Meet Rokaia M.: Local Resident, Originally from Iraq

University of Southern Maine (USM)

Students at work in a USM science lab.

English Language Bridge Program (ELB), completed, Spring 2015 

Q: When were you part of the ELB program (English Language Bridge) program at USM?  Where did you attend high school before coming to USM?    

Rokaia: I graduated from Portland High School in 2014 and began the ELB program at USM in the fall that same year. 

 Q: What is one of the biggest differences between classes in college and classes in your high school? 
Rokaia: One of the biggest differences is students' interaction; in college, every student needs to be part of the discussion, and their thoughts and ideas will need to be shared so much more often than in any previous school year.

 Q: What are some resources (outside of class) at USM that you have found most helpful?
 Rokaia: For me, the most helpful USM resources are the tutors in the library and my adviser who helps me in choosing my classes and by following my progress throughout my academic year.  

Q: What is one study tip that you can offer new students to help them be successful in their classes?
Rokaia: To be successful, new students should do their homework assignments on time and not at the last minute because homework will accumulate fast if one's time is not organized.

Q: What has been your favorite class within the ELB program? Why? How did it help you reach your goals? 
Rokaia: My favorite and most useful class was the ESL100 College Writing. In that class, we learned and practiced the writing process step by step. In addition, this class assigned us the right amount of writing, which prepared me for the higher-level courses that I took later. 

Q: What has been your favorite non-ELB class at USM (so far)? Why?

Rokaia: The Literature and Medicine class has been my favorite so far because of the various medical-related topics that we discussed, and the many significant subjects that I learned about and opened my mind to.

Q: What has been the most challenging part of being a college student?

Rokaia: For me, the most challenging thing has been speaking up and sharing my thoughts, which most of the classes require in order to succeed.

A view into a busy USM science laboratory.

Q: What are you studying now? 
Rokaia: Now, I am majoring in Human Biology at USM.

  

Q: What kind of work do you hope to do in the future? 

Rokaia: I am looking forward to becoming a dentist in the future.

Q: What is your favorite American word or phrase?

Rokaia: I like the phrase: "Do your best.".