Advice from an Upperclassman

photos and essay by Da Hyeon Han

Will you be studying at the ELI next semester? I am glad to hear that. I've been studying at the ELI since last semester. As I'm your upperclassman, I hope to give you some precious advice of what I experienced firsthand that can guide you to learn in more effective way. I'm quite sorry that I will have gone back to my country when you come here, so we can't talk face to face. Nevertheless, you can read it and bear these thoughts in your mind.

First of all, submit your assignments on time. As a student, submitting homework on time is mandatory. If you are late you will get 8 points subtracted per day. It will directly affect your final score. If your final score is under 80, you have to repeat the same class another semester. I thought teachers would let all of the students pass all their classes. However, I saw that a lot of students hadn't passed some classes last semester and now they are taking the same classes from last semester. If you are hungry for more knowledge, don't you think passing the classes are definite and basic elements for satisfying yourself?

Moreover, keep in mind that you should never use any other language besides English. You should reflect on why you are coming here. As ELI has a lot of students from a great number of countries, you will face numerous foreign students. Endeavor to keep a conversation with them no matter how well you speak English. Don't be shy nor be depressed by making mistakes. The more you speak, the more confidence and fluency you will obtain. We have a lot of American staff in ELI, and whenever you are not sure about grammar or pronunciation, you can ask them as they are available to talk.

In addition, go the REC center and make American friends. Studying is important but our health is as significant as studying. Without health what can we do? In Texas A&M we have a fabulous student sport center called the REC. It is the best amenity I've ever seen in Texas A&M. If you have the student identification card you can use it to enter the REC. In the REC you can not only play sports but also can make American friends. I've met two American friends in the REC whom I still connect and play sports with. We quickly became best friends. We've been hanging out together since our first encounter. We've gone to parties and studied this semester. I have also learned real American culture from them and made an incredible improvement in English. I hadn't thought I would make such a satisfied improvement before I came here. Don't always identify yourself as a foreigner.

To conclude, I hope you do about which I wrote. Even though we haven't met before, I just hope you enjoy your ELI life and use your leisure time in the most effective way. Submit your assignments on time, never use any other language besides English and "Go REC". Playing sports with Americans and being friends with them are kinds of essential requirements for improving your English. In Asia, there is a priceless adage, "The clever people are not better than those who trouble themselves with studying hard. Those who study hard are not better than those who enjoy what they are studying." Enjoy your ELI life and reach your goals.