Algeria

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Carthage here or there:  an Algerian at Carthage College! Djilali Zoulim Carthage College means a lot of things to me. When I was accepted as TLE at Carthage, I was very excited about this new opportunity. Beginning with the name Carthage, I was immediately reminded of the great civilization in North Africa, built by the Phoenicians and the Berbers, whose capital was…Carthage.  During my year at Carthage, I have met many people including faculty and students who share many of the same values honored in my Algerian and North African culture. These values include:  respect, kindness, politeness and openness. The similarities are seen most often when people say: “Hello, how are you?” or ask if I need help. These simple interactions have helped to  make my experience at Carthage unforgettable.  Some of the most memorable times at Carthage include my daily exchanges with students in my classes.  My students quickly became aware of my pride in Algeria and in my ancestors,  the Berbers or Amazighes ( “free people”). My students were surprised to learn that many Berbers have fair skin with green or blue eyes.  I also enjoyed shocking my students by telling them about  skiing in the Sahara desert sands in south of Algeria.  During my year at Carthage, I have met some of the friendliest people who invited me to parties or  helped me with various assignments for my classes. I have traveled around the U.S. to such places as New York City and Washington D.C. I have also enjoyed playing soccer with some of the members of the Red Men soccer team; both the players and I came to appreciate each other’s skills.            Carthage has been  more than a college to me.  Here I have discovered more about the world around me, I have learned many things about American culture through my host family,  my students and my supervisor. So, I would like to thank Carthage for all the best things in my native tongue: “thanmirth.”  As they say in my country “every nice thing has an end” but I will always remember Carthage.                 Djilali at the United Nations,                           Djilali, Li and Maritza at the top of Washington Memorial,        New York City. Spring 2008                                                Washington D.C. Spring 2008