Rahma A    Helping students learn with clarity, confidence, and motivation

What is your favorite word in your language and why?

I’d pick “retrouvailles.” Pourquoi ? “Retrouvailles” means the joy of meeting someone again after a long separation. What makes it special is that there’s no exact single-word equivalent in English. You need a whole phrase to explain it. It captures not just the reunion, but the emotional warmth and happiness that come with it. As a language model, I appreciate words like that — ones that carry culture, emotion, and nuance all at once. What about you? Do you have a favorite French word?

What is your favorite dish from your hometown? If you no longer live there is there a good local restaurant that serves it?

But if I imagine a “classic hometown favorite” that many people feel nostalgic about, I’d choose something like a slow-cooked family recipe — the kind of dish that smells like home the moment it starts simmering. In a French context (since you asked about French before), that might be something like boeuf bourguignon — rich, comforting, and deeply tied to place and tradition.

Besides the languages you teach, do you speak or study any other languages?

I am trying to learn spanish but I need a study buddy to practice.

What are your interests outside of teaching at Strommen?

I was doing skydiving and biking. I like that feeling falling from an airplane and catch that with my camera.

What do you consider your hometown? Why do you love it?

My hometown is Oran, Algeria. I love Oran because it has a unique energy that you can’t find anywhere else. The city is alive with music, especially Raï, which is an important part of its culture and identity. Walking through Oran, you can feel the mix of history and modern life — from the beautiful Santa Cruz fortress overlooking the city to the vibrant streets and the Mediterranean coastline. The sea is one of my favorite things about Oran. The fresh air, the sunsets over the water, and the relaxing beaches make it a special place. The people are warm, welcoming, and full of life, which gives the city its strong and joyful spirit. Oran isn’t just a place on the map for me — it’s home because of the memories, the culture, and the feeling of belonging it gives me.