Introducing Malena...

You may recognize Malena as the student assistant in the International Student Lounge. She is often seen studying and helping students. Check out her interview in the current issue of International Student Voice Magazine.

1.Why did you decide to attend Long Beach City College?

My cousins studied here before and they said good things. Before I had no idea about what college to go to. I had family in Long Beach that I knew I could stay with. I didn’t even know the difference between the different types of colleges in the U.S. before I came. I understand it better now and I really love the U.S. community college system because they offer students a lot of help and it is cheaper. Plus, you can transfer to some really good and famous universities.

2. What was you English preparation before starting college?

I studied English for four years in Cambodia. But before I started college at Long Beach City College I enrolled in their Intensive English program called the American Language and Culture Institute. This program was great at helping me improve my English, get to know the United States, and what the expectations are for starting college in the U.S.

3. When you encounter Americans what is often their perception of Cambodia?

Well, I sometimes get the response, “Where is Cambodia?” It doesn’t upset me that they do not know where Cambodia is, but I will tell them that it is a small country in Asia and we have this really famous place called Angkor Wat. But there are also many Americans that know Cambodia and would like to visit Cambodia in the future.

4. What is your favorite thing to do in your free-time?

I really love nature photography and to sometimes go on hikes. But I am mellow, and I like to stay at home, study, and sleep.

5. What do you miss most about Cambodia?

I miss my parents a lot and because of the time difference it can be hard to Skype sometimes. A lot of my Cambodian friends here miss the food in Cambodia, but I actually like the food in the U.S. and don’t really miss Cambodian food.

6. Who is your role-model and why?

I would say Ellen Degeneres because she is kind, strong, honest, and she treats everyone the same.

7. What do you find to be the most challenging aspect of being a college student in the United States?

Language is the most difficult part for me because it is not my primary language. There is a lot of vocabulary that I still do not know. It takes me a long time to read articles and I often need to re-read them. I never really liked reading in my own language, so this is difficult, but I am learning a lot.

8. What are your future plans?

I am looking to transfer to a four-year college to get my BA degree. I don’t know where yet because I don’t know my major yet. I know I want to stay in Southern California because I love it here.