Winter 24 WHWN Publication

2025 WRIGHT HERE—WRITE NOW ADULT EDUCATION STUDENT PUBLICATION— Issue 3—Winter 2025

Dear Adult Education Students, Faculty and Staff, As we are experience this special season and winter, I want to take a moment to reflect on all we’ve accomplished together and express my deepest gratitude. This year has brought challenges, triumphs, and countless opportunities for growth and connection. Every achievement and step forward has been made possible by the dedication, creativity, and resilience of each one of you—our students, faculty, staff, and supporters.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE AE Senior Dean Message……………..

The holiday season reminds us of the importance of Student community and the strength we draw from one anWritings…………..…. other. I am incredibly grateful for your hard work, compassion, and the care you show every day in our shared mission. Together, we are building a vibrant, supportive, and innovative environment Our Countries……... where everyone has the chance to flourish.

As you enjoy this holiday season, I encourage you to take time to recharge, celebrate with loved ones, and reflect on the bright possibilities ahead. May this season bring you peace, joy, and renewal.

Warmest wishes for a joyful holiday season and a wonderful new year!

With gratitude,

Senior Dean Steele

Cultural

Traditions ……..…….

Personal Stories …………..…....

POEM OF GRATITUDE

By Edward Clavijo ESL EI4F NRS 4 — A. Kosmas A grateful spirit or soul is like a heart at peace.

Gratitude connects us with people that is; always being positive and appreciate all beautiful things whether it’s the small or big things that come our way in life.

Important Resolutions for 2025

by Tahar Touatt ESL EI4F NRS 4—A. Kosmas resolution means a promise to yourself to do on to not do something.

First, one of the things I decided to do is to learn English and I hope to achieve this before the end of the year.

A second resolution I have is related to my health aspect - not eating sugar because it is the cause of diseases.

Finally, I wish everyone achieves their dreams this year and reaches all goals.

FALL WEATHER

by Felipe Rodriguez ESL EI4F NRS 4—A. Kosmas fall weather is very interesting for me because the leaves on the trees change color and after that they fall to the ground announcing the arrival of winter. All trees look great without leaves and when the snow falls and everything looks white. I love it!

Important Resolution for 2025 - by Maria Aguilar EI4F NRS 4 —A. Kosmas want to be a good person with other people this year. Also, I want to get a better job, take care of myself, and eat healthier - God willing!

MY SPECIAL PERSONAL HOLIDAY MEMORY

by Nguyen Van Reynoso EI4F NRS 4—A. Kosmas am from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. It is a place where we strengthen our bonds and unite as a community through the year-end celebration. On that day, we have a Christmas dinner and exchange gifts.

Memories of these celebrations will stay with me forever!

A SPECIAL TRADITION IN MY COUNTRY

by Marco Santana ESL EI4F NRS 4 A. Kosmas Ecuador, at the end of the year, we make cardboard and cloth dolls with the aim of burning them at midnight on December 31st. The belief is that everything bad is burned there in the hope that the new year will be better is called the burning of the old, which is complemented by the widows who are nothing more than men disguised as widows. They cry for the old men and ask for money for the farewell!

WINTER ACTIVITIES

by Betzy Cazavez ESL EI4F NRS 4—A. Kosmas OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES 1. skiing or snowboarding 2. Ice skating 3. winter hiking 4. building snowmen INDOOR ACTIVITIES 1. Watch a movie on TV 2. Cook or bake 3. Play boardgames or do puzzles ACTIVITIES FOR FAMILY OR FRIENDS 1. Visit a trampoline park or adventure 2. Game night 3. Volunteering During the holidays, many organizations need help.

CHICAGO—by Cesar Ocampo ESL NRS 4 F. Salas here from another country is an amazing experience, in this wonderful city we have many good places to visit.

I really love Chicago. This year I visited different places and festivals. I like the way the people enjoy each season. First, in spring there the weather is warmer and the flowers starts to grow up, then in summer when the people go to the beach and enjoy the beautiful Michigan lake, also in autumn when the leaves are falling and celebrate Halloween and Día de Muertos decorating season. Finally, in winter, when the snow falls, the children can make a snowman and people wears warms clothes. I hope in the future I can continue to visit more places, not only in Chicago but also, more cities in this wonderful country.

DAY OF THE DEAD at Wright College

By Marlenne Villegas ESL NRS 4 – F. Salas want to share my experience during The Day of the Dead in Wright College.

First of all, I find very interesting that in a country other than mine, the teachings of the Mexican culture are maintained. I find it very nice and interesting to share with international classmates from this college this day where we venerate the people who are most important. It is nice to show the colorfulness of the culture through altars and to explain to other people the connection between the living and the world of the dead.

DAY OF THE DEAD

By Sofia Alvarez—ESL NRS 4 —F. Salas me the day of the dead has always been interesting. My curiosity started since I saw the movie “Coco”. And from that moment, I respect that Mexican tradition a lot, taking into account that my native country is Venezuela, and we don’t have that holiday there. I love to see how they prepare altars, food, photos and the family gathers to remember relatives in the most beautiful way. It is a very beautiful party that should be worldwide. As a Venezuelan I admire that and it is nice to know other traditions.

HOLIDAYS

by Sandy Rivas—ESL NRS 3—Kim Castronovo

name is Sandra. I am from Mexico. I am grateful for the happy moments and memories. I like the candies and costumes on Halloween. I want people to know that The Day of the Dead honors deceased loved ones. We recognize the cycle of life and death. Pumpkin pie, tamales, and pozole are very popular foods right now. The colors of the trees are beautiful. The big Halloween celebrations are impressive.

My Story MY EXPERIENCE AT THE HISPANIC HERITAGE CONFERENCE

By Barbara Wisniowska ESL NRS 4—F. Salas

by Brayan Eduardo Juarez Lopez ESL NRS 4—F. Salas

want to share my experience in the Hispanic heritage conference was very good because I was able to learn many new things about the United States economy and listen to nice presentations from the professors who told us their stories and being able to see so many people interested in the economy and opening their own businesses.

It was also very good to be able to interact with many people from different countries. In the end we had a lunch where we all socialized.

name is Barbara Wisniowska.

I am a student ESL in Wright College. I came to the United States from Poland 20 years ago with my husband and two children.

We live in a small house in Chicago. I am retired and I work as a volunteer. I like to help people. We play together and enjoy spending time. I like cooking traditional Polish dishes for my family and friends. I am grateful for the opportunity I have here and I am excited to keep learning and growing.

WHAT I AM THANKFUL FOR

By Yetssy Chaparro— ESL NRS 4—F. Salas

grateful for the opportunity to be in this country and learn about the culture, people, traditions, gastronomy, language and more. First, I have been living in this city for seven months and I am learning the English language every day, thanks to teacher Francisco Salas and Wilbur Wright College. Second, I hope to improve my English, speak fluently like native speakers because it is important for us immigrants to be able to get a better job, and have more opportunities in this country. Finally, it is necessary to have faith and believe that everything is possible with the help of God.

Day of the Dead

Eva Saenz—ESL NRS 3—K. Castronovo

One of my child memories for The Day of the Dead is the soup my grandmother made. She only cooked once a year and we ate it after we arrived from the cemetery. It was tomatoes soup with jalapeños peppers. We still call the recipe (grandmother's soup).

MY AMERICAN DREAM

by Nazarii Krokhmalnyi ESL NRS 4—F. Salas

to America four months ago and I really like life here. The people are very friendly, and I feel good in this country. I have seven goals in America. First of all, I’d like to learn English. Speaking English is really important for me, because it’s helps me in my life, and I believe I can do it step by step. Second of all, my American dream is to find a good job, make new friends, and build a happy, successful life. And finally, I want to explore different places, learn more about culture, and maybe even travel across the country. I believe I can achieve my dreams step by step.

My U.S. Story - by Stepan Stepko—ESL NRS 4—F. Salas came to America in February of 2024. This has always been my dream. Why did I dream of coming here? First, as a child, I always watched Hollywood movies and they seemed more interesting to me than local ones. Second, this is a country of great opportunities. Third, people are very friendly and helpful. Finally, it does not matter where you are from or what color your skin is.

I am very glad that I ended up in this country!

Summertime!

By Doris Sagbay - ESL NRS 4 – F. Salas summer because we can enjoy time with the family and friends we can go out and see new places and enjoy the scenery a lot. I like it because my family from Ecuador comes for a long time, we visit family in New York and go to the beach.

AUTUMN

By Iryna – ESL NRS 3 K. Castronovo The weather is very nice this Halloween decorations are scary I like to drink pumpkin latte I like the colors of the trees There are very nice holiday decorations I like Halloween because my kids get candy and dress up in costumes

CHRISTMAS

By Jose ArpiPalacios ESL NRS 4 – F. Salas

Christmas is a holiday created for commercial purposes worldwide, where large companies make their money by taking advantage of this tradition. We celebrate Christmas at home, with a Christmas dinner and we look for gifts to give to our loved ones.

FALL

By Ivanka—ESL NRS 3—K. Castronovo

I’m from Ukraine. Fall is my favorite season because of its colors and because of the weather, fresh air and a sense of coziness. There are hot drinks, pies, and seasonal fruits and vegetables. The days are getting shorter, people sleep more, and are less in a hurry.

In my opinion fall is the time for family evenings and TV shows.

DAY OF THE DEAD

By Sofia Alvarez – ESL NRS 4 - F. Salas me the day of the dead has always been interesting.

My curiosity started since I saw the movie “Coco”. And from that moment, I respect that Mexican tradition a lot, taking into account that my native country is Venezuela, and we don’t have that holiday there. I love to see how they prepare altars, food, photos and the family gathers to remember relatives in the most beautiful way. It is a very beautiful party that should be worldwide. As a Venezuelan I admire that and it is nice to know other traditions.

HOLIDAYS

by Sandy Rivas ESL NRS 3 – Kim Castronovo name is Sandra. I am from Mexico. I am grateful for the happy moments and memories. I like the candies and costumes on Halloween. I want people to know that The Day of the Dead honors deceased loved ones. We recognize the cycle of life and death. Pumpkin pie, tamales, and pozole are very popular foods right now. The colors of the trees are beautiful. The big Halloween celebrations are impressive.

FALL CUSTOMS

by Isis Bautista – ESL NRS 3 – K. Castronovo My name is Isis Bautista and I'm from Mexico.

The fall customs in United States of America are really different than in my country. n Mexico, the people commemorate dead people. They make an “altar” because they think the people who have died return for a moment. Therefore, the people put some food, candies and beverages on the altar. It’s normal for them to dress up as a skull and walk all together for the streets at night.

In U.S.A. the children dress up as different types of monsters or famous characters like fairy tales and then, they walk around the neighborhood asking for candies. Some adult people organize parties and even get married on Halloween.

AUTUMN

by Rafael Pineda – ESL NRS 3 – K. Castronovo name is Rafael Pineda. I am from Honduras C.A I like autumn because leaves change colors. It is Halloween time, People celebrate the Day of the Spirits of the dead people.

We make special food for the time.

All the countries have different food, candies, and organize parties.

HALLOWEEN—ESL NRS 3—K. Castronovo My name is Olha. I am from Ukraine. want to tell you a story about Halloween. This holiday will be very close. My kids are waiting for Halloween. I bought costumes for them. My son will be Grim Reaper and my daughter will be a shark.

On Thursday I will pick up my kids from school and we will go to the chocolate factory to grab candy. Last year there was a very long line. We waited about 2 hours. But the kids were very happy when they filled the buckets with candy.

After the chocolate factory they will go to collect candy around our neighborhood. I think it is a fun holiday for kids because we don’t celebrate Halloween in Ukraine.

Hello, I am Mariela from Guatemala City. ESL NRS 3—K. Castronovo The traditional food from Guatemala on the Day of the Dead All Saints Day on November 1 is Fiambre. In my house, it is a tradition that every year my mom prepares Fiambre to sell and to eat in my house with our family. She prepares the pickled vegetables days before so they can ferment and have a better flavor.

It is like a cold salad. The Guatemalans have two colors of fiambre, white and red. It has approximately 50 ingredients.

The ingredients to be classified into four groups: * Pickled vegetables The preparation for pickled vegetables is vinegar, salt, pepper, herbs like thyme, garlic and other secrets that Guatemalans have. (cauliflower, celery, red peppers, green peppers, peas, green beans, pacayas, small cabbage, Ejotes, carrots, guisquiles, chickpea, palm heart, olives, capers, asparagus, elotitos, parsley and radish). * Cheeses You can use for decoration or seasoning. The types of cheese are ( white american cheese , fresh cheese, dry cheese, american cheese). * Meats and Sausages require that they be chopped into thin slices and in large portions. (chicken, pork loin, beef, salty tongue, salami, chorizo negro, chorizo colorado, butifarra, longanizas, mortadella, ham, small shrimp, sardine, tuna, hard boiled egg).

The secret ingredient: Caldillo This is a mixture of ingredients that were boiled and prepared as broths. It is usually added to meats and vegetables both to give it a unique flavor and also to allow it to be preserved for longer. * Chicken soup * Vegetable Broth * Vinegar * Water * Salt * Garlic These are some photos of how my mom makes Fiambre in my house in Guatemala.

Put the caption for your photo here.

THE DAY OF THE DEAD

by Sonia Flores ESL NRS 3 – K. Castronovo I am from Guatemala. I would like to write about “El Día de los Muertos” (The day of the dead). I never thought about going to the cemetery to visit my mom of November 2. She died on July 29, 2024. My mom was 69 years old.

Our plan for November 2 with the whole family was to go to the cemetery stay there for two hours or more. Also, we were thinking about buying coffee, sweet bread and tamales to eat there while we talked to each other. Then we were going to buy my mom’s favorite roses to put on her grave and we would burn incense sticks on her grave too. But not any more because my little brother is in the hospital. The only thing we are going to do tomorrow to go to the church to hear the mass for “El día de los Muertos”.

Then after we are going with my father to the cemetery to visit my mom and bring roses for her.

TODOS SANTOS

by Claudia Luna – ESL NRS 3 – K. Castronovo name is Claudia, I am from Bolivia and I arrived in Chicago this June with my family. This year will be our first Halloween. My children are happy because they can dress up and experience trick-or-treating. We really like how the houses are decorated; some are very scary and others are adorable.

This holiday is very different from the one celebrated in my country. There, we call it "Todos Santos" and it is very traditional. The custom says that at 12 noon on November 1st, the souls descend from heaven and visit their families, who set up an altar with the photos of the souls and decorate it with flowers and baked goods.

Each element of this altar has a meaning: for example, the Tantawawas represent the deceased, and the ladder is where the soul descends. They also cook the favorite food of the soul.

On November 2nd, the souls say goodbye to return to heaven. During those days, families gather, go to the cemetery, and pray for the souls. They also exchange the baked goods and food that have been prepared.

Another Bolivian custom that draws attention is the "Fiesta de las Ñatitas," which is celebrated on November 8th. People pray to a human skull, which they decorate with flower crowns and place cigarettes, coca leaves, and bottles of alcohol on it. This human skull can be from a family member or someone else, and they ask it for health and protection. This tradition takes place in the Bolivian highlands.

FALL CUSTOMS

by Isis Bautista – ESL NRS 3 – K. Castronovo My name is Isis Bautista and I'm from Mexico.

The fall customs in United States of America are really different than in my country.

In Mexico, the people commemorate dead people. They make an “altar” because they think the people who have died return for a moment. Therefore, the people put some food, candies and beverages on the altar. It’s normal for them to dress up as a skull and walk all together for the streets at night.

In U.S.A. the children dress up as different types of monsters or famous characters like fairy tales and then, they walk around the neighborhood asking for candies. Some adult people organize parties and even get married on Halloween.

DIA DE MUERTES

by Ashley Celso Suarez—K.Castronovo Hola, mi nombre es Ashley, soy de México, en México celebramos el Día de Muertos desde el 31. Niños y adultos pueden ir a pedir dulces el 1 hasta el amanecer del 2 de noviembre. Velamos a los muertos en el cementerio, mucha gente va a estar con su familia. . En el altar ponemos muchas cosas comida por ejemplo, pozole mole tamales tacos gorditas quesadillas birria barbacoa hamburguesas enchiladas chilaquiles carnitas todo lo que podamos. También frutas por ejemplo bastones, higos, calabazas, kiwis, manzanas, otras que no recuerdo el nombre. Bebidas alcohol diferencias bebidas y refrescos. Dulces muchos dulces paletas tamarindos chocolates.

Adornos de papel para decorar. Ya que todo eso está listo, ponemos un camino de hojas de cempasúchil desde el altar hasta afuera de la calle.

To our Editor of Wright Here - Write Now, Angela Kosmas It is with mixed emotions as we bid farewell to someone who has been more than just a teacher; you’ve been a mentor, a motivator, and a beacon of hope for so many adult learners. Your dedication to empowering students with the tools of knowledge, confidence, and resilience has transformed countless lives.

Your passion and commitment have reminded us all of the importance of lifelong learning and the profound difference one teacher can make. You’ve not only taught lessons but also instilled courage in each student, showing them that it’s never too late to chase dreams and unlock potential.

As you embark on this new chapter, know that your impact will live on in every classroom, every student, and every mind you've inspired. We are grateful for your years of service, your unwavering belief in every learner, and the legacy of compassion and encouragement you leave behind.

May your retirement be filled with joy, adventure, and well-deserved rest.

You will be deeply missed, but your contributions will be cherished forever.

With gratitude and best wishes,.

Senior Dean Steele

Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow!

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year and a wonderful Spring ‘25 Semester!