2018-2 성적우수자 수기

YL-TESOL

박민영 선생님

Valedictorian Speech for Class of Fall 2018

Good morning, the board of directors, faculty, staffs, families, friends, and my fellow graduates of Fall 2018 HUFS TESOL.

My name is Minyoung Park from YL TESOL. I am truly honored to speak on behalf of my fellow graduates.

We are here today to celebrate our efforts and accomplishment. It was tough, but meaningful 16 weeks. We all successfully completed the program. So congratulation, we did it!

I started my teaching career as a kindergarten teacher in U.S. When I taught young learners who are native English speakers, I simply considered English as a way to communicate with them. Back then, I thought the content of the lesson that I teach was more important than English itself.

After I came back to Korea, I taught Korean EFL students at an English Academy. As I was working with them, I began to realize that delivering information was not the only important part of my work as an EFL teacher, but also it was my job to find the better way for them to acquire knowledge in English just like they do when they learn in Korean. Teaching EFL students was very different from teaching students who are native English speakers. I felt the need to enhance my teaching skills.

That was when I came across with HUFS TESOL. HUFS had the reputation for having the best TESOL program in the nation, and it was backed with many reviews from bloggers that the program helped to develop their teaching skills and advance their careers as educators. That’s when I decided to apply to the program.

I still remember the day I was interviewed by professor Povey and prof. Lee because it was very important day for me as an educator. As I was being interviewed, we began to talk about the trouble I had with teaching EFL students, and the professors gave me earnest and sincere advice as if it were their problems. They suggested me to think in the perspective of students in order to understand better on what students need. At that moment, I became certain. With supportive professors like them, I was sure I would get what I need.

With that certainty, I began TESOL program. But it was not easy. Every day I faced difficulties. It took me 4 hours to commute from home to school. And while I was preparing for the upcoming classes at school, I had to prepare for my own classes at work as well. But, with the support of professors, staff members and classmates, I was able to complete TESOL program successfully without giving up on it.

Although it was difficult, we had a lot of fun. Every classes were full of stories and ideas about teaching young learners in English. We have learned and practiced various techniques to teach EFL students through microteaching, skits, storytelling, making projects, and short lessons. Especially on the days of giving microteaching, we had so much fun pretending to be young children taking classes. Because we acted so well, professor even told us if we were taking an acting class. On and off the class, we actively discussed and shared our opinions about the teaching methods from our experiences. At the same time, we helped each other on finding and creating the suitable materials and the fun activities for our lessons. The time in HUFS TESOL program was meaningful and I have learned a lot from all of you.

So now, I want to take a moment to send my gratitude to everyone who helped me to get through this program.

First, thank you, professors for your full commitment. Your positive encouragement, endless efforts, wisdom and passion inspired us to go one more step toward our dreams. Also we are very grateful that you helped us to broaden our new perspectives on teaching English to young learners. You were our role models and showed us what it is to be an excellent teacher. Above all, thank you for believing in us.

Next I thank the staff members of TESOL program. From Orientation to job fairs, and special lectures, all the works you did to prepare us for the program guided us to complete TESOL successfully. Thank you for all your supports and dedications.

Lastly, my classmates. I enjoyed every classes with you, and I learned a lot. Inborn storytellers, craft experts, and creative and imaginative minds. You surprised and inspired me with all your talents. Thank you for helping me to realize how important it is to be supportive to each other as educators.

My fellow graduates. As we were taking the TESOL program, there was the time we were facing obstacles and testing our own limits. But we continuously challenged ourselves and overcame them.

As we end the program, I want to review with one quote by Abraham Lincoln, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” I strongly believe that the past 16 weeks we have dedicated will become the strong building blocks for our promising futures.

Once again, congratulations on becoming HUFS TESOL graduates.

Thank you. Class of Fall 2018!