This morning I had the chance to talk with an ELC student who has been here for almost one year. She is going home over the break to spend time with her family and friends, eating home cooking and relaxing. Then she plans to return to the U.S. to continue her English language and then university study.
This student spent a few minutes reflecting on the past year and everything she has accomplished and learned. When she first came here, everything was new, and she didn't know what to expect. She felt alone and confused. She found it difficult to progress in English and her goals seemed far away. But now, as we spoke, I noticed how fluent and self-confident she was speaking in English with me.
This student's success is due to her own hard work and perseverance. In language learning, sometimes it feels as if you are climbing a rocky path up a high mountain. Every step can be difficult, and slow. On a day-by-day basis, you cannot see much change. But if you keep going, one day you will find that you have reached your goal.
It is good to stop now and then and take the time to reflect on our progress over the last year, or last term, and see how far we have come from where we first began.
With all good wishes for the New Year!
Warmly,
Barbara Hoekje, Ph.D.
Director, ELC
215 895-2067 (phone)
215 895-6775 (fax)