Reflecting on Spring 2020 and Looking Toward the Future
Earlier this month, students in the Intensive English Program reflected on their semester, and time in the program during the first-ever virtual certificate ceremony. Students expressed gratitude and looked toward their next steps with positivity.
Latifah Alrashed (Saudi Arabia), representing the Intensive Academic III class, was the first speaker. She spoke to her fellow students, inviting them to reflect on their first day arriving in Washington, DC. “We all came from different backgrounds and cultures however, we all shared the same goal – which is learning English.”
She expressed gratitude amongst the changes students faced this semester:
“Of course, we have all battled moments of frustration, fear and uncertainty. However, together, and with the joint effort of ELC administration, faculty members and students, we were able to overcome them all. From the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank each of you for all the help and support you have given me and for the moments of joy and laughter we have shared.”
Latifah will attend the Georgetown University Law Center’s LLM program in the fall.
Richard Lee (Taiwan), represented the Intensive Professional English class. He added that a “virtual” certificate ceremony was not how anyone imagined the semester ending. He reflected on the fact that students have started to appreciate aspects of life that used to seem ordinary. He encouraged fellow students to, “look forward and continue to appreciate the little things in life, continue to help each other out.”
Richard has returned to Taiwan to continue his work for the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office.
Ahmad Alnuaimi (United Arab Emirates) completed his final semester in the program after studying since January, 2019. After the ceremony he reflected:
“I was afraid on the first day of school, and I thought I was going to be lost during school and I don’t know what I’m gonna do. But I’m thankful I found my place between students and professors, that helped me a lot. I can see much difference from when I started in the program. I feel I’m ready for university I would say. “
Ahmad will begin his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science at George Washington University in the fall.
We congratulate IEP students who will attend the following universities:
- American University
- George Washington University
- Georgetown University Law Center
- University of Nottingham (UK)
- Louisiana State University
- Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University (Saudi Arabia)
- School of the Art Institute of Chicago
- University of South Florida
- Washington University in St. Louis
The English Language Center applauds all our IEP students for their accomplishments and hard work!
Author Maddie Templeton is Student Services Coordinator & Administrative Assistant in the English Language Center.
