A Learning Experience

I learned a lot in this class. Originally I had chosen it to be among my friends but now that the quarter is getting closer to the end, I feel that I will miss my classmates and all of the laughs and videos that we shared in this Ewrt 1A class. Professor Patton has always encouraged us to be creative and has been extremely encouraging throughout the way. This class was also the very first class in which I did a presentation as a junior senator. It was really nerve-racking but the familiar faces of my classes helped encourage me. From following up the Presidential election and gaining knowledge on both sides to eventually writing our own works of literature, this year has served both as a meaningful as well as an enriching experience. I hope that my fellow classmates succeed in whatever they may choose to persue in the future and that they will never forget the good times in the Kirsch Center. Thank to all of the friends in this class!

Angelica - You were the first person I met in this class and I was relieved to find that you were such a nice person.

Angelina - You always have something to say and it's great to see you on time and well prepared each morning, you make a good role model.

Josh - You bring life to our class. The fun and excitement always begins the minute you walk into that door and I appreciate your help in our first group project in Professor Patton's class!

Allison - Thank you for your easygoing approach to friendship! I admire that!

Jenny - Always working hard, you're the hardest worker I've ever seen!

Indra - You are an exceptional actor and I hope that someday you will make it big in Hollywood!

Connie - I wish you the best of luck in Circle K and with your badmitton team!

Ted - You are a very knowledgeable man, and I can always expect your presentations to be very informational each time!

Miho - Hope you have a wonderful experience here in America with many exciting stories to tell.

Liya - Thank you for being such a wonderful classmate.

Mario - A talented director and an admirable student.

Edmond - I hope you become a rock star someday. You have a talent for writing song lyrics and there's no doubt that they will make you famous someday.

Ninva - You are a very patient presentation partner. Thank you for bringing the video of Persepolis.

Lucas - You are a very busy man, I hope you succeed in whatever you choose do in the future!

Po - Good luck man!

Sonny- I always see you smiling and your smile is very contagious!

Jonathan Yoel - You have a similar name to mine, but you do a good job of making us "Jonathans" look good. Keep up the good work and stay professional.

Rosita - You are a hard worker and it was very enriching to share a table with you.

David - Such a sophisticated man! I will do a classroom presentation in your History class soon!

Arash Ft. Helena - Arash

While researching pop culture in Iran I stumbled upon the pop icon who is not only famous in Iran but also other parts of the globe. Arash a rising star who grew up in Iran quickly became a world phenomenon once he moved to Sweden to begin his singing career. As his fame began spreading across the charts, he was instantly a pop hit who was featured in over 20 MTV stations. (Wikipedia) listed below is one of his most popular songs titled "Arash" which was originally sung in farsi and later translated to English.

"Arash" Lyrics

Arash behet migam doset daram,
to in donya faghat toro daram
araaaash, bi to man tanhayam
goshet ba man bashe toro dost daram

(Arash)
Tako tanha to in otagh bi to hastam
Hala bi to inja dar be dar baroon mibare
To in shabe bahari to door az man
Biya inja setare, be man begu are

(Helena)
Are are bahare, miam pishet dobare yes, yes
Arash bi to sardame, ey eshghe man
Are are bahare, emshab del bigharare yes
Arash to male mani, ey eshghe man

(Arash)
Zendegi ba to kheyli khobe
Harvaght to inja hasti, hamash bahare
Dast be dast nazanin ba ham bashim
Esmamo seda kon be man begu are

(Helena) ((x3))
Are are bahare, miam pishet dobare yes,
Arash bi to sardame, ey eshghe man
Are are bahare, emshab del bigharare yes
Arash to male mani, ey eshghe man

This is a popular music video featuring the Iranian artist Arash.

This is the English Translation

(Helena)
Arash im telling, that I love you
Arash in this world I have only you
I am alone without you
listen to me carefully, I love you

(Arash)
All alone in this room, i am without you
Now here its raining without you
In this spring night, you are far away from me
Come here Setare(star), tell me yes!

(Helena)
Yes its spring time, im coming back to you again
Arash, without you im cold! oh my love
Yes, its spring time, tonight heart is troubled
Arash, you are mine, oh my love

(Arash)
Life with you is so wonderfull
Everytime you are here it is always spring
Hand in hand sweety, lets be together
Say my name, tell me yes!

(Helena) ((x3))
Yes its spring time, im coming back to you again
Arash, without you im cold! oh my love
Yes, its spring time, tonight heart is troubled
Arash, you are mine, oh my love

Fast Times In Tehran

We had the esteemed privilege of being an audience to many interesting and gratifying presentations in this Ewrt 1A class. Some were very informative while others are very entertaining. Often we would watch Youtube videos that were related to the topic being presented. Today we learned about the Fast Times In Tehran. This presentation topic was about a TIME magazine article which covered a former Iranian resident's recall of his home, Iran. Fascinated by the information which was covered by Po and Sonny, I went home to look up the article to read. It was mostly details concerning the seedy underbelly of Tehran. A world torn by political strife and vice.

When the rhetoric cooled, the system turned its sights back to its angry young people and essentially decided to stanch their discontent by buying them off. While continuing to brutally suppress all political dissent, the mullahs boosted subsidies on gas and household commodities. But most significant, they began loosening control over the lifestyle choices of the 48 million Iranians under the age of 30, who make up more than two-thirds of the population. (Time 1)

The article goes deeply into how Iran has changed since the revolution and the overthrow of Ayatollah. Tehran even though it has changed much since the days in which were depicted in Persepolis still remains a lively and active city. The author describes his encounter with a rock band and muses on the overall message of their music. He believes most of the songs by the band, known as 127, are satires that demand political change. There was also much detail on the celebrities of Iran as well as their lifestyles. Several of these celebrities have political motives and ambitions. Overall the article was both enriching and informational.

Persepolis 2

The book in the red is the original Persepolis novel while the one in the blue is the sequel.

This is a bridge in Europe.

Marjane Satrapi continues her story in France as she writes about her adolescence in Persepolis 2. It's a moving story of heartbreak and courageous endeavors as Marjane allows the audience to have a peak into her life just how she remembers it. Jonathan Yoel did a presentation today regarding this book. After following Marjane's story in Iran, I am intrigued to continue reading her story about how she traveled to Europe. In his summary, Jonathan also mentioned an incident where Marjane returns to a changed Iran after her travels. Now I'm hooked!

Comics and Indonesia

Today Indra spoke upon the differences of two types of graphic novel. He contrasted between Persepolis which he relates to Japanese anime and The Adventures of Lulu which is regarded as a more lighthearted more vibrant type of graphic variation of comic art. We also had the privelidge of watching a movie produced by our classmates today. It was very well crafted. Edited in a black and white format, the movie was entertaining. The main protagonist is a superhero who tries to rescue his girlfriend. Convieniently, the group posted their finished work up on youtube.

Interview With A Friend

I conducted an interview today with my good friend Amir. He is a good friend of mine who is easygoing and fun to hang out with. This is his story of Life in Iran.

Interviewer (Jonathan) : How long have you lived in Iran?

Amir: 17 and one half years

Interviewer (Jonathan) : What did you do for entertainment?

Amir: We played PC games. There was also a field where we played soccer. When it was snowing we went skiing.

Interviewer (Jonathan): What was the government like?

Amir: The government was very religious as well as sacred. They had a strong influence in the media and newspaper.

Interviewer (Jonathan): Were their elections for political leaders?

Amir: There is a election similar to the Presidential election but he was more of a symbol than the leader of the country. The actual leader was literally called "leader" and he is chosen indirectly by the people. There were nominees and members of parliament would vote for them. The parliament that chose the leader is not similar to the U.S Senate.

Interviewer (Jonathan): What was a typical day like for you in Iran?

Amir: Each day, I would hang out with my friends and go to school. It's the same as life in the U.S. The biggest difference is that it's easier to hang out in the U.S. There are huge shopping centers and malls. In Iran there are only small stores.

Interviewer (Jonathan): What was the primary method of transportation in Iran?

Amir: People traveled by car. In Iran they are importing more cars. Before I came here I used to believe everything in America was perfect. Police cars are typical Fords. In Iran, the police drive elegant cars and Mercedez Benz.

Interviewer (Jonathan): Is life tough in Iran?

Amir: People have a lot of stress, it's a part of life. Some people are really into politics and they would always talk about it and there are a lot of customs that you have to get used to. Most people just ignore them. For example you cannot hold your girlfriend's hand in public and a man may marry up to 4 wives. Typically in Tehran men have 1 wife and that's it.

Interviewer (Jonathan): How were holidays celebrated?

Amir: Totally different. Iran is a sacred country. We would celebrate the birthday's of prophets such as the prophet Mohammad and his 12 disciples who are leaders. We also honor the day of their deaths. The days are also different. A week begins from Saturday to Thursday and Friday is the day we would usually have off. Halloween and Valentines day are becoming popular holidays in Iran.

Interviewer (Jonathan): If you were in Iran now, what would be different?

Amir: I would be doing the same thing as I am now. Probably attending a university. Iran has SAT's and has ok schools but small labs. There's not enough funds for the schools to afford labs. The people are very educated and it's taboo for someone to not attend school. In the U.S about 50% attend college but in Iran the majority attend college.

Interviewer (Jonathan): How is life like in the city?

Amir: People are very liberal in the city. Things change outside of the city and people in the rural areas are different for example men tend to have more than one wife. In Tehran the people act very similar to Americans and homosexuality is taboo and you cannot drink alcohol.

Interviewer (Jonathan): How has life changed for you since you moved?

Amir: Life is easier, there's more freedom.

Interviewer (Jonathan): Thank you Amir for this interview!

Amir: My Pleasure.

Etiquette and Social Custom

Women of Iran

I saw a presentation today where my fellow classmates discussed the different customs for women in Iran. Some of the customs included:

1) A dress code for women

2) Physical contact between a man and a woman in public

3) The emphasis on being polite and formal

4) It's considered rude to not be punctual for an appointment. Punctuality is a sign of respect.

Although Iran is very different than the United States on etiquette, the culture is very interesting and unique. Individuality is embraced freely among Americans and everyone is entitled to the freedom to express themselves. In school we are also encouraged to stand out. What also stands out is the need for women to wear a veil. Though the veil is a religious symbol mandated in Iran and other parts of the world, women in the United States wear the veil as a symbol of tradition and heritage and proudly wear it as a part of their identity.

Classroom Presentations

We had quite a few presentations on Wednesday and I learned quite a few things. Today was also the day in which we all had to turn in our final drafts for papers. There was a lot left to do on Wednesday as well which included planning and working with logistics for the Student Forum that the Student Rights and Campus Relations Committee hosted on Thursday. The Student Forum wasn't as busy as expected but the speakers arrived and we were grateful in the end. Overall it was a learning experience. I read into Persepolis and the way that Marjane has ambitions to follow in her relative's footsteps inspires me. Even as a young child, she was active in demonstrations and it's similar to what student government does at De Anza. As Marjane learns more about her family and how courageous her mother is, she reminds me more of the past DASB senators. In 1967, the DASB started out as a group of student activists who fought for what was right. Like Marjane's parents participated in demonstrations to protest against the Shah, the DASB held demonstrations and was openly active. They even rallied in Sacramento to get legislators to post signs on the highway that direct towards the campus.

Wednesday's Meeting

In Iran, life was hard for many people it was very shocking for me to read about the revolutionaries in Persepolis and how they were persecuted just for voicing their opinions. Marjane mmets and becomes familiar with many men who were released from prison after years of torture and solitude. They are just normal individuals who fought for a cuase and on their return, they were depicted as friendly and fun loving. Marjane's recall of Siamak and Mohsen as heroes and what they have been through is a grave matter even though she was just a child at the time. As I read about what the people had to endure in order to achieve the government that they want, it makes me thankful that I live in such a great country and that I attend such a wonderful school. I am a proud De Anza student. The faculty here are very dedicated and are passionate about their art. Time goes by so quickly yet each minute carries as much significance as the next. This school has become a second home to me. I am thankful to be a part of a student body that is so welcoming. Each day I am immersed in an atmosphere that is so open to growth, individuality, and unity. This week has been one out of the many eventful weeks that make life here at De Anza priceless.

There was a stark contrast how government works for the rest of the world outside of the United States. A of a feat in Democracy demonstrated on Tuesday was Election Day for the U.S. It was a historic as well as a symbolic moment for everyone who listened to Obama's speech avter he was announced as the President elect. I felt that it was very moving and inspirational. I was in the car at the time and luckily the radio had been turned on and I was able to catch the most of it. I voted for the first time in my life today. The man who I voted for also became the president. On Tuesday I also learned that in other Democratic countries, the elections are conducted just ike the one in the U.S. Whereas in Iran, there is much conflict and strife among neighboring countries. The people don't have the same access to freedom or a voice in the government which is granted in America.

This is Barack Obama, the Democrat President-elect.

Wednesday November 5th was the first meeting where I did not sit as a guest. It felt so good to finally be in that senate seat. Although my title has changed to Junior Senator, I still feel that my duties and responsibilities have remained the same. This position has brought me with so much pride, it's undescribable. Business was conducted as usual and discussions were crisp and precise. The meeting ended quickly today. It was the evening after the new president has been elected. We went to dinner afterwards. Actually, i went to dinner twice afterwards on Wednesday.. Once with other fellow senators and another time with the executives after they finished the meeting with the executive council. I believe that there is hope for De Anza. The school has a rich history of student involvement and still strikes me as the land of oppurtunity. Prior to the end of the day, we were able to fix the seating problem and hopefully by next Wednesday, we'll be able to see if any changes are needed to be made to the seating situation.

Friday..Today, three amazing clubs have held meetings in the Student Council Chamber. In each meeting, there was an atmosphere of fun and friendship. In JSA, there was a game going on called "Fruit basket" where a person in the center of a circle of more people has to say "Big Wind Blows" and a description. Whoever matches that description has to find a new seat within the circle that is arranged so that one person should remain standing. That person is the next to take the stage and become subject to a public introduction to the club. It was quite a fun game. Following JSA was FuSu. They are planning a BBQ tomorrow organized by the social activity organizer. Hope tomorrow goes well. Last but not least was the meeting conducted by VSA. This club has so much potential and with just a small push, it will travel far. Today was so much fun.

Persepolis Pages 1 Through 39 With Ninva

Today I did a presentation for my Ewrt 1A Class. My partner Ninva did a fantastic job and it was clear that she was very knowledgeable on the subject. Even though the presentation was delayed until my arrival, Ninva still was very courteous about it. I feel very grateful to have such a sympathetic partner for this project. Persepolis turned out to be quite an interesting book. Learning about Iran and how life was like there became a very meaningful experience for me. What intrigues me the most is the story behind Marjane's family who are the rightful heirs to the original emperor's throne. From that fact alone, I have gained a whole new respect for what Marjane is going through. Her mother was a brave activist leader while her father risked his life everyday.
This is a story of a girl torn between two worlds. Caught within the struggle of growing radicals who want to overthrow the Shah and loyalists who strictly obey the laws of the land, Marjane develops establishes herself while mimicing the actions of her parents and exposing them to her peers. Although she is just a little girl, she is caught up in the violence and destruction that universally known to all walks of life.