Suggest Article   Article comments   Print Article share this text on fb share this text on Twitter percentage this article on Google+ proportion this newsletter on Linkedin percentage this newsletter on StumbleUpon share this text on delicious proportion this newsletter on Digg percentage this newsletter on Reddit share this newsletter on Pinterest expert author Larry M. Lynch
Olympic Medals in Colombia

via the way, did you watch any of the beyond month's Beijing, China Olympic events? I did and so did the giant majority of my English as a overseas Language novices. They paid special interest, as did maximum Colombians, to the silver medal in weightlifting received by Diego Fernando Salazar and the bronze medal in women's wrestling gained with the aid of Jackeline Renteria. Colombia's only gold medal ever turned into received in Sydney in 2000 in women's weightlifting by means of Maria Isabel Urrutia who is now a congresswoman and sports suggest. doubtless your learners could speak enthusiastically about the medals and activities wherein your specific usa fared properly, or no longer, as the case may be.

Which Olympic activities did you get to observe? even though I failed to get to look tons of the video games and occasions, I did get opportunities to briefly take a look at out men's and women's seaside volleyball seeing each win the gold for the united states. I caught Michael Phelps swimming to 3 of his 8 gold medals. The javelin throw, ladies's excessive bounce and pole vaulting also got brief insurance perspectives from me. The activities which most interested me I absolutely overlooked due to lack of nearby coverage here in Colombia or the time at which the events were aired locally. What approximately you? Did you get to see most of what you desired to?

What are Your favorite Olympic events?

What are your and your newbies' preferred Olympic sporting events? Why no longer listing and describe them, specifically if they may be now not too "mainstream activities in which you occur to stay and teach? My EFL novices have not a clue about maximum iciness and ice or snow-based totally occasions, in view that there may be clearly no snow in Colombia. The events gave enough possibility to delve into lesser-recognise or less popular wearing activities but raising learner awareness of what is practiced and famous - besides football - in other international locations. without a doubt myself, i love baseball, basketball, gymnastics and ballroom dancing (but it is not an Olympic event, but). Are there any specific sports activities which you do not like? maximum of my EFL rookies stated golfing, however it truly is rarely a surprise here. the game is developing to some extent given that there are numerous up and coming Colombian golfers on the international circuit.

Sorely overlooked Olympic events

some sorely-overlooked Olympic occasions included men's basketball - I failed to get to peer a unmarried sport! Fencing, wrestling, most of the high music and subject occasions - I didn't see the men's and ladies's relay teams fiasco that made the front web page sports activities information even right here. Archery, diving and the traditional Olympic marathon additionally escaped me, unluckily.

Why do you believe you studied that Olympics coverage doesn't characteristic most flashbacks and interviews with preceding record holders and former greats nonetheless residing but retired or now not competing? What ever happened to Mark Spitz and Carl Lewis, among many others? Did they try this and that i missed it due to the fact there was no coverage of that here?

Get Your EFL rookies worried

Have your EFL or foreign language freshmen research information, information and facts. allow them to report biographies and sporting event details or maybe demonstrations. detail activities and describe carrying events with which many of your earners can be unfamiliar. Have them give an explanation for why China gained so many gold medals; little Jamaica received 11 medals however Venezuela, Ecuador and Panama most effective one medal each whilst different nations may not have received any in any respect. Have them communicate about your united states of america's performance and how it is probably stepped forward or modified. you could and ought to use any carrying or cultural occasion to stimulate English language gaining knowledge of among your college students, giving them spontaneous discourse retailers for extemporaneous speech. it is one of the many ways the Beijing, China Olympics impacted my English as a foreign language newbies in the course of this semester.

How approximately yours?

Prof. Larry M. Lynch is an EFL instructor teacher, intellectual development expert, prolific author, professional writer and public speaker. He has written ESP, foreign language learning, English language teaching texts and hundreds of articles used in extra than a hundred and twenty international locations. Get your free 7451f44f4142a41b41fe20fbf0d491b7, "if you need to educate English abroad, right here's What You need to know" and English language teaching and learning information at: http://bettereflteacher.blogspot.com - need a blogger or copywriter to promote your school, organization, service or business or an experienced writer and vibrant search engine optimization content to your website, weblog or e-newsletter? touch the author on the above blog cope with for extra facts.

advise Article   Article comments   Print Article share this text on facebook proportion this text on Twitter percentage this newsletter on Google+ percentage this article on Linkedin percentage this newsletter on StumbleUpon proportion this article on scrumptious percentage this newsletter on Digg share this text on Reddit share this newsletter on Pinterest expert author Duane Hatfield
anyone wants to realize the internal dealings of pinnacle producers. Many elements come into play and they're all legitimate and important yet there are  which might be non-public and at instances omitted. They aren't usually visible as a part of the procedure but they are key gadgets.

There are one of a kind motives some people usually earn the most profits. one among them is their mind-set toward getting to know. these people are seldom glad with the level of expertise they have in any vicinity of lifestyles. They sense there is continually extra expertise to be gained irrespective of how well they recognise the situation. The software of this expertise is likewise required but you ought to have the knowledge so that you can observe it. This preference to usually know matters higher and fuller, preserve their minds actively trying to develop in the ones regions. This in turn blocks the idle or nonproductive time they could generally have.

every other purpose is the leader they've come to be. Many people accept as true with leaders are born that manner. even though this may be partly proper, leadership trends are received and only positive leadership traits are genetic. these qualities make the acquired tendencies more effortlessly carried out and appear more natural. therefore the obtaining of management skills is feasible and required through all to be leaders. obtaining these comes from analyzing, studying about those who have end up or are leaders and the debts in their movements. analyzing offers knowledge and insight into how each reacted in damaging or complicated conditions as well as their mind-set and thinking procedure. In doing this we additionally open our personal minds to the possibility of the accomplishment of our "not possible" responsibilities. Seeing others reap matters past the norm strengthens our belief that it is feasible for us also.

together these movements are a crucial a part of generating top earnings and obtaining the position of management. it is so crucial to continuously be mastering extra and reading the writings of different leaders that with out both we can be at a stand still in our personal growth. We have to try to be greater informed and extra undoubtedly pushed than those around us or we can be as they're. so as to be greater we ought to do more, irrespective of wherein we follow it.

So what ever you try and do consider, the pinnacle earners are inexperienced persons and the top leaders are readers.

Akane Furukawa is an ESL student in Teacher Lisa Sparks' class.  Her daughter, Aoba Furukawa, is a student at Mills High School.  Aoba writes about the value of volunteering in this wonderful essay which she shares with us here.  Be inspired!

“Pay It Forward”-Volunteering camp

By Aoba Furukawa

Volunteering camp which I had in San Francisco was very inspiring, and it was a great experience. Before this camp, I didn’t really know how to help homeless people, and I didn’t know that even teens can help thousands of people. This camp was not only important for people who needed the help, but it was also important for me too because I got to know the reality of life and how it feels to help other people in general.

On the first day, I went to Youngblood and Coleman Park in San Francisco. The park was filled with many children, and it was very chill. I thought that the park was pretty clean. We took the gloves, tongs, buckets, and worked as a group. When I started, I only found food garbage, and a bottle of caps. However, when I started cleaning up the playground, I saw used needles, and I realized that it was a very dangerous thing, because little kids might touch it, or accidentally step on it. So I learned how to pick up the needle, because picking up the needle was also dangerous, and was a great experience for me. After I did the best as I can, I got to pick up three giant buckets of garbage. We found used condoms, used needles, saddle, shoes, and others.

On the second day, I went to Stow Lake in San Francisco. The park ranger told us to trim the garden, and I was a little nervous, because I had never tried it before, and I needed to use the pruning shears. At first, it was difficult for me to cut the branch, and thought about how much I needed to use the pruning shears. At first, it was difficult for me to cut the branch, and thought about how much I needed to cut. However, it was really fun when I got used to it, and I even made new friends. I got to socialize with many people, so it was a good opportunity to meet with new people.

On Wednesday, I went to the San Francisco food bank and backed rice. We divided the work. My work was to close the rice bag using the iron, label it, and put it in the giant box. We had to do it very quickly, and it nneded team work. Of course, we made a few mistakes such as spilling out the rice or putting the wrong amount of rice. Fortunately, my group packed about one hundred packages, and in total people, and whole group packed about 3000 packages.  It was a really great experience because I realized that it was actually fun, and I want to do that again.

On Thursday, I went to a Glide to help the homeless people. I wiped the tables, put the spoons, napkins, cups each table. I didn’t know what foods would be really delicious. There was a lot of chicken, bread, carrots, coleslaw, Caesar salads, and fruit. Although I couldn’t make the food, I served the the carrots and it smelled really good. When people came in, it was very busy that I couldn’t keep up with the carrots in same amounts. However, we never stopped so it made really tired, but a lot of people came to Glide to eat, but many Chinese people came, and children also came to eat too.

On the last day, I went to Ocean Beach to clean up the beach. Unfortunately, it was very cold that I was freezing. However, I had to pick up the garbage, and I was really tired. I was looking for garbage, but the beach was very clean. All I found was snack garbage, and an Ipad case, so it was a very tough day for me. However, I earned certification for volunteer hours, so I was really proud of myself, and I was glad of what had done during the week.

This camp was truly amazing. Because we needed to work as the team, I made new friends, and we tried our best. I learned that not only homeless people need free food, but normal people are also in need. I learned so many things, and I hope I can help other people in the future again.

Thank you, Akane and Aobe, for inspiring us to volunteer!

Wendy (on the left) smiling with SMAS classmates
while volunteering at the San Mateo Public Library

At San Mateo Adult School, students learn many skills to help them succeed.  Some students progress from the classroom to jobs.  They are learner to earner success stories.  

Wendy Yeung is one of these success stories.  She agreed to share her experience in order to help other students move forward toward their own goals.

Thank you, Wendy, for sharing your story! 


What is your name?  

 

Wendy Yeung

Where are you from - what country or part of the world?

 

I am from Hong Kong China. Hong Kong is in the south part of China and was a British colony for 100 years.

What classes did you take at San Mateo Adult School?  Who were your teachers?

 

I took Distance Learning class of teacher Cynthia, ESL Advanced Low Class of teacher Jessica, ESL Adv High Listen/speak Class of teacher Vasyl, ESL Advanced Writing class of teacher Lisa and Online class of teacher Carol.

What are your doing now - what is your job or volunteer work?

 

I am a multi-purpose clerk in Lucky Supermarket. I work in the Berkeley Deli Department. Although I have no experience on that before, but they give me a chance.

 

 

What helped you find this job or volunteer position?

 

My husband David inspired me to create my new life in America.  But no feedback from online job hunting. I went through a loss of confidence when i couldn't understand what other people were saying.

San Mateo Adult School opened a window for me to get to know American people and American culture. That is the first step for all new immigrant. so meaningful! The teachers of School let us study in English environment.

When I couldn't speak in English, my sister Jessica accompanied me to read aloud at home. When I was afraid to find a job in person, my friend Shirley encouraged me to go into the store to express myself. the most critical step is my families and friends' support.

 

I have to survive. I know deeply I want to live in a real life but not only American Dream.

What helped you the most at San Mateo Adult School?

 

The professional teachers at SMAS helped me the most.  Patricia Villar as a transition navigator said to me: You don't know what you can do, until you try.   Teacher Cynthia, Jessica  and Lisa taught me a lot of kinds of ways to learn English.   Teacher Vasyl told us more about American culture.

 

Do you have advice for other SMAS students - about learning English, looking for a job, taking risks, doing something new in the USA?  

 

New world, new life! That is what i think. I am not the best, but I will try my best.

And English Learning will stay with me for the rest of my life in America.

 

 

Thank you so much, Wendy, for sharing your experience.  Your advice is spot-on and will help many people.  Thank you!  

 

Click here to see more #Learner2Earner success stories.

Evening Student Council Board Member Simone Coelho shared this exellent speech at the 2018-19 Evening Candidate Forum.   Here, with her permission, is her speech:

Evening Student Council Board Member
Simone Coelho
Alt Text:  Smiling woman with
wavy brown hair and glasses
wearing a black jacket

Good Evening.

My name is Simone Coelho. I am running for president. I am here today requesting your vote to be the voice of each student here at San Mateo Adult School. I want to represent our school as well.

I am here today because I believe everybody deserves access to education and I stand for adult school.

I will be here to:

• Listen to your concerns.
• I will be bringing new ideas to our campus.
• Be hard working when it comes to make things happen.
• I will lead keeping in mind your interests.
• And most of all, I am eager to make adult school even better.

Again, my name is Simone. I humbly ask this evening for your vote.

Together we can make great things happen.

Thank you for listening!

Evening Student Council Vice President Olivia Velazquez shared her story and this stellar speech at the 2018-19 Evening Candidate Forum.   Here, with her permission, is her wonderful speech.

Evening Student Council Vice President
Olivia Velasquez
Alt Text:  Smiling woman with short hair
in white blouse, black tie and vest.

Good evening, students and staff members.  My name is Olivia Velasquez and I'm running for student council vice president.  I'm from Guadelajara, Mexico.  I'm remember my first months here.  I was a low beginning ESL student when I started in this school.  Now I'm a high intermediate student.  I worked hard and I learned that nothing succeeds if there is no effort.  

 

It probably won't surprise you that I have decided to run for student council for the role of vice president.  As student council vice president, I will strive to continue making improvements in this school, with my colleagues, for the benefit of all.  I know that the student council works side-by-side with the student body and the administration.  Today I am asking for your vote.  Should you elect me, I will listen to your concerns and work hard for you.  Thank you.

Thank you, Olivia, for sharing your speech and for making the commitment to serve our community!

Evening Student Council President Carlos Diaz shared his story and this fabulous speech at the 2018-19 Evening Candidate Forum.  The next day, he was elected Student Council President of the Evening Student Council.  Here, with his permission, is his wonderful speech.

Evening Student Council President
Carlos Diaz
Alt Text:  Smiling man with
short brown hair in jean jacket

Hello everyone!

My name is Carlos Diaz and I am running for student council President.

I'm from Mexico, more specifically a small town by the name of La Barca, located at the Southeast side of the state of Jalisco. I came to The USA 3 years ago, in August 2015.

I remember how difficult the beginning was, a different country, different people, new neighbors, new neighborhoods, the diversity of cultures and traditions, and the most remarkable thing: English as a new language.

Finding a new job is always a tough part of our lives, and that part increases when we don't know how to speak English, that's why I decided to start learning. Some of my friends told me about San Mateo Adult School, so I came to the Smart Center on 2016  and just signed up. I began at Low Beginning and since then have been studying at this school in the evening time. I am now in the High advanced level, still learning, improving my English and working on my skills.

I haven't run a campaign before. This is my first time running, trying to be the new president elect. I want to work hand-in-hand with all of the student council members; I want to work with all of you guys, listening to your suggestions, your ideas. I want to work not only as a president or member of the student council, I want to be your friend.

I really believe in the importance of adult education. I believe in people like you, like me. People who came from other countries in search of a better life and better opportunities. People have found here at San Mateo Adult School the opportunity to learn English, make and grow networks and be successful.

I want to continue with the legacy of my former colleagues who were presidents and members of the student council.

The promise I make to you is that I will do my best, being your voice, and being your representative, bringing the faith in every place and in every opportunity to talk about how important San Mateo Adult School is.

Please vote for me, Carlos Diaz, to be your Student Council President.

Thank you, Carlos, for sharing your speech and service!

A new year of student-led democracy has begun at San Mateo Adult School!

After a week of campaigning on campus and speeches at the Candidate Forum, SMAS ESL and GED students voted for new officers for the 2018-19 school year.  

The new leadership teams are:

Shereen, Shelley, Claudia
Alt Text:  Three women standing in bright sunlight
in the school quad

Morning Student Council

• President:  Shelley Cheng
• Vice President:  Shereen Lata
• Secretary:  Claudia Asselborn
• Advisor Ai Ikeuchi

Evening Student Council

• President Carlos Diaz
• Vice President Olivia Velazquez
• Secretary Victor Linares
• Advisor Simone Coelho

Victor, Olivia, Simone,  Stephanie, Tim, Carlos
Alt Text:  Six people standing in the school quad in the evening

Read speeches from the Candidate Forums:

• Morning President Shelly's speech
• Morning Vice President Shereen's speech
• Morning Secretary Claudia's speech

• Evening President Carlos Diaz
• Evening Vice President Olivia Velasquez
• Evening Advisor Simone Coelho

Outgoing Morning Student Council President Wendy Samayoa gave a special farewell speech and was presented with a special award by Teacher Adviser Stephanie Kriebel.  Read Wendy's speech.

* * * * * 

Student Council gives students a voice at school, in the community, and in the state.

• Morning and evening Student Councils. 
• Officers are elected in the Fall for a one-year term. 
• English Secondary Language and GED classes choose two Class Representatives. 
• Student Councils meet once a month. 
• At meetings, discussion and voting about decisions.
• Minutes are taken at the meetings. 
• Class Reps report back to their classes 
• Teacher Advisor: Stephanie Kriebel    

Learn more about SMAS Student Council on the Student Council page of the school website.

Morning Student Council Secretary Claudia Asselborn shared her story and her vision of teamwork and progress at the 2018-19 Morning Candidate Forum.  Here, with her permission, is her wonderful speech.

Claudia speaking at the Morning Candidate Forum
Director Tim listening in the background

Good Morning Director Tim, teachers and students! Thanks for coming!

I would like to introduce myself because although many people know me, others still don’t.

My name is Claudia Asselborn and I am running for Secretary of the Student Council.

I am from Argentina. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education. I worked as a substitute teacher and student counselor.  I also worked as an administrative assistant for eleven years in my country.

I came to California with my husband for his work. First, we lived in San Francisco for a few months, and then, we moved to San Mateo two years ago.  I've been studying English in San Mateo Adult School since then. I am Student Ambassador and joined in the program ESL City Government Academy.

My English was very poor, and to be honest, in my high school I was never a good English student. But studying English here in our school has changed my life! Learning English in a wonderful environment, in my opinion, is not only excellent, it is also a unique opportunity! Thanks all my teachers for teaching me.

Today, I am here in front of you because, as I said before, I am running for Secretary, and I would like to be part of the Student Council because I really enjoy creating ideas and working together as a team. I want to help organize activities to raise money for the Student Council and help our school. I am a friendly person, active, responsible, and helpful.

I promise to work together with the President and Vice President with openness and honesty.

Thank you for your time, thank you for listening me, and remember to vote for me:

Claudia Asselborn Secretary!

Thank you so much!

Leaders committed to serving the community:
Claudia, Shereen, Shelly, and City of San Mateo Mayor Rick Bonilla

Thank you, Claudia, for sharing your speech - and for your choice to serve and support the SMAS community! 

At the Morning Student Council Forum for the 2018-19 school year, candidates shared their views, experience and dreams for our school. Here, with her permission, is the memorable speech given by Shereen Lata, now our 2018-19 Morning Student Council Vice President.

Shereen giving her speech at the Morning Candidates Forum
Director Tim listening in the background

Good morning students and staff members. My name is Shereen Lata. I'm a low advance student with teacher Jean and I am from the Fiji Islands. It’s a very beautiful tropical Island by the Pacific Ocean. Growing up in the Fiji Islands was very challenging. Pursuing an education was something that was not encouraged, which is why I was unable to complete my High School Diploma. I was instead encouraged to find a job. I worked in the retail industry for nine years. I worked twelve hours a day but only got paid for working eight hours. As time went on I realized that if I wanted to achieve my goal of getting an education I would have to leave the Fiji Islands for better opportunities.

I decided to immigrate (move) to America. I came here in December of 2008. I started working at Costco in Redwood City in January of 2009. It wasn’t easy.  I was so scared to talk to my coworkers because I didn’t feel my English was good enough. At times when I would try to communicate in English my mind would just go blank, I couldn’t even remember my home phone number.I was determined not to let my fear and anxiety stop me from learning English and keeping my job. Also, I did not want to go back to Fiji, because my dreams and goals would not be found there. I practiced in the mirror by talking to myself and slowly was able to communicate  better with my coworkers who were very nice to me, and didn’t judge me.

After three years of working there, I was injured on the job which has left me with a permanent disability.  Because of my work injury I stayed at home full time, these were the worst days of my life. After some time, I decided to go back to school to get my education to be able to get a sustainable job.  I enrolled at Canada College to take ESL classes. I did my assessment test, got evaluated, and paid $350 for one semester. Then one day my family friend told me about the San Mateo Adult School free classes. I enrolled in the Modern office Technology class. Then later in January I started taking ESL classes in room 23 with teacher Alesha.

I began to become more and more passionate about my education.  The opportunities that the Adult School offers are wonderful, offering classes in the evening as well as on Saturday s’ enable many people to get their education.

The Teachers here are also very nice and encouraging to all the students. This allows students to build their confidence and talk to other people.

This year I would like to be your student council vice president because i know  that i can be a good student representative. I have been involved with various programs at this school like helping start the  CPR class last semester and job shadowing classes with the help of teacher Tia.

I have received my CPR certification and I know more about the job in the Smart Center. I am also a part of the student Ambassador program. In conclusion I want to represent you. I want to be your voice. I believe in this school. I believe in our ability to work together I welcome ideas from you for making our school better .I will respect all the opinions and decisions.  I know voting for someone requires a lot of trust.

I am willing to work hard everyday to earn your trust. I pledge to the do most important thing a student council member can do. Be responsible,  be there for anyone and everyone who needs our help, and work together with other students council members to make the school a more peaceful,more fun and all in all a better place to learn.Together we can achieve great goals. Thank you   please vote for me for Vice President.

Thank you, Shereen, for sharing your voice in service to our school community. Your commitment and energy make a positive difference!

Determined- means that you make your mind that you have to do this.

Sustainable job- means you want to work at the place where you get good pay.

pledge- be a voice so other people can heard

Shereen, Shelly, and Claudia
ready to get started as leaders in service to our school

..

On Sept 26th, 2018, Shelley Cheng - our new Morning
2018-19 Student Council President - gave this stand-out speech at the Candidates Forum. With her permission, here it is for you to read:

Shelly Cheng giving her speech at the 2018 Candidate Forum
Director Tim Doyle is listening in the background

Good morning, everyone. I am Shelley Cheng, and I come from China. Now I’m a low advance student of San Mateo Adult School. My morning class teacher is Jessica,and my afternoon class teachers are Patricia, Lisa and Lily.

It’s my pleasure to have the chance to run for president of the student council. I have a husband ,a daughter and a dog, so I am used to handling the problems well.

First, I would like to share my international experiences with you. My friends usually say that I am a nice and understanding person. One of the reasons is that I have been to many different countries. I lived in the Czech Republic for two years, in Germany for four years and I have been to more than 15 countries. I learned about different cultures and  I love to communicate with different people.

I was a marketing manager for 10 years in China. My work involved organizing , planning , and executing the National College Photo Contest, exhibitions, lectures, introducing magazine to the clients, and training management teams. In addition, I can make an efficient schedule, work well with people from all walks of life, and I know how to interact professionally with both co-workers and clients.

I am not only driven at work, but also at play. I am proud to say that I have run 3 Marathons, even though I ran very slowly. Constant exercise gives me a healthy body and strength.

I couldn’t imagine six months ago that I could stand up and say so much in English about  myself. When I first came to the United States, I felt anxious , I lost my confidence and direction. I even was afraid to talk with people who speak in English.

Since I have been studying at San Mateo Adult School, I have gained valuable experience with the help of all the outstanding teachers.  I got back my confidence that I had when I was a manager, traveling the world, and running marathons.

Now my life has goals with meaning. This school has improved not only my language skills, but also my social skills. I have made many friends and participated in many great activities, such as International day, Government academy, being a Garden Club member, volunteering for the food bank, and being a student ambassador.

I would like to share my experience with you because we are the same, because I want to do something to give back to our school, to give back to everyone who helped me and encouraged me.

When I am president, I will try my best to serve students and create a good communication bridge between students, teachers and the director. I will assist teachers and the student council in organizing activities to help the students improve language skills and make more friends.

That’s why I am standing here.You can believe me that I can do this, I can be your president. Together, we can do better.

I hope you will vote for me. Thank you very much!

Thank you, Shelly, for sharing your speech with us, and for making the commitment to share your skills through public service to our school.

A Team of Leaders
2018-19 Morning Student Council
Secretary Claudia Asselborn
Vice President Shereen Lata
President Shelly Cheng
City of San Mateo Mayor Rick Bonilla