An obstacle is a challenge or barrier to your goal.
What obstacles do you have learning English?
- No time?
- Not motivated?
- Afraid of making mistakes?
You are not alone. Many immigrants must overcome difficulties to learn English.
Nujeen is a young Syrian refugee girl with a disability who taught herself English. Let’s find out how she did it:
She says she learned English, “At home with my favorite TV show. It’s ‘Days of our Lives’ with Sammy and AJ’s struggles. Yeah, I love them both!”
Now practice with Nujeen. Watch the video, repeat the words that Nujeen says, and read the text below to follow along.
EJ: “You know there are some amazing people coming through that border. I read about this incredible 16 year old girl from Kobani, called Nujeen Mustafa.”
Sammy: “Najeem Mustafa?”
EJ: “Yes, Nujeem Mustafa.”
Sammy: “She’s our kind of people?”
EJ (nodding): “She’s our kind of people.”
“She’s our kind of people” means they like her and see her as a good friend.
Now listen to what Nujeen says about facing challenges:
Practice your speaking skills by repeating her words:
“You are stronger than you look. You are going to do it and just enjoy the experience. You’re never going to go through this again.”
