Hứa Văn Hiếu's Writing

 HIẾU'S WRITING

This is the first essay that I have written for my first English club that truly expresses my feelings.

 I have been in Ho Chi Minh City for nearly one year and I have been a part of Speak Up (we usually call it ‘SU’) for 10 months. That is not a long time for most people, but it is a long time for me because of how much I have matured because of this club. So, what do I mean "matured"?

When I first came to HCMC, I did not focus on English. I was so lucky, though, because I had some friends who were already studying here, and they introduced me to this club.

The first time I came to SU, I couldn’t speak any English, even though I had studied English in school for many years. I sat down at a small table and just watched other people speaking English. That experience motivated me to take some English classes in speaking and listening in order to improve my speaking skills. After a couple of months, I began to speak more in English and build a stronger foundation of spoken English. Over time, I continued to improve. I spent a lot of time on English and tried to attend some English clubs here. I was so busy studying English that I did not have much time to relax.

I want to share something personal with you, the members of my English club, and also with my teacher. Teacher! I can recall what you taught me the first time we met: you taught me how to pronounce the word "tea-cher”, but I always say "teach- cher". It is such a simple thing, but it is awesome. Thanks again! I love the way you teach English to students. It’s not completely strict or easy. I can hear the kind of things you say when we don’t prepare for the lessons like: “I will kill you as I can” or “How long have you been studying English?” At that time I didn’t really like it at all. However, a few days later, I realized that you know how to motivate your students and how to make a balance between strict and easy ways, and to sympathize with students sometimes. I still remember the time when you talked about your own studies and told us that it took you many years of devoted (?) study to learn English. I admire you a lot!

First, I was your student. Then, I became a volunteer for your English club. It has been my pleasure because I enjoy that volunteer work. I can meet other volunteers and learn a lot from them. The volunteers here are very active, enthusiastic, creative, and lovely people. SU is a place where we can build many relationships. It is not only a good English environment for anyone who wants to improve their English, but also a cozy place for people who want to enjoy coffee after a long work day.

As a volunteer, I talk with many people who want to improve their English. Some of them speak very little English and they seem to be shy. They remind me of myself when I first came to SU. That is why I say that I have matured a lot because of this club.

I will never forget these things!

Many thanks to Speak Up and my teacher Mr. Hong Anh!

All the best to you!

Your number one student,

Van Hieu.