My journey of English learning can be traced back to high school days. When I was in high school, I worked part-time at a convenience store. My hometown Yokosuka has the US naval base and the store I worked was close to the base. Many American people come to the store as customers, so I had lots of chances to speak English. But unfortunately at that time, I could not speak English at all! I got often frustrated by myself saying only “yes” or “no” when asked questions in English. I came to even dream of the scene where I am speaking English fluently and many people are admiring me. So I decided to go to university where I could learn English deeply. Since the university I wanted to go to most required every English skill, including listening, reading, writing and speaking, I needed to improve all those skills. I could not afford to study abroad, so I made the best of everything I could do in Japan.

I tried many things. I went to English conversation schools to practice speaking. I read newspapers and magazines written in English to practice rapid reading and to increase my vocabulary. I listened to AFN radio and watched CNN or other international TV programs and kept listening to English CDs while walking. I learned how to write an essay from a private teacher. I took notes in English and talked to myself in English as much as possible. Although those efforts did not bear fruit in the entrance exam of the university where I wished to go, I was admitted to come to Dokkyo University and fortunately got the chance to learn English.

Before coming here, I was thrilled to think that I will have plenty of opportunities to speak, read, and write English. When I first came to Dokkyo, however, I got kind of disappointed because I had much fewer chances to use English than I had expected. All basic lectures were done in Japanese. Even in conversation-oriented classes, it was difficult to speak English because many other students tended to hesitate to speak. I realized I could not hope for faster progress of my English by just coming to this university. So I decided to resume the way I improved English when I was in high school. I started to practice speaking at a conversation school again. I also incorporated English into my daily life by listening, reading, writing and speaking English as much as I could. That way I had developed my English little by little over the last year.

This year was totally different. Increased variety of classes has allowed me to use a lot more English, such as discussion, debate and essay-writing classes. Besides, I have met many fascinating teachers and learned a lot from them. I guess I just had yet to notice last year that such wonderful classes and teachers were waiting for me. 

I would like to continue this journey of English learning with three goals: 1) to gain as many English qualifications such as EIKEN as possible, 2) to be better at expressing my opinion in English both by speaking and writing, 3) to become an inspiring English speechmaker. I am going to make greater efforts to achieve these goals by taking advantage of the wonderful environment accessible here in Dokkyo University.

Now I would like to explain two reasons why I learn English. One is that English is a source of my happiness. I can feel quite comfortable when I do well in English and get a lot of compliments. I want to keep being pleased by improving my English skills. The other reason is that English would help me achieve my goal. I have a dream of opening a café on my own. But it needs a lot of money. So first I am going to get a high paid job by displaying my English ability. Then I will make enough money to get ready for the opening. In order to do that, I want to keep studying hard to develop my English.

Finally, for future freshmen, you might feel bored because you cannot have so many opportunities to use English in some classes. But wait! From the next year, you will be able to choose classes from a wider variety. First year students must take many compulsory classes, which do not guarantee you enough chances to use English. But Dokkyo University actually consists of fantastic teachers and attractive classes. I am sure you will find it when you get in the second year. So, keep going! Have fun!