Fatimah A.
Credentials: 2024 WISLI Elementary Arabic Student
Language Institute and Level: MEDLI / Elementary Arabic
Why did you choose to study at WISLI? What motivated you to choose our program?
I was presented with this valuable opportunity during my spring semester of Spanish class. Since I did really well with Spanish I thought why not challenging myself to the next level of learning with Middle Eastern Language that was completely foreign to me.
How has learning a less commonly taught language enriched your personal and professional life?
It truly was enriching an eye opening of how much these languages can take you places and connect with more people within my classroom, within my communities and beyond. It was my personal goal to be able to visit Middle Eastern countries and immersed myself in the richness of middle eastern cultures.
What about WISLI/UW-Madison stands out to you?
WISLI has amazing programs in bringing classrooms materials into day to day activities to enhance those learning experiences into practical use of language learning with language table discussion, visitation to middle eastern communities center, movies, cooking day, and so on.
How do you plan to apply proficiency of your target language and cultural skills to your personal/professional journey?
I’m hopeful my next career will be in the industry that allows me to having interaction with middle eastern speakers people whether it’d be in hospitality, government, or private sector. Travelling to Egypt, Dubai, UAE are those of my bucket list as well. Are you coming with me? Then don’t wait, join WISLI now!
What have been some of the highlights of your program? What events have you particularly enjoyed?
I enjoyed cooking day making khobz (خُبز bread) and the ability to understand so many Arabic vocabularies and making it into everyday sentences with my classmates on daily basis.
What role did the MATC/MEDLI Gateway Scholarship award play when you were making decisions?
They have been especially helpful and patience in helping me navigate the whole process. I want to take this opportunity to mention that Kerry has been so amazingly supportive and super helpful with me
How would you encourage other students who might be interested in the scholarship to apply?
Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions and don’t think twice just go for it. You can do it! But do spend your every waking hours studying and living it!
What advice would you give to students who want to study the same language as you?
The hardest week would be when you’re towards the end of the course but don’t give up, keep pushing yourself and you’ll make it and be really proud of yourself when you look back. Yes, you’ll learn a lot and you’ll treasure and carry this valuable knowledge and skill with you everywhere you go.
What is your favorite expression in the language you studied this summer?
أُحبّ اللغة العربية! مَعَ السَّالمة
The way a simple goodbye is conveyed as ma’a ssallama which translated as with peace (or safety)…and responded with
الله يسَلَّمك
Alla ysallamak/ik that came from root of Allah (God) and sallam that means peace (or safety) towards you.