As I mentioned earlier,we had selective courses once a week.In my second year,there was an oral English course that was given by a foreign teacher.But there were at most five students of each class that could have the chance to take that course.I was among the lucky ones.
At first,I was very curious because that was the first time I attended a foreign teacher's English lesson.I was also very nervous.He was from Belgium,a small country of Europe.He was a musician.But he didn't like talking.That class we just introduced ourselves one by one.It was kinda boring actually.But I still expected the next lesson because at least I had a chance to practise my English.
A new foreign teacher came on the next week's lesson.His name is Jack and is from Canada.He was pretty young.His lesson was totally different from that of the previous one.He was so humerous,energetic and lively.His exaggerating expressions and gestures made everybody laugh.That was probably the most lively and interesting lesson I had ever took.I was so impressed.And he made everyone feel very relaxed and involve in the pure English environment he created.Never before had I felt so delighted in class.
He prepared a topic to debate for each lesson.At first I was still nervous and my voice was low and even trembling.Gradually,as time went by,I overcame it and was very confident.
I was very active in his class.I always raised my hands to express my opinions and argued with different students.My opinions were always agreed by most of the students and of course him.I felt a sense of achievement at his class.My oral English improved greatly because of the debate.I liked debating and speaking English in public.
In fact,seldom students wanted to open their mouth in the class.But to me,speaking and expressing in a foreign language and be understood is such an enjoyable thing.I talked very fast.So I enjoyed every minute of the class.An hour an a half seemed too short to me.I always felt time files when I'm having fun.It was as if I hadn't speak enough before the class was over.
Everytime after the class,the teacher and I continued talking,discussing a certain topic or simply chatting about each other's life and experiences.He liked me very much and encouraged me a lot.He said:"Cynthia,among all the students I taght,you're the best.You have a very good command of English.You know how to use the words you've learned while others don't..." I was moved and thankful.
I think he was very smart.He could speak pretty good Chinese.He lived in Tianjin.We kept in touch since then.I was lucky to have met such a good teacher.I also realised that using English is way important than learning it.Simply memorzing new words isn't learning English.And that wasn't my way either.
Here,I should thank you heartily,Jack! You inspired me! That was one small step,but more of a giant leap in my process of leaning English.
(to be continued...)
