Fall Greetings!!! - University of Bridgeport

September Issue: Volume 6, Issue 2
Diversity
Crossroads
Fall Greetings!!!
In This Issue:
● Country Spotlight
● Recipes
● City Spotlight
● Alumni corner
● OPT students
● Halloween
● Education system that I admire
● Upcoming Holidays
● Upcoming events
● Saudi National Day
● Chinese Talent Show
● Student Interviews
Volume 6, Issue 2
Diversity Crossroads
Page 1
Country
Spotlight
Morocco
Over 32 million people live in Morocco, two million of whom live in Rabat. Not only is Rabat
the second largest city in Morocco, but it is also the capital. The city was given the status of
capital in 1912 by the French. Despite the independence of the country in 1952, Rabat remained the capital. The city is not considered the commercial capital. However the government and the King are located there.
Over three million people live in Casablanca, which makes it the largest city in the country.
The most popular sight is the Hassan II Mosque. Being able to hold over 100,000 Muslims inside, it is the largest mosque in the world. While only Muslim people are allowed inside, other
people can admire it from the outside and possibly have a tour of some of the areas inside.
Morocco’s government system is a constitutional monarchy. A constitutional monarchy is a
type of system that is ruled by a king or queen limited by the constitution and laws of that specific nation. The country’s current king is King Mohammad VI. He came into power on July
23, 1999 and known for being more liberal than his father. In the beginning, the King began to
make changes by raising the age for women to get married and gave them the chance to get a
divorce if they wanted/needed to. When the Arab Spring broke out, the citizens of Morocco
wished for King Mohammad VI to have less absolute power and by June, the King modified
the constitution to do just that.
Morocco also has delicious food. The food is famous for the use of spices like cinnamon, cumin, turmeric, ginger, pepper, paprika, anise seeds, coriander, and saffron. A lot of their dishes
include couscous and vegetables and/or meat. The most popular meats used are beef, lamb, and
chicken. With the sights of Rabat and Casablanca, delicious spices, and more, it is no wonder
that people enjoy visiting Morocco!
Volume 6, Issue 2
Diversity Crossroads
Page 2
Veggie
Lasagna
This is a vegetarian alternative to the classic meat
lasagna. It’s a dish than anyone can enjoy.
By: Amanda Dionne
Ingredients:
1 1/2 quarts spaghetti sauce (your favorite homemade or jar spaghetti sauce)
1/2 cup grated carrot
1/2 teaspoon oregano
9 cooked lasagna noodles
1 (16 ounce) container ricotta cheese
1 (16 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained
1 1/2 cups thinly sliced zucchini
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
3 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Directions:
1.) Mix carrots, oregano, and spaghetti sauce together.
2.) Mix Ricotta and spinach together in sepa
-rate bowl.
3.) Spread ½ cup spaghetti sauce in bottom of
9 x 13 inch baking dish.
4.) Layer 3 lasagna noodles, ½ remaining
sauce, ½ Ricotta mixture, ½ sliced zucchi
-ni, ½ sliced mushrooms, ½ Mozzarella,
and ½ Parmesan.
5.) Repeat layers with remaining ingredients.
6.) Bake in 350 degrees oven for about 45
minutes
Volume 6, Issue 2
Diversity Crossroads
Page 3
Spiced
Couscous
An easy accompaniment to
Moroccan dishes.
2
By: Amanda Dionne
Ingredients:
2 cups chicken stock
1/3 cup currants
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon allspice
1 cup quick-cooking couscous
Directions:
1.) Bring stock, currants, salt and allspice to boil.
2.) Add couscous and boil 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
3.) Remove from heat, cover and let stand 5 minutes.
4.) Fluff with fork and serve.
Volume 6, Issue 2
Diversity Crossroads
Page 4
Weekend
Get-away
By: Amanda Dionne
Now that you have arrived in Philadelphia you
need to decide what to do. There are so many
amazing things to experience, eat, and see
while there but here are a few of the favorites.
1.) Liberty Bell Center: (Free)
*The Liberty Bell Center offers informational video presentations (offered in
many different languages) that details the bell's history.
2.) Independence Hall (Free)
* Independence Hall is open daily with tours beginning at 9 a.m. Generally, the
final tour is given around 5 p.m.
3.) Rittenhouse Square
* features plenty of top-notch restaurants, elegant stores and a host of trendy
nightlife venues.
4.) Philadelphia Zoo ($18)
*the Philadelphia Zoo is the first and oldest zoo in the country
5.) Macy’s Philadelphia
*Retail shopping in old fashioned elegance, Macy's towering ceilings and
century-old architecture is a must-see.
6.) Love Park
*Also known as the JFK Plaza, Love Park is home to the iconic LOVE sculpture
and is a resting spot atop the bustling Ben Franklin Parkway.
Philadelphia
There are so many things to do in Philadelphia that one weekend is not enough to see
everything, but if a weekend is all you have, there are a few things you must see. Before
we start talking about what to do while you’re there, you must get there first. The easiest,
and probably cheapest way is to take the Metro-North train to Grand Central Station (cost
$12.25 or $16.25 depending on whether it’s peak or off-peak) Next you want to take the
M-42 bus to 42nd St. and 11th Ave. From there you will walk to 34th street and take
Mega Bus to Philadelphia (price varies but can be as cheep as $5 one way).
These are just a few, but there are many more fun and exciting things to do while you’re
there. I would definitely recommend just roaming around and seeing what there is to see.
There is so much history to be seen and experienced in Philadelphia that one trip alone is
not enough. If a weekend is all you have, make sure to take in as much as you can.
Volume 6, Issue 2
Diversity Crossroads
Page 5
Alumni
Corner
Reverse
Going
Culture
Back H
Shock
ome
I went to my cou
ntry to attend m
y brother ’s wedd
the 1st floor of th
ing. I used to wo
e library, so I mis
rk on
sed my work. It a
and I always lea
lways kept me b
rned something
usy
because I had ch
international stu
ance to interact
dents.
with
Noureen Dhanan
i
When I went to my country, I missed the fresh Air of Connecticut and Green trees. I missed some people from Connecticut because of their friendly nature and my friends .
DA Ma
When I w
ent back to
m
and polite
people fro y country China, I m
m
is
people fro
m the Uni the USA. Wheneve sed the nice
ted
rI
me and th
at attracted states, they were a talked to
lways poli
me here.
te to
Na Wan
When I went back to my country, Iraq, I missed my school and
my friends. I just finished ELI at my school and I was ready to
come back to school to start my Master’s Degree here. I was so
ambitious to come back to school and start my Master’s program.
chool and
s
y
m
d
e
s
is
m
I
my country
to
k
c
a
b
t
n
e
w
I
t and weather
n
e
m
n
When
o
ir
v
n
e
e
o usuds . I like th
s
n
y
ie
it
fr
rs
y
e
m
iv
n
f
o
U
y
ts
lo
freedom at m
t
o
g
I
d
n
a
h
c
u
here so m
freedom.
y
m
d
e
y
jo
n
e
I
ally
Nguyen Thong
Nazar Fadhil.
Volume 6, Issue 2
Diversity Crossroads
Page 6
OPT Students
Post Studies
University of Bridgeport helped me a lot to apply for OPT . It is a great opportunity and good platform for any students to learn something in their own field
and make a good life . OPT allows a student to work legally in the United
States, so I think that’s a great thing.
--Chiramdas Venkat Ramana
I really enjoyed the work while I was on OPT, When I got my EAD card I was so happy and
excited to work. While I miss my home, I am getting great experience here so I am happy.
— Zhang Wu
I was so excited and happy to graduate from the University of Bridgeport and ready to work
and get some experience and apply my skills. Right now I am on OPT and I am enjoying my
work. Now I have a good life and I am so happy to get experience it in the United States.
—Chen Yun
I was a student at UB until last semester and honestly I had the best days of my
life at the campus. It was a home away from home!!When I first arrived I was
confused and surprised with my own life and the people here helped me to
achieve those dreams. I am truly grateful to Kiran from Career Services and
Professor Gupta from the Electrical Engineering department who helped me
achieve those dreams. I started as an intern and the same company wanted to
hire me full time. Unfortunately immigration was an issue so I decided to graduate last minute and go for my OPT. The moment I got my card last month I
felt I was finally out of my comfort zone and it was time to make progress towards my destiny. The bitter fact of life is nothing happens in our comfort
zone!! I truly miss UB!!
--Kireeti Gudipati
Volume 6, Issue 2
Diversity Crossroads
Page 7
Halloween
Celebration
One quarter of all the candy sold annually in the U.S. is purchased
for Halloween
Straddling the line between fall and winter,
plenty and paucity, life and death, Halloween
is a time of celebration and superstition.
It is thought to have originated with the ancient
Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light
bonfires and wear costumes to ward off roaming
ghosts. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honor all saints and
martyrs; the holiday, All Saints’ Day, incorporated
some of the traditions of Samhain.
The evening before was known as All Hallows’ Eve and later
Halloween. Over time, Halloween evolved into a secular,
community-based event characterized by child-friendly activities such as trick-or-treating. In a number of countries
around the world, as the days grow shorter and the nights get
colder, people continue to usher in the winter season with
gatherings, costumes and sweet treats.
Some of these practices include praying, fasting, and attending worship
services. “Father, All-Powerful and Ever-Living God, today we rejoice
in the holy men and women of every time and place. May their prayers
bring us your forgiveness and love. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.” —All Hallow's Eve Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours.
Volume 6, Issue 2
Diversity Crossroads
Page 8
Education System
That I Admire
Going back to those old school days, I remember how we used to struggle to get a passing score on our exams. During middle school we would have eight to nine hours of class most days, Sunday through Friday. In
high school, the system of education was the same. Listening to our Professor’s lecture, taking notes, and
studying hard every day and night, this is how the education system has been growing day by day. We had to
rely on books instead of any extra knowledge and did not have any extra activities or group work. Most of
the time, listening to the lecture and preparing for the exams based on that lecture, was how I passed back in
Nepal. After going through the United States education system, I can really appreciate the way it is shaped. It
is based on activities, interactions, and participation among the students. I feel that this is how the education
system needs to be back in my country.
Instead of just relying on a single book, if students are given an opportunity to prepare everything by themselves it not only helps the student to be independent, but more confident as well. They have the power to be
more critical thinkers. The way in which students are asked to write papers on different topics and prepare
for presentations in the USA as well as other countries is a great idea.
After completing my first Masters Degree from South Korea, and now continuing my second Master Degree
here at UB, I have learned several techniques to make my education skills stronger. Professors here at UB
are very helpful and cooperative like professors back in my home country Nepal. Every country has its own
education system and if we want to pursue our studies in different systems then we should be able to adjust
to that environment. However as time passes we should always improve education systems using methods
that have proven successful in other countries. Activities like writing research papers, class presentations, in
class simulation, and participating in class discussions everyday has developed my skills better than before. I
really adore the education system here at The University of Bridgeport.
Gita Poudel
Graduate School of Global Development and Peace
Volume 6, Issue 2
Diversity Crossroads
Page 9
Holidays
Domestic and International Celebrations
World Food Day: October 16
It is celebrated every year around the world on October
16th in honor of the founding of the Food and Agriculture
Organization a branch of the United Nations in 1945. It is
also the Food Engineer day.
DUSSERA : October 24
It is also know as Vijayadasami Dussehra or as Vijayadashmi. This is a major
Indian festival celebrated on the tenth day of the Ashvin month. According to the
Hindu calendar it celebrates the killing of demon Mahishasur by Goddess Durga.
Dussehra. The celebration spreads the message of the victory of good over sin.
AUSTRIAN NATIONAL DAY : October 26
The Republic of Austria celebrates its National Day. Commemorating the establishment of the Austrian State Treaty in 1955 which eventually resulted in
the country’s independence.
International Internet Day : October 29
It is celebrated worldwide, every year on 29th of October. Since the year
2005 International Internet Day has been famously celebrated to commemorate a momentous day in the history of telecommunications and technology.
ALL SAINTS DAY : November 1st
All Saints' Day is a celebration of all Christian saints, particularly those who have no special feast days of their own.
In many Roman Catholic, Anglican and Protestant churches it is also known as All Hallows Tide, All-Hallomas, or
All Hallows' Day
Volume 6, Issue 2
Diversity Crossroads
Page
g
n
i
m
o
pc s
U Event
What : Diwali
When : Wednesday , November 14 4:00 to 6:00 pm
Where : Student Center Social room
Why : To experience the cultural heritage of India
What: International Talent Show
When : Friday November 16,2012 7pm-10pm
Where: Student Center Social Room
Note: If you have a talent or want to show off fashion,
please sign up soon !!!
What: OPT sessions
When : Tuesday November 6 12:00 to 1:00 pm
Where: Private Dining Room
Why: To have your questions answered about OPT and
how to find a job.
Volume 6, Issue 2
Diversity Crossroads
Page
Saudi
National Day
Saudi National day is a very important day to all Saudi Arabian students. The
holiday is celebrated on 23 September every year.
Saudi National Day in Saudi Arabia is a very big Festival. Each city has a specific place to go
and celebrate with family. All friends and family get together and go eat, celebrate, and enjoy.
King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al-Saud founded modern day Saudi Arabia on September
23, 1932. On this day people celebrate the National Day, a day of pride for all Saudis. The
country achieved great feats in a very short time. King Abdulaziz united a fragile country and
built one of the fastest growing economies in the world. When oil was discovered eight years
after Saudi Arabia was founded, it became a major player in politics and economics
Saudi National day was celebrated in the social room on September 21st 2012 from 2.00 P.M
to 4.00 P.M . The U.B. President, many directors ,staff, international and domestic students
showed up. Around 200-250 people came. The celebration started with a short speech about
the history of Saudi Arabia. There was a gallery section about education, health, economy, history, and women . There was a small section to take pictures in traditional Saudi dress. Many
people danced to the national rhythm. At the end of the celebration people enjoyed the traditional food of Saudi Arabia.
Volume 6, Issue 2
Diversity Crossroads
Page
UB Chinese Talent Show
Let’s show your talent this fall
On the afternoon of October 5th, before fall was over, a special activity took place. This event was the second Chinese Talent Show at the University of Bridgeport. It was held in the Student Center and organized
by The University of Bridgeport’s Chinese Student Scholar Association. It was a successful and energetic
event that everyone loved.
The Chinese Talent show is a traditional activity and an annual event which is for new students who come
to UB. The aim of the show is to invite new students to get together with the Chinese students here. The
activity was aimed at encouraging them to show their potential and expertise and screened students who
have talent in preparation for the coming annual Spring Festival Gala.
At the beginning of the event, Da Ma, president of UBCSSA gave a speech. Da Ma gave a high level of
support and evaluation for the event, and endorsed every department of UBCSSA for planning and coordination of this activity. At the end of the speech, he said every Chinese student is welcome to participate in
all activities.
Next, the hosts introduced the event process and rules. Also three lucky audience members would be extracted during the event. There were ten competitors and one person would win first prize, one second
prize, one third prize and the most popular award in the final results.
After, the first person was presented and everyone was excited during the whole event. With a high level of
performance, the judges and the audience gave them an ovation and spoke highly of the participants. In the
show, we also had a special game for the audience to participate in. It attracted the audience’s attention and
all the students there enjoyed the game. After the performance the judges selected the winner for the
awards. Mengyao Wang had the honor to win the champion and most popular award; the runner-up was
Caixia Wu; the third place was Chun Pan.
At the end of the event the players and audience chimed "The Fluttering Red Flag", this event came to a
perfect end. All the people that attended the event had a great time there. The show ended with our Chinese
popular song “The Fluttering Red Flag”.
Volume 6, Issue 2
Diversity Crossroads
Page
Student Interviews
It has been more than two months since school has started. Here are two
students who want to share their views on how UB has been for them so far
Jose Cabrera (a domestic student view)
Q.) Where are you from ?
A.) I am a Connecticut resident.
Q.) How was UB when you first arrived? . What is the difference from high school and here ?
A.) When I came to UB I was alone and now I have a lot of friends. I really like UB, its quite different from high school.
The teaching style is different and every professor has his own style of teaching. Some professors like to be emailed
and some don't like. I liked how the things are well organized.
Q.) Looking back to day one when you came to UB, what has changed now ?
A.) I never expected that I would get completely comfortable with the school.
Q.) What was your biggest shock ?
A.) The biggest shock was how fast I got used to the university life.
Q.) What is your favorite part of UB ?
A.) My favorite part is the teachers. They are really good and you can talk to them freely.
Q.) Do you work in university ?
A.) I work in the university art gallery. I help them in setting up and any other things the gallery needs.
Q.) How do you spend your typical day and weekends ?
A.) The typical weekend I’ll meet up with friends, do homework, relax and do video games, during the week I go to class,
study and do homework
Q.) Are you involved in any clubs and do you attend events ?
A.) I have attended a few events conducted by SPB, I really want to get involved in clubs but I don't have any sources on how to get involved.
Abdul Rahman Alsaadi (A international student view)
Q.) Hi how are you? where are you from ?
A.) Hi I am fine thank you! I am from Saudi Arabia.
Q.) How is UB treating you? Is there any differences from high school in your home country and UB.
A.) Yes UB is really good, I liked it. I faced a little problem in choosing classes. We can choose classes on your wish and I was confused with which class to take. going
back to my home country my high school has an American curriculum but in the university its quite different. The
number of students in class and teaching style is completely different.
Q.) What was your biggest shock when you came to UB ?
A.) The biggest shock when I came to UB was using Blackboard. I couldn't handle submitting my homework in Black
board but now its fine, I got used to Blackboard.
Q.) Do you see any difference from the fist day of UB to now?
A.) Yes I do, now the security in the campus has increased. When I came here I was alone and now I have more friends and
got used to teaching style.
Q.) Do you work on campus?
A.) No I don't work right now, I am looking forward to work soon.
Q.) How do you spend your typical day?
A.) I wake up at 9:00AM, get ready, and come to school . I attend my classes and spend time in the library studying, meeting
up with friends, and doing my assignments.
Q.) How do you spend your typical weekends?
A.) I Mostly hangout with my cousins and friends. We all go to New Jersey or Boston which are safe places.
Q.) What message do you want to give to students ?
A.) I wish every one good luck. Things are well organized here and it’s a good place to study .
Volume 6, Issue 2
Diversity Crossroads
Page
In loving Memory
Moin Hassan
May the roads rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rain fall soft upon your fields
And, until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of his hand
Volume 6, Issue 2
Diversity Crossroads
Page
FunFacts
Did you know that it is impossible to sneeze keeping your eyes open? Try it!!
An average human loses about 200 head hairs per day.
About 42,000 tennis balls are used at the Wimbledon championships, every year
A chimpanzee can learn to recognize itself in a mirror, but monkeys can't.
Ever visited Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwe-nuakit natahu? That's a hill in New Zealand with the longest place
name!
All citizens officially become a year older on New Year's Day, regardless of their birthdays, in Bhutan!!
Want to share your views,
Want to write a article,
Contact us @
UNIVERSITY OF BRIDGEPORT
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES
Graduate Assistants
Amanda, Pavani, Samantha, shreya….
Volume 6, Issue 2
Diversity Crossroads
Page