Preface
May 2005,
Dear Reader:
On behalf of the editorial staff, it is my pleasure to introduce you to the 2004-2005 issue of Accents, a yearly magazine that showcases essays of students in the English as a Second Language (ESL) Program at Kean University. These students, representing 50 countries, contribute tremendously to the culture and the educational value of Kean University.
No work such as this magazine can be done without the help of many individuals. I would like to express my gratitude first of all to Geovanna Fiallos, without whose editing this issue would not have come to pass. I would also like to thank Lina Quimbaya, the president of the International Club for initiating the work on Accents, and also Sandra Arevalo, who aided in the editing of articles. Thanks go also to the ESL Program staff: Tana Thompson, Ana Torres, and Agnes Strozniak.
Much appreciation is also due to Dr. Sharon Snyder, director of the ESL Program and to Dr. Robert Cirasa, chair of the English Department, whose support to the ESL students has been unflagging. I am especially grateful to the Student Organization of Kean University, who generously sponsored the Intercultural Club and its funding of the magazine’s publication.
Finally, I would like to express my appreciation to the students who contributed their writing and to the students who have done a great job in putting this magazine together.
I hope you will enjoy reading these essays, and if you are an ESL student, consider submitting your own writing to be published in next year’s Accents!
Dr. Charles Nelson
Accents Advisor