In Portland, I only had four days to
stay with my Extension friends, Karen, Timothy, Utako san, and our bus driver
Kim. However, it was one of my wonderful memories in the Extension Program! I’d
like to look back on three points of this trip: learning, enjoying something
new, and the wonderful time with conversation.
First of all, I enjoyed learning a lot
during the Portland Trip. There are three reasons. Firstly, I learned that
being kind to others is very important through visiting McLoughlin’s house. I
was really impressed by McLoughlin’s kindness. If people were rich, it would be
difficult for them to think about others. However, he helped many people to
give the beds and introducing good places to stay.
Secondly, I enjoyed new things
including not only Portland but also my presentation topic homelessness. I had
chances to see the homeless, so I could know the small part of the real
situations of homelessness in America. I have never seen the homeless in
America such a close distance, so I was shocked a little, but to know is most
important to respect people. That is why I was glad to see them. Thirdly, I
learned lots of new vocabulary, useful phrases, and slang from Karen, Timothy,
and my Extension friends. I am not good at remembering new things, but I can do
it easily while I enjoy talking. I was happy to learn a lot with them!
Thirdly, the food was great in
Portland. I especially love the food at Tebo’s restaurant. I know some famous
food before I went there. However, it took a lot of time to decide my order because
there was tons of delicious food! At the restaurant, we could see that cooks
were making hamburgers, so I was excited and gazed at them and other sweets.
Fourthly, one of my favorite places was
Powell’s book store. It was my first time to go to such a huge book store! As
many people said, it was like a city of books. I didn’t like reading, but I
bought three books because I was interested in reading. I thought that the
atmosphere is important to learn or enjoy something.
Lastly, I enjoyed spending time on the
way to Multnomah Falls. It was rainy and difficult to walk, but talking with my
friends and teachers was so enjoyable! I talked with Timothy about many topics
including different meanings of English words. I am recently interested in the
different meanings. The more l know them, the more I am interested in English!
Next, I had an absolutely wonderful
time with conversation. First of all, I met students and talked about
Homelessness at Columbia Basin College. Before I arrived at the college, I
talked with Timothy on the bus, so I could explain it better than before. I was
very happy, and I had a little confidence because I did it! Through this experience,
I thought that practice makes perfect, and I’d like to talk about my topic more
and more to prepare for my presentation. Secondly, we had a lot of time there
on the bus, so I had great chances to talk with teachers. I was nervous about
my presentation. However, I am not so nervous because I could practice talking
in English a lot! Thirdly, I practiced pronunciations such as the important
words in my presentation. It is difficult for me to speak English with correct
pronunciation, but I think my pronunciation is getting better. To enjoy
studying is very wonderful!
In conclusion, I had lots of great
experience, chance, and learning in this trip. I was really happy to go to
Portland with great members, and I really appreciate all including trip members
and my parents!
