230918_W9 [Final speech]

<#1>

Hello everyone! Can you believe it’s already been 3 months since we started studying together? Time really does fly. Over the past 3 months, I’ve felt an improvement in my English skills and just like the name of Healing English suggests, it’s been a real spirit-soothing experience. To be honest with you, I truly enjoyed every conversation we’ve had. Some of them inspired me strongly and assured me that I am on the right track.

So today for the final speech, I'd like to reflect on what I’ve learned and how my mindset has changed during this semester at Healing English. There are three amazing takeaways that I am thankful to have gained.

 

<#2>

First, I’ve learned the importance of relationships. After I watched the shadowing TED talk, it hit me that I needed to cherish the people in my life and make a conscious effort to do it. I just started to write down my friends’ and acquaintances’ birthdays on the calendar and send heartfelt messages to celebrate them. I’ve also been making some dinner and lunch plans to spend more quality time with them. I changed my priorities from work or studying to my family and loved ones. And let me tell you, these changes make me more positive and empower me, especially when I’m tackling challenging tasks or dealing with negative situations.

 

<#3>

Second, I’ve learned the importance of believing in myself. It was about 3 weeks ago when our teacher, Rury, told us some stories about the Korean mathematician who won the Fields Medal and her own experience with a tough interview question related to gaps in her career. Hearing those stories made me pause and look back at myself and I realized that I had never truly trusted myself; instead, I’d often let opinions from others dictate my choices. I used to constantly compare myself to others and thought I was not good enough. I had underestimated the potential of what I could do based on what I had been through. So, I wrote down 2 simple sentences on my whiteboard: “I believe in my hard work” and “I believe in my possibilities.” And until now, that daily reminder has been making me more and more confident.

 

<#4>

Lastly, I’ve discovered the power of consistency. By recording scripts every week (even though I missed a few), I found it much easier to memorize the scripts. Also, writing an essay once a week and committing to memorizing it helped my writing skills a lot. I used to rely heavily on translators but now I write directly on Microsoft Word! Also when I check my notion page, I see 7 pieces of writing and it is quite surprising as I didn't feel like I was putting in that much effort, but the progress speaks for itself.  As a self-proclaimed “lazy” person, I’ve realized the value of focusing on today and keeping a routine instead of procrastinating. I can already see the potential for significant growth in my English skills in the near future.

 

I know it’s always easier said than done, but I’ll try to keep up with the routine.

 

<#5>

I consider myself lucky to have been a part of this program. I am really glad to have adopted a new growth mindset and even more thankful for the wonderful and nice people I’ve met through Healing English. Tae young, Lea, Andy, Lisa, Ollie! I really loved the vibrant colors that you guys bring to class. And since getting to know each of you, I’m inspired to paint my own life with unique colors.

 

Thank you for your attention and a special thanks to Rury for leading this class and filling our minds with inspiration.