The document introduces Muna AlMerri, a Fulbright Scholar from Bahrain teaching Arabic language and culture courses at Bethany College. AlMerri shares her passion for Arab culture and hopes to dispel misconceptions about the region through her teaching. The article also provides advice from Bethany faculty on avoiding common freshman mistakes as students adjust to the new academic challenges of college.

1. 4 Lifestyles The TOWER
Fulbright Scholar AlMerri Teaches Students About Arabic Language and Culture
By NOELLE WRIGHT rived in the United States this past “There are big cities, restaurants some time at home and then hopes
TOWER staff writer summer and after a short training and bars,” says AlMerri. “People to get a job teaching in another
This year Bethany College has period, she traveled to Bethany to there are not extremists; there are country, perhaps Germany, where
expanded its course offerings in share her skills and knowledge, a lot of liberal, educated people.” she can practice her new language
foreign language and international and hopefully to broaden the per- She wants to point out the great re- skills. Until then, AlMerri inspires
understanding with the addition of spective of Bethany students. spect for women that is inherent in students here at Bethany with
courses in Arabic language and cul- The primary objective of the two the values of Arab people and the her passion for experiencing and
ture: Arabic I and II and Civiliza- Arabic courses is to give students importance placed on families re- understanding places and people
tions of the Arabic Speaking World. a year of instruction in elementary maining close and gathering often. around the world.
As instructor for these courses, the Arabic language, while in the Civi- When she is not teaching, AlMer- AlMerri serves as a valuable first-
college welcomes Fulbright Scholar lizations course, AlMerri focuses ri’s interests include riding horses, hand source for those who want to
Muna AlMerri, who comes to cam- on the culture of Arab nations and reading and traveling as much as know more about Arab and Middle
pus from Bahrain, a small island people. Topics to be covered include possible. She likes to take two to Eastern culture. Having a deeper
off the coast of Saudi Arabia. history, religion, traditions and three trips a year and during her understanding of Arabic cultures
Prior to her current position, customs, as well as a discussion on time at Bethany she tries to get is invaluable knowledge in today’s
AlMerri taught English to high the world’s view of Arab people, es- off campus as much as possible in society and provides a unique ex-
school students, but she has experi- pecially Arab women. Through this order to see different parts of the perience. By taking advantage of
ence working with a wide range of course, AlMerri hopes to give stu- country. AlMerri also enjoys learn- her knowledge and willingness to
age groups. She holds a bachelor’s dents greater insight into what life ing languages and is currently share and answer questions, stu-
degree in English and completed and culture in the Arab world are studying German. dents can enhance their academic
postgraduate work in distance really like and clear up misconcep- After her time at Bethany comes experience in an exciting way and
learning and teaching. AlMerri ar- tions. to an end, AlMerri plans to spend open doors for their future careers.
Freshman Fifteen: Advice on Avoiding First-Year Mistakes
By BETHANY SELPH 2. “Avoid the ice cream; go to the 6. “Don’t be so expectant of your 11. “Take advantage of your
TOWER contributor salad bar instead. Just be healthy. first year. College is a big change. professor as a resource. Even if it
Your home is hours away, you Utilize our great workout facili- Show more grit and be willing to isn’t the same subject as we teach,
literally know no one at school ties.” work. Don’t give up so easily.” we still may be able to help.”
and Mom and Dad dropped you -Coach Jan Forsty, Associate Di- -Dr. Robert Paysen, The Gould- -Dr. Michael Whalen, Professor
off with all of the living essentials, rector of Athletics and Recreation, ing-Woolery Professorship in of Criminal Justice
but no amount of Ramen Noodles Head Softball Coach, Head Wom- Chemistry and Chair of the De- 12. “Don’t stress if you start to
can help you handle your academ- en’s Tennis Coach, Assistant Pro- partment of Physical Science question your choice of major. As
ic load. Why so many papers and fessor of Physical Education and 7. “Manage your time.” a freshman, it’s natural to be un-
reading assignments and a 12- Sports Studies -Kathy Shelek-Furbee, Professor sure.”
page paper on religion? How are 3. “Take your studies and learned of Social Work, Social Work Pro- -Anonymous
you going to manage that? High information outside of the class- gram Director and Chair of the De- 13. “Show respect to everyone,
school was nothing like this. Many room.” partment of Social Work including housekeeping and se-
freshmen find themselves asking -Luke Hardt, Associate Professor 8. “Even if you hate class, go any- curity staff. They’re working to
these kind of questions of Theatre, Director of the Bethany way.” make your experience more com-
As upperclassmen we recognize College Theatre and Chair of the -Melanee Sinclair, Associate Pro- fortable and enjoyable.”
just how difficult college is in re- Department of Visual and Perform- fessor of Social Work and Coordi- -Missy Yates, Executive Secre-
lation to high school. Adapting to ing Arts nator of Field Placements tary and Administrative Assis-
the living situation is one thing, 4. “Go to class, take good notes, 9. “Peer to peer mentoring is very tant
but the academic requirements study and read the book!” strong here. Rely on upperclass- 14. “Get involved and ask for
are a whole different ball game. -Dr. John Hull, Professor of Psy- men, but be sure to verify their ad- help.”
If you find yourself becoming a chology vice with your advisor. -R.J. Zitzelsberger, Director of
frightened freshman, below are 5. “Don’t expect immediate grati- -Dr. Patrick Sutherland, Profes- Enrollment Management
some tips from faculty and staff fication when it comes to research. sor of Communications and Media 15. “If you’re feeling isolated in
of Bethany College to help you get Some processes take multiple Arts and Advisor to WVBC any way, utilize your professors,
through this year a little easier. steps. Don’t be afraid to ask for 10. “If you’d really like to impress or us at the student health center.
1. “Do the right thing. Go to class help; that’s what we’re here for.” us, show up to class on Fridays. Sometimes just talking about it
and study; put in the time.” -Trevor Onest, College Librarian Hint: We typically pick Friday as can make big decisions easier.”
-Aaron Anslow, Visiting Assis- and Assistant Professor of Learn- our random attendance day.” -CJ Allman, Staff Nurse, Stu-
tant Professor of Art ing Resources -Anonymous dent Health Center