Hello, ladies and gentlemen. Today my topic is The Best Thing I Have Learned on Campus.

Perhaps it’s nostalgia to speak in front of you today. 

I remember growing up with my friend from Australia, we use to play together and have a fantastic time, while among the blue skies my first time hearing the English language was on campus. Out of all the places in the world it was ironic to hear English for the first time in a place where we all go to learn.

I was attracted to English and I wanted to learn!!!! Gradually, my parents noticed my motivation and curiosity on campus. I was doing my best in the classroom while making great friends.

One night as I was doing my homework listening to my favorite English song Country Roads, I could hear my Father and Mother talking about a trip they were planning for the Chinese New Year. I was excited, but more excited to do my first speech in English in front of my classmates the next day. I was a little nervous at first, but I knew that if I practiced hard enough that it would be worth it at the end. My father would come into my room occasionally checking up on me.

My father normally says “ How are you doing Shirley?” I would sometimes feel frustrated, because a speech takes patience. So it is always a good idea to take a break. As I was drinking my tea, I was having a vision about the next day, how the class would react, and if I would remember to say all my words.  I knew that I would have to have a lot of confidence. 

After I practiced my speech a few more minutes in my room, It was time for sleep. 

In bed I was anxious about the next day and did not fall asleep right away, because I knew that I would be the first one to say my speech in class early in the morning. 

The big day finally arrived, as I was walking to school with my father, we ran into a man from England. He looked lost, and my father and I at time could not communicate that well. The man said “ Can you help ?” I responded and said “ What do you need” The man then said:“ I am looking for the subway station, can you tell me where to go? “  I looked at my father and we responded with the correct address and the man said  “Thank you” Though I was quite young and my father could speak a little English, we were able to help that man.

This moment communicating in English gave me a boost of confidence. 

That morning I left campus with my chin up and a big smile on my face. My father heard the good news that I won my speech contest and all my friends congratulated me.

That day I realized how English can open the doors to a new world. 

That day I also realized that I would like to become an English Teacher. I hope to have  many students one day.

My dreams!

Thank you.