Valedictory Speech

At the Commencement Ceremony of the 24th TESOL Program

 

Six months ago, we gathered together for the first time at orientation.  Starting a new life as students, we were excited, curious, and hopeful, but at the same time anxious.  Our worries were whether we would have good professors and nice classmates, whether we could handle a mountain of assignments, but above all, whether this TESOL Certificate Program would be right for us in our journey to become a better English teacher.

 

Fortunately though, a couple of weeks into the semester, most of our worries quickly vanished.  We started to fully enjoy and appreciate every aspect of the program.  Our professors were professionals with years of practical expertise and a sincere commitment to language education.  They taught us all valuable knowledge and skills we could practically apply in our classrooms: from the principles, methods, and techniques to classroom management strategies.  We learned them in a small class setting with a warm and friendly environment where we could actively participate and encourage one another.

 

Of course there was a semi-crisis in mid to late October when those of us in the young learner program were bombarded by assignments from all six classes.  In one particular week, on top of the usual weekly readings and writings, we had to complete a listening activity route map for TELS 1 class, draft an EIF lesson plan for Materials, create a video file for Multimedia, do a 20 minute demo lesson for Methods, and make not one, but two sets of stick puppets for Storytelling.  I’m sure those in the general program had a similar experience and can fully relate.  It seemed like our professors were true believers of the notion that “the more challenging the task is, the more engaged the students are.”  Luckily, however, our professors were the experts in scaffolding too: they clearly knew how to support us in both our learning and teaching.

 

Not only that, we had wonderful classmates who supported one another throughout the semester.  It became commonplace for us to have a great time together after class, talk about different teaching styles of our professors, review what we understood or misunderstood, check homework requirements for the next day and week, brainstorm how to complete assignments, and most importantly, share our dreams to be good English teachers.  Through this continuous learning and support inside and outside classroom, we were able to make it through the challenges and finish the program successfully, to include the rewarding practicum experience or internship abroad.

 

I vividly remember what one of our professors told us in his first class.  “We are like Santa Claus who carries a big bag full of toys and tricks that are best for each and every kid”.  Six months ago, our bag was somewhat empty and we were, to varying degrees, unprepared to fully reach out to our students.  Now, however, our bag is full with techniques, activities, and strategies that we can use to help each and every one of our students, and we have a lot of confidence to be better and more competent English teachers.

 

This is all because of those of you who are here today to celebrate the completion of this program: our great professors, our amazing classmates, and last but not least our family and friends who have supported us in our incredible journey.  Thank you and all the best in your very bright futures.