The students are saying "Congratulations, Miss, Congratulations!" I think this quote from a recent New York Times article sums it up well:
GAZA — From far away, this is how it looks: There is a country out there where tens of millions of white Christians, voting freely, select as their leader a black man of modest origin, the son of a Muslim. There is a place on Earth — call it America — where such a thing happens.
Pretty incredible, huh?
The night before the results came to Bangladesh (when the polls had just opened in the U.S.), I walked down the street from my new apartment to the local convenience store-- three walls, a flat roof, not very big. We had a chat with the lman that owns the store, dubbed Mr. Moon Shine (after the name of his store). He has good English. "From America? The election? I hear many polls," he said, "You vote for?" "Barack Obama," I said. "Obama! I like him, too," replied the owner, "This world needs peace. He can. Obama can make world peace."
The next morning, I woke up at 6am to catch the results as the first polls closed in America. For that initial hour or so, McCain's electoral count was ahead. I sat there in the empty apartment, alone, in front of the BBC. I was beginning to think I should be worried. Then things starting looking up. I had to leave for class, but some students busted into my classroom when it was official: "Miss Cindy! Miss Cindy! Barack Obama is President of U.S.!!"
I watched his victory speech with my students during tea break. I admit I cried a little. I'm excited for America, and I wish I could describe how much people in other countries care. If only Americans could care as much about the politics of other countries.
I think the following dialogue illustrates the point:
Scene: An hour after Obama’s Victory Speech. In class, during silent reading time.
Student [whispering]: Miss! Miss! I have a concern!
Miss Cindy [walks over]: Yes?
Student [still whispering]: It’s not about the book.
Miss Cindy: Yes?
Student: This, Barack Obama in America? Is it a, um, turning point?
Miss Cindy: What do you think?
Student: Yes, miss, yes! I think so.
Miss Cindy: Well, we’ll all find out soon.
We've got a new President. And there's a lot to be done. Talk about Great Expectations!
GAZA — From far away, this is how it looks: There is a country out there where tens of millions of white Christians, voting freely, select as their leader a black man of modest origin, the son of a Muslim. There is a place on Earth — call it America — where such a thing happens.
Pretty incredible, huh?
The night before the results came to Bangladesh (when the polls had just opened in the U.S.), I walked down the street from my new apartment to the local convenience store-- three walls, a flat roof, not very big. We had a chat with the lman that owns the store, dubbed Mr. Moon Shine (after the name of his store). He has good English. "From America? The election? I hear many polls," he said, "You vote for?" "Barack Obama," I said. "Obama! I like him, too," replied the owner, "This world needs peace. He can. Obama can make world peace."
The next morning, I woke up at 6am to catch the results as the first polls closed in America. For that initial hour or so, McCain's electoral count was ahead. I sat there in the empty apartment, alone, in front of the BBC. I was beginning to think I should be worried. Then things starting looking up. I had to leave for class, but some students busted into my classroom when it was official: "Miss Cindy! Miss Cindy! Barack Obama is President of U.S.!!"
I watched his victory speech with my students during tea break. I admit I cried a little. I'm excited for America, and I wish I could describe how much people in other countries care. If only Americans could care as much about the politics of other countries.
I think the following dialogue illustrates the point:
Scene: An hour after Obama’s Victory Speech. In class, during silent reading time.
Student [whispering]: Miss! Miss! I have a concern!
Miss Cindy [walks over]: Yes?
Student [still whispering]: It’s not about the book.
Miss Cindy: Yes?
Student: This, Barack Obama in America? Is it a, um, turning point?
Miss Cindy: What do you think?
Student: Yes, miss, yes! I think so.
Miss Cindy: Well, we’ll all find out soon.
We've got a new President. And there's a lot to be done. Talk about Great Expectations!
Posts
TV showed Obama making a thank you speech - he won the electoral votes 2:1 - before I went to bed Tuesday night. I kept my fingers crossed all night. I too cried, on my way to work the next morning.
ReplyDeleteThe silent majority has finally spoken!!
Love,
Aunt J.
Oh, it is nice to know that other countries are interested in our political situation. Hopefully, they are all happy too!