With all the students I have had the pleasure of getting to know throughout the years, it is infrequent that I learn what becomes of them after the course is completed.  As educators, the relationships we build with students are perhaps the most beautiful aspect of our work, so it is always bittersweet when they move on. Naomi, however, is a student that continues to be a part of my life even though she is no longer on my roster.  

Naomi comes from an immigrant family who fled their country due to civil war.  After spending four years in Egypt, they landed in Michigan.  Her life here has not been a breeze to say the least.  Due to her mother’s limited English, Naomi has taken on the roles – as many immigrant children do – of interpreter, appointment scheduler, and cultural liaison.  As an adult in the home, she is also expected to pay her share of the rent.  She works nights at a hospital, often with patients who have mental illness and can be difficult, but at other times, with those who are happy to have her to converse with in uncertain and scary times.  Furthermore, Naomi has a sibling who comes and goes – both physically and mentally-speaking – that can be violent at times.  The day-to-day can be a heavy weight on her shoulders.  

Despite these challenges, education is an important goal in her life.  This is how I came to know Naomi as a student in my asynchronous Elementary Spanish course two years ago.  She was one of a few students who consistently visited with me during virtual office hours.  We would end up talking about so many topics:  languages, culture, movies, food, religion, society, family… the list goes on.  Later, she enrolled in my Intermediate Online Real Time class, and I was thrilled to see her again.  At some point during our exchanges a friendship began, and one that has endured to this day.  It was quite easy, honestly.  Naomi embodies all the virtues I look for in a friend.  She is wise, witty, supportive, caring, worldly, open, honest, and sincere.      

Given the geographical barriers (I reside in Istanbul, Naomi in Lansing) we chat via WhatsApp nearly every single day.  We come from very different worlds, but we have so many interests in common.  Naomi, like my closest friends, listens and supports me despite the uncertainty and complications that she must often face.  I feel very fortunate to have her as part of my world and am glad I am still privy to her life after the grades are in.