
I love you, Mom. When I am with her, I love her more and more.
I understand that I love my mom, my husband, and my sons. They
are my life, but my heart is with my mom and Spain.
Maria’s mother and Maria’s two sons
44 READING FOR LIFE 2OO8 • Student Writing
My Family’s Visit
By Maria de los Angeles Vivian
have lived in this country for five
years with my husband. We have
one daughter and one son. All the
time we have lived in the United States we
have not seen them. They live in Argentina.
Last year in October, my children said, “in
December we have a one week vacation and
we will come and see you.”
My husband and I were happy and nervous. I
wanted my apartment to be beautiful. This
was a special time for me.
They came on December 27. We got up early
in the morning and made a special breakfast
for our family. The airplane arrived at 6 am at
JFK Airport. They arrived at my home at 8:30
Mom’s Arrival in America
By Abida Sultana
F
ebruary 20, 2008, was a very
special day for be because my
mom came to America. My family
and I went to the airport to pick up my mom.
When I saw my mom at the airport, I felt
so happy and excited that I could not
express myself.
Afterwards, we took her to my house and
had a little get together with the rest of our
family. I am thankful to my husband
because he supported me throughout the
whole situation.
Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Family Literacy
am. The moment came and I had a lot of
emotions. I cried and I was happy, very happy.
My son and daughter were different.
That week was unforgettable. I was happy I
had my family with me. The week was short.
We went to different places. We went to New
York City and to Montauk to see the beach
and to go shopping. On the last day, my
friend and her husband drove us to the airport.
The moment was not good because my
children departed.
I remember every day of that week; every
small moment. I love my daughter, Gabriela,
and my son, Gerardo.
Abida’s mother and Abida’s two sons
LITERACY SUFFOLK, INC. • Sowing Pearls of Wisdom 45

About My Family and Job
By Luz E. Zelayandia
came here from El Salvador in
I 2005. I live here with my husband,
my daughter, and my son. I have a
good job. I work in a restaurant. I enjoy my
job, and I am so happy to live in New York. I
believe this is a great state.
I decided to study English because my boss
told me that my English needs to be better to
get a promotion soon. It was so hard for me
to hear this but it was my motivation to do it.
......................
“My boss told me that my English needs to
be better to get a promotion soon. Now my
boss is training me to be a manager.”
.....................
Actually, I am so happy because now my boss
is training me to be a manager!
I have the expectation to be a professional chef
someday because I enjoy cooking well. I wish
to specialize in international foods. To get this
I need to learn English well. This is one of the
most important ways toward my dreams. I
think if I get those dreams, my family will be
better emotionally and economically, and
Simple Joy
By Carole Aimable
I
am very happy to be in America.
I like seeing trains because my country
does not have them anymore.
My country used to have them a long time ago.
Luz (right) with her husband and children
they will be proud of me. I love my family.
We like to spend time together. They are my
reason to make my dreams come true.
I believe we can all obtain all we want. We
just need to make an effort and have complete
faith in God because He gives us the strength
to do everything.
“I want to thank my tutor, Jean Heacock, for
helping me to improve my English. She is
patient, and the kindest person I know. I also
want to thank Literacy Suffolk for giving this
help to people who want to learn English.”
“This is from my student Carole, who is from
Haiti. She is so grateful for everything in
America. I’m glad to be assisting Carole and see
progress in the year we have been working
together. She is a delight.” (Marge Tuthill, tutor)
46 READING FOR LIFE 2OO8 • Student Writing
Opportunities and Challenges
By Ramon Bonilla
hen I came to the United States
from El Salvador eight years ago, it
W was to help my family back home.
We had very difficult moments economically,
and life was very hard. Jobs did not pay well
to afford basic necessities, such as food,
school, housing, and medical care.
It was sad for me not to be able to help my
sick parents, to see my children cry of hunger
and not to be able to help them have other
opportunities. When I heard that there are
opportunities for all in America I decided to
come, not realizing the difficulties I would
encounter during my trip. Yes, it is true that
there are employment opportunities for all,
but the other problem is that you have to
learn to speak English to be able to get a good
job and defend yourself better.
Those of us who come only want to work very
hard so that we can help our families get out
of poverty. I had three jobs in order to be able
to support myself here, as well as send money
to support my family back home. Because I
was working all the time, I did not have time
to do anything else.
I wanted to learn English so that I could get a
better job to allow me some free time. I
searched for different schools to learn English,
but there was always a schedule conflict. One
day I visited the Huntington Station Public
Library, and I learned about the Literacy
Suffolk program. I enrolled in the program
and was eventually assigned a tutor.
This has been a wonderful learning experience
for me, and it has given me an opportunity to
have someone take an interest in my personal
situation. My tutor has taught me English by
using various books. She has also taught me
how to use the computer and has
shown me how to use the library
references to guide me.
More than anything, I have the
help of a special tutor to whom I
owe everything that I have
learned. I now have only two jobs,
and I’m getting better training on
the job. I’m earning better pay, I
have more free time, and my life
has improved overall.
My tutor has helped me to move
forward. Her dedication and interest that she
demonstrates in order for me to learn is not
only voluntary but sincere. She has taken me
on field trips to learn different points of interest.
One of the most memorable experiences
was when we visited the Statue of Liberty. It’s
a very important American monument, and I
learned about its history and meaning, especially
as an immigrant from El Salvador.
My tutor is a wonderful teacher and human
being. Thank you, Marcela Emerson. God
bless you. Thank you, Literacy Suffolk, for
being there for me when I needed help!
Ramon at the Statue of Liberty
LITERACY SUFFOLK, INC. • Sowing Pearls of Wisdom 47

Moment of Eternity
By Natalya Kanevsky
he little shop was selling medicinal
herbs, roots, and seeds. I contemplated
T
over a ceramic mortar and placed it
back. I chose the “Gypsy potion for
cold” and walked over to the checkout. A middleaged
African American man appeared in the back
doorway and stood up behind the counter. “It’ll
start to snow,” said he instead of a greeting,
“tomorrow.” And it will continue to snow until
Friday.
I unintentionally made a wry face and immediately
felt ashamed. The snow makes sense when
there are small children in the house who love
making snowmen and laugh when whirled along
on the sled. I don’t have such children. What do I
need the snow for? “What about me?” asked a little
girl within me. “You, yourself, were saying that
as long as there is you, all that made the soul sing
is forever. Are you no longer?” “I am always here”
– stern tone, reproachful stare from underneath
the straight chestnut-coloured fringe. “Do you
remember how scared you were to slide down the
higher hill? There was a large oak growing right
on the track. To you it seemed that inevitably you
would run into the tree, even though the trail was
bending away from it. For a long time you could
not bring yourself to have a go, but then you did.
It was terrifying and wonderful at the same time,
and nothing happened.”
“And what about huge snowflakes on the nap of
the prickly mitts – each with its own tracery? And
what about staying home with tonsillitis on a condition
that mom on the way home would pick up
new books? And drinking hot tea with lemon;
and the pile of books by the bedside; and watching
the white-white snow fall…? Or riding from
school on the back of the freezing-cold tram and
watching the running away graphics of the railway
tracks, the overhead cables, and the black tree
branches.” It is since then I love black and white
images…
Out loud, however, in answer to the man behind
the counter, stubbornly I said, “No one likes to
drive on the snow.” I do,” he answered. “I love
everything when there is snow. Winter is my
favourite time of the year. In summer, I am faded.
I can’t stand the heat.” I wonderingly looked into
his eyes – was he joking? He was not. His darkchocolate
skin around the eyes, where the wrinkles
are, was almost black. But…not knowing
how to express the thought delicately I halted—
“You have pigmentation. The sun should not
bother you…” “Fairy tales,” the African American
grinned. “The heat kills me.”
“Where are you from?” – I
asked. The little girl inside
me smirked. Indeed, back
then the thought to ask
would never have entered
the mind. “From the
south,” he answered,
pointing up with a vague
motion. As the result of
this motion I began to see
the mountains…from the south of the country,
the continent, the planet? Perhaps he is from the
South Pole? Nevertheless I did not ask. Let it be
simply – from the south.
“I love to work in my garden when it’s cold.
Wearing just a shirt,” said the man, his eyes filled
with dreaminess. “I love to fish in ice… Do you
know what kind of winds we get and how they
blow along the alleys? When it’s windy and snowing
it’s impossible to simply walk – it will wipe
you off your feet and bury you – no one will find
you. There are stretched cables between the houses,
the barns and down towards the water and
when it is windy you can move only by holding
onto these cables.”
“I, too, love the winter. Only…only my feet
always freeze,” said I, just to say something. He
hesitated but I wanted for him to continue.
“The women are more sensitive to cold. My wife
is always cold. Even in summer she starts the fire-
place, closes all of the windows, and puts on three
sweaters. And she is happy. Possibly, it is because
she is very small and thin. I live in a separate room.
There, I never turn the heater on. And the windows
are always open. Sometimes the snow gets into the
room. But it’s okay. You know, I love to sit in the
armchair next to the open window and look at my
winter garden under the moonlight. I love the
black tree trunks and the birds on the snow…”
“And long, dark blue shadows,” I thought. Aloud,
however, I said, “Thank you.” I paid for the herbs
and walked out. A little bell on the door jingled…
As I was starting the car I was thinking that every
time it starts snowing I will see the mountains of
the mysterious South, where the blizzard spreads
its magic over the snow-covered alleys. I will see the
house where one half of it is heated up so much
that even thick timber walls are glowing pink like
living flesh with the bright light behind it. There,
the thin woman is reaching for the fire. In the
other half of the house, where the little blizzards
swirl into the dark-blue corners, the dark-skinned
owner is sitting in the armchair next to the open
window and looking at his snow-covered garden
in the moonlight. The large snowflakes are falling
onto the sleeves of the red-checkered woolen shirt;
and each with its own tracery…
Victor and Natasha are natives of Lithuania. They
left for political and economic reasons, and spent several
years in Israel waiting to come to America. They
came here five years ago with their young son, Anthony.
Victor is a very accomplished man, having owned and
operated several businesses. He is also a published
author and journalist, and his works are illustrated
by his beautiful wife, Natasha. Natasha has also
been published, both her writings and illustrations
C’est la vie
By Vic Strelets
It was only a dream, just a dream.
Don’t be angry with me, do not scream.
I was under your spell, simply drunk.
Unbelievably, hopelessly drunk.
I was drunk from the smell of your hair.
From your sincere and genuine stare.
I was lucky to love you but once
And I, destiny, thank for the chance.
Oh! That moment was very intense.
Like a storm—came and went. Makes no sense…
Who controls our deaths, our lives?
Who decides on the luck of the dice?
Dying we leave behind our love.
Our homes we’ll keep safe from above.
With no pity, like dolts, our heads
We slit open… But where all this ends?
And the journey—what’s there, what awaits?
What we’ll find at the big pearly gates?
We’re like children of two and to five
In the midst of the walls, through our lives.
Seek the freedom. The freedom’s the dream.
And the dream—look behind—very dim!
I’ll come back, I am tired, please call.
Journey’s tough and it’s taking its toll.
To drop everything is my desire.
Only—wait … do not call, as the fire
is still burning. Don’t cry, do not weep!
C’est la vie, c’est la vie….
appearing in books and journals. Her artwork has
a style of its own, and depicts her unique view of life.
Her medium is black and white, as seen from the
accompanying illustration.
I have been meeting with Victor and Natasha for
nearly a year, and find them very endearing.We are
currently working on citizenship test requirements,
as they will be eligible later this year.
(Rose Passannante, tutor)
48 READING FOR LIFE 2OO8 • Student Writing LITERACY SUFFOLK, INC. • Sowing Pearls of Wisdom 49

An American Quinceañera
By Gabriela Sanchez and Nicolás Garduño
quinceañera is a celebration of womanhood. At fifteen years old, a young
A woman is now ready to enter society. We recently had a quinceañera for our
youngest daughter, Janet. This beautiful day needed much planning and
organization. There are slight differences between the celebrations here in the United
States and the celebration in Mexico.
In Mexico, we traditionally have “padrinos.” Padrinos are godfathers who help pay for
the festivities. There is a different padrino for each aspect of the party. One padrino pays
for the flowers, one pays for the dress, one for the band, and so on until most of the cost
of the party is spread among a lot of people. In the United States the girl’s family pays
for everything.
In both countries, it is traditional to
have a custom-made gown, a beautiful
crown, flowers, a special quinceañera
mass in church, music (including
Mariachis), a waltz, a limousine or horsedrawn
carriage, delicious food, dancing,
a gift of special jewelry and a court of
honor.
The “court” in Mexico consists of fourteen
young women, one for each year of
the girl’s life. There are also fifteen young
men called chambelans. In the United
States you may have as many or as few as
you like. Regardless of the number of attendants, they are always formally dressed with
the girls wearing gowns and the young men wearing tuxedos. After the mass in church,
the party begins with a traditional waltz danced by the quinceañera girl and her attendants.
She also dances with her father and all the other important men in her life. The
quinceañera girl is then serenaded by Mariachis singing las Mananitas. Las Mananitas is
a very traditional birthday song based on the cantatas of King David.
Gabriela Sanchez, Nicolás Garduño & family at quinceañera
Our party for Janet was a happy occasion. The weather was beautiful. There were hundreds
of guests and much singing and dancing. It reminded us of the life we left behind
in Mexico and our new life here and all that has remained the same and all that has
changed.
50 READING FOR LIFE 2OO8 • Student Writing
Grandma’s Cheesecake
By Eleonora
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/4 lb. butter
32 oz. whipped cream cheese
1 pt. sour cream
2 tbsp. cornstarch
2 tbsp. vanilla
2 tbsp. lemon juice
5 eggs
Land of Coffee
By Claudia Eklund
I
was born in Bogotá, the capital of
Colombia, and this is the tale of
Colombian history.
Columbia is located in the northwest of South
America. Colombia is bordered by Venezuela,
Brazil, Ecuador, Peru and the two beautiful
oceans, Pacific and Atlantic.
Colombia is the 26th largest nation in the
world and the fourth largest country in South
America. The government of Colombia is
democratic. Colombia is a standing middle
power with the second largest Spanish speaking
population in the world. The country is
also one of the most ethnically diverse nations
in the southern continent, the product of
large scale migration during the 20th century
which has caused a dramatic population
growth since then. Colombia’s climate is
determined by its proximity to the earth’s
equator and the mountainous parts. The
Preparation
All ingredients should be at room temperature.
Mix together sugar, butter, and cream
cheese. Then add the eggs, one at a time,
beating well after each addition. Add the
remaining ingredients. Pour the batter into a
10 inch springform pan. Place the springform
pan into a larger pan and put an inch of warm
water into the larger pan. Bake in a preheated
oven at 350° for 60 minutes. After it has
cooled, place in refrigerator overnight until
ready to serve.
climate is divided in hot land, temperate
land, and cold land. The religion in Colombia
is Christianity but the constitution guarantees
religious freedom.
Colombia also has multiple celebrations and
festivals, most of these being related to religious
tradition. Colombians have developed a
special passion for the sport of soccer.
The economy of Colombia is fueled by
abundant natural resources and the export of
coffee and plantains to the United States. One
of the important cities is Bogotá, capital of
Colombia. Bogotá is one of Latin America’s
oldest cities. The city of Bogotá is the country’s
economic, social and administrative center
and its most populous city with around 8.7
million inhabitants. The main government
offices are located there. It is one of the most
important financial centers in South America
and is located on a great plateau.
LITERACY SUFFOLK, INC. • Sowing Pearls of Wisdom 51

My New Life
By Maria Shayda
I
came to America ten years ago. For the first year I was alone, without
my family, then I brought my two children, daughter Olesya and son
Volodymyr, from the Ukraine to live with me.
The beginning was very difficult because I was taking care of my children alone;
there was no one else to help me but myself. I worked hard and started my own
business, Maria’s Cleaning Service. Step by step I learned English and my life
became easier.
Now I have a new life with my new husband, Roman, and a beautiful new home
with a wonderful garden. I was able to put my son through college and he has a
great job and opportunities at a Toyota dealer. My daughter is on the honor roll in
high school and doing very well. I have been studying to eventually take the citizenship
test and, in the future, I would like to go back to school for interior decorating.
We all love America for the opportunities and great life it has given us even
though, sometimes, it was rough along the way.
Maria came to America from Ukraine where she had a college degree
in Health Management. She lives in Riverhead with her husband and
children and runs her own business. Maria loves to travel with her
family and friends, and last summer went to Niagara Falls. In
February, she and her children drove to Florida and had a wonderful
vacation seeing Sea World and the Keys. (Diane Jost, tutor)
......................
“We all love America for
all the opportunities and great life it has
given us even though sometimes it was
rough along the way.”
.....................
Mongol
By Eladio Medina
nce upon a time, there was an old,
O
furry white Labrador retriever with
long legs and cracked, claw-like
nails named Mongol. He wore a black collar
with silver holes around his scrawny neck.
Mongol began to be an inconvenience to his
masters so they decided to banish him far away
from home to a dark forest. A large man took
charge of that humiliating action by taking
Mongol by his collar toward a small black truck.
Mongol jumped on the vehicle with agility.
When they arrived at the place it was dusk
and it had begun to rain. The man got out of
the truck and went around to the door where
Mongol was. The calm dog innocently
followed his guide to the tree he would be
hitched to, in the cold dark forest. The man
moved away slowly and said good-bye.
Suddenly, the dog was no longer tranquil and
desperately tried to loosen the cord around his
neck until he fell tired on the cold wet
ground. Sad and alone, Mongol remained
there all through the night.
At sunrise, John, a boy who lived near the
forest saw a white figure on the ground and
heard moaning sounds by the tree. He
approached slowly and curiously and was
surprised to see that it was a dog. Although a
bit scared, he removed his jacket and dried the
wet dog, and made a fire to warm the almost
dead Mongol.
An hour later, the dog began to react by
standing up and looking at the stranger with
distrust and curiosity. He wanted to move
away but he was not able to because he was
still tied to the tree trunk. “Don’t be afraid,”
said John. “Everything is going to be all
right!”
Daily, John carried food to Mongol, and left it
at a prudent distance and watched as the poor
animal ate. Little by little, the dog started to
trust in the good intention of John and a
friendship began between the two. Finally, the
boy cut the cord from around the dog’s neck
and Mongol was free. At last happiness
wrapped and invaded his mistreated heart.
......................
“The calm dog innocently followed his
guide to the tree he would be hitched to,
in the cold, dark forest.”
.....................
This is Eladio’s third submission to “Reading
for Life.” He is from Peru and works in
maintenance. Eladio loves to write and this year
he tried his hand at a short story. He lives in
Riverhead with his sister and family.
(Diane Jost, tutor)
52 READING FOR LIFE 2OO8 • Student Writing LITERACY SUFFOLK, INC. • Sowing Pearls of Wisdom 53

Argentina, My Country
By Fabiana D’Ascanio and empanadas are cooked with meat, onions,
olives, eggs—everything goes inside the
Geography
Argentina is located on the south of South
America and has all varieties of climates and
landscapes. Argentina can be separated into
different regions which are marked by different
types of land and climates. The regions are
Platenese Plain, divided into five regions
called: Chaqueña Plain, Pampeana Plain,
Entrerrianas Hills and Deltaica Plain and
Subtropical Plateau. The northeast is divided
into three regions: Puna, Oriental Mountain
Range, and Seirras Subandinas. Cuyo,
Patagonia, is divided by Patagonia Andina and
Patagonia Extraandina, Argentina Sea, and
Antarctic Argentina and Patagónico system.
Music
The tango plays an important role in
Argentina’s customs and in some other countries
as well. The tango is the dance of two
persons representing Argentina in the world.
The tango has a particular language, “the lunfardo,”
and a philosophy that identifies the
tango’s people.
Sports
Soccer was the first
popular game and the
Argentinean players got
very good scores in the
Olympic competition,
and also in the soccer World Cup. The best
soccer player in Argentina is Diego Armando
Maradona. Guillermo Villas is the one who
changed the history of tennis in Argentina.
Manuel Fangio and Carlos Reutemann are the
most famous people in race cars in Argentina.
Italy, Spain, France, and other countries,
especially from Europe, received and keep
receiving players and coaches from Argentina
to play or teach soccer, volleyball, football,
hockey, and tennis.
Customs
The mate is an infusion that was used originally
by the Guaranies Indians who used the
herbal mate. The bowl where you put the
herbal is called mate. That’s the reason the
infusion is called mate too. It is like a small
pumpkin or a small cup made from wood.
The infusion is drunk with a straw and it can
be sweet or not. The water has to be hot but
less than the point of boiling. These customs
are very usual in homes in Argentina.
Tourism
San Carlos de Bariloche is a nice place to visit.
It is located in the province of Río Negro, or
“black river.” The people prefer to go in the
winter to practice skiing. Bariloche has beautiful
landscapes. It has mountains, forests, and
people can do rafting on the Manso River.
Mar del Plata is a city located on the
Argentine Sea. Mar del Plata is the most
important tourist city. It is also the city that
has the most hotels.
Foods
The typical food is meat cooked with coal like
a BBQ. The choripán is like Italian sausage,
54 READING FOR LIFE 2OO8 • Student Writing
dough. The pastas, pizza, and stew are typical
foods in Argentina. The people adopted the
Italian tradition of eating gnocchi the 29th of
each month. There is a large consumption of
milk and its byproducts, like cheese, heavy
cream, and yogurt. There are a good variety of
cookies and delicious ice creams.
Wines
Argentina is located among the first wine
growers on a worldwide basis.
A Positive Change
By William Manuel Torres
T
he most important decision in
my life was in the year 2002. I
came to the United States from
Bogotá, Colombia with my wife, Sandra
Juanita, and my three children. The difficult
situation in my country and the lack of work
were the reasons for me to make a radical
change in my family’s life. I worked in
Colombia in different companies. I was a
business administrator and my wife worked
as a salesperson in a big company.
Our first two years in the United States were
very difficult because we didn’t know how to
speak English, we found a different culture,
and I worked on jobs that I never did in my
country. I worked from 2:00am to 4:00pm
dishwashing in a restaurant and baking bread
in a deli. I had difficulty on this job because I
had to work with big and dangerous ovens.
My wife could not work because our son was
one and a half years old and we did not want
Arts
The most famous pianists are Martha Argerich
and Daniel Barenboim. The most famous
dancer is Julio Bocca. The most famous saxophone
player is Juan Barbieri.
Bibliography
www.barilochepatagonia.info/info_general/
http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argentina#Gastrono
m.C3.ADa
http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argentina#Cultura
any other person taking care of our little son.
My other two children quickly adapted to the
new school and their new friends.
Then I worked with a painting company.
My work schedule was much better and also
I had better pay. In a short time I learned the
skill of house painting. Each time I painted
I liked it more and more. I worked one year
in this company getting experience until I
made the decision to work independently.
Right now I am happy because I have my
own painting company.
“My wife is studying English in Southold
Library and I am studying English in Greenport
(Floyd Memorial) Library. Thanks to this
Literacy Suffolk program and the job of our
tutors, Christine in Southold and Adrianne in
Greenport, our English is better. God has taken
care of us and he has opened many doors for us.”
LITERACY SUFFOLK, INC. • Sowing Pearls of Wisdom 55

The El Salvador I Know
By Julio E. Musun
E
l Salvador is a small country with a
lot of people. That is one of the
reasons why we don’t have too
much opportunity to work. Most of the people
work in factories and they don’t make
enough money to live. The government does
not give welfare. The people can never get
ahead. They’re always in debt.
Some people work in agriculture. They plant
corn, beans, and rice in accordance with the
rainy season because they have no irrigation
systems. These people use horses to bring containers
of water from the rivers back to their
homes. They have no electricity and must use
gaslights. The children must help their parents
and often cannot even go to school. The children
who do go to school must walk for an
hour because there is no transportation. If
you’re lucky enough to attend school, you
must volunteer for 100 hours of community
service when you graduate.
The climate in El Salvador is similar to that of
Florida. It’s warm all year long. El Salvador
has beautiful beaches, but some people are so
poor they don’t have enough money to pay for
an excursion to get to the beaches.
My mother’s name is Santos Eduarda. She
still lives in El Salvador. She has four sons and
three daughters. Five of her children live in
the United States. She is a nice person and
always tries to help her children. She takes
care of her granddaughter, Catherine. My
mom raised chickens and turkeys. She grew
corn, beans, red and green peppers, pipian,
and tomatoes. Her children had to help on
the farm before going to school each day.
One of my dreams is to bring my mom to
the United States so she can see how her children
live.
Julio Musun, his mother, and his brothers and sisters in America
56 READING FOR LIFE 2OO8 • Student Writing
Trip to Washington, D.C.
By Cecilia Yepez
y husband and I came to the United States six years ago. We had always wanted to
M
go to Washington, D.C. because it is very interesting for its historical importance.
All the decisions about the present and the future of this country are made in
Washington, D.C. We had the opportunity to go last September for Labor Day weekend.
We left Long Island at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday and arrived in
Washington at 10:00 p.m. We were afraid, because it was a
new city. When we stopped at a traffic light in Washington,
we saw the bright red sign for the President Hotel. At that
moment we knew that was the hotel where we were to spend
the night. Once in the hotel we realized that we hadn’t eaten
all day. We felt so hungry that we left the hotel and picked
the first restaurant we saw. Fortunately, it was a seafood
restaurant because my husband and I love seafood. After a
great dinner we wanted to go back to the hotel, but we got
lost for two hours. On our way to the restaurant we never
paid attention to how we got there and now we didn’t know
the way back to the hotel. My husband and I started to get
desperate, so we decided to stop and ask someone. There
was a bus next to us, and I felt brave enough to ask the driver
for directions. Despite my limited English, she understood
me and gave me the necessary instructions to get back to
the hotel.
Cecilia and her husband, Oscar, at the Lincoln Memorial
On Sunday morning we visited different places. First we visited Arlington National Cemetery.
We saw the tombs of President Kennedy and his family. This is a very big cemetery. The tombs
are in perfect lines. We watched the changing of the guards in honor of the unknown soldiers.
There were around two hundred people watching in complete silence. It’s incredible how the
soldiers change shifts every half hour. We were amazed.
Then, we went to the Washington Monument. We went to the top of the monument. It’s very
high. We saw Washington, D.C. from the south, north, west, and east. The view is fantastic.
We also went to the Lincoln Memorial. It’s beautiful too. I think Lincoln was a good president
for the United States because he kept all the states together. In addition, we saw the United
States Capitol, the White House, the Library of Congress, the Supreme Court, and the
Holocaust Memorial Museum. The museum is impressive. I think this is an example for us,
something we never want to have happen again.
This trip was very nice and informative because my husband and I learned more about the
history of the United States and how it became the number one country in the world. I understand
how important these historical places are for the past, the present, and the future. This
trip was a valuable lesson for me because I also know how important it is to learn English in
order to be part of the success of the United States and its people.
LITERACY SUFFOLK, INC. • Sowing Pearls of Wisdom 57

Angel’s Story – Incredible but True
By José Martinez
ngel, a 15-year-old boy, decided to go hunting, but he didn’t want to go alone so he
A asked his teacher if he wanted to go. His teacher got happy because he liked hunting.
In the hunting area, Angel climbed up one tree and the teacher another. They were
waiting to see a rabbit because rabbits come out of their hiding places to eat.
Night was falling and they didn’t see any rabbits. When it was dark they climbed down the
trees, turned on their head lamps and started to walk. They walked different ways but they were
supposed to get together in a specific place in one hour.
After one hour the teacher got there. He turned off his lamp, sat down
and waited twenty minutes. Angel didn’t show up. He started to get
worried. He was calling him, but he could not walk far because he didn’t
know that area. He was afraid to come back home without the boy, but
he needed help. So he went to Angel’s house and told his father what
was happening. Angel’s father asked his neighbors to help him find his
son and around twenty people gathered.
They were looking for him all night. At sunrise, they gave up. They
thought he could have fallen off a precipice or could have been bitten by
a snake. They walked back home to take a break, but my uncle stayed
there, sitting on a rock, with his hands on his head. It was the boy, walking
with his head lamp on his head and the rifle in his hands. When he
got up he saw the other people walking home. He turned around. He
saw something. He stared at it. My uncle called the people. The father gave a hug to his son.
Both cried. But the boy didn’t say a word.
Later Angel saw me on my patio and came in. He had the appearance of not sleeping for days.
I asked him to sit down and offered a drink. In a few minutes he relaxed. Everyone had been
asking how it was and I told him he didn’t have to tell me. He said, “I’m going to tell you what
I remember.”
“Night was falling and I turned on my lamp. A rabbit appeared, but he was moving so fast it
was difficult to shoot him. After some time I realized I was lost. Suddenly, my lamp turned off.
I couldn’t move because it was too dark. I sat down for a few minutes and when I got up I saw a
beautiful light and a path. I followed it. Sometimes the light turned off. When it was off, I
prayed for about one minute and it turned on again. When they found me it was morning.
I don’t remember that moment. My mind was somewhere else.”
58 READING FOR LIFE 2OO8 • Student Writing
New Life in a New World
By Sergio Goncalves
hen I arrived here last October from
Portugal, I thought that I was prepared
W for all the new things that would
occur in my life, but I was wrong. The simple
fact of writing these lines is more difficult than I
supposed. But only a few months have passed and
here I am writing in English, for a magazine!
What I am trying to say with these few lines
is that everything is possible if you have the
right people helping you to understand the
most simple things like making a point in your
surrounding world. For example: if you go to a
supermarket, a drug store, or any other basic
place, it turns out to be a difficult task in your
life. The principle reason is the language. But
there are also more differences, like the measurements.
English ones are different from those in
Portugal. Here you use libras (pounds), I used
kilos, you use gallons, I used liters, and so on…
But here I found help for all of these questions
and more. Because of that I’m sure that my new
life and my family are going to be just fine in
our new world. A special thanks to Mr. Stuart,
my teacher and friend, for his patience and dedication
that now make it possible for me to write
these lines.
Sergio with his wife, Ana
Sergio is 33 years old, married, with two daughters
(2 and 9 years old). He moved from Villa Franca
De Xina, Portugal, in October 2007, and is working
in the restaurant business. His background is in
the automobile industry. He worked with Subaru,
Porsche, Nissan, and Hyundai as a computer programmer
and troubleshooter on car and dealership
computers. He has a good knowledge of MS Windows.
It is a very technical field and he is working very
hard to improve his English so that he can enter
that profession in the U.S. auto market. He has no
family members in the U.S., but his wife, Ana, has
an extended family living close by. Ana is a teller in
a local bank in East Hampton village.
My Garden
By Carmen Costanzo
n my garden I grow apples. I grow
eggplants, tomatoes, herbs and
cilantro. I have beautiful roses in
red, yellow, and pink.
I work very hard in my garden. I water the
plants. I cultivate the soil and take out weeds.
LITERACY SUFFOLK, INC. • Sowing Pearls of Wisdom 59
I

A Foreign Woman Pleased With America
By Tinatin Javakhishvili
Claire and Tinatin
’ve been in America for eight years and eight months. I take care of
I elderly people. (I’m old enough too, I’m 61years old.) It is not an easy
job, but I became a professional caregiver and I work with my heart
and my soul. I love America very much like my mother country. It gave me permission
to come here and work here. I love the English language as much as my own.
When I had my first job, I took care of an old woman. At this time, I couldn’t
speak or understand English. When her son came there, he said to me, “Tina,
please talk to my mother.” I was so confused because I did not understand what
he said to me. A little later I called my children in Georgia and asked, “What does
the word ‘talk’ mean?” After this day, I said to myself, “Tina, sit down and learn
English.” I still do.
Fortunately, after two weeks her daughter-inlaw
took me to Riverhead Library to learn
English. I went there for two years. I recommended
to my friends to go to the library
and learn English. I, again, had an opportunity
to take lessons in the Sayville Library. I
was lucky enough to meet a great tutor and
great person, Claire Xeller. She is very
thoughtful. She gives me American books,
which help me to know about American culture
and political life. Thank you very much
Literacy Suffolk, you found a very special
tutor for me.
I think I’m a very lucky woman because I’m in the top country of the world,
America. This country is very strong, rich, and is full of the dreams of many. If a
person is not lazy and is a hard worker, his or her dreams always come true in this
country. The English language is an international language. It is so beautiful and
so musical. It is so different from other languages. I love to learn and speak
English very much.
God bless America. I love you very much. I’m pleased with you. You gave me the
opportunity to help my children.
“I’m Tinatin Javakhishvili. I came from the Republic of Georgia to America to work.
Georgia is between the Black and the Caspian Seas. My family lives in Tbilisi, the
capitol of Georgia. I have a husband and two children. My husband is a professorphysicist.
His scientific works are printed in America, in Stony Brook University. I’m a
philologist. My children are students at the university in Tbilisi.”
60 READING FOR LIFE 2OO8 • Student Writing
A Magical Christmas
By Oretta Pringle
ow! This looks just like something
“ W from a magazine.” That’s what
people said when they walked into
my house this Christmas. It WAS beautiful
but I didn’t spend a lot of money. I used
things that I already had, things that I thought
I had no use for.
I asked myself, “What is Christmas all about?
Is it about giving gifts I can’t afford?” The
times I remember as a child were how we
made do with what we had. We would go into
the woods and cut down our own pine tree
for Christmas. We would use the decorations
we had made in school to decorate our tree. I
thought it was the prettiest tree I had ever
seen. So this Christmas, I decided to do something
like we did when I was a child. I looked
in magazines, displays in stores, and what I
saw on television to get ideas for how to use
some of the things I already had. I wanted to
spend very little money.
I needed a table setting, so I went to Big Lots
and bought an eight piece charger set in gold
that I could use year round for entertaining.
Four years ago my sister gave me a set of
flower napkin rings that I never used because
they didn’t go with my placemats. I decided to
spray paint them gold and now they look
beautiful with my burgundy placemats
and napkins.
I still needed a centerpiece for the table, but
I decided to start decorating my front door.
I needed a wreath. In Target I saw a wreath
with dried greens and a gold bow. It cost $32.
I knew I could make it for less. I got an old
wreath up from the basement and went outside
and cut some branches off the evergreen
tree to put around it. Then I went to Dollar
Tree and bought some gold wire ribbon to
make a bow. It looked beautiful and it looked
just as good as the wreath in Target! For
around the door, I had some garland, but it
looked skimpy. I added some natural pine
cones and also some pine cones I had painted
gold. I already had the two lighted choir boys
for either side of the door. My front door
looked beautiful.
The next thing that needed decorating was the
fireplace mantel. I wrapped white lights around
some pine garland I had gotten at Big Lots. In
the center I put two tree toppers that looked
like dolls in coats from the eighteenth century.
On each end I put what looked like two big
gold jars but they were really lamp bases. It
looked just like a page from a magazine.
All that was left was the centerpiece for the
table. One day when I went out for something
else, I passed Michael’s. On the table outside
the store were poinsettias in pots that were
just the right size for my table. I was done
decorating the table and it looked beautiful.
I learned that I already had most of the things
I needed for decorating. I also learned that the
things I really thought I had no use for and
almost threw away, could be put to good use.
I felt like I was a child again!
“Christmas 2007 was like experiencing a
Christmas from my childhood. We always had
to “make due” but no matter what we had, to
me, everything looked beautiful and everything
seemed magical.”
......................
“I used things that I already had, things
that I thought I had no use for.”
.....................
LITERACY SUFFOLK, INC. • Sowing Pearls of Wisdom 61

Gloomy Digression
By Manuel Cruz
Manuel is a young man from Tampico,
Mexico. He enjoys reading and writing
poetry. He is a literacy student at the
Riverhead Library.
The word said
I will lose you and
never find you.
Space becomes distant
time disappears in nostalgia.
The Myth sang
my faith may atrophy,
my memories may be martyred.
In the days to come
my worst nightmare will return.
Genesis revealed you will never be mine
and the curse will descend
like on the great Tenochtitlan.
The parable taught
my laughter will vanish,
my soul will disappear
with the passage of life
and become—heretic
and I will no longer have faith.
The legend relates
that God will awake,
there will be a rebirth
and there will no longer be perpetual calamity.
Mexico will finally win its world cup.
But, today I wake up
and it’s business as usual,
I only believe in what I can touch
and equally in death.
62 READING FOR LIFE 2OO8 • Student Writing
A “Chilean Rabbit” in New York
By Andrés Estefane
L
uis Martínez, well known as
“The Rabbit,” is one of the most
famous entrepreneurs in Chile. His
fame started exactly five years ago, when his
personal story was presented in”Patiperros”
(The Globetrotters), a documentary about
Chilean emigrants around the world. “The
Rabbit” arrived in the United States seventeen
years ago and started to work in New York
like many foreigners: cleaning bathrooms and
houses or walking horses at the racetrack.
However, his fortune changed when he
became the owner of “Nuts 4 Nuts” two years
later. It became a successful enterprise dedicated
to selling sugar-coated peanuts in the main
corners of the Big Apple. His story made a
splash. Many Chileans got excited about this
national personification of the “American
Dream” and The New York Times even
narrated the story in one of its editions.
Nowadays he lives in Chile and spends part
of his time “sharing his recipe,” as he says,
with new entrepreneurs and young university
students interested in establishing their own
enterprises. Even though I was never interested
in starting my own business, I had the opportunity
to listen to one of his conferences one
year ago. That day I heard his recipe to
succeed: vision, commitment, planning and
hard work—every time without excuse.
Doubtless, Martínez is right. Since running
your own business requires strength, concentration,
and determination, his recipe contains
the most important requirements to have a
successful enterprise. His example is illustrative
of this point. He was able to overcome a
series of obstacles and barriers just working
hard with his first cart of sugar-coated peanuts
located at 58th Street. The starting point was
not easy. Police harassment was the first
obstacle faced by Martínez in those times,
especially during [Mayor] Giuliani’s era.
Likewise, he had to confront the hard opposition
of Greeks and Egyptians who did not like
the presence of his cart in front of their own
stores. But the conditions changed, and after
six years the situation was totally different. He
had conquered not only 58th Street but also
many other streets of Manhattan with his new
fifteen carts. From that moment his “little
empire” was even too big for the Big Apple.
These days he is the owner of two
hundred sell carts that function simultaneously
in the fifteen most crowded corners of New
York and Santiago, the capital city of Chile.
The story of “The Rabbit” really captured
my attention. I was surprised by Martínez’s
strength and courage, and by the hard work
and self-determination he had in order to pursue
his dreams. Now that I am studying in the
United States, his story really inspires me. I
understand that sometimes it can be difficult
to live in this country as a foreigner, but at the
same time, I can see why this land incarnates
the “American Dream.”
“I am a twenty-seven-year-old Chilean citizen
who arrived in United States six months ago. I
am here with my wife. We came to this country
because we always wished to complete our
university education overseas, and the United
States seemed a good option. Even though we
had to face many challenges, it has been a great
time. Nowadays, she is studying at Stony Brook
University and I hope to start my studies next fall
in the same institution. In the meantime, I will
try to improve my English and I will continue
writing about Chilean history, one of my pleasures.”
LITERACY SUFFOLK, INC. • Sowing Pearls of Wisdom 63

A Disney World Dream Came True
By Xiaodong McAvoy
went to Walt Disney World in Florida with my daughter from January
I 12 to 17. I had a lot fun. The schedule was very busy. Disney World
has four main parks—the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, the Animal
Kingdom, and MGM Studios.
On the first day, I went to the Magic Kingdom. I left the hotel at 8:30 am and
came back to the hotel at 8:30 pm. On Main Street, in front of my eyes, was a
beautiful castle. I didn’t want to miss anything. I didn’t take any breaks. I followed
the Visitor’s Guide and visited the attractions one by one. Everything was so exciting.
On the second day, I visited Epcot. In the front, it has an impressive Spaceship
Earth. This big silver structure looks a little bit like a spaceship. In the World
Showcase there are different countries—Mexico, Norway, Canada, Italy, China,
and many others. When I saw China, I was proud to be Chinese.
On the third day, I visited the Animal Kingdom. Africa is the largest section of
the Animal Kingdom. I saw a lot of animals and unusual animals. Then, on the
fourth day, I went to the last park—MGM Studios. I saw how to make films from
start to end. There are scary rides here, like the Hollywood Tower Hotel. But I
didn’t try them.
During the four days, I watched a lot of different shows. One was “Man’s Dream
Came True.” The show talked about Walt Disney’s parents and family, his hobbies,
and how he got the idea for today’s Disney World. Some shows were so real—like
the “Liberty Square” one. The people talked and looked like real people in front
of you.
Disney World’s systems and services were very good. If you have questions, you
can find staff at any time to help you. Ground transportation was on time. Most
of the drives were very nice. The hotel was clean and comfortable.
One thing was disappointing. The weather was cool. I brought a lot of summertime
clothes and sandals. I couldn’t use them. In the water park, I couldn’t enjoy
the water.
After visiting, I understood why Disney World is so attracting to people. I had a
good time. My Disney World dream came true.
“I came from China eight years ago. I work full time in a hospital. When I am not
working, I like to swim, meet my friends, and talk on the phone. My favorite thing is
travel. I have been meeting with my tutor for about two and a half years. This is my
second writing for ‘Reading for Life.’”
64 READING FOR LIFE 2OO8 • Student Writing
Sonnet to My Morning Coffee
By Paulina Lisowiec
You are waking me up every morning;
You always have that special taste for me
Keeping me from crying and howling.
Because of you, I am able to see
Your taste is deep, like a black magic spell.
Your smell opens a door for the new day.
Sips of you make me hear and angel’s bell;
After that I know what to do and say
You do that for me and for the masses,
Filling the houses with aromas that heal.
Each day you integrate all the classes
Because of the greatness you make us feel.
My Story
By Alejandra Gonzales
y name is Alejandra and I am from
M
Mexico. I am living in East
Quogue, New York. I came to the
USA in 1992 for the first time to work for a
wealthy family as a nanny for two little children,
Joe and Nicky. I still remember their
names. They were living in Dallas, Texas, and
during the summer vacation they usually hired
a nanny to live in for that time (about two
months). They helped me so much to practice
and study English, which was the main reason
I came to America.
I got married in 1997 to a very good man
who is from Poland. I have two energetic children,
Leonardo (7 years old) and Samantha
They call you a coffee, which is modest;
That is why for me you are the goddess.
“I came to the United States from Poland seven
years ago. For the past three and a half years I
have been in the literacy program working to
improve my English skills.”
(10 years old). Also, we have two pets,
Ophelia, our dog, and Guincent, a guinea pig.
I always had trouble expressing myself in the
English language. I wish there could be a
“short cut” to learn it! I just feel that I do not
know even a three, on a scale of one to ten.
I will put all my effort to practicing, listening,
and writing to reach my goal.
......................
“I will put all my effort to
practicing, listening, and writing
[English] to reach my goal.”
.....................
LITERACY SUFFOLK, INC. • Sowing Pearls of Wisdom 65

Board of Directors and Advisory Council
BOARD OF DIRECTORS ADVISORY COUNCIL STUDENT COUNTRIES
Aldustus E. Jordan, Ed.D., President
Kevin Hauss, Vice President
Randolph H. Manning, Ph.D., Second Vice President
Steven A. Moll, Treasurer
Nora Schual, Secretary
David Bouchier, Ph.D.
Virginia Cravotta
Lou de Onis, MS, JD
Leslie Downey, Esq.
Robert A. Margolin, Esq.
Jedan Phillips, M.D.
Barbara Russo
Hector Sepulveda, M.D.
Hon. Janice E. Tinsley-Colbert
MISSION STATEMENT
Literacy Suffolk, Inc., effects countywide
change by improving individual adult
literacy skills through the valuable use
of trained volunteers and by expanding
community awareness.
VISION STATEMENT
We believe that the ability to read, write,
and communicate effectively is critical to
personal freedom and the maintenance of
a democratic society.
Cindy Brodsky
Don Chiappetta
Miriam D. Couch
Rev. Charles A. Coverdale
Maggie DeLollis
Hon. Patricia A. Eddington
Paul J. Edelson, Ph.D.
Deanna Filosa
Alice Flynn
Hon. Brian X. Foley
Hon. Pamela J. Greene
Mark J. Grossman
Terry J. Karl, Esq.
Paula Lambiase
Hon. John Jay LaValle
Jennifer Lynch
Patrick C. McCarthy, Esq.
Cheryl Mchunguzi
George J. Meyer
Rhoda Miller, Ed.D.
Bonnie Nava
Gerald D. Nichols
Joseph O’Conor
Oretta Pringle
Mona Rankin
Robin Young Roe
Mary Sanford
Richard J. Scholem
Sophia Serlis-McPhillips
Christine Conniff Sheahan
Frank Shih, Ph.D.
Marguerite Smith, Esq.
Hon. Robert K. Sweeney
OF ORIGIN
Argentina
Bangladesh
Chile
China
Colombia
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
El Salvador
Guatemala
Haiti
India
Indonesia
Italy
Japan
Mexico
Peru
Poland
Portugal
Republic of Georgia
South Korea
Spain
Ukraine
United States
Uruguay
66 READING FOR LIFE 2OO8 • Student Writing

an accredited ProLiteracy affiliate
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PO Box 9OOO
Bellport, NY 11713
Phone: (631) 286-1649
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admin@literacysuffolk.org
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