Newsletter December 2017

Editorial - Christmas and Holiday Season By Carlos Takashima, Program Coordinator at NELA

I don’t know about you, but the Holiday Season is one of my favorite times of the year.  Many people think it’s just a commercial holiday to make people shop.  But whatever your perspective, religion, or personal beliefs are, it’s important to remember it always involves family and kindness.  Shopping is a personal choice.  Family is the core group of your personal happiness.  The beautiful thing about family is that it can be anyone.  Being family automatically involves kindness.  Kindness to your closest family members, your friends, your colleagues, and the 7-Eleven guy; you get to choose who, where, and when you spread that love.  That’s what I love about the holidays.  You have a chance to put all your differences aside once a year to just enjoy each others’ company and love.

This last year has been difficult for many people.  Life can take unexpected turns sometimes.  No matter how tough things get, you have a choice on how you want to react.  The holidays are a difficult time for many people, but they don’t have to be.  If you have no family here, invite that cool friend from class over, be kind to your neighbors, or ask that cute person out to a coffee or lunch; you never know if they’re feeling the same way as you.  And if you’re already happy and feeling lucky, organize a small potluck party for people who may not be as lucky as you and watch how much they’ll enjoy themselves.  Sometimes people just need someone to talk to and to not feel so alone in this world.  The best way to spread kindness is through friendship, consideration, and a little heart.  My way of spreading kindness is just trying to make someone smile sometimes.  You wouldn’t believe how far that can go.  Happy Holidays to everyone.  Much love to all of you from a simple office worker.

Language Systems Life Style (NELA) - Thanksgiving Celebration By Carlos Takashima, Program Coordinator at NELA

Pasadena had lovely weather during this year’s Thanksgiving potluck celebration.  We were very fortunate and decided to have our potluck outdoors.  Our morning students brought an entire assortment of lovely food.  For some students, it was the first time trying turkey, so it was a bit exciting and scary at the same time.   Some of them were impressed with the size and portions of food and sent photographs for their families to see.

Our afternoon classes brought a completely different style of food.   It was great to try different styles of food throughout the day.  One of our students brought a guitar and had a group of people singing.  There was a group of girls counting calories, and then there was the mother thinking of her own parents back in her home country.   Evening students decided to talk about what they were grateful for this year and brought lots of desserts; maybe evening students need more sugar to stay awake.  Anyway, it was lovely listening to everyone share their feelings of gratitude for something in life.
That’s what thanksgiving is about.  It was great to share a meal with students of different ages, countries, and religions all together in one place.  It helped us realize that we are all human and we can learn to understand each other, no matter how different we are.  I guess that’s a good reason to be thankful for this year. 

Discover LA (NELA) By Carlos Takashima, Program Coordinator at NELA

One of the coolest things I got to do due to the four day schedule was organize Friday activities for students. Because I live in the west side of Los Angeles, I never really took the time to visit North East Los Angeles. I must say that there’s much more to do than people think. There are people from many backgrounds, many cultural events, a lot of history, and unexpected places that would blow your mind. If you like nature, you can go to Eaton Canyon, Monrovia Canyon, or even the many gardens available to the public. The beautiful part is that most of this stuff is free.

If you like art and music, you will enjoy the Pasadena play house, all the galleries and museums, and the free concerts at Levitt Pavilion. They have tons of outdoor movies, community events, and family activities. My mind has really been opened to a variety of great things.

The Arboretum is so close that the peacocks will walk onto our campus sometimes. The Rose Bowl is minutes away if you want to watch a sporting event, a concert, try a 5k, or go to the flea market. There’s richness in culture and history. You can get some of the best Chinese food in one of the oldest parts of Los Angeles. It’s a great deal and one that students from abroad should take advantage of and discover.

Free in LA (NELA) By Carlos Takashima, Program Coordinator at NELA

• Rose Parade - January 1, 2018
  https://www.visitpasadena.com/events/pasadena-tree-lighting-ceremonies/
• Pasadena Tree Lighting Ceremonies - November 17 to December 03, 2017
  Deck the Halls with Holiday Cheer
  Pasadena Tree Lighting Ceremonies are free events that deck the halls of Pasadena with holiday cheer. Enjoy festive holiday music and holiday-themed family fun starting with The Paseo Colorado as they kick off the holiday season November 17, 2017. Then join Mayor Terry Tornek at Pasadena City Hall as the Mayor lights the City’s Official Holiday Tree on December 1, 2017. Continue the holiday cheer at The Langham Huntington Pasadena as they light their own beautiful tree on December 2, 2017.Centennial Square

Language Systems Faces Interview with Teacher MR. JEFF ZEDOUTI (NELA) Interview conducted by Carlos Takashima, Program Coordinator at NELA

Q: WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

A: I’m originally from North Africa, precisely from Morocco, and “Amazigh” by heritage.

Q: HAVE YOU LIVED IN ANY OTHER COUNTRIES?
A: I have visited several countries and spent almost sixteen years in Asia.  First, I lived in Thailand, and then moved to China.

Q: HOW MANY LANGUAGES DO YOU SPEAK?
A: Besides my native tongue, I can speak French fluently and moderately Spanish.

Q: WHAT’S ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT THE U.S., CALIFORNIA, AND LOS ANGELES?
A: I had a chance to visit and explore other states before settling in California. And indeed, each state has its own charm, pros and cons. However, California remains a welcoming state to many new immigrants, offering various opportunities in terms of good living standards as well as affordable costs of living. The climate is its own prestige, which attracts many people from all colors of life. Los Angeles was, and always will remain a legend city that has a stunning history, and there is a lot to learn about this very busy city which still keeps growing and prospering.

Q: WHAT ‘S ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT BEING A TEACHER?
A: For all these years that I have been operating in the education field as an ESL instructor, I have learned that in order to become a successful educator one should deeply believe in the profession’s ethical values as the main foundation and building blocks of a genuine teacher. I am indeed very grateful to be part of the world’s education mission, pouring and sharing the best off my knowledge, energy, and capacity with students from different backgrounds and parts of the globe. I am very thankful to be given the opportunity to work at Language Systems International School which allows me to further my ESL knowledge and learn new teaching methodologies, as well as broaden my educational horizons. I strongly believe that knowledge is power. And being a teacher, one should constantly keep learning because curiosity has no cure.

Student Article 

By Bond (Level 5)

Hello Guys!  My name is Bond.  I’ve been studying English at LSI for several months and I’ve been in L.A. for four months.  This Christmas holiday is going to be a special one for me because it’s going to be my first Christmas celebration in the US.  My plan is to go around sightseeing by bus and watch the light decorations on the street.  Then, I’m going to spend a day in Hollywood and enjoy the decorated Christmas trees and simply walk around the streets looking at the decorations on buildings and other trees around Hollywood.  I hope to enjoy the unique atmosphere and the feelings of joy and happiness that arise in every living thing there.

http://languagesystems.edu/

Newsletter August 2017

Editorial - International Friendship Day By Carlos Takashima, PC at NELA

We have many special days to celebrate, but one we often take for granted is International Friendship Day.  What does it mean?  Well, It’s supposed to be a day when people from all over the world hold events or activities to promote solidarity and mutual respect for all human beings.  Sounds complicated, but how much have you learned from any new friends you may have made in Language Systems?  How many new customs, words, or ideas have you discovered that maybe helped you understand more about the world, and maybe even yourself?

Not all organizations hold events for such occasions, so my recommendation is to spend time with someone not from your culture, or maybe try something new, or meet someone new, from another culture.  The best way to learn and understand about the world is to see what we learn about ourselves when we are exposed to new people and things.  All of our schools are rich in diversity and we can always learn from one another.  You’re not only an English student, but you’re also an ambassador to your country and culture.  Don’t ever forget how much you can influence someone else’s view of the world, including your own.  Besides, it’s not every day that you get to meet people from other cultures or study with them.  Take advantage of the wonderful opportunity that you have in your hands; Who knows, maybe you can change the world a bit with a simple conversation.

Language Systems Life Style (NELA) - The LSI Beach Party – A Perfect Day! By Michelle Buell, Academic Director at LSI

Friday, July 21st, was a balmy day with blue skies and warm water at Huntington Beach – a perfect day for LSI’s annual beach party.  There were about 300 students, staff, and teachers coming from all four campuses, and it looked like everyone was ready to soak up some sun and have a good time! The volleyball teams all arrived a little early to practice on the courts before the main event, the Annual LSI Beach Volleyball Tournament. All the teams were strong, so when the games started, it was exciting to watch. The Orange County Surfers and South Bay Sharks were both undefeated in the volleyball tournament after 2 games, so they met for the championship.  It was extremely close, with the lead moving back and forth between the two teams. Finally, in one of the closest games in recent tournaments, the South Bay Sharks scored the winning point, defeating OC to win the trophy!

After a lunch of delicious sandwich wraps and chips, it was time for the water games. Since the weather was so hot, the water warm, and the skies cloudless, it felt good to jump in the ocean and get wet.
Everyone joined in for the tug-of-war competition, with Downtown LA winning and taking home another plaque to hang in their lobby.  There was no shortage of volunteers for the other games, which included racing into the water to grab a pole and filling up buckets with leaky containers full of ocean water.  A lot of the Orange Country students tried bodyboarding for the first time.  Soon it was time to wrap up the competition with the final game of the day, the disgusting food contest.  Four brave students from each school raced to eat up such ingredients as bitter melon and dried durian. Although it was close, Northeast LA finished first and won the prize! Throughout the day, students got together to make new friends from other campuses and enjoy the perfect California sun. It was a perfect day!   

Discover LA (NELA) - Museums in Pasadena: First Free Friday By Carlos Takashima, Program Coordinator at NELA

Wondering what to do on the weekend, but don’t want to spend too much?  Try taking your friends, your date, or even yourself out to free afternoon at the Pasadena Museum of California Art.  Every first Friday, the PMCA is free between the hours of 12 – 5 pm.  From now until August 6th, 2017, they will be displaying painting from the “Golden Twenties,” works by Gustave Baumann, and other displays.   It’s not something you get every day and these free events are less common during the summer, because most museums know students are on vacation.
Los Angeles offers a number of museums to visit, but don’t be afraid to try something because it’s a little far from you.  Remember that you may have a limited time in the city.  It could cost you much more to come back and see these displays in the future.  Enjoy them with your classmates or new American friends while you enjoy the city.  Keep your eye out for other events in the Northeast Los Angeles or other vicinities in the city.  There’s always something to discover.

Free in LA (NELA) By Carlos Takashima, Program Coordinator at NELA

• SHAKESPEARE BY THE SEA - MACBETHTheater in Pasadena
  Date(s): 08/04/2017
  Day(s): Friday
  Time(s): 7pm - 9pm
  Address: 1000 Park Ave, South Pasadena, 91030
  Phone: 310-217-7596
  Cost: Free
• PMCA 1234: FIRST FREE FRIDAYMuseums in Pasadena
  Date(s): 08/04/2017
  Day(s): Friday
  Time(s): 12-5PM
  Address: 490 E. Union St. Pasadena, CA 91101
  Phone: 6265683665 Cost: Free
• BOLDPAS: AN ART TAKEOVER OF OLD PASADENA Art in Pasadena
  Date(s): 08/12/2017
  Time(s): 12pm- 8pm
  Address: 109 E. Union Street, Pasadena CA 91103
  Phone: 626.356.9725
  Cost: FREE
• CIRQUE DI SARRAY Performance in Pasadena
  Date(s): 08/15/2017
  Day(s): Tuesday
  Time(s): 6pm to 7pm
  Address: 85 E. Holly St. Pasadena, CA 91103
  Phone: 626-831-0520
  Cost: Free
• OPENING DAY Museums in Pasadena
  Date(s): 08/20/2017
  Time(s): 12:00pm - 5:00pm
  Address: 490 E Union St, Pasadena, CA 91101
  Cost: Free with admission, Free for PMCA members. Children 12 and under are always free!

Student Article 

Beach Party By Yohan Prayoga (Level 6)

It was a beautiful, bright, and sunny day. The LSI Beach Party was the most interesting event I have been to in LA. First, there were many people from other schools, so I could meet new people who live all over Los Angeles. Next, I participated in the volleyball tournament and tug of war. Even though we lost, I thought it fun because we could work together as a team. Finally, they provided good food. Instead of pizza, they had sandwiches, which were very tasty and healthier. Overall, it was really interesting and I enjoyed the LSI Beach Party.

Language Systems Faces Interview with Staff (NELA) Interview conducted by Carlos Takashima at Pasadena Campus

Meet Ariel Tiet

Q: How long have you been working at Language Systems?

A: I’ve been working in NELA for three months.

Q: What do you like about Language Systems?
A: The people I work with.

Q: What is something new you have learned at Language Systems?
A: I’ve learned how to talk with people better.  It’s difficult to understand students sometimes, so I’ve learned how to understand what they’re trying to say or what they want me to interpret.

Q: How many languages do you speak?
A: I speak two languages, English and Cantonese/Mandarin.

Q: What is your hobby? Do you ever invite students to participate with you?
A: I like watching movies and hiking.

Q: Who is your hero/role model? Why?
A: My dad because he went through many struggles to provide for the life that my family and I enjoy now.

http://languagesystems.edu/

Newsletter April 2017

Editorial

Earth Day

By Carlos Takashima, Program Coordinator at NELA

           Earth Day; what is it?  Why do we even consider it?  Here are my thoughts.  Most people like the sound of the word Earth Day because it brings up images of environmentally friendly processes or actions by citizens and special groups.  You see videos of people picking up trash, saving whales, finding ways of saving water, etc.  You read articles about a new scientific discovery that will change or save our world without us having to do anything.  There’s a lot of information out there, but here’s the questions; what do you really know about Earth Day, the environment, and climate change?  Have you ever really sat down and focused on what all of those things mean?  Does it bore you?  Does it scare you?  Do you care?
This Earth Day, I propose a different task.  Rather than going out and picking up some trash or recycling your water bottle, I challenge you to find several environmental challenges you can research about and pick one that interests you.  There’s not one problem bigger than the other.  Our entire environment is connected and not all of the issues get the same coverage.  Maybe you could find something that really interests you and you could be the next head person of a group that advocates for a problem that’s disregarded or ignored all together.  I challenge you to sit down for an hour or two and understand what the environment is, how it affects you, and what climate change really means.  I don’t want to give you my opinion or force you to see my perspective.  This year, it’s all about Environmental and Climate literacy.  You have to start somewhere, and education is the first step.  Peace.

Language Systems Life Style 

Why Should I Study at NELA?
By Carlos Takashima, Program Coordinator at NELA

          I understand that students come to study English in Los Angeles because of the accessibility of things and all the attractions it has to offer. I understand that there’s a misconception about some areas being more entertaining or fun than others. It’s important to find a place you’re happy when you’re so far away from home and want to get the most out of your time in the United States; That’s why I advocate that you give NELA a try. I know some people think there may be nothing to do out here, but they would be wrong. There’s more to this part of the city than you can even think about, and we offer a couple of perks that you may not be aware about.
For one, we live in one of the most historical areas of the city and some of the most up and coming neighborhoods.  We will be moving to Pasadena soon, and the name itself springs of cool things to look out for. The San Gabriel valley has several neighborhoods that offer more cultural diversity and changing demographics than other parts of the city. There are good music and food scenes out here, and you may find that you’re paying less in rent as well.
Next, our school has some of the most experienced, talented, and knowledgeable teachers.  All our schools do, but many of our teachers have roots in the surrounding area and bring a wealth of information to our students. The size of our school gives you quick and direct access to teachers, services, and the program coordinator. The size of our school provides a great teacher to student ratio; more attention per student. The PC does counseling for students thinking of college prep programs and has good knowledge of the community service system and how to transfer to major universities. Don’t forget, we’re getting a brand new campus with quads for socializing, lounge rooms, and accessible services in the area. Most importantly, most of our students always come back and say they always felt like we were a small community that made them feel more at home.  
Lastly, if you took the brave step of living this far away from home, why not live in a place you may not know much about where you could find way more things than you even imagined? Disneyland, Universal Studios, the beach, and all that other good stuff is always a drive away anyway. Trust me, I live on the west side and I’m not always in Santa Monica, Venice, UCLA, Beverly Hills, and all that stuff.  I probably go as often as someone living on the other side of town.  So why not NELA? Why not give us a shot? You may be surprised to find out that you’ll love it here.   

Discover LA(NELA)

Cityrace Secrets of Old Pasadena

By Carlos Takashima, Program Coordinator at NELA

A white horse...a green castle...and a Man in Black!

          In CityRace Urban Adventure Hunts, teams of 2 to 4 players solve fun & challenging clues leading them on a 3-hour hunt through one of L.A.'s many diverse neighborhoods. Teams will crack codes, solve challenging puzzles, uncover little-known facts and more... all while racing against other teams to be first to the finish with the most correct answers!

Explore secluded walkways, charming plazas and bustling shopping areas as you solve tricky clues leading you through the heart of Pasadena's beautifully preserved original downtown. The rustic brick façades and quaint alleyways of this renowned landmark historic district are the perfect setting for this exciting CityRace hunt. Discover the hidden secrets and historic treasures of one of the region's most famous neighborhoods!

Recreation in Pasadena

Date(s): 04/08/2017

Day(s): Saturday

Time(s): 10:00am-1:00pm

Address: 150 N Raymond Ave Pasadena CA 91101 

Cost: $40.00

https://www.racela.com/

Yowie at Egg Bowl

          Come have an EGG-CELLENT time at our spring festival and egg hunt inside the Rose Bowl Stadium! Enjoy fun for the whole family with games and activities such as face painting, live entertainment, balloon animals, food, pictures with the Bunny, and much more! This will be Pasadena’s largest egg hunt! Children will hip-hop their way onto the Rose Bowl field through more than 60,000 eggs in search of the ever so lucky GOLDEN EGG!

Recreation in Pasadena

Date(s): 04/15/2017

Day(s): Saturday

Time(s): 11:00am-3:00pm

Address: 1001 Rose Bowl Dr, Pasadena, CA 91103

http://www.cityofpasadena.net/eggbowl/

Free in LA (NELA)

Second Saturday Spotlight Talk

By Carlos Takashima, Program Coordinator at NELA

        Spotlight Talks take place the second Saturday of every month at 2:00pm. A PMCA docent leads an engaging and insightful 20–minute discussion about a work of art currently on view in our Main Gallery exhibition, The Golden Twenties: Portraits and Figure Paintings by Joseph Kleitsch.

Note: Spotlight Talks meet near the exhibition title wall.

Presented as part of our PMCA 1234 monthly programming.

NO RSVP REQUIRED.

Free for PMCA members. Free with admission. Children 12 and under are always free!

Museums in Pasadena

Date(s): 04/08/2017

Day(s): Saturday

Time(s): 2PM

Address: 490 E. Union St.Pasadena, CA 91101 

Phone: 6265683665

Cost: Free with Admission

http://pmcaonline.org/programs/

Celebrate National Library Week APRIL 9-15

        Crowell Public Library is celebrating National Library Week with a plethora of activities for all ages. What can be more transforming than clothing? Adults coming to Crowell Library on Tuesday evening, April 11 at will learn about the history of costume, when librarian Alex Kosztowny from FIDM presents, Fashion: From Concept to Consumer and Beyond in the Library’s Barth Community Room at 7:00 p.m. Adults will also have an opportunity to transform a book by entering the Crowell Library BookArt contest, which actually begins April 4, giving entrants ample time to let their creativity run wild. Patrons of all ages will have fun in the Library’s photo booth, taking selfies and sharing them on Instagram. The photo booth will offer a giant passport and library card prop as well as a view from a “reference desk.” For the young and young at heart, there will be a magic show from Illusions by Allen on Saturday, April 8th at 2:00 p.m. Allen Oshiro won First Place at the “Magic Corner Battle of the Magicians.” All week long, if kids are caught reading a book in the library, they can earn surprise prize tickets, and they can also participate in a “Libraries Transform” Scavenger Hunt.

Books in San Gabriel Valley

Date(s): 04/09/2017 to 04/15/2017

Day(s): Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

Time(s): all day

Address: 1890 Huntington Drive, San Marino, CA 91108 

Phone: 626-300-0777

Cost: Free

http://crowellpubliclibrary.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=368

Language Systems Faces 

Interview with LSI Front Desk Staff (NELA)

By Interview conducted by Carlos Takashima, Program Coordinator at NELA

Meet Paul Won. 
Q: How long have you worked for Language Systems?
A: Four and a half months.

Q: What do you like about working at NELA?
A: I can talk to students and try to help them.

Q: What is the most fun thing you’ve done at NELA?
A: Hanging out with students. I used to be a student at NELA, so It’s nice that I can still spend time with some of my old classmates. The most fun thing I’ve done here is going kayaking with other students.

Q: How many languages can you speak? Which ones? Do you want to learn any other languages? Which ones?
A: I speak English and Mandarin. I would like to learn Indonesian.

Q: What is your dream and what do you want to learn working at Language Systems?
A: My dream is to get a good career where I can have the option of working hard when I want to and taking time off when I want to.

Q: Who is the craziest person at NELA?
A: Carlos the PC because he’s always training. He trains early in the mornings, during his time off, during his vacation; he’s always training.

Program Coordinator Article

Why California is the best place to live

By Carlos Takashima, Program Coordinator at NELA

          The US is a large country.  We’re made of fifty states represented by stars on our flag.  However, when it comes to choosing a state to live in, why should California be considered as a good place?  We’ll let a Californian explain to you why.  California has more than enough reasons for you to want to live here.  Let’s go over some of the most important ones.
We’re the riches state in the country.  If we were to separate as an independent “Bear” republic, we would be the 5th or 6th largest economy alone.  That means there’s a lot of stuff going on and we’re rich on resources and people skills.  For example, California has the Silicon Valley, Hollywood, The largest (and most productive) agricultural force, production of some of the best wine in the world, it’s one of the most biodiverse states, it has the biggest, tallest, and oldest trees in the world, it has a wealth of microclimates, and the list goes on and on.
Here’s the most important thing.  California draws some of the most talented people from all over the world, which means that all the bright and talented minds come together in one place.  Along with our cultural diversity, some of the most tolerant and open minded people, and the amount of entrepreneurship that happens here, why wouldn’t you want to move to California.  I’ve only covered the surface though.  It’s important to remember that California gives you the opportunity to learn more about yourself because you’ll be going through the same thing with people from all over the world.  Empathy, tolerance, and friendship; that’s why you choose California. 

http://languagesystems.edu/