Name: Kikuo Kikuchi

Year: 1997

 

 

     I began to learn English when I was a first year student in JHS. Before entering JHS, I was not interested in English. But after entering, I wanted to speak English fluently. In school, my teacher taught us only grammar or how to read sentences. My teacher hardly taught us oral conversation. That is why I learned to get English grammar and vocabulary; however, I could not have a conversation with other people well. I came to hate studying English little by little.

     When I was a second year student in HS, I met an excellent teacher. He taught me the meaning for why I was studying English. Sometimes he spoke to me in English, and I had a conversation with him. From this time, I regained the passion for studying English. And I studied English, believing what he said to me. I learned a large vocabulary and grammar. I often spoke to native speakers in my school. As a result, I could enter this university.

      After I came to university, I was surprised at the difference between English education in JHS to HS and in this university. The most different thing is that native speaker teachers teach in English in most classes, and I can have many chances to speak to natives and classmates in English. This is exciting and interesting for me. I could experience new things. For example, in OC class, the teacher gives us a variety of things, that is singing songs, telling stories and so on. The teacher often says to us that it is OK to make mistakes when we speak English. In workshop class, we use computers, listen to music and learn different cultures by using English. All things are fresh for me, and these make English worth learning.

     I think the best way to improve English ability is to speak English always, think things in English and never be afraid of making mistakes. If I mind making mistakes when I use English, my English  will fail. I will never be afraid of mistakes. I believe these points, and I make effort to improve my English ability.

     After graduation from university, I want to work with something related to basketball abroad, especially in America because I love basketball very much and I am interested in America.

     Finally, I want to advise next year's first year students. At the beginning of the first semester, I got nervous, and I could not speak English well. So I would like to advise you to relax and have confidence to attend the class, moreover, never be afraid of making mistake when you speak English. Although studying English in this university is very difficult, I could enjoy the classes. The harder you study English, the more you can enjoy the classes. Please let your good friends help you and do your best.