Learning English for Non-Speakers - Essay Example

Self-assessment It was early this year when we had a talent show party. During the show, people showcased their talents and expertise in various activities, and the best won a trophy and a brand. I eagerly waited for that day. I showcase my expertise in playing the guitar as well as singing talent. However, I decide to introduce an English song, though English was not my native language. On the eve of that day, I could not sleep. I was very anxious because I had planned to introduce an English song, though it was translated from my native language. I practiced the whole night and fantasized my victory. I couldnt stop figuring out how it could be if I won in a foreign land, and was branded the best singer of the year. I was very determined to win and, therefore, I dedicated myself and spent sleepless nights practicing. The song was quite challenging since it was not easy to translate all the words. I kept on forgetting some parts of the song, and I had to refer to my script uncountable times. Giving up was not an alternative; I had to win thee challenge. One month prior the talent show day, I sacrificed having fun with my friends and visiting the gym. I utilized this time to perfect my presentation. Finally, the long awaited day came. After class that day, I rushed to my room to freshen up. I dressed to the occasion and started the journey. My family had travelled to cheer me as I presented. We drove to the venue, my younger brother and mom sang the song all the way. This assisted me since I was able to grasp every word as they sang. My father helped me that my effort would be rewarded, and I would win. We arrived, and my family went to the audience hall when I joined the other contestants. The contestant looked so sure of themselves, and this made me feel nervous. Their mastery for English was very good, and they were so eloquent in their presentation. My dads words lingered at the back of my mind, and this encouraged me. I was the second presenter, and as the first presenter left the stage, there was a loud applause. I was nervous and wondered whether the audience would applause me. As I marched forward to the stage, I spotted my mother from the crowd. There was very much pride in her eyes, and I heard an inner voice say, "Time has come. Make your mother proud." I stood behind the microphone and held my guitar tighter. This time, I was very composed and sure of my eloquence. I started the song and amazingly, I did not forget even a single word. It seemed as if English was using my native language. The judges starred at me with their mouths agape. When I finished, one of the judges complimented me, and the crowd went wild with applause. I felt a great relief and took a deep breath. I could not believe that I had made such a wonderful presentation. It was now time for the results. As I sat following the proceedings, the organizers called out my name. I was overjoyed as I walked to receive my trophy. My mother was overjoyed and could not hold back her tears. My fathers steps to the front were so calculated. He was very proud of me. As my dad drove us back to the house that day, I sat at the back left seat and remembered how tough the journey had been. In 2003, there were many education scholarships to students to study in the US. I worked hard to be at the top of my class.so that I could get a scholarship. I was so determined to learn English, and therefore, I insisted on getting a scholarship where the main language was English. I got a chance at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. At the school, I studied some English language, alongside chemical engineering. Before my admission in the university, my English was very poor, and I was determined to improve it. English language is necessary for communication all over the world, as well as applying for a scholarship. Learning English was not easy and at some point, I thought of going back to my country. My communication was poor since I was not good at English. This made me very uncomfortable. I treasure my home country very much since it bears many of my teenage memories. However, going back to study in my home country meant me regaining a weak accent in English. This was a tough decision to make. However, I appreciated the need for an experience that would change my life and English was a language that I would use in my career all my life. I sought advice from the manager of my scholarship who advised me to change the university. I applied to American branches of University. Luck was on my side since I secured admission at the University of Arizona, Tucson. However, I had to take ten months in the Academic Program at the University of Arizona before I could continue with my studies. I was very determined to improve my mastery in English and could do anything to achieve this. In the process of signing up for my classes at the University of Arizona, I discovered that private language institutions offered English language at a higher level. I decided to apply for a chance in a private language institute as this would highly increase my mastery and fluency in English. My parents, as well as the manager of my scholarship, were so excited about my additional course and were willing to support me. My commitment and dedication to my additional course made me attain a higher grade in English. I can now communicate in English without fear, and this makes me comfortable to travel all over the world. I now enjoy my days in the United States since I can easily communicate with everybody. The trophy I won at the talent show reminds me of the tough hardships I encountered in learning the English language. It encourages me and gives me the assurance of success in whatever I did. I leant that with determination, nothing is unachievable. Read More