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STUDYING ENGLISH
By Bang Hyang Young (Vera)

Are you stressed out of studying and staying in one building for a whole week?  I feel the same way, too.  However, as, you know, we should improve our English skills to survive in this globalized world where competition goes on and on so I want to share my study habits that I hope you would be able to use here in PIA.
First, it’s essential to enjoy your life in PIA.  Are you enjoying it?  If your answer is ‘No,’ it’s high time to change your study habits.  What do you usually do during break time?  Most of students go back to their room and take a nap so they come back to their classroom late but I think staying and chatting with your teachers or friends is the best way to use English during break times.  It’s like an extension of class.  Another way is watching movies after your regular classes.  For me, I’m sort of a movie addict so it’s really an enjoyable method to improve my listening skills.  Besides I tried to mimic the way they talk.  In that way, I could imagine myself to be in their shoes and apply it in real life.  That’s how I enjoy my stay and study in here.
 Second, it might be the most important but difficult thing which is ‘do not let yourself be intimidated by others.’  If you’re a new student in Cooyeesan now, you will encounter a lot of good English speakers in here.  I mean students.  So did I.  It was really a tough time for me to be around them.  New environment can also be one of the reasons of you being in a slump.  In that situation, what are you going to do to overcome it?  The answer is just believe in yourself.  You don’t need to mind others’ perception.  You are here to learn not to be intimidated.  If your teacher asks some questions, just answer it even though you’re not sure of it.  How about being friendly instead of indifferent?  You can learn something from others through being friends.
 Last, concentrate on the basic things such as preview, review, and self-study.  These are so basic in such way we think as not important.  However, in my opinion, if you ignore the basic things, I’m sure that you regret someday.  I know it’s really hard to sit at the desk, and start work.  That’s why I have taken option classes to manage my time.  I’m not the one who can study and review without any force so option classes were really helpful to me.  I hope that you know how to use your every method that is given to you.
  I hope you, who’s reading this article won’t misunderstand me.  I’m not showing off.  And of course, I’m not saying that my method is the best way to learn English.  Everyone has their own style.  I’m on the same page with you, it means I also have long way to go to master the English.  Fortunately I got a chance to write this article and I just want to share it.  I hope we can achieve the goal that we want and I believe that we will.

TEACHERS AND STUDENTS OF THE MONTH

Refresher-Annex

DANG YONG WOO
Reasons why he is the most popular student: He is the apple of the eyes of his classmates; he is handsome, kind and rich and he went through ROKMC; he is a fun person to be with.  He is from Suwon, Korea and he loves to play soccer.  His motto is “Let’s meet on the top together.”

Message from TEACHER JOYCE BALONG:
They say that there are two choices we usually make in life – to be less than we have the capacity to be or to become all that we can possibly be.  The first choice is a common path for many people.  They tend to settle for easy and comfortable things in life.  They are afraid to take challenges and try to soar above what they think they can and actually have the potential to do.  They are satisfied being ordinary and are ignorant of the fact that great people come from ordinary people doing extraordinary things.  But why do many people fall on this mindset?  Because it is easier to be ordinary!  It is easier to think less, earn less, have less and discipline yourself less than your capacity.  It is easier to belong and be lost in the crowd. 
On the other hand, the second choice entails a lot of risks and sacrifices but guarantees the formation of an extraordinary person.  Doing something to improve all talents and skills you have, accomplishing all you can possibly be makes you a person above the others. 
Fellow teachers, our choice greatly influences our view of the world, job acquaintances, situations we face and greatly affects our responses.  In the four corners of the classroom, we can become the person we dream to be.  How?  By being our best!  Let’s be excellent in all we do.  Let’s do our best in teaching our students and enjoy every minute we spend with them.
To the students, learning English is just the beginning of your journey as they always say.  No matter where you are, I hope you will use what you’ve learned in PIA, a stepping stone to reach your dreams and become the person you dreamt to be.
Above all, let’s be all we can be for God’s purpose for it pleases Him who gave us all we can possibly have if we are good steward of His blessings. 
If the choice you make determines who you will be in life, what choice will you make?

Refresher-Main

REBECCA ARCE
This petite teacher is a perfect example of “small but terrific.”  She has exemplified good teaching methodologies and techniques.  She has a great deal of patience that makes her students comfortable and at ease inside her classroom.  She makes sure that her students would enjoy studying with her not only about English but about the joys of life as well.  Her never ending willingness to ensure that all her students reach their maximum potential makes her one of the best teachers PIA ever had. 

Bridging

CHOI JI EUN
Choi Ji Eun is a beautiful but simple and intelligent girl.  She is an active student in all her classes and she is always prepared for her class discussions.  She is very determined to accomplish her dreams and she is ready to face the challenges of life.  The first time I heard her speak, I told myself “Wow, cool English skill!” After some time, I found out she was an English Major and that made me more appreciative about her skill. Another thing to take note of is her perfect record in attendance!  Talk about ideal! 
Her inspiration is her family.  Two weekends ago, her father and sister came to Baguio just to visit her.  She was very happy at that time, learning about it.  She told me it was the best weekend she ever had in here. She said that she wants to do her best in everything to make her family proud of her. 

MARK BERNARDINO
“A little tall, dark and handsome.”  This is how they honestly describe the one who excelled last term, recognized as the best among the best teachers in Bridging.  So what makes him special?  Let’s try to figure it out!
One of Teacher Mark’s best strategies is making his students feel comfortable with him and his teaching style.  He makes sure that he follows his personal rule that says, “I need to know who my student is, what to teach him and how to teach him.”  He maintains his strict but friendly image and he doesn’t start the lesson unless the students are mentally and emotionally prepared.
As Zoro (Kim Hoon Sik) puts it, “Teacher Mark makes students feel comfortable by listening to their words and sympathizing with them.  Actually, he’s different from other teachers who are really strict in terms of their class, but during your class I feel comfortable.”
So ladies and gentlemen, let us congratulate the tall, dark and handsome hunk of the Bridging department.  Teacher Mark Bernardino, this is for you!  Congratulations!  Finally, you got a memo that deserves a reward!  Hoorah!

Expanding

KRISTINE ONIEZA
What makes her the best?  According to colleagues, she is actually a very energetic and outgoing teacher.  She is also well-loved by students because of her passion in teaching.  All in all, she has a way with people and looks very active in her classes.

BANG HYANG YOUNG
She’s expanding Course Department’s #1 student.  Every weeknight, you can see her with her laptop (which she considers as her boyfriend) and books and other materials for studying.  If you want to look for her, you could probably find her at the Study Room or at ECD attending the Monitored Self-Study.

 

 Nak-ji Bo-kum
Spicy Stir-Fried Octopus w/ Vegetables
낙지 붂음 
 
   
 
Nakji Bokum is a very spicy octopus dish enjoyed by many Koreans.  Octopus tentacles are cut into bite-sized pieces then pan stir-fried with spicy kochujang (red chili pepper paste) along with kochukaru (red chili pepper flakes), sesame oil, red/green chili peppers, green onions, carrots and onions.  Different variation of this dish does exist as the octopus can be substituted with squid for less chewy texture and taste.  Non-Koreans may find this dish too spicy even diluted with rice that accompanies this dish.  Mixture of nakji bokum and white rice is common to make nakji bokum bop which is a dish known as octopus mixed rice.

Recipe Ingredients:
·1 1 lb octopus (squid can be used as a substitute)
·2 ½ onion, sliced to make o-rings
·3 2 green onions, sliced on the bias
·4 ¼ carrot, slice thinly
·5 2 red or green chili peppers (jalapenos can be used as a substitute), sliced on the bias

Recipe Ingredient (Sauce):
·1 4 shiitake mushrooms, quartered (optional)
·2 2½ tbsp kochujang (red chili pepper paste)
·3 2 tbsp kochukaru (red chili pepper flakes)
·4 1 tbsp soy sauce
·5 2 tbsp sesame oil
·6 1 tbsp sesame seeds
·7 2 tbsp minced garlic

Cooking Directions:
·1 Wash and rinse octopus, cut the legs into 2"-3" lengths, open head and take out inside, quarter the head. Drain well.
·2 Prepare and mix all ingredients for sauce.
·3 Combine final sauce with octopus and marinate for 10 minutes.
·4 Heat pan on a medium high heat, cook for 8-10 minutes or until done. 

A record of impressions
Name: ____Lee Yunju___   Group:___A5-3_____

Period: 2010. 12 .  12 .  ~    2011. 02 .04 .

2개월이라는 짧은 시간을 계획하고 온건 사실이지만, 정말 이렇게 순식간에 지나갈 줄은 감히 상상하지 못했습니다. 처음 여기 오기 전에는 그저 영어가 배우고 싶다는 목적만으로 오게 되었는데, 오고 나서는 “내가 알고 있던 영어는 영어가 아니였구나!” 느낄 수 있을 만큼의 다양한 수업 내용과 영어의 파트를 알 수 있었습니다.
입으로만 하는 영어에 재미가 붙어 있었던 저는, 제가 알지 못했던 R과 L 발음의 차이와 voiced th와 voiceess th 의 차이를 구분해서 받아쓰기를 할 수 있는 정도가 되었고, 책을 소리 내어 읽을 때도 발음에 유의하며 읽을 수 있었습니다. 그리고 talk talk talk 수업을 통해 다양한 주제로 좀 더 심도있는 대화를 일대일 방식을 통해 해나갈 수 있었습니다. 물론 처음 이 방식을 접하면서 혼동도 많이 되었습니다. 기존 앉아서 하는 공부, 일방적 수업 방식으로 길들여졌던 저이기에 적응하기 쉽지 않았지만, 처음 필리핀 파인스를 택했던 이유 중 하나인 일대일 수업에 맛이 들어가기 시작하면서 흥미가 붙기 시작했습니다.
물론 2개월로는 확연할 실력 차를 보였습니다. 감히 말할 수 없지만 한 가지만은 자신 있게 말할 수 있습니다. “영어가 더욱 재미있고, 쉽게 다가온 좋은 경험이었고, 다시 한국에 돌아가더라도 나만의 방식을 찾아서 한국에서 배우는 영어도 즐길 수 있을 것 같다고…” 정말 배우며 느꼈던 것이지만 한국 영어와 파인스 수업, 그 스타일의 영어는 정말 차이가 컸습니다. 커다란 바위와도 같았던 영어가 이젠 조약돌처럼 분해되어 쉽게 더듬을 수 있었고, 영어의 길이 보이기 시작하였습니다. 주말에는 쌓인 피로를 마인스뷰와 PMA 혹은 마사지로 풀 수 있어서 흥미로웠습니다.
저에게는 2개월이란 시간이 인생의 그 어떤 시간과도 바꿀수 없을 만큼 값진 시간이었습니다. 지금 이 글을 읽고 계실지 모르는 학원 관계자 여러분들과 우리 80기 매니저님 Mikes님, Chris님 그리고 영양사 아주머니 정말 너무너무 감사했습니다. 항상 행복하시고, 건강하세요!
Thank You and Good luck!!!
from PINES INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY, INC.

A record of impressions
Name: ____Park Taejun - Travis___   Group:___A5-4_____

Period: 2010. 12 .  02 .  ~    2011. 02 .02 .

제가 12월 12일부터 시작하여 오늘이 2월 2일입니다. 처음에는 2달이 굉장히 짧은 기간이라 생각하였지만, 막상 절대 짧지만은 않았고, 영어를 전부 다 공부하기에는 참 짧은 기간이었습니다.
정말 파인스학원에 와서 잃은 것도 물론 있었겠지만 무엇보다도 얻은 것이 훨씬 많았던 학원입니다. 우리가 살아가는 데 필요한 pattern을 배우고 그것을 삼대일 수업시간에 서로 문제점을 보완, 도와주면서 이해하고 listening 수업에는 예전에 혼자 공부할 때는 아주 지루하게 느껴 좀 멀리하고 싫어했는데, 영어 노래 받아쓰기도 하고 듣고 이해해서 맞추는 게임도 하며 항상 지루할 것이라고 생각했던 제가 점점 다른 노래도 찾아보며 들어보고 해석해보며 가까이 하게 되었습니다.
그리고 파인스의 장점 일대일 수업, 정말 일대일 수업이라는 시간에 과외 형식으로 Reading 수업시간에선 발음, 억양 등을 배우고 부족한 부분은 보완, Touch stone 시간에선 문법을 배우고 talk talk talk 수업시간에는 여러 가지 우리가 주제를 설정하고 이야기 하면 문법상 또는 내용이 이상항 부분이 있으면 고치고 보완하기에 너무나도 좋고 얻은 것이 많았습니다.
결론적으로는 전에 예상했던 것보다도 얻어 가는 것이 많다고 생각합니다. 그리고 기필성 프로그램을 했는데 솔직히 너무 힘이 들었지만 즐거웠던 것이 사실입니다. 그리고 저한테 너무 잘해주셨던 head teacher,Pearl, Tere, Faith 너무 감사드리고 저의 담당 매니저 Mike 매니저님 제가 너무 자주 찾아뵈서 힘드셨을 텐데 그동안 챙겨주신 것 진심으로 감사 드립니다. 

Thank You and Good luck!!!
from PINES INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY, INC.

Justifiable Crimes
By Lee Hyun Seok (Ted)

Have you ever read the story of Robin Hood in your childhood?  Robin Hood is one of the well-known stories from England.  He stole rich people’s properties and contributed it to the ordinary people.  These days, people are divided whether the issue about Robin Hood is real or fiction.  Although the majority believes that Robin Hood is just a novel for children, most people support his behavior and character in the novel even until now.
How about one of the renowned novel in Jo Sun Empire called “Hong Gil Dong”?  He showed similar actions with Robin Hood.  The history goes that Jo Sun’s ordinary people felt excited when they read this novel and indeed they were eager to consider Hong Gil Dong as real.  Essentially, both Robin Hood and Hong Gil Dong’s behavior are not accepted in the society based on the law.  Why people hold them up as heroes in their generations even though they are criminals?
People who uphold the order of the law can have a say that Robin Hood’s and Hong Gil Dong’s justice is the mere explanation of the distortion of justice.  Conversely, do you think the law can judge all behavior and accidents from our society?  There is no doubt that the law is an indispensable system for us.  However, I think that it is just a kind of strict rule in order to maintain discipline in our society, and it means that it is not perfect to afford to control our society.
We establish the law system because some people don’t have the ability to distinguish justice and crime.  Moreover, sometimes they are easily blinded by temptation of illegal means.  However, most of us know which one is the right way, even though it’s illegal in the eyes of law.  For instance, we don’t consider a mother criminal if she stole bread for her baby who is starving.  We can recognize that it’s a crime in the eyes of the law, yet we don’t blame her because it’s acceptable in the eyes of those people who understand her state.
Crimes are determined by our laws, but there are circumstances that our laws do not take into consideration.  Disparity in the distribution of goods would make other people do something that violates our laws, and consequently make them criminals.  They become criminals because of their intense desire to survive.  Robin Hood tried to equalize the society, but in the eyes of law, he is a nuisance.  But would the common people think the same?  Maybe not. 

How to overcome your stage fright
By Bang Hyang Young (Vera)

I am a kind of a person who gets easily scared in front of a crowd so whenever I’m in a situation where I have to deliver my speech, I used to panic.  However, after several times of presentation, I can realize how to overcome my stage fright.  Deep down, I still get nervous before my presentations but that is a common thing for even celebrities who are used to be in front of a lot of people.  I learned how to hide my fear so I want to share it.
First, I breathe from the diaphragm before the presentation.  The step goes like this.  Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth as deep as possible.  At this time you should focus on your stomach.  Don’t move your shoulders, breathe with your stomach.  Repeat this process at least three times.  Then, you can find yourself calmer.
Second, cast a spell on yourself.  I usually say ‘I can do it’over and over until my thumping heart relaxes.  I cannot be sure that this one is scientifically proven but for me, it’s really helpful because while saying it, I am feeling like I get more confident.
Lastly, watch others’ presentations well.  Some people say ‘Just focus on yourself’ but in my case, watching every presentation before mine is helpful.  Through that, I can know how to deal with some problems that can happen while presenting and also get confident.  If their presentations were successful, I think that I can do it like them.  If their presentations failed, I think I can do better.
These solutions that I’m using to fight my stage fright are effective.  In my opinion, people have their own styles so I can’t say that my solutions are the best.  However, the thing that I can be sure is these are really useful to me.  You can apply it to your life or find your own way.  And remember, don’t be a chicken!

Inside the ‘predator’s’ mouth
By Bang Hyang Young (Vera)

 My roommate Alice, my Japanese friend Livia, and I were planning to go on a trip after our midterm exam.  However, there were only three of us and we’re all girls.  It means our trip will be dangerous.  We need back up so the thing that I chose was to draw on my classmates and implement our plan even though we are not close so much.  It was successful and we could go to Sagada.
 The road was amazing as what I heard.  It is zigzag so whenever our van turned around, everyone who’s on the van sighed.  It was like an 8-hour rollercoaster.  However, it was nothing compared to our cave trekking.
 After we arrived in Sagada, we checked in immediately.  We were so tired because of the drive.  Taking a rest was definitely needed at that time.  Everyone slept like a log for two hours and after that finally, we went exploring the cave.
 It was my first time to see the real cave’s entrance.  The first words that came out from my mouth were “Oh, my god” and I became scared.  “Is that the cave we are going to enter?  Is it possible to see the sunlight again?”  It was huge and it was like a predator’s big mouth.  On the other hand, I couldn’t wait to start our journey because I heard it’s really fantastic inside
 Actually, if someone asks me about the cave, I wouldn’t be able to give an answer.  The only thing that I can remember is that we walked, climbed, and slid.  Sometimes I heard the squeak from bats; I couldn’t see them but I knew they’re just there.  I was really busy trying to “survive” from the trek so I blew the chance of enjoying the fantastic views in the cave.  After the adventure, I realized through the pictures that it was a terrific place.
 Five-hour trekking was quite hard for me but it also gave me a special experience.  I was really proud of myself because I thought that I couldn’t finish it at that time.  I might never have a chance to get in the cave again to this precious memory would always remain in my mind.  Have you ever been to Sagada?  If not, you should.  It is the coolest experience in my life and I want to share it.

파인스라는 어학원….
                                                                  노 자 연
이곳 필리핀에 오기로 결정했을 때, 참 많은 고민이 들었다. 혼자 외국에 나가 본 적도 없고, 주변의 유혹을 뿌리치고 공부에 열중을 잘 할 수 있을지, 처음 보는 사람들과 잘 어울릴 수 있을지, 의사소통이 가능할 지 등 하나부터 열까지 모든 것이 다 걱정이 되었다. 아니나 다를까, 처음 필리핀에 도착하자마자 PIA에서 본 인터뷰는 나를 좌절시키기에 충분했다. 필리핀에 오기 전까지 한국에서 토익공부를 하다 왔다는 사실이 나를 더 좌절 시켰다. 지금 생각해보면 그때의 그 시험이 하나의 동기부여가 아니었을까 싶다.
로멜에서 Roommates, Classmates, 선생님, 수업 등 모든 것이 낯설었지만, 정말 다행이도 좋은 사람들, 좋은 환경을 만났던 것 같다. 그 중에서도 T. Abby 이야기를 빼 놓을 수는 없다. (Abby는 선생님의 이름을 줄여서 부른거였다.) T. Abby는 이곳에 와서 만난 첫 선생님이다. Reading 선생님이었는데, T. Abby는 선생님이기 이전에 친구 같은 사람이었다. 나와 다른 생각을 가지고 있더라도 나의 생각을 정말로 존중해 주었다. 내가 나의 고민을 털어놓아서가 아니라 함께 이야기를 하고 있는 것 자체로 위로가 되는 존재였다. 이곳에 와서 Abby같은 선생님, 아니 Abby같은 사람을 만나게 돼서 정말 기뻤다. 수업시간은 항상 즐거웠고, 내가 피곤하거나 힘들어 보이면 많은 위로를 해주었고, 항상 용기를 북돋아 주었는데 내가 Refresher를 거치지 않고 바로 Bridging으로 갈 수 있었던 이유 중의 하나가 그녀가 심어준 용기였을 것 같다는 생각이 들었다.
T. Abby 뿐만 아니라 이곳 PIA의 선생님은 대부분이 open minded 여서 수업에 대해 원하는 점을 솔직하게 말하면 긍정적으로 받아들인 후, 개선해 주신다. 그래서 혹시나 수업에 불만이 생기면 바로 해결할 수 있다는 점이 정말 좋았다. 또, 수업시간에 의심스러울 정도로 칭찬을 많이 해주시는데, 그러한 점이 좌절하지 않고 나 자신을 믿고 Speaking에 대한 자신감을 가지게 하는 원동력이 되는 것 같다. 여러 수업을 들으면서 느낀 점은, 선생님과 가깝게, 즐겁게, 친하게 지낼수록 나에게, 내 영어실력에 많은 도움이 된다는 것이다. 선생님을 경계하고 형식적으로 대하기보다 친구처럼 편하게 대하면 수업시간이 더 편안해지고 선생님은 우리에게 더 많은 것을 주시려 하신다는 점을 깨달아야 한다.
무서움과 설렘, 걱정과 기대로 시작한 PIA 생활. 로멜에서 Bridging, Expanding. 3개월 만에 Expanding에 왔다고 Classmate들의 부러움을 받으며 잘 적응해 나가고 있다. 각 반마다의 특징이 있고 장단점이 있지만, ‘처음’이었던 로멜에서의 기억은 다른 기억과는 비교할 수가 없는 것 같다. 그것이 좋은 점이든 나쁜 점이든. 2개월의 짧은 시간 동안 많은 것이 변했다고 말할 확신은 없지만, ‘자신감’ 하나는 확실하게 얻은 것 같다. 이곳 PIA에서 하루에 8시간씩 영어에 노출 되었던 것은 영어에 자신감을 갖는, 영어 실력을 향상시킬 수 있는, 영어를 공부 할 수 있는 가장 최상의 조건이었다. 마지막으로 PIA의 최대 장점에 대해서 말하자면, 스파르타 이다. 처음에는 인터넷 존에서만 인터넷 사용이 가능하고 주말에 밖에 나갈 수 없다는 점이 불만스러웠지만, 그런 규칙 덕분에 공부에 더 집중 할 수 있었다고 생각한다. 그래서 PIA는 영어에만 집중하고 싶은 사람들에게 최적의 장소인 것 같다. 아마도 나는 PIA에 도착해서 인터뷰를 통해 내 실력을 확인하고 좌절했던 순간부터 Expanding에 온 순간까지 한 순간도 잊지 않고 기억할 것이다.

To my one and only sweetheart, Raiman (Kyoung Ho),
This is my first letter for you.  I’ve been thinking about you so much during the past few days because I’m worried about what I should write to you.  So, I just want to let you know about my feelings.
Do you remember when we met the first time?  We were classmates.  So we became close friends.  At that time I thought that it was difficult for me to be familiar with you, but we always did everything together since we met.
We have been to the Hundred Islands and we had a long time talking with each other.  After that, I realized you are warm-hearted and you became the apple of my eyes.  I know you are always concerned about me and you always try to make me happy.  I will never forget my birthday this year.  It was a very memorable birthday for me.  Thank you for the impressive surprise especially for the warm, fiery but short kiss that came with it.  I hope it was longer. 
You are my cup of tea.  Everyday, I crave to have a taste of you.  You sang for me and I felt like angels are carrying me towards you.  Your voice is gorgeous.  I won’t trade you for a gold or diamond because you are more precious than anything this world can offer.  You are my armor and I know that I will never get hurt as long as you are there.
 I want to be your sky looking over you wherever you are. So I want to say sarangheyo and thank you for loving me, too.  I hope our love will last forever.

From Jeong Ji Eun

HOW COULD I EVER LEAVE PIA?!
By Kim Mi Kyeong

 I am one of the longest staying students in PIA.  I arrived in Baguio last year, in June.  But now, it’s time to leave.  Looking back I have many things to share.  I think staying in the Philippines is a relief for all students.  Correct me if I’m wrong but life in Korea is so stressful.
 Prior to my coming to the Philippines, I didn’t have much background in English, or should I say “I hate studying language” because teachers say that I don’t have the sense of language, and I totally agree with them.  So compared to other people, I slowly learned English. But I believe that I can become a flight attendant and achieve my goals in life with the help of English.
 Upon my arrival in the Philippines, I studied in PIEI, in Romel Building; everything was new!  I saw, for the first time, 1:1 classrooms; I couldn’t imagine talking to a teacher using English for the entire 50 minutes.  I can remember when I took my first reading class, my teacher and I continuously laughed for the whole hour because of my stammering habit.  But there and then, sometimes when I saw a student who speaks English well with my teacher, I feel sorry for my teachers because they had to speak simply and slowly in class for me.
 In Refresher, I remember the first time I got very angry to one of my teachers.  Because of what?  I wanted to learn something immediately - higher English - but my teacher didn’t agree with me.  I even cried in front of her.  But as time went by, I realized that at that time my English skill was not enough.  Yes, I didn’t have the basic foundation, so my teachers taught me the basics first.  I just worry about my English skill and compared it to other people, which made me cram through my lessons.
 Then came Bridging, I fell into a slump.  Maybe, my heart and mind got tired of English and I wanted to give up studying.  I stopped coming to class early, and for that I traveled so that I can refresh my motivation towards studying the language.  I don’t know why but it made me feel like while I study English, it becomes more and more confusing and difficult.  You call it “information overload.”  But again, in that trip I realized that I needed to study English a lot more.  I couldn’t communicate well like asking and giving directions to foreigners.  I also encountered an embarrassing situation in the airplane.  I had a conversation with one of the flight attendants and I told them about my dream – to become one of them.  But then, I must have mixed up the words, then I felt like I want to fade away because I could see from her reaction that she might have thought, “How can she become a flight attendant… she has THAT English ability.”
 With these experiences, I realized I had to come back to PIA to improve my English skill.  I know I had to struggle.  I even had to extend as a B3 student.  But all I can say is I did my best to find and do something for my weakness.
 Then, I arrived in my last destination, finally, Expanding Course.  Only in this course did I realize I made a building of my ability that looks very strong and something to be envied.  But I found the worst weakness as it crumbled because I didn’t actually have the right foundation.  This made me feel like going back to Refresher and Bridging course to fill these empty foundations.  I think that time was the lowest point for me during my stay in PIA.  But I survived. Maybe you want to know how?  Well Expanding Course is quite a challenge.  I actually chose movie module 1 and 2.  I was so satisfied because I learned real life situation and conversation.  I learned a lot of idiomatic expressions.  At that time, we really watched American programs like documentary, talk-shows, and reality shows.  That English environment naturally made me mimic the natives in speaking English like a parrot.  I was glad because when I watch the movies I learned how to laugh at American humor!  I understood now what they meant in the movies. Now, even without subtitles I can catch it!
 Anyways, you would probably want to know if I enjoyed my stay in the Philippines.  Well, I had a lot of stories to tell so just sit back and relax.
Sometimes, taxi drivers didn’t catch where my destination is.  Maybe, my pronunciation is not clear.  Like one time, I wanted to go to SM Starbucks.  But the taxi driver told me, “If you want to go there next time just say, ‘SM,’ it is better.”  At that time, I felt very shy.  I realized I kept on saying “sterburks.”
Another time that I will never forget was my experience in the Grocery Store.  My favorite snack is “Butter Ring.”  So, I visited the grocery store but I didn’t find the snack I was looking for, so I asked one of the sales clerks.  But suddenly he brought me to the home section. I mentioned about “butter ring” snack but he understood “battery.”  At that time I just thought of my pronunciation.
 Also, when I went to Camp John Hay, there was this clerk in the clothing store.  Well, I dressed up so well.  I had money in my pocket and I planned to buy some stuff.  Some people thought I was so pretty.  But all of a sudden, when I uttered some words in English to myself that time, this clerk asked me if I am a Korean.  I said yes and asked how she came to know.  She said she heard me speaking English with terrible grammar.  She knows because she had experienced teaching Koreans before.  Embarrassed, I just left the place.
 These are just some of the funny experiences I had with Filipino people.  But there are more intensely bad situation I encountered because of not being able to speak English.  I can remember when I fought with my Japanese friend because of misunderstanding.  I didn’t know the vocabulary that she was using.  I also fought with a Taiwanese friend because we couldn’t see eye to eye with the idea.  This also motivated me to study harder, and never slept all night long just to focus in mastering English.
Now, I am ecstatic because my foreigner friends told me before that I usually need other people to translate the meaning of what I wanted to convey.  But now I can do it alone in a conversation with people; and I’ve grown up in the sense of language, so I can connect the ideas of what they mean and what I mean.
 Many people asked me, how I can study longer in PIA without a batch mate friend left with me.  I tried to become optimistic.  When I get stressed out because my younger friend is better than me in speaking English, I will meet my old friends and listened to their life principles.  Whenever I regret why I didn’t choose to go abroad and studied earlier, I could realize that all my complaints are because of my situation.  Even though there are so many Koreans in PIA, I made Japanese and Taiwanese friends.  I also talked a lot with the reception staffs.  Whenever I prepare for my flight attendant interview, I show my passion.  This made all my teachers really energetic in teaching me.
 As I wave goodbye to PIA, I can remember my old sister’s comment which goes this way, “If you know how to study in English, if you learn how to do that, your study abroad would be successful.”
 I can vividly remember while I studied English in the Philippines, I focused on how high my level is.  I had higher expectations but whenever I learned something new, especially when I speak, I can feel the limitation of my English skill.  Actually, anything that we learn at first is so interesting and we vigorously put all our effort in it, but as time goes by we go slow-witted.  I myself felt that I was here alone fearing and taking a long time to learn English with a feeling of uneasiness – a sense of shame.  But I could realize how to study English now.  I’ve learned to balance my expectations and my skill.  Expectations are never-ending but I should make my skills run after it so that their gap will not increase.  Their difference should be parallel all the time.
 As one of former second language learners said, “No one in this world has gained something from big things.  Everything starts with trifling and tiny things as the saying goes ‘Great things come from small beginnings.’”  For that, I will still be learning English, but this time, my aim is to improve my skill and keep it within the bounds of my limitations; I will not study just to get fame and honor that are mostly not true.
 I learned a lot of lessons with Philippines’ culture; I met many friends, had good relationships, and saw the sincerity of my teachers.  Also, I appreciate so much the Korean staffs and managers, and everyone else in PIA.  When I have some problems, they’re considerate. They are like my parents, brothers and sisters! 
For instance, whenever I go to the school cafeteria, I can have Korean food regularly; and I do like the environment for studying.  Also, thinking of how students are taught by good teachers in one-on-one class, I know this kind of method is not offered in other countries; it’s only in the Philippines.
Now, I will go to New York.  I will really miss the Philippines and PIA.  I will not forget everything; half of my life abroad was spent here.  And, I can always remember the strong impression of PIA!  See you again…  You just wait; I will become a flight attendant! Of course, why not! It could happen because of what you have turned me into…
P.S. I will never forget Filipino food like kakanin, tikoy, lumpia, pansit and veeeeery sweet snacks.  And, to the one who inspired me to keep studying in the Philippines… you know yourself.  Thank you!
To all teachers, and staffs in PIA ‘Di ko kayo malilimutan!