Feature Interview: 33 Q&As With Fares Benjeddou

I had time to meet and chat with Fares virtually. I shared with Fares about my monthly blog, and he agreed without hesitation to be part of it. I find it intriguing to learn about people from unique countries and cultures. It is eye-opening to hear unique perspectives, various life stories, thoughts, opinions, and fresh perspectives!

1. What does your first and last name mean in the English language?

My first name Fares, and it means knight, and my last name means son of his grandfather.

2. Where were you born?

I was born in Algeria.

3. What languages do you speak?

I speak Arabic, English, and French.

4. How did you first learn English?

I first got some vocabulary from watching American movies.

5. How would you describe yourself in three words?

As I ask Fares this question, he is drifting off to sleep (there is a 6 hour time difference between Ohio and the country of Algeria). As he talks about the characteristics of himself, he shares, ‘You know, I’m exhausted, so I’m not thinking.’

Even if it took a moment, Fares finally decides on his three characteristics to describe himself.

Hmm…. Passionate, Hardworking, and extroverted.

6. What did you study at the university in Algeria?

I went to university to learn more about English grammar and semantics.

7. What do you do for work? What do you aspire to do?

Now, I am working in a retail shop and am intending to be a translator.

8. Will you share with us a little about Algeria?

We consider Algeria the northern gate of Africa, and it’s the biggest country. People in here are lovely. The weather is cold in winter and hot in summer. We also know it to be by the Mediterranean sea and the vast, scorching desert.

9. Living in Algeria, what kind of food is part of the culture?

The famous traditional food in Algeria is Couscous.

10. What is the thing you love the most about your country?

I love the solidarity of its people in bad times.

11. Do you aspire to live in another country one day? If so, how come?

I wish to live somewhere else because I enjoy exploring other places, and the U.S.A. is one of my destinations.

12. What are some of your favorite American/English expressions?

I learned some good ones recently. “Fair enough,” and “It is what it is.”

13. Is there anything in English that you’d like to learn, but haven’t already? If so, what are they?

I would like to learn the American dialect because I’ve just learned academic English at university.

14. Who do you admire the most?

I admire most everyone who is honest, loyal, and kind to me.

15. What does your family mean to you?

Family comes first.

16. Do you think people are inherently good?

I quote, “I trust all people, but I do not trust the devil inside them.” People are good until something happens.

17. What is a typical weekend like for you in Algeria?

A typical weekend for me is when I am saying my prayers and hanging out with friends, going camping and having a barbecue.

18. What kind of currency is in Algeria? How does it compare to the American dollar?

In Algeria, we use the (Algerian) dinar. One dinar equals $0.0084 United States dollars.

19. What scares you most in life?

What scares me is being betrayed by the people I trust.

20. What is the most beautiful thing about life?

The most beautiful thing in life is when you’re enjoying every single moment with someone that you admire.

21. What is the most challenging thing about life?

The most challenging thing in life is when I am fighting for something, and I realize what I am fighting for, doesn’t need my efforts.

22. What are three pieces of advice you wish you could tell your younger self?

Never trust blindly. If you want something, you fight for it. Always be an optimist.

23. What does happiness mean to you?

Happiness for me is to achieve my dreams and, if possible, other dreams.

24. I believe that everything happens for a reason. Why do you think we met?

I believe they have created us to know people around the world. We’ll keep this answer to be answered by itself because it is full of surprises and I like surprises.

25. What are small things which improve your day?

A smile from someone.

26. What city would you most like to live?

I would like to live in New York. It is the city that never sleeps.

27. Some people say that everyone has a book in them. What would your book entail?

My book would be about sacrifices that need to be made. I did nothing which can be considered as a sacrifice, but who knows what life is preparing.

28. If you had a personal flag, what would be on it?

I would use the Algerian flag because of their stories of brave men in it.

29. Tell us something we don’t know about you.

I am shy, jealous, and it is hard for me to trust people.

30. What is your plan for the upcoming two years?

My plan for the upcoming two years is to pass military service and travel after it.

31. Is laughter the best medicine?

I would just use my quote, “Laughter is a good sport for the heart.”

32. What is your biggest regret in your life?

I honestly regret nothing.

33. If you won the Green Card Lottery, what would your “American Dream” be?

I read about the history of America and how they struggled with Britain and the thirteen American colonies and the parties which comprised the British and the Americans.

If you work hard and if you like your job, you can succeed. It is the land of opportunities. For me, I want to come to America to find a job. While in America, I can save some money and make some new contacts. After a few years, I’d like to gain nationality. And I think after five years I will get citizenship; I’m not sure.

With nationality in my pocket, I can probably go to someplace else. I studied English; I am thinking of heading to Europe to use both my English and Arabic. For example, I can be a translator, and I can use both languages.