I am currently in the midst of midterms, and I am thankful that I only have two. Half of my classes are Arabic, one in the formal Arabic and another in the colloquial Arabic, and the other half are two elective classes: one on Islam and the other that focuses on international relations and diplomacy in the Middle East. Yet, even as I attempt to study, there are several adjustments that I have to make. First, because I am living with a host family, I must re-learn to study in the midst of small children and others’ living spaces. I grew up in a large family with three siblings, and I had my own desk in the quiet basement where I could do most of my work. When it came to college, I found that I best studied in the library, where silence was mandatory, or in my room, which was quiet even if I had roommates. Now, I am in the midst of a one year-old and a four year old who do not quite understand the necessity of silence and non-int...
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