The first time that I entered an American classroom, the range of the students amazed me. I realized that the students were from many different cultural and ethnical backgrounds. Wherever I turned, the students displayed diversity in behavior, in speech, and appearance.

Coming to the United States for the first time, my mind had been pre-programmed when I was still in my own country, China. The idea of how to "fit in" and be accepted by the students quickly come into my mind, especia

Whenever the class is called to assemble to begin the day's discussion of a lesson, everyone speaks in English. There is exchange of ideas; some disagreeing and others aligned. During such times, the students display different reactions: violent, reasonable, and complacent towards topics discussed. I almost always sit back, just observe and listen to my classmates and think to myself how students would always have an opinion to share. Opinion is a common ground these students have among themselves.

lly, since I would be studying with them for the whole semester. I was introduced for the first time to "real" Americans: a Hispanic, a Caucasian, and an African American. While I was talking with them, I became so excited telling them stories about my country. I also told them my first impressions of San Francisco. At one point, I mentioned

Some common words found in the essay are:
Black Americans, Classroom America, San Francisco, Coming United, African American, talk family, china idea,
Approximate Word count = 570
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)