Treatment of Children in the U.S.

As every other families around the world, American parents tend to raise their children the way they prefer, or they think is the best. After my experience with few families in the U.S, parents try to raise their children as adults. For example, they like to teach them many things to expand their mentalities. Unlike the U.S, Saudi Arabian families usually teach them gradually as they grow up. Nevertheless, I kinda noticed that parents usually set rules in the house. For example, if someone swears, the parents would let him/her put soap in their mouth. On the contrary, Saudi families tend to be somewhat different. Different parents have different ways to raise their children. Finally, if there is an expression for an American family, I would say it is the one that is very organized, and well taken care of untill the kids reach 18 or become independent, except for few.

Families in the U.S

I can easily distinguish an American family as a result of my experience with a few host families. American families used to be way larger than today. Now, as an average, the typical American parents tend to have 2 to 3 children. Each member of the family has to take care of his/her responsibilties, for example, cleaning up their rooms. Usually, the mother does most of the house work with some help. Americans try to teach their children how to be independent as they are growing up. For example, most teenagers have jobs, and they try to pay for their expenses. Unlike the U.S, a typical Saudi family would not let their children work when they are teenagers. They tend to focus more on studying. Moreover, children don't move out the house when they reach 18. They are expected to stay with their parents untill they get married. That is why I think Saudi families are more stable than Americans.
I think that divorce is very high and common in the United States. I've been here for a year and one month, and I know more than 12 people who either are divorced or have been divorced before. Unlike here, my country has way lower percentage of divorce than the U.S.

Voting in KSA

Voting in Saudi Arabia is not a big deal at all. I never voted, and probably, I'm not going to till I reach 30. Saudi Arabia is monarchy. Governors and city mayors are elected by the royal family. However, we have the ability to vote for the municipal elections and all chambers in big cities. Moreover, the voter must be a Saudi Arabian male, and over 18. This might sound selfish for females. But nobody really cares about these elections, except for people who are in this field. These are few steps; this is the most important axis of the election process. Electors vote on this day for their selected candidates according to prescribed procedures at the election centers where they had enrolled. Voting will be conducted manually using electoral cards, the most and widely used method and secures honesty and proper application. At the same time it is easy for the electors and for accurate control and observation as well as the possibility of rechecking and counting if necessary. After countingm the results are declared as for who was successful and the number of votes scored by each candidate. By this step the election process will be concluded except for the contestations if any and other regularity procedures.

Human Trafficking

Human trafficking is one of the saddest and most interesting topics. I knew that it existed, but I was shocked when I knew that there are huge numbers of innocent people that are being forced to do what they are not supposed to do. In Egypt, everytime I go out, I get stopped by beggers at least ten times a day. They pretend to be poor. The truth is that there gangs that practice this terrible activity for living. They bring young straving children, and hadicap them so people give them money when they beg. These gangs are ruled by regular people. They provide place, clothes and food for these children, and make them work as hard as they can. " I know, it is sad "

The ropes Course

The ropes course was a challenging experience for me. We had different ideas, and we had to figure out the perfect solution. Moreover, it taught me how to trust people more. That's why I think it benefited me as an individual. The group benefit was to combine our solutions and come out with the right one; "two heads are better than one" Nevertheless, inventtiveness and the can do spirit were part of our solutions. We invented solutions and belived that we can do it. On the contrary, self-reliance was not part of it. We worked as a team. I wouldn't say that this activity is American because it would definitely work in my country.

UWEC Homecoming

A week befor Homecoming:
"DUDE! Homecoming is this week! Lets get drunk and have some fun." Said by a guy on my floor to his friend. "
" There is a football game on Homecoming, would you like a blugold shirt for the game?" Said by a girl who was selling shirts on campus.
" Hey, we are gathering this Saturday for Homecoming. We are going to play different types of games, and have fun. We are having a BBQ, and everyone is bringing something to eat. Feel welcome to join." Said by a friend of mine.
You can see how people are active and motivated for Homecoming in different ways. Some people want to get drunk and don't remembr anything. While others want to play games and eat food. I'm not saying this is better than the other one. My point is that everyone can have fun during Homecoming. Homecoming is a day that meant to be for old student of the university to come back and see their memories and meet friends. On this day, most people were happy, and yelling "happy Homecoming!" I had fun on Homecoming, and I'm sure m friend from back home would love it, too.

Introduce Yourself to Your Great Grandparents.

After asking more that five people in my hall, I lost hope because no one knew where they were originally from. Thank God I remembered my host family's father. His name is Terry Wackerfuss. He is the third generation from his American family. His great great grandfather came from Germany, and settled in America around 1850. (Terry wasn't sure.) His grandfather settled in Woodburry, Minneasota. He owned a land, and became a farmer to put bread on the table. His sons helped him farming. Terry told me that all his relatives that still carry his last name are living in the Midwest. I also ask his father once "how did you become mechanic when school wasn't important back in the day?" He replied "my father used to be a farmer, and he taught me how to fix vehicles." I always wish that I could live in the old days. I think life back there was so simple and easy going.