Memorable Experiences
ESL immigrant students from around the world share their wonderful memories with their classmates at City College of San Francisco. Here is a collection of some students' writing on their memorable experiences. Enjoy!
Instructor: Cora Chen
In my native country of Spain, Easter is celebrated, giving children a two-week vacation. In my family, we would often use this time to go on excursions. In Spain, there are areas designated for picnics, with tables and wooden benches provided. You can even make a fire with permission. Families need to bring their own grills or pans and food to cook. Camping is sometimes allowed, but my family never took advantage of this.
We would get up early, with my mother preparing food and my father in charge of us and the materials for games. Games would include balls, jump ropes,horns and, kites (which my father knew how to make himself). We would play all day, only stopping to eat the delicious food my mother had prepared. At Easter, we would have a special snack: the Easter bunny.
We would get up early, with my mother preparing food and my father in charge of us and the materials for games. Games would include balls, jump ropes,horns and, kites (which my father knew how to make himself). We would play all day, only stopping to eat the delicious food my mother had prepared. At Easter, we would have a special snack: the Easter bunny.
My favorite activity on Easter was going to the park with my family and having a picnic. We had a lot of fun playing games, eating delicious food, and spending quality time together. Other activities I used to enjoy with my family included going to the beach, visiting local attractions, and having family dinners with my extended family around Christmas. No matter what we did, I always had a great time with my family and I cherish those memories.
Sweet Memory of Plum Jam
by Tetiana Honcharuk
When I taste sweet pumps or raspberries, the taste took me back to the time when my grandmother was alive. My grandmother's house was near my parent's house. Near my grandmother's house there was a small garden where a tree of pumps, cherries, walnuts and raspberries grew. My grandmother cooked absolutely delicious plum jam, it was so thick that I could hardly take it with a spoon. This memory lies deep in my heart. I even brought my grandmother's teaspoon with me here to U.S. This is my favorite spoon. The memory of my grandmother is always with me.
This is a very touching memory from my childhood in Ukraine. I loved my grandmother very much.
by Tetiana Honcharuk
When I taste sweet pumps or raspberries, the taste took me back to the time when my grandmother was alive. My grandmother's house was near my parent's house. Near my grandmother's house there was a small garden where a tree of pumps, cherries, walnuts and raspberries grew. My grandmother cooked absolutely delicious plum jam, it was so thick that I could hardly take it with a spoon. This memory lies deep in my heart. I even brought my grandmother's teaspoon with me here to U.S. This is my favorite spoon. The memory of my grandmother is always with me.
This is a very touching memory from my childhood in Ukraine. I loved my grandmother very much.
My Childhood Sweet Memory
by Fengming Wen
I like to eat lychees very much. Every summer, lychees fully cover the tree branches in my hometown in southern China. Looking from a distance, they look like many small lanterns hanging on the trees.
In the United States, when I taste sweet lychees, the taste reminds me of the time when I climbed trees to pick lychees with my little friend Mia in my hometown. During every harvest season, we would climb the trees to pick lychees, and then sit and eat or play by the trees. We enjoyed the fresh and delicious lychees fresh from the trees very much. Now, because of the epidemic, I haven't been back to my hometown for several years. Whenever I see or taste a lychee, I miss my good friend -- the memory is so strong that I almost cried.
Passionate Memory
by Salvador Gonzalez
When I taste a passion fruit, for example, in an ice cream, I remember the cake that my mother always made.
In my mother's house n Costa Rica, there is a passion fruit plant. When it was in season, she always made a passion fruit cake. I always liked cake and now I would like to eat a piece. I miss her so much. This memory is sometimes difficult for me.
by Salvador Gonzalez
When I taste a passion fruit, for example, in an ice cream, I remember the cake that my mother always made.
In my mother's house n Costa Rica, there is a passion fruit plant. When it was in season, she always made a passion fruit cake. I always liked cake and now I would like to eat a piece. I miss her so much. This memory is sometimes difficult for me.
Remembering Mom
by Michiyo Yano
When I taste Inarizushi, the taste takes me back to the time my old days in Japan. When I was in elementary school, there is a Sports day every year. My mother has made Inari Zushi for the lunch. That's my favorite one, sweet and sour Sushi. My mom has already passed away, but whenever I make Inarizushi like my mom, I thought about my mom, and thanks to my mom.
by Michiyo Yano
When I taste Inarizushi, the taste takes me back to the time my old days in Japan. When I was in elementary school, there is a Sports day every year. My mother has made Inari Zushi for the lunch. That's my favorite one, sweet and sour Sushi. My mom has already passed away, but whenever I make Inarizushi like my mom, I thought about my mom, and thanks to my mom.
The Taste of Grandma's Turnip Cake
by Catherine Leung
When I taste the turnip cake, the taste takes me back to the time I spent in my country China. Whenever I went to a teahouse for eating dim sum, I always thought of my grandma who made the special trunip cake for us. It was very delicious. I didn't eat the best one in San Francisco. I usually try hard to recreate the taste of my grandma's turnip cake, but it is impossible.
Memories of the Happy Moments
by Matilde Monje Soler
Almost every weekend, we love to go to Ferry Building in San Francisco. Inside, there is a small place where they sell Argentinian “empanadas”. All the empanadas are delicious. My favorites ones are the ones filled with chicken, but the ones with mushroom filling are tasty too.
Whenever I eat them, the taste takes me back to my childhood back in Spain. My mum used to bake empanadas, but her recipe was slightly different; the filling was a tomato sauce with sweet bell peppers (“pisto”), can tuna, and hardboiled egg. She used to do make them for the excursions. That's why whenever I eat the empanadas, the taste brings me back to those happy memories with my family.
Above all, I miss my mum who was a hard working, kind, generous, and caring person. There are a lot of food, happy moments, and good feelings that make me think of her.
by Matilde Monje Soler
Almost every weekend, we love to go to Ferry Building in San Francisco. Inside, there is a small place where they sell Argentinian “empanadas”. All the empanadas are delicious. My favorites ones are the ones filled with chicken, but the ones with mushroom filling are tasty too.
Whenever I eat them, the taste takes me back to my childhood back in Spain. My mum used to bake empanadas, but her recipe was slightly different; the filling was a tomato sauce with sweet bell peppers (“pisto”), can tuna, and hardboiled egg. She used to do make them for the excursions. That's why whenever I eat the empanadas, the taste brings me back to those happy memories with my family.
Above all, I miss my mum who was a hard working, kind, generous, and caring person. There are a lot of food, happy moments, and good feelings that make me think of her.
My Childhood Memories in Mexico
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Another memory is the time when we visited our great-grandparents, they treated us to handmade corn or flour/tortillas and dishes like beans, tender steak, and spicy sauces. My great-grandpa showed off his oranges and guava trees, in fact, he cut some fruits for us to eat. He explained how he took care of his beautiful trees.
My grandma enjoyed making hot tea for us in the evening, indeed this tea of the fruit picked from my grandpa’s trees. She loved baking bread such as fantastic, really delicious empanadas, conchitas and semitas, and shared them with all of us. Whenever I go to a bakery and smell the bread, I remember my grandma. These memories make me feel happy, homesick, and a bit sad because these family members are not with us anymore.
My grandma enjoyed making hot tea for us in the evening, indeed this tea of the fruit picked from my grandpa’s trees. She loved baking bread such as fantastic, really delicious empanadas, conchitas and semitas, and shared them with all of us. Whenever I go to a bakery and smell the bread, I remember my grandma. These memories make me feel happy, homesick, and a bit sad because these family members are not with us anymore.
My Memory of Mom
by Loan Ha
When I taste the chicken cabbage salad, the taste takes me back to the time I spent with my mom in the grocery boat on the weekend in my native country Vietnam. Whenever I visited my country, we sat or played with my relatives. We used to enjoy the delicious, fresh chicken cabbage salad from the garden at home. Now, whenever I see or taste this chicken salad with feast cabbage, I miss my mom....the memory is so strong. I couldn't hold my tears . . . .
I did try to make my mom's salad but it never tasted the same like mom did!
by Loan Ha
When I taste the chicken cabbage salad, the taste takes me back to the time I spent with my mom in the grocery boat on the weekend in my native country Vietnam. Whenever I visited my country, we sat or played with my relatives. We used to enjoy the delicious, fresh chicken cabbage salad from the garden at home. Now, whenever I see or taste this chicken salad with feast cabbage, I miss my mom....the memory is so strong. I couldn't hold my tears . . . .
I did try to make my mom's salad but it never tasted the same like mom did!
Fond Memories by the Sea
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Comforting Memories
by Aiysha Muthana
Every time I smell or taste the stew that my mom makes, I remember my childhood in Yemen exactly: When I came back from school walking up the stairs to our apartment, I used to eat so much of it that I would have to go take a nap afterwards. This meal used to always make me feel comfort after a long hard day.
by Aiysha Muthana
Every time I smell or taste the stew that my mom makes, I remember my childhood in Yemen exactly: When I came back from school walking up the stairs to our apartment, I used to eat so much of it that I would have to go take a nap afterwards. This meal used to always make me feel comfort after a long hard day.
My Grandparents' Bananas
by Marisol Sequeira
Growing up in Mexico City, I remember when my grandparents had a banana plantation. I remember helping them cut bananas from the trees. Once we cut them from the trees, we would eat the bananas. It was so sweet and I enjoyed being with my grandparents.
Remembering Loved Ones
by Luis Munoz
In my native country, Mexico, my family and I often make an "ofrenda" for "El día de los muertos" (The Day of the Dead) on November 2nd each year. This is a tradition that I like because we spend time together building an "ofrenda" to remember the lives of the family members who are no longer with us. It's a bittersweet experience because it's sad to think about loved ones who have passed away, but it's nice to be able to celebrate their lives and remember who they were, how they lived and what they liked most when they were alive.
I'm proud of our Mexicans traditions that's why I like to make an "ofrenda", it's a good way to continue the traditions and culture of my country and remembering our loved ones while spending a quality time with your family.
My Sweet Memories!
by Amy Chen
Whenever I eat popsicles, it brings back very special memories of my mom who passed away years ago.
My mom always made many kinds of popsicles in the summer. When I was in the 6th grade, I used to bring one to school after lunch. I shared it with one of my classmates. There was a surprise look on her face when she ate it. She said it’s tasty and told the other classmates. They would order from me for one dollar each in those days. That was my first time making money. It’s very interesting. Nowadays, I don’t have any chance to eat the most delicious popsicles, but the flavor of the precious popsicles made by my mom stays in my memories.
“ Heso-no-o” by Hitomi Matsuzaki
I have two small wooden boxes in my drawer. Each box has a small whitish brown thing. They are umbilical cords that connected me and my children. They are called “ heso-no-o” in Japanese.
In Japan, after the birth of one’s baby, parents preserve a small piece of dried umbilical cords in a paulownia box carefully. My mother showed me mine in my childhood, and I also showed my children theirs. It may seem strange habits in the United States, but in Japanese culture, " heso-no-o” is an important memorable item of the connection between a mother and a child.
I have two small wooden boxes in my drawer. Each box has a small whitish brown thing. They are umbilical cords that connected me and my children. They are called “ heso-no-o” in Japanese.
In Japan, after the birth of one’s baby, parents preserve a small piece of dried umbilical cords in a paulownia box carefully. My mother showed me mine in my childhood, and I also showed my children theirs. It may seem strange habits in the United States, but in Japanese culture, " heso-no-o” is an important memorable item of the connection between a mother and a child.
Playing in the Rain
by Phuong Van
I really miss my old house in my country – Vietnam. Although it’s pretty small, it made me feel homey and comfortable. I had been living in Quan 5 (local zip code) – Ho Chi Minh city where is called China Town. I’ve had memorable moments there since the first summer vacation.
When I was a kid, neighbors’ kids and I always ran around the neighborhood on all rainy days. Some of them were naked, running around in the rain until the rain was over. We didn’t care about being cold in the rain. After it stopped raining, we didn’t get home right away because we wanted to see the rainbows in the sky that showed up afterwards. We were standing for a while to see them together. After that, my brother and I were walking home with happy faces and wet clothes. I can remember how serious my parents were when they looked at the sticky mud on both our bodies and clothes that was very dirty and difficult to wash. We were still happy even though they scolded us a lot. As I was growing up, I stopped taking “a rain shower” because I realized it could be embarrassing for me to get wet and dirty. That’s why I just sat at the window and watched the kids playing in the rain. Seeing them always reminded me how I used to be energetic and innocent then.
The memories of rainy days are in my mind all the time and I can never ever forget them.
The Most Memorable Gift I Cherish
by Annis Hami
I have got a lot of gifts in my life that they are important for me. The most important gift for me is a laptop that one of my friends gave me. My friend Lauren is my landlady with whom I live for only two years. I always forget that she is my landlady because she is very caring and warmhearted. She is always very friendly. I like her just like my own sister. When Lauren knew that I had decided to buy a laptop to do exercises, she bought a laptop for me. I can’t tell you how much I was surprised. Lauren has given me such a special gift that her kindness and generosity have left a wonderful memory in my heart forever.
by Annis Hami
I have got a lot of gifts in my life that they are important for me. The most important gift for me is a laptop that one of my friends gave me. My friend Lauren is my landlady with whom I live for only two years. I always forget that she is my landlady because she is very caring and warmhearted. She is always very friendly. I like her just like my own sister. When Lauren knew that I had decided to buy a laptop to do exercises, she bought a laptop for me. I can’t tell you how much I was surprised. Lauren has given me such a special gift that her kindness and generosity have left a wonderful memory in my heart forever.
The Most Memorable Trip I Have Taken
by Ying Liufu
Several years ago, my friends and I went to the most famous ancient town in China –FengHuang, whose name means “phoenix” in English. We were thrilled to see its incredible views. This little town lay on the green mountains quietly with a crystal-clear river named TuoJiang wandering across it. Beside the river there were the special buildings named “Hang Foot Buildings” that were reflected in the water. The whole view was just like a perfect painting. At night, the sound of flowing water accompanied our dreams. In the morning, we were awoken by the “thud . . . thud . . . ” sounds. We looked out the window and saw the local women put the dirty clothes on the stones by the river and hit them with wooden sticks. The sound likened to the wonderful rhythms of songs. The boring clothes-washing chore became an art form. Time has gone by, but the memory of FengHuang always appears in my mind.
by Ying Liufu
Several years ago, my friends and I went to the most famous ancient town in China –FengHuang, whose name means “phoenix” in English. We were thrilled to see its incredible views. This little town lay on the green mountains quietly with a crystal-clear river named TuoJiang wandering across it. Beside the river there were the special buildings named “Hang Foot Buildings” that were reflected in the water. The whole view was just like a perfect painting. At night, the sound of flowing water accompanied our dreams. In the morning, we were awoken by the “thud . . . thud . . . ” sounds. We looked out the window and saw the local women put the dirty clothes on the stones by the river and hit them with wooden sticks. The sound likened to the wonderful rhythms of songs. The boring clothes-washing chore became an art form. Time has gone by, but the memory of FengHuang always appears in my mind.