Truly the best compliment I have ever received from a student was from our very first student (#001), who of course is still studying with us at Smith’s Azamino and has begun her 4th year with us. (Her son is also a student!)
She is a teacher herself, and therefore understands the value of reviewing one’s notes. As such, she improved very quickly, and her ability to communicate in English has gone through the roof. It is very rewarding to watch her sit in my class filled with confidence and communicating complex ideas on a range of topics.
The thing I will never forget her saying is that we not only have helped her communicate in English (as is our goal), but have also taught her the skills she needed to really COMMUNICATE with other human beings, even in her native tongue. She said she has gained the confidence to speak with people at parties (where she used to hide in the corner at a loss for what to say) and the confidence to make conversation with people she doesn’t know. Indeed, she is one of the most outgoing and curious students we have now, which is quite a contrast from when she began.
It truly warmed my heart to hear that. I also realized she is not alone. In addition to other students learning similar skills, I too have learned to communicate better in uncomfortable situations just by doing this. Teaching English at one’s own school (especially a Smith’s School of English) is very rewarding work!
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