By: Emily Headley
Junior Natalie J’beley is a part of Youth Exchange and Study at Boone High School this year. She came to Iowa from Israel to help Americans see that not all Arabics are like those in 9/11. “There are many differences between here and Israel,” she said, “I’ve been curious since I was 6 to see what America is like.”
“Ever since 9/11, many people are scared of Arabics, including people in my country,” she spoke of why she decided to come to America. She came here to change people’s views of who Arabics are and what they believe in. “My country is a beautiful place full of amazing people. Not all of us want war and think Americans need to be killed,” she stated.
A major difference she noted between Israel and America is the schools. Arabics are taught mainly about science and technology and are expected to choose a major by their sophomore year in high school. It is mandatory for them to begin learning English by 1st grade. Natalie actually started learning before even that. Her mother started making her go to a tutor to learn English right after she learned Arabic. “Even though Hebrew is technically supposed to be my second language, I count English as my second language because I speak it more often,” she replied.
She chimed in, “The diversity here is a major change for me, too.” In Israel they mainly just have Jewish and Arabs where she lives. “I actually have gotten to meet two Native Americans since I came here, “ she expelled happily.
J’beley loves being in America and experiencing the different cultures around her. She hopes to make many new friends and work at proving to people how kind hearted Arabs can be. You can see her in the fall musical Legally Blonde, Friday October 31st at 7 p.m. where she will be playing Chutney.
“Ever since 9/11, many people are scared of Arabics, including people in my country,” she spoke of why she decided to come to America. She came here to change people’s views of who Arabics are and what they believe in. “My country is a beautiful place full of amazing people. Not all of us want war and think Americans need to be killed,” she stated.
A major difference she noted between Israel and America is the schools. Arabics are taught mainly about science and technology and are expected to choose a major by their sophomore year in high school. It is mandatory for them to begin learning English by 1st grade. Natalie actually started learning before even that. Her mother started making her go to a tutor to learn English right after she learned Arabic. “Even though Hebrew is technically supposed to be my second language, I count English as my second language because I speak it more often,” she replied.
She chimed in, “The diversity here is a major change for me, too.” In Israel they mainly just have Jewish and Arabs where she lives. “I actually have gotten to meet two Native Americans since I came here, “ she expelled happily.
J’beley loves being in America and experiencing the different cultures around her. She hopes to make many new friends and work at proving to people how kind hearted Arabs can be. You can see her in the fall musical Legally Blonde, Friday October 31st at 7 p.m. where she will be playing Chutney.
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