University of New England: Nawwal Moustafatag:blogs.targetx.com,2008:/une/NawwalMoustafa//4642008-12-05T15:40:02ZMovable Type 3.34finals/ teachingtag:blogs.targetx.com,2008:/une/NawwalMoustafa//464.82782008-12-05T01:54:57Z2008-12-05T15:40:02ZHi! to all you high school kids, finals week will be a toss up. I have no finals at all during finals week!! I just have a bunch of projects and a take home final. I dont have any lab...Nawwal Moustafatargetx
Hi!
to all you high school kids, finals week will be a toss up. I have no finals at all during finals week!! I just have a bunch of projects and a take home final. I dont have any lab sciences and I dont have a math class right now, and most of my classes are ones where testing isnt really a proper way to evaluate the information Ive retained..(like education class, art etc). I do have a ton of projects going on right now though.
But finals week really is a toss up. You can be lucky like me and have none, or you can end up having 5 or more. It really depends on your classes and your major. A friend of mine has her chem, bio, and french finals with fifteen or twenty minute breaks in between. So, as you can see, experiences vary a lot.
did I already talk about my education fieldwork yet? I dont think so. So, for my education class we do fieldwork in the school system in Old Orchard Beach. (if youre not familiar with the area, old orchard beach is two towns over.) I spent about 8 weeks in a middle school art classroom helping out, observing, working with the kids etc. I had a blast, i miss it already. The kids and i grew really close- I just loved them! I shadowed an amazing teacher. Her classroom is amazing, even the ceiling is decorated! For my goodbye, the kids made me a card, and Mrs. Bolduc (the amazing teacher) bought me a really nice journal and a set of 36 prismacolors...AND she bought a good luck cake for the class. It was such a great day, i wont ever forget that experience:)
I forgottag:blogs.targetx.com,2008:/une/NawwalMoustafa//464.82082008-12-01T08:07:10Z2008-12-01T15:41:19ZI just wanted to say a little something about how incredible the human connection is. Its funny how inside jokes can develop in just a few days. "its officiiaaaaallll." - you know who you are if that quote made you...Nawwal Moustafatargetx
I just wanted to say a little something about how incredible the human connection is.
Its funny how inside jokes can develop in just a few days. "its officiiaaaaallll." - you know who you are if that quote made you laugh.
One thing I have certainly learned from going far from home and experiencing many many different places in the last year is that there are kind people everywhere. I think there were like 5 or 6 people who hugged me the first time they met me this last week. Its that kind of thing that silently keeps the world running.
peace and love for real this time.
oh and if you have never been, theres a place called the Christmas Tree Shop.... also pretty sweet.
what a great break!!tag:blogs.targetx.com,2008:/une/NawwalMoustafa//464.82072008-12-01T07:42:21Z2008-12-05T15:40:40ZOh my goooooodnesssssss! So. Much of my blog has been about being away from home, and guess what? this entry is too. Surprise! Anyway, as Im sure you know, this last week was thanksgiving break. I didnt get to go...Nawwal Moustafatargetx
a house. Sometimes being on campus gets to be a little much if you dont spend any time in a family/home environment, and time away can do you good sometimes.
continuing with the recap- We got to Alyssas house and hung with her brother, his friend, as well as my favorite kid ever, Billy. Billy is Alyssas neighbor. That night her parents cooked us dinner and I honestly felt like I should have tipped at the end of the meal the service was so good:) Really though, the amount of hospitality i received was extremely generous. I was asked so many times if I wanted a snack, more to eat, a cup of tea,etc. I felt very, very welcomed.
Wednesday we spent time running around to different areas, like Alyssas old high school and her old work. We also went with her sisters Kailyn and Nicole to a thrift store and I found a sweet little wooden painted thing. It looks like a piggy bank but the slots closed.
Thursday was Thanksgiving, and we spent it at her grandparents' house. I had so much fun!! Both her grandparents welcomed me with a hug, and I found the whole gang to be that friendly. Being the kid fanatic that I am, I immediately found my niche playing with Alyssas younger cousins who are 5 and 7. We played Simon says and Statue, as well as visiting the park in Laurance, Mass where Alyssas grandparents live and fitting some coloring in as well. We ate a bangin thanksgiving meal, and later on played some board games. Alyssa's aunts Erica and Lynne along with her mom, sisters, me and her uncle David played apples to apples (pretty much my fave) and this hilarious game called Snorta, which is pretty much all about making ridiculou animal sounds. SO fun though. We had some really good dessert later on and the whole day was just a riot. What a fun group of people! Someone I forgot to mention is Alyssas cousin Chelsea, who is a year older than me i think. Chelsea is a riot!
Friday I worked on homework :/ But It was still a really fun day. That night we went to some old friends of the Fastnacht family's house. Nice people!
Saturday was spent at the mall. New Hampshire and Oregon have something in common- no sales tax baby!!!! Anyway, it was fun just going around the place like I do at home. I bought some stuff but I cant tell you what because they are christmas gifts. I can tell you that I recommend the black tea/green tea flavor of Fuse juice. So bangin.
Today was the last day at the Fastnacht house:/ I miss it! I got my first real church experience today, and I am really glad I got to go. Experiencing things that you arent used to is so important.
I had such a great week! It was so fun, I felt so at home, and met some wonderful people. Ugh Im tired! Im the last one in the fourth floor lounge tonight. OH! and coming back to the dorm from a break is really fun too. Seeing everyone after a week is such a fun little reunion. we all celebrated by watching a new documentary on britney spears in the lounge. classy, i know.
peace and love.]]>
boston!tag:blogs.targetx.com,2008:/une/NawwalMoustafa//464.81272008-11-24T04:47:34Z2008-11-24T18:01:04ZHelllllloo readers! On friday Alyssa, and I as well as out friends Jenny, Sarah and Brittany took a train to Boston. Sarah and Brittany went to visit their friends at their schools, and Alyssa, Jenny and I went to visit...Nawwal Moustafatargetx
Helllllloo readers!
On friday Alyssa, and I as well as out friends Jenny, Sarah and Brittany took a train to Boston. Sarah and Brittany went to visit their friends at their schools, and Alyssa, Jenny and I went to visit Alyssa's sister at her school. I am still amazed at how small the states in New England are- We went from Maine, through New Hampshire and into Mass in two hours including all the stop time.
We arrived in Boston around 6 in the evening, and it set in pretty immediately that we were in such a big, busy place. The people in the bus station were literally running to a new destination. I have seen busy people but not running in masses to wherever they are headed...its so rushed! The other amazing thing about Boston is how many young people live there- there are so many universities there and so many students. The public transit in boston is way more confusing than what i have at home, but also really amazing.
We went to the grocery store and the prudential center, then headed to Alyssas sister's boyfriends place. We ate dinner there and hung out there until pretty late, then headed to Kailyns (alyssas sister) apartment. We crashed there, then got up the next day, had some good breakfast cooked by kailyn and Leo (kailyns boyfriend) and then headed to quincy market which is an amazing area full of stores and attractions. I unintentionally started christmas shopping while i was there!! There was a performance troop set up with a stage performing christmas songs, and a group of bell players. It was such a cool experience! i love the holidays.
After shopping, we went to a restaurant called fire and ice. There, you get your own raw food thats been chlling over ice, then bring it to the grill and the chefs cook it on the spot for you. what a fun place!!
My next adventure is going to New Hampshire for thanksgiving with Alyssa!!
talk to you soon!
friends :)tag:blogs.targetx.com,2008:/une/NawwalMoustafa//464.80732008-11-20T05:21:13Z2008-11-20T14:57:50ZSo... Ive written three or four times but havent put any pictures up! I have been having trouble uploading them, but Ill keep trying. Anyway...some of the best moments of college so far have been spent with my friends from...Nawwal Moustafatargetx
So... Ive written three or four times but havent put any pictures up! I have been having trouble uploading them, but Ill keep trying. Anyway...some of the best moments of college so far have been spent with my friends from my floor.
I have a group of amazing friends, especially Alyssa. She is my best friend out here, we stay up together every night. Alyssa is also a blogger:) We met at orientation at the end of August, and became really really close towards the end of september. She is just a blast, and a truly caring friend. There is simply too much to say about that girl- We watch Golden Girls together, bug each other between classes, she has me watch hilarious german cartoon movies with her that although i dont understand i still find extremely funny, she makes me cds... I draw her pictures... she is my partner in crime!!!
I also spend a ton of time with my roommates Brittany and Sarah, my friends down the hall; Brianna, Jenny, Kelsey, Lauren, Erin, Kayla, Jess, Ashley, Millie, Katelyn and Sarah. Theres also people who arent on my floor or in my buidling, like Dan, and Bruce. I think each of these people have played a significant role in college so far, and without them, it wouldnt be the same :)
distancetag:blogs.targetx.com,2008:/une/NawwalMoustafa//464.80202008-11-15T23:06:23Z2008-11-16T22:11:24Zwhen I first came to UNE i thought id be the only person from a place far away... but its not like that at all. Right now there are people in my room from Maine, Mass, Minnesota, California, and of...Nawwal Moustafatargetx
when I first came to UNE i thought id be the only person from a place far away... but its not like that at all. Right now there are people in my room from Maine, Mass, Minnesota, California, and of course, Oregon.
I know people from tons of different places in the US, and international students as well. Lets see... I know at least one person from the following states: California, Washington, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maine, Mass, New Hampshire, Florida, Rhode island, South Carolina, Vermont, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Alabama. Im sure theres tons more from other places!
just a quick note :)
back on campustag:blogs.targetx.com,2008:/une/NawwalMoustafa//464.79792008-11-13T19:26:14Z2008-11-13T21:27:18Z I just got back a few days ago from visiting home, but i'll talk about that later! In a nutshell, it was a blast. Seeing my family was so wonderful. Anyway, something I have been meaning to share, is...Nawwal Moustafatargetx
I just got back a few days ago from visiting home, but i'll talk about that later! In a nutshell, it was a blast. Seeing my family was so wonderful.
Anyway, something I have been meaning to share, is all of the funny differences in slang Ive noticed comparing where I'm from, to being at school in New England.
I call my grandparents grandma and grandpa, my friends here at UNE call theirs Meme and Pepe.
On the west coast we call beatle cars "slug bugs" and kids here call them "punch buggies."
at home we say very, really, hardcore...etc, and on the east coast they say, "wicked."
I call my shoes tennis shoes, most people here call them sneakers,
I call it pop, here they call it soda.
There are tons more I'm sure, but for now thats all that stands out to me. I only get teased for calling soda "pop." The rest they let slide:)
tag:blogs.targetx.com,2008:/une/NawwalMoustafa//464.79422008-11-11T20:13:38Z2008-11-11T20:36:01Z Hey guys! I guess I should tell you a little about myself before you read what I write... My names Nawwal, and I'm 18. I was born in Seattle, but was raised in the incredible city of Beaverton, Oregon....Nawwal Moustafatargetx
Hey guys! I guess I should tell you a little about myself before you read what I write... My names Nawwal, and I'm 18. I was born in Seattle, but was raised in the incredible city of Beaverton, Oregon. I have a tremendously strong and wonderfully hilarious family that consists of my mom, my step dad, my brother, my two sisters, my brother-in-law, and my darling little niece and nephew. I've spent much of the past four or so years being really involved in school with organizations like student government, diversity club, and tons of community service. I love kids...love love love them, and so i spent about 3 years coaching youth soccer and basketball. Im also really into art...its been a focus for me throughout the last couple of years as well. I decided to come to UNE after I visited last year and it felt like a great place to be. Its far from home but i wanted the adventure.
and if youre wondering about my name, Im half Egyptian.
So its been more than two months since the beginning of school and so much has happened! I flew from my hometown of Portland, Oregon on august 29th. I left Oregon really early in the morning, and the airport was way more crowded than my family or I had anticipated, so it was a really short goodbye. I checked in and for some reason was automatically bumped to first class! Unfortunately it was only a short flight to Utah, but still really awesome. After two more flights I arrived in Maine where a whole new part of my life began.
Since then, lots has happened; I became a tour guide, started my field work and the path to become a teacher, participated in my first presidential election and watched our country elect a new president, and closest to my heart; I gained a new nephew!
Much of my experience has been typical; I got to the dorms at UNE, made friends, started classes, and was definitely really homesick for a while. That’s a real part of college!! But the great thing is the friends ive made who have helped me through missing my family. No matter where you go to school, building a network of people to have fun with and exchange support with, is so crucial.