NESHA USMANI ...... !!!

Assalamu Alaikum :)

My name is Nesha Usmani. I am a Pakistani-American, and I’ve been volunteering at M.I. Keji since January 2012 and I will continue to volunteer until July 2012. I am twenty-three years old, and have a Bachelor’s degree in British Literature as well as a minor in Cultural Anthropology.

My work at MI is mainly teaching English to the 1^st, 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th grades, however, I am also helping to develop MI Keji’s first English curriculum and I also have a hand in building a new English learning laboratory that is expected to be in use by the next school term (InsyaAllah).

The biggest challenge I’ve had so far is adjusting to the environment, culture, and language. I am learning Bahasa Indonesia faster than I thought I would, but adapting to the culture of Central Java has been difficult. However, I can truthfully say that I have grown to love the children, teachers, and the environment of M.I. Keji.

It is a blessing to be here and to help as much as I can in the too-short time I am here. I have learned so much and I feel quite at home in the fantastic environment that M.I. Keji offers. The children are so welcoming and bright and the teachers have helped me a lot in my adjustment. They are amazing people!

Terima Kasih, M.I. Keji, for making an American feel at home!