Ishak, I completely agree with you. I think this virus has really changed the world in so many ways. To hear that your religion was affected is truly saddening. Many large events are being altered, and there is nothing we can do to fix it. We can only make the best of the situation at hand. In my religion class, we actually read about how Ramadan was being affected by COVID-19, here’s the link: https://religionnews.com/2020/04/23/during-ramadan-in-quarantine-muslims-get-creative-to-preserve-community/. It talks about how people are dealing with it. By setting up zoom meetings, using social media, or even mailing things to each other, the interaction can be felt in a way. I know Ramadan is very much based on the idea of community, and without it, I bet it is hard. It is like you are just going through the motions in a way, and not fully experiences Ramadan. However, the virus has made us manage the times differently. I know that you have been able to adapt with the situation, and the internet and social media, as you said, really helps. Finally, I agree with your statement that this virus makes us think about our blessings and helps us realize that we must cherish the time we have before our lives can be changed like they have now. I think this piece was very good, and I applaud you for working through Ramadan to the best of your abilities. I loved hearing about your experience in past years, it seems like a very influential moment in your life. Hopefully you make it through Ramadan, and I hope to hear about your experience, and what you did to adapt. Stay safe!

Hi! It’s crazy to read and hear about how the virus is affecting so many people and religions. In all honestly, when this first began, I was so excited because no school, but after a few weeks passed, I started realizing how bad this is affecting everyone. But like you said, this situation has made us focus on the positives of the Internet and focus on the memories we’ve made before this happened.

good job ishak I really liked your story and I see how hard was for you to come to the united state
keep going

Dear Ishak
I am surprised by your post “Crossing The Red Sea” because it looks really good
One sentence you wrote that stands out for me is ” people always think that I’m not strong, with a small, sacred heart, but the reality is on the inside I am a volcano” I think this because people also think that about me too they think that because I’m still a kid and scared and stuff like that but they can’t read us from inside because inside us there is a whole different world.
This reminds me of an experience I had once when I was in Yemen at those days when they were the war the aggression they were Rockets hit and there were somebody parts were in our roof because there was a big explosion in the mountain and our house was under the mountain. Thanks for your writing I look forward to seeing what you write next.

Dear Ishak,
I am inspired by your post, thinking that you and your family had to run out of your own country because of war and because everything was turning inside out, the story make me think about a book I read and also today in my country the same thing is happening not a war between countries but a civil war and now my country turned inside out.
I also like this passage from your story I was lying on my back and meditating on the stars because I could not sleep, and the sea was all around me, calm. My nephew and my cousin are asleep as if they were unconscious. Because I can create the image of trying to sleep while your family is deeply in sleep.
I really loved your story I think it was kind of an adventure.

Dear Ishak:
I am inspired by your poem, “What I am made of,” because it shows so many memorable moments. your poem is so toughing because you quoted so many things that everybody goes through every day
One sentence you wrote that stands out for me is: “I am made of sharing my opinion,” I think this is an interesting quote that shows how you like speaking your mind in your own way because it helps others know you understand.
Your poem reminds me of a story I read when I was little. Thanks for your writing. I look forward to seeing what you write next because I enjoyed it.

Hi Ishak,
I would like to say that I was very impressed with this piece of writing even more so when I learned that you only started learning English three years ago. I though you brought up a lot of good points about how being multilingual can never be anything other a positive thing. I myself wish I was able to speak more than one language. It appalls me that people in this country still do not respect others cultures and languages. Are you still learning Spanish? Can’t wait to see what else you write.
Violet

Dear Ishak,

I am really impressed with your work. Your podcast could relate to a lot of people, there experiences of language loss.

One aspect of your podcast that stood out for me was: when you said people make fun of Arabic language. I think that’s not right to make fun of any language in general. People could speak the language they want, nobody is perfect.

Your podcast reminds me of something that happened to me. I’m not really good at reading or writing in Arabic. A lot of times my siblings makes fun of me speaking Arabic.

Thanks for your writing. I look forward to seeing what you write next, because it was really good, keep up. !!


This is very interesting commentary, Ishak. I am impressed that after only three years in the U.S. you have developed very strong English skills. According to The New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/18/opinion/sunday/the-benefits-of-bilingualism.html#), being bilingual makes you think about the world in a different way, and in turn makes you smarter. Many people believe that when you speak another language, your thought process is very different from when you speak your own language which in turn helps you see the world in an entirely new way. I will look forward to your next post.

Ishak,
I really enjoyed your post. You title caught my attention because I think people do not think about expanding their mind by learning new languages to further their education about the word we live in. Learning new languages will certainly help you become more intelligent and understand why certain things happen in the world. You may enjoy this article: https://www.fluentu.com/blog/advantages-of-learning-a-foreign-language/

Ishak, I enjoyed reading your post, and I’m impressed with your English skills with only three years of learning. I would agree that being bilingual or multilingual is definitely a huge advantage in life. You may find this article helpful: http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20160811-the-amazing-benefits-of-being-bilingual. I’m looking forward to seeing what you write next.

Dear Ishak ,

I am excited about your post because it shows how the students went out to the street and protest because they didn’t want to speak white Afrikaans language.

One sentence you wrote that stands out for me is: “They feel sad, they say this is Anti, because they dead the truth, to defined the country and make everyone equal.” I think this is sad because it show how the students want to be free and speak there own languages they didn’t want to speak white Afrikaans languages.

Your post reminds me of something that happened to me. One time when I was in Yemen and they Yemeni people went out and protest because there were other country wanted to take over and they end up killing the Yemeni people.

Thanks for your writing. I look forward to seeing what you write next, because I liked the way you it because next time I will try come and visit your page because it show a lot of idea because it show how people still cares about the students who died back then in Africa.

Ishak, I am also very angered by this teachers comments. I believe a diversity in languages could rather improve how America functions rather than act as a barrier. I believe this gives everyone an opportunity to step outside and learn a new language. I do not believe English should be the only spoken language in the United States at all. I think Americans need to celebrate and take pride in the level of diversity this country has to offer. I agree very much with your stance, and I hope this gave you some insight on your topic. Good job!