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2016-2017 Scholarship for English Immersion Programmes
Gold Prize Chen Mingyin Mandy (4D)
I was very lucky that I could go on the trip to Canada and I was so grateful about it. Besides enjoying the beautiful scenery and culture there, the nice people I met had taught me so many important lessons. We shared our stories and exchanged our values and thoughts. It inspired me to be more open-minded and to grow continuously.
The first lesson I learnt was about “mistakes”. I still remembered how disappointed I felt when I spoke in English in front of others for the very first time. I couldn’t organize my ideas to express well. What’s worse, I was very afraid that someone would laugh at my ‘super’ weird accent and mistakes I made in pronunciation. I decided to remain quiet all the time. However, Ms Miahhil, my English teacher in Canada, changed my mind. She not only shared her own experiences of learning English to encourage us, but also told us it was okay to make mistakes. Since mistakes help everyone to make progress. I will always remember what she said - Every night when your head lies on the pillow, everything gone and there’s no one around you, you are yourself. You learn for yourself not for others.
The second lesson I learnt was about “choice”. The people I met in Canada had a very relaxing lifestyle. Besides, most of them had the experiences of living in other countries since they were teenagers. To be honest, I was envious. So we complained about something unreasonable in Hong Kong to Ms Miahhil. She listened to us patiently. Moreover, she encouraged us to be a “leader”! Frankly, I was so touched to hear that. It also made me recall what Mr Rapko, my host dad, said, “You always have a choice. Although it may be very difficult, you still have it all the time.” As an average high school student in Hong Kong, I used to think life is boring, but I think I was totally wrong now. We always just complain and think we have no choice, but why don’t we think about how to change the situation? Thanks to this trip and the nice people. They showed me more possibilities about life.
The more places you went, the more things about the world you would know. Although the trip was over, the things I learnt will be with me everlastingly. Through this trip, I made progress in English, but what’s more, it broadened my horizons. I will keep moving on with this precious experience and my faith in the future!
The beautiful scenery in the University of Saskatchewan
Leisure time in the park with fellow students
Taking a photo with Ms. Miahhil on the graduation banquet
Having farewell dinner with Carrie and Anna
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