Smith’s School of English offers what I want

Two weeks ago a student shared with me an entry in her diary and both Jerry and I were quite impressed so we asked her if she would be willing to share it on Soapbox with everyone. Thankfully she agreed. While I have made some minor corrections to smooth things out and impress upon us the importance of learning I believe I have kept it as close to what she wants to say as possible. For all those students reading this, feel free to share your stories with us. We love to share our experiences.

Adrian

When we choose an English school, it’s very popular to have a trial lesson and we expect to be able to converse in a natural manner. It’s wonderful if we have a great lesson each time, but unfortunately the opposite case is also possible. Even if I temporarily feel discomfort toward a teacher’s teaching style, it’s Ok if I could be convinced of their guidance. I think that this is a common wish and a natural request for all students.

I have been studying English at Smith’s School of English in Hirakata for 9 years now, but I had to change my English school every year before I started studying here. Smith’s School of English is the fourth school for me, but I’ll keep studying English at Smith’s 英会話 in Hirakata as long as possible. Why? The reason is the school offers what I want.

What is it? It’s a month to month system, so I don’t have to pay expensive tuition fees all at once. More importantly, the maximum number of students per class is 3, so I have enough time to participate in class conversation. Most of the teachers have a clear-cut intention to settle down in Japan and be involved in English education. They don’t feel it’s their duty to write articles for the Smith’s School of English Soap Box website, but rather enjoy doing it. Therefore, I know that the students wait eagerly to read new articles. There are many categories and articles and the teachers often write thank you comments about their colleagues’ articles because they can learn from them, too.

I was luckily able to publish two books for two years running, 2008 and 2009, and they are both in English and Japanese. However, it might have been impossible to release without the great help of my English teachers, Adrian and Jerry and their kind polite guidance. They never judged me. Especially Adrian, he is a specialist who asked me to write many times, and with the help of his coaching I learned to appreciate writing.

Everyone knows that we can’t get quick results, there is no easy-learn course. Elements necessary for proficiency in English are perseverance, courage and hard work. The other day my 5-year-old granddaughter asked me, “Grandma, what do you want to become in the future?” I was surprised to hear that because some people my age don’t think about becoming something more, but I know differently, it is a dream that can apply to anyone of any age. I don’t aspire to be an English teacher or pass English proficiency tests but I want to speak English fluently one day, even if it’ll take me years. Therefore I’ll try to do my best at Smith’s School of English in Hirakata as I believe that today’s lesson is the first step towards tomorrow.