Dream Conviction Love

                                                   A Tale of Two Phases
 
   The decision I made was to give up the chance of attending the foreign language elementary(very famous in Tianjin).But at everyone was surprised at my decision as they all thought I was meant to learn foreign language.My parents and relatives al suggested as long as I wanted to go,they would do all they can to support me as they considered my future the prioity.Because it costed too much and would be a heavy burden to my family.That's not what I desire.And also I didn't want to be so specific at so young an age and put myself in a frame.I wished to develop myself freely in every aspects not only English.Maybe later I would have potential in science or other as kids are changeable.So I insisted not to go.That was the first time I did such an important thing against the will of so many people in my family.I am so amazed at my courage then.A teacher at the admission office of that language school was also astound,she whispered:"You will regret one day.So many students want to learn here but they can't.Are you nuts?"Her words"you'll regret one day"is as if a spell.Several years later,I realized it was in some way true.

    However,I didn't do well enough in my graduation exam.But I was still able to attend a rather good elementary school in my district.And during the phase of middle school,I spent my happiest times there.

    In terms of learning English or languages,my middle school was not as ideal as that one of course.The first English teacher in middle school was Mr.Wang,an elderlt man.He was very kind-hearted and straightforward.His class was intersting.But his pronunciation wasn't accurate.Sometimes he has a slight accent of Tianjin dialect mixed with English.How horrible it was!But nothing can prevent me from learning English.Ever since I entered middle school,I made up my mind to conquer those students in foreign language middle school.I believe I could learn English better than them although I am not in a language school.And my other subjects will bound to be better then them too.

     The great American thinker,essayist and poet Rauph Waldo Emerson once said:"Nothing great can ever be achieved without enthusiasm.I have deep feelings for that in my journey of learning English though what I did couldn't be called great.

   At that time,a programme featured on Children's English learning was very popular.I was a loyal listener and joined by telephoning and read words,expressions and dialogues after the teacher.The teacher was a mid-aged lady with charming and sweet voice.Coincidentally she was also surnamed Young,same as my beloved teacher I mentioned last essay.In the air,she taught us English songs,little poems and nursery rhymes which greatly interested and impressed us small kids.I loved singing very much.Till now I can still remember those songs distinctively.Everytime I sing them,it bring back those sweet and happy memories of my childhood.

  The first relatively mature and difficult song I learned to sing was"My Heart Will Go On",the theme song of the movie"Titanic".At that time I didn't learn much English esp the grammer.After all,I've only learned the language for less than a year.So a large number of,or almost every I should say words in the lyrics were new to me.The only two great weapons of mine were the radio and the dictionary.I looked up every word I didn't know and followed the tape I recorded of that song again and again.Guess what?I could sing the song perfectly!I am so proud of myself when I recall that part of my experience.But because I was too small to understand the true meaning or implied meaning of the lyrics.But I did get it gradually as time went by.I was highly motivated and improved my listening and speaking .

   Time won't wait.My primary school years came to the last period:graduation.Before that year,I took an English competiton held city-wide among pupils of my grade.I scored 94 in the preliminary contest and was bound to be granted the chance of entering the next round of competition.

    However,things changed completely without a premonitor.

    According to the central goverment's rule,no such competitions were to held owing to the need of releasing the burden of pupils and students nationwide.So the contest was canceled.So was my chance of winning a big prize and the precious chance of adding extra points on my graduation exam.It was a pity.

    Several days before graduation exam,I took a special exam held by the elementary school of Tianjin Foreign Studies university,and I was admitted in advance.However,I made a decision out of everyone's expectation and the path of my life changed entirely since then.

   My pareants discovered that my interest had switched from painting to English.So they found a summer course for me.Indeed it was where I spent the happy days I will cherish forever.

   There were all pupils of my age.We had a female teacher of her mid-thirties.She is Mrs Young.She taught us from the ABCs of English language from the pronunciation and the International Phonetics.She taught us very precisely and standardly.That summer my mom had been taken ill very seriously .Despite the expensive medical expenses,she bought me a new walkman without any hesitation.I listened to the tape everyday and practised by reading after the tape.My English improved very fast.And that's the reason why my pronunciation is rather accurate now.

   But there were still a small failure.I didn't do well on one of the quizzes.There were several got 100 marks while I only got 94.I felt very frustrated as I thought I must have came out the best.But that experience pushed me to learn more deligently ever after.And in some way it inspired me .That's why we say"Failure is the mother of success."Then I did come out first on the final quiz.

   She taught us many new words besides those in the textbook.Her class was interesting as well as serious.In the last lesson she chose a dictionary for us.Rather than recommend a tiny one,she suggested that we should use a big and thick one.The dictionary was heavy and far beyond the level of Grade 4.But I bought it and I am still using it till now.

   Time flies.The course ended.And we parted.Though it lasted only a summer vacation,it was so instructive and unforgettable.You know,for a beginner like I was,the preliminary impression is extremely important.It was because of her that I had a solid foundation of English which makes a smooth path for my future study.I was so lucky to encounter such a great teacher.And my great parents who supported me so much.Here I should thank them heartily!

   Then it was as if a colourful window had opened for me through which I could see a brand new world in front of me.Back to my daily classes,I was the top and began to show promise.