Alawi Canlas is the new teaching assistant for the Fulbright Foreign Language Program at Skyline, which is headed by Liza Erpelo. The Fulbright Foreign Language Program, which was founded in 1968, aims to educate students about another country’s language and culture by enlisting the help of teachers from the respective country. There are Fulbright programs in many different countries, and in Canlas’s opinion, “It bridges the gap between countries.” Canlas is just one of three Filipino Fulbright Teaching Assistants, with the other two being located at Stanford University and Northern Illinois University. In an e-mail, Canlas said, “I actually consider myself the luckiest of the three Filipino “FLTAs” because I am at Skyline College where the Kababayan Program- (which is the Filipino learning community) is intensive and I am happy that I get to be a part of it.” Fulbright, as a part of the Kababayan program, particularly hopes to cover the entire experience for students who have both Filipino and American heritage, According to Erpelo. Canlas, who just arrived in America from the Philippines less than a month ago, hopes to share the Filipino culture and to also learn more about America and its culture.

As to why she applied for the position, Canlas said she wanted to try something new. She also said she always really liked the English language; “It is a crazy language, and it is very interesting to learn it.” Upon first hearing the news, Canlas said she was excited but nervous as well. “When I was accepted, I realized this was something fun yet serious” said Canlas. Some of Canlas’ responsibilities include assisting Ms. Erpelo around the classroom and also to help organize and write the play for the Filipino Cultural Night. Erpelo said that Canlas will definitely have some time to teach the class directly. Canlas is so impressed with the production that she said she is determined to introduce a similar program back in her home of Pampanga, in the northern portion of the Philippines. Before coming to America, Canlas taught both English and speech classes at a school in the Philippines for nine years. When commenting on her stay thus far in the United States, Canlas said, “So far, it is cool. I am starting to enjoy things. The weather is nice. The people are nice. I am learning a lot.” Canlas is staying in America for only nine more months before heading back to the Philippines. As a part of her program, she also has to take a couple of classes at Skyline. So, here is to hoping that Alawi Canlas has a wonderful time during her stay at Skyline College and that her experience living in America will be a most memorable one.