Preface
May 2007
Dear Reader:
On behalf of the editorial staff, it is my pleasure to introduce you to the 2006-2007 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 more than 40 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 the members of the Intercultural Club who helped to make the club a success this year, especially Teesha Sayeed, our president for the fall semester, who was instrumental in organizing the club in its activities. I would also like to thank Mathilde Saget, Danie Saget, and Geovanna Fiallos for editing the articles in this issue of Accents, and María Vargas-Pión, our Chief Editor, who organized the articles in this issue.
A special note of gratitude goes to Carlos Pión, who redesigned this year's cover to emphasize the diversity of our ESL students. 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. Linda Best, 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