First of all, my decision that joins this
Extension program was definitely right. I do not know my English skills have
improved a lot or not. However, I am sure that I developed as a person,
especially thanks to group work and new friends. I became to cooperate with
other people and tell my dream to others. They are big changes for me.
Therefore, I thank the Extension program, and I am proud of becoming a member
of this program.
Group
work was the hardest enemy for me in this semester. I prefer individually work
to group work because it is up to me. I have to do everything by myself, but I
can do what I want to do; therefore, it is easy and comfortable for me. I
belong to ACE class, and most my classmates have same opinion as mine. That is
why when we do group work, we always work individually, and we finally share
the result and give a presentation as a group. That is our “group work” style.
Although there is no cooperation during the process; everyone prepare a perfect
result, so we do not have a problem. I was used to this style until I came
here, but group work in this semester was completely different from before. Our
purpose was of course to accomplish our presentation. Until reaching the goal,
my partners asked me my opinion many times. It was OK for me to be depended
from someone because I was also happy when my advice was helpful for her.
However, if the person depended on me too much, I felt uncomfortable. I wanted
to do her best at first, and then I wanted to help her if she needs. Also, I compromised
easily. If the person insists an idea, I usually accept it even though I think
it is not the best one. It is because it is troublesome for me to discuss for a
long time, so I give it up. However, I am sometimes a perfectionist; especially
I work on a big project. Therefore, I wanted to finish our presentation perfectly.
My teacher said that it is impossible to complete one hundred percents, but I
wanted to reach it as much as I can. Nevertheless, I did not say all my opinion
because I cared other partners. This situation made me stressful and uncomfortable,
but I put up with saying my real opinion. However, I tell you truly our group
had argued once. The trigger was a trifling matter, but I did not bear anymore
and I said everything what I felt. It soured our relationship at that time, but
I became to say my opinion after that. As a result, the argument was needed for
our group, at least for me. Afterwards, I became to say my ideas without
reserve. However, I might push my opinion too much. I usually compromise easily
against things that I am not interested in, but this time was an exception
because the presentation was important for me. When other people had a
different opinion from mine, I mostly stuck my opinion. If I can satisfy or
think it is better than mine, I can change my mind. However, it hardly happened
this time. I do not like obstinate people, but I think I may be classified into
this kind. Nevertheless, my partners usually respected my opinion and followed
it, so I have to thank them. Also, my speech and tongue were sometimes tough and
not polite. Therefore, I must care about that, especially I disagree and suggest
a new idea. I realized how important and also difficult it is to cooperate as a
group. Although I still prefer individual work, I learned a lot through this
experience. I appreciate my partners so much.
The
other thing that I learned in this semester was to tell my goal is not ashamed
at all. Most of my classmates including me hide our goals and dreams. I do not
know why, but probably I feel shocked and embarrassed when it will not come
true. Thus, I did not say anything about my goal, and also no one asked me
that. It was a tacit agreement for us. Therefore, I was surprised that many
extension students say their goals without any shyness even though it seems too
high for them. I did not understand why they can say such a thing. However, one
of my friends said that she wants to hide her hard efforts for her dream, but
to show her goal is not ashamed at all. It was a new idea for me. In this
semester, when someone’s dream had come true, we celebrated together. Then, I
found out that friends who have the same goal are not only rivals but also
great confidant and partners. Through this semester, I realized what friends
are, and I learned a lot from my friends. Finally, my goal is to study abroad
someday. Some difficulties like job hunting interrupt my goal, but I do not
want to give it up. Therefore, I will find out the best way somehow. Now, I can
say my goal clearly.
As you
can see, I learned many things not only English but also human nature. In the
middle of this semester, my teacher asked me “Did you regret to come here?”,
and then I did not answer the question. However, I do not waver now, and my
answer is of course “No”. I am glad to meet Extension teachers and friends, and
I learned a lot from them. This program was absolutely wonderful. Thank you for
everything. Did I develop personally, didn’t I? I think so, too.