I have been very fortunate, returning to Wright Language School, to have the opportunity to meet with those I taught in the past, and lucky in regards to new classes that have started since my return. One of these new classes is that of Ms. HM and Ms. AS. Both ladies are highly motivated in their English studies, and continue week after week to impress me with their outstanding attitudes and knowledge of English. In this edition of the “Wright News”, we’ve given them the chance to introduce themselves and give everyone a glimpse into what draws them to studying English. – Ken

Ms. HM

A long time ago, I don’t remember for certain when it was, I saw an incredibly beautiful scene on television. The image was that of the Christmas tree standing in Rockefeller Center in New York City. The shining, uncountable colored lights at dusk created an almost dreamlike scene in my mind. I was so impressed by their richness and beauty, I made up my mind to view it in person someday.

But in those days, it wasn’t common for people to go abroad, due to the fact that traveling overseas was expensive. I thought it would be better to learn English conversation first. So I applied to an English conversation school, but the fee was too expensive for me. Eventually I became caught up in other things.

After many years of being completely wrapped up in raising my kids, I still hadn’t had the chance to study English. But the opportunity presented itself to me when I applied to study English at Tsuyama’s Shakai Hoken Center. Luckily, I met some nice teachers and friendly classmates there. Thanks to their help, I could, and still can continue my English studies.

I still have my dream, which motivated me to study English in the first place. And by chance, my two daughters are living in New York right now. If I have any luck, I’ll visit them this December. My dream may finally come true at last!

HM

Ms. AS

One day when I was an elementary school student, I found a little, old book about English conversation in the corner of my mother’s bookshelf. It was my first encounter with English. I read the book many times, and practiced with my friends, though rather poorly. More than thirty years ago, we had very few chances to learn English before entering Junior High School, especially for those of us who lived in the countryside. But foreign languages, such as English and French (which I started to learn a few years later) enchanted me. And during my school days, English came to be my favorite subject.

Now I teach mainly Math, and sometimes English at my “Juku” school. I always tell my students that English conversation skills are a must in order to work in the global field. And by this, I urge them to take “Eiken” tests, as many times as possible, to brush up, and hone their skills.

However, nearly four years ago, a Frenchman stayed at my home for two weeks. He spoke both French and English, and I thought it a good chance to speak English. But I received a huge shock, when I found that I wasn’t able to participate in the conversation as well as I had previously thought. I began to ask myself what I had told my students, and if I was satisfied with my current level.

Shortly thereafter I decided to give my English studies a second chance. I sometimes say to myself, “It’s difficult to memorize all the words, but why so easy to forget them?” But I’ve been studying for the past three years. And last year I tried for and passed the second level Eiken. I probably won’t be able to make as much progress as young people today do who have more opportunities, but I want my students to see that I’ll keep on trying.

AS