COLUMN
ワタシとコトバ
It is a fact that some students will graduate with a higher level of proficiency in English than others. What is it then that sets the higher achievers apart from their peers? What students need to do is be single-minded in their efforts to acquire a high level of English ability. They need to have daily, weekly, monthly and yearly goals that they tirelessly work towards. Sure, there will be ups and downs, and some sacrifices will need to be made, but after four years you do want to look back and be able to say that you did your best. My key words would therefore be: being single-minded, setting goals, sacrifice, doing your best, and having no regrets.
ワタシとセカイ
I find myself having spent more than half my life in Japan now, so sometimes it seems odd to be encouraging students to go abroad and experience life in another country, when here I am continuing to choose Japan. Japan is a great country and I have always felt welcomed by her marvelous people. And yet, life is truly experience. Australians are a wonderful people too, and while I may think about the life I never led Down Under, I do believe my life has been the better for traveling and visiting other places. Humbly, I would recommend that students do like-wise; expand their knowledge, grow their circle of friends and influence, meet as many like-minded souls as possible, and see and experience the world.