Yesterday afternoon I met up with my other conversation partner, Ruth N'Gon. She is from the Ivory Coast of Africa and came to America not only to learn English but also to fulfill her dream of traveling or moving to New York City. Like my other tutees and conversation partners, Ruth is shy, but very kind and appreciative. Ruth has been here for three months and she talked to me about how she does not get to go out and explore Tallahassee much because she does not have a car. She also thinks that a lot of the students here are annoying and close minded. I hope to prove her wrong and show her the fun and interesting things to do in Tallahassee! I offered to give her a ride anywhere she needs to go around town, because I know how hard it is to not have a car around here. We plan on going grocery shopping together and going to the movies very soon. I may even bring along my other tutee, Michelle, who is also from the Ivory Coast.
One of my conversation partners, Mohammed, also believes that the students here are annoying and unintelligent. Do you have any advice on how to help show them otherwise? An opinion is fine, but I feel as if I would be doing them a disservice by not showing them that intelligent people can come from all races, ethnicities, and national backgrounds.
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