Student Spotlight: Rena Ibrahim. Rena is an English language (ELA) student from Iraq and was recognized as one of our ELA Fall 2019 Most Outstanding Students. We asked the Rena what advice she would give to someone starting English classes, how she studies outside of class, and for a fun fact about herself. Here's what she said: ADVICE: Focus in class and be friendly with everyone. STUDYING OUTSIDE OF CLASS: My job, watching American movies and music. Making friends with native English speakers. FUN FACT: I am a single mom and I raised four kids by myself. I started learning English when I was 39 years old. Congrats, Rena! #emilygriffith #emilygriffithtechnicalcollege #englishlanguage #esl #ela #immigrantswelcome #immigrantstories #iraq