ESL Meeting # 8 -12/09/11
This meeting had a lingering feeling of sadness as it was the last time Jeanelie and would see each other. As the last meeting, Jeanelie and I reflected back on the semester and examined some of the most important things that we recalled. Jeanelie began by thanking me for all of the help I offered her and thanked me for being so kind and welcoming with her. She said that she really appreciated the help I offered her on her essays. Jeanelie explained to me that she received a high score on her last writing exam and told me that I was to thank for it.
Jeanelie also talked with me about her time in the US. I asked Jeanelie if she was ready to go home and with enthusiasm, she shared with me that she was. Jeanelie said that she really liked the US; however she missed home and could not wait to get back. Jeanelie explained that she was worried about her travels however. Asking her to explain, Jeanelie shared with me that she had four suitcases to bring back to Venezuela with her. I laughed as she explained her dilemma with me. Jeanelie explained that Delta, the airline her and her husband were taking home, only allowed for each passenger to have two suitcases. Jeanelie had four. I asked her what she was going to do and she said that she had no idea and would just have to figure it out at the airport.
Jeanelie and I reflected on the first time we meant and how I couldn’t believe that she greeted me with a kiss on the cheek. I still laugh about the kiss, as I was not expecting the gesture in any form. Jeanelie and I talked about our discussions we had shared with each other over the last semester. I briefly talked with Jeanelie about my plans to travel to Spain to study abroad next year. Jeanelie explained to me that she loved Spain and was very excited for me. As part of her honeymoon, Jeanelie and her husband spent 3 weeks traveling around Europe. I told Jeanelie that I could not wait to go to Spain.
Jeanelie told me that I had to visit her in Venezuela. She told me that I could stay with her in her home and that she would show me around. I told Jeanelie I would and in all honestly would love to visit her and see her country. It was harder to say goodbye to Jeanelie than I thought it would be. It was weird to think about the idea that I may never see her again. Through the conversations and as the semester progressed, the two of us had become good friends. Throughout the week I would receive the most random and choppy English sentences that would just bring a smile to my face. Jeanelie worked hard while here at TCU and most defiantly improved her English. I was glad I could help.
Jeanelie and I said goodbye and exchanged email address, phone numbers, and addresses. I hope that one day I will be able to see Jeanelie again. We plan to keep in touch over email so hopefully we can stay in contact. Overall I had a great experience with Jeanelie and appreciated all of her hard work and openness with me. I will miss Jeanelie next semester but hope to contact her via email.
David Belpedio
David,
ReplyDeleteI know that feeling. Meeting with my conversation partner, Ruben, for the last time was harder than I thought it was going to be. I went to a restaurant he recommended to me last night and had to text him and let him know and see how he was. It's amazing how close people can get when they meet 6-8 times in person for an hour or two each time. I feel closer to Ruben than I do some people I've known for a year and a half just because I don't have as good of conversations with them. It really goes to show how much having a face to face conversation with someone beats out texting them.