Hannah

Yesterday I met Hannah. To say I was nervous is an understatement. I think she could tell from my constant fidgeting. I was nervous for a few different reasons:

1. I was meeting someone new for the first time. 

2. I didn't want to say something rude or insulting without realizing it. 

3. The coordinator had told me that she changed her name is Hannah instead of Hanan because she realized that many Americans could not properly pronounce her name (see number 2 for insulting...)

While I was nervous, I was beyond excited at the same time! My family hosted a number of exchange students throughout my middle and high school days. I love being able to share our culture with people who are eager to experience it, and I love to learn about others' cultures and how they differ from our own. Over the years we have welcomed students from Spain, Italy, France, South Africa, to name a few into our home. Some of these students we still keep in touch with and have gone to visit! It is such a unique and rewarding experience learning about different aspects of our world.

I had never gotten the chance to become friends with anyone who is visiting from Saudi Arabia. We met in Union Grounds after her Friday classes. She wore long pants, long sleeves, and a head covering. Timidly, we began our conversations about our family. 

Hannah told me that she is here in Texas with her older brother. She added that she has three little sisters at home too- 5, 7, and 9. When I asked for pictures, her face lit up and I got to see about a dozen pictures of these adorable little kids! She later explained that her dad is a pharmacist and her mom just stays at home. When I commented on being busy with three little girls she rolled her eyes and said, "She has two nannies for them." I couldn't help but smile. 

Hannah is at TCU majoring in Petroleum studies. She is the first in her family to do so, and she was only allowed to come to Texas to study because her brother is here too. She said that her brother is majoring in Chemistry to hopefully become a pharmacist like her father.

While she spoke, I sometimes forgot that English was her second language. She understood almost 100% of what I said and I could understand almost everything she said. I was shocked when she mentioned that her English was not very good, "My English is not very good so sometimes classes are difficult. My brother's English is very good though!" On her terms, I can't imagine what he speaks like. 

I was surprised when Hannah mentioned that people talk about her in class. She kept saying, "but it makes me stronger." It took me a second to comprehend truly what she was saying. Even in 2014, college students whisper about people who don't look like them? To me, that is amazing and appalling. She said that nobody but her friends that are also from Saudi Arabia really talk to her at all.  I couldn't dismiss this fact when she mentioned later that she might want to transfer. 

A few other things that stood out to me from our conversation were her answers to these questions: 

"Have you tried American food?"--- What even is American food? You do not have authentic food. American food is just fast food, so no, I have not eaten it. 

Her answer seemed harsh at first but then it seemed just. She continued with asking if I have ever tried Saudi Arabian food to which I answered no. We have plans to go to an authentic lunch on Monday so I can experience her culture a little more. She continued by mentioning (more than once) that I should come over to her apartment so that she can cook for me. 

"When is good to meet for you, Hannah?" --- Fridays are not good because that is the day that my brother and I spend together. Saturdays and Sundays I usually spend the day cleaning and cooking and studying. She went on to ask what I like to do and about my schedule, to which I answered, I like to stay busy. She replied with, "yes, I have discovered this about Americans." 

I can't remember exactly how this came up, but she said, "When I came here I expected everyone to look like the model and actresses in movies but this is not true!" 

The last thing that I would like to make a note of was her comment about school. She says that school here is very hard. I can imagine with her class load and constantly having to translate things, but she went on to explain that classes in her hometown would be about 6 people and that school was very laid back. You could come and go as you would like. Here, on the other hand, she said, "You have to be on time!" sounding surprised. She went on to tell me how cheating is not a very big problem where she is from. 

After an hour together, I am beyond excited for our next meeting! Hannah opened my eyes to a new way of seeing TCU, the United States, and the world. I have had such an amazing time getting to know her, I can't wait to see what the future holds.