American short stories

In my three weeks at Trinity University I attended an American short story class, which is taught by Dr. Aarons. I am really impressed by Dr. Aarons and her way of shaping the class. She is clever, well organized, but at the same time humorous. In my opinion she has the great ability to fascinate the class for the stories and therefore she is giving us a great opportunity to educate oneself.
Besides I chose the class, because I really love to read and also because I love to analyze stories to find deeper meanings in the written texts or even single words. It was  incredible to see how a few word may change your whole point of view about certain aspects.
Past Wednesday Will and I had to present the short story "upon the sweeping flood" by Joyce Carol Oates (I must admit it was a very disturbing but also interesting and powerful story). As you might guess I was very nervous, even the thought to speak in front of the class and Dr. Aarons in a foreign language terrified me. However, I had to go through it and it was indeed an unique experience. Once I have started talking the excitement drifted away and I had even fun to moderate the discussion and to shape the lesson. I'm so glad that our classmates were interested in our presentation.
Summarized I must say that the class, but also the presentation, where an unique experience that I don't want to miss!

A trip to Austin

Yesterday we went to see the capital of Texas, namely Austin. Austin is the forth most populated city in Texas and is still growing constantly. We visited many different sights such as the State Capitol of Austin or the Austin Peay State University. At the Peay State University I had the great opportunity to see an original painting from Frida Kahlo. It was amazing and I still can't believe it. Frida Kahlo is a role model to me, because she had suffered so much in her life, but though never gave up or lost faith. Getting to see the work of Frida Kahlo inspired me a lot and encouraged me in my own work. Hopefully I will have the chance to see many more paintings of Frida Kahlo.
After our city trip we went to the San Marcos Outlets. The outlet was pretty cool, but I must admit that time was too short. Generally the time in Austin was way too short. We hushed from one sight to an other and therefore had not the chance to enjoy the sights much. I would love to stayed longer at the gallery or also at the outlet.  Nevertheless it was a cool day and I had a lot of fun. I am looking forward to visit Austin again!

The Eid- Prayer

On last Monday Muslims all over the world celebrated  a special religious day, namely Eid ul- adha. At that day Muslims remember the history of Abraham and his son Ishmael and how Abraham was supposed to sacrifice his son, but finally ended up sacrificing a sheep instead. Muslims are supposed to go to the mosque on Eid ul- adha and have a special prayer, which is called Eid- Prayer.

Me, a few other students and Dr. Noor went to the Islamic Center of San Antonio in order to honor this day and to accomplish our prayer. This was the first time, that I celebrated Eid ul- adha in an other country and additionally without my family, but all sadness had suddenly flown  away, when I saw the huge mosque in front of me. I have never seen such a nice and huge mosque before, because in Germany we often have small mosques or mosques, which are located in cellars or flats. What surprised me too was the Muslim community in Texas and its seize. I must admit that I have always assumed, that the Muslim community in Texas must be small, due to the fact, that Texas is pretty conservative. Here I have seen once more that my prejudices about Texas were more that just wrong. Although I am aware that probably a large part of Texas  is quite conservative, San Antonio in my opinion is not. What I liked most about the prayer was the gathering of different people from different cultural backgrounds.  It is nice to see how region may unify so many and besides different people, it is absolutely amazing. I am not used to the imagery of such a diverse community. In Germany mosques are often separated in ethnic groups and therefore you just stick in your own group, which is actually very sad. I do believe that cultural exchange is an enrichment for everyone and may avoid many unnecessary conflicts.

Dinner at Barbara`s House

I will bet that you ask yourself right now who is Barbara. Barbara is a nice woman, who is visiting my English class, but she is not a student of Trinity. Barbara is attending the class just for fun. However she invited Johaina, me and some other students for dinner. So on Sunday we went to her house and the first thing that caught my attention, as I stepped into her house, were the amazing art pieces she owns. It was incredible! I have never seen such amazing art, neither such an unique house. I felt like I was visiting an exhibition, because we also made a little tour through her house and she showed us her unique treasures. For me personally the stories behind the art pieces were the most interesting.
The meal was very good, but what I even liked more was to connect with  the different people. We had extremely interesting conversations and discussions. It was en enrichment to get to know an other point of view regarding several themes such as the elections, but also the school and health system. What attracted my attention once again is the hospitality of the citizens. I think we as German people can learn a lot about hospitality by the Texan people

A short journey through Texan history and culture




Today we went to the Institute of Texan Cultures in San Antonio. At the institute I had the great chance to learn more about the indigenous in Texas. Especially the history and also the development of the natives interested me.
Nowadays three Indian reservations live in Texas. The Alabama-Coushatta, the Kickapoo and the Tigua. The Alabama-Coushatta, as the name of the reservation already says it, originally come from Alabama. Currently they live at the other side of Housten. The Kickapoo reservation have their origin in Illonois and Mexico. As time went by the moved to Texas too. Last but not least the Tiguas, who are from New Mexico.
All of the three reservations are facing, especially nowadays, a lot of difficulties. I think the greatest problem is poverty. As we get to compare our life to those of the natives injustice is remarkable, because obviously we are living in luxury, whereas the native suffer under such hard living conditions and have to fight for survival everyday. That gave me a lot to think and still bothers me.
I hope that we get the opportunity to visit a reservation. I would love to get in contact with the people and their tradition.

The curse of the seal!


The curse of the seal you have never heard about it, me neither until yesterday. According to the Myth Karen and I will either get pregnant or do not graduate from university. You ask why? Good question! I tell you why, it is because  we stepped on a particular painting in front of the Northrup Hall (see the picture beneath!). Can you believe that stepping on an usual painting might cause such big Problems? But apparently it is not an usual painting, but how are we supposed to know that? I think it would be helpful,when someone puts a warning sign in front of the seal! Because I am still shocked. I am really hoping that neither Karen nor me are getting pregnant or do not graduate from university. Dylan a student of the Trinity University informed us about the myth, because he saw us how we stepped on to the seal. I can`t help myself it was so funny to see the look in his face, because he was obviously so shocked about our behavior hahaha.
We hope that we discover many more secrets after that unique experience!