In the United States, teenagers often begin work part-time jobs. Many college students have part-time jobs and work over the summer. Is this similar or different from your country? What was your first job? Do you think it's good that teenagers work at a young age of do you think it's too soon?
Ms. Riley corrected Mr. Brashov about her term of address. There are a number of ways; sir, ma;am, Mr, Mrs., Ms, How do you address people in your country? In the US, women often change their last name to their husbands' when they marry. What is the tradition in your country?
Mr. Brashov tells Henry he is "responsible, dependable and trustworthy". How can you tell if someone is trustworthy? In your opinion, what are the most important qualities in an employee?
What do you think parental respect looks like? How should children show respect and when does independence begin?
If you have an older child, how has he or she adapted to US culture? Does your child or children end up helping you?
How did you adapt or are you adapting to US culture? What tools or information do you use to help you understand this new society?
The Ukrainian mother says, "There are some decisions that must be made at the family table." What do you think she meant by that? Which decisions do you consider to be the family's?
Writing Prompts
Describe your first workplace. What was it like? What did you do?
How do you teach or plan to teach you child about parental and familial respect? What is important to you and/or in your culture?
Write a letter to a friend from your country who is coming to the US. What advice do you give?
If you had found out that your teenage son had lied to you about his part-time job and forged your signature, what would you have done?