We're not in Kansas anymore.

Marhaba (Hello) to family and friends!

I'm sorry for the wait but now that I have a place to document this year, I hope you all will feel free to check the site every once in a while to see what's new. As always, I hope to find out how everything is going with all of you as well!

I will start by mentioning some aspects of the incredible culture here...at certain times during the day the Call to Prayer can be heard across King's Academy's campus. It was startling the first few days but I have become accustomed to the beautiful, drawn out notes (not to be mistaken for singing). The mosques here have beautiful, light blue domes that illuminate the scenery. From the school's campus it is easy to see the ups and downs of the landscape and the view at night when the surroundings are lit up is extraordinary. The desert is surprisingly comfortable in terms of weather - it is very sunny but also very dry and I actually prefer it to muggy New England summers!

My internship is a blast. I work in Academic Support tutoring students and assisting with testing. I recently proctored the PSAT for a student...I never thought that day would come. I have several lessons with students during their free periods each day. I focus on specific subjects with each student depending on what they need. Sometimes, for instance with chemistry, I must refresh my own brain on the subject before helping the student! I was worried at first that I would not be patient enough to tutor but I find that all the students are great kids who are earnest in their desire for help.

In addition to my internship, I help out with dance during the co-curricular period. There is both a Dance Making and a Technique and Conditioning class that I attend. Ryuji, who is the director of the program has graciously offered to let me choreograph for students and even lead class If I choose. Right now I am hoping to set a hip-hop piece on a group of students but it is still in the planning phases. Dance in the classroom is a relatively new concept for many of the students (students will sometimes show up in their uniform instead of dance clothes) but there are many who are interested in learning. I regret that I'm not able to dance more throughout the week but days are very busy and there are no evening rehearsals in place as of yet.

Living in the dorms is one of my favorite things about being at King's. Having been a day student at Deerfield I always wanted to be a boarder (although it is easier when your parents live ten minutes away as opposed to six thousand miles). Here, I live on a hall with about twenty sophomore, junior, and senior girls. There are two student proctors on my hall who are both wonderful and we, along with the faculty, run study hall. I have duty in the dorm two nights a week from eight to ten and once a week we have a feed (called Jam'a in Arabic) where we all get together as a dorm and EAT! (this was one of my favorite activities at Deerfield as well...)

That's all for now but check back soon!
-Kat