Passive vs Active Voice

In the warm embrace of late February in Fresno, CA, where the spring weather was gently nudging the city awake with its pleasant temperatures and the promise of blooming flowers, a story about a BA 105W student was unfolding. Aleksei, who was known for his habitual tardiness to class and the minimal effort he put forth for his student team, was at the center of this narrative. Originating from Moscow, Russia, Aleksei, a foreign exchange student, had not yet adjusted to the American sense of time.

Aleksei often entered class long after it started, quietly murmuring apologies before taking a seat at the back of the room. He engaged with team tasks just enough to complete them, which his peers noticed. His teammates often whispered that Aleksei always submitted his contributions last and barely met the requirements.

Despite these challenges, his teammates showed patience and extended understanding, recognizing Aleksei’s cultural adjustment. Team02’s assignment—a video skit on cross-cultural miscommunication—became a turning point for Aleksei.

Aleksei possessed a hidden talent for videography, a skill he had nurtured in the streets of Moscow but had kept unseen from his classmates in Fresno. Inspired by the theme, Aleksei approached the video project with newfound enthusiasm. He directed and edited the video skit, eloquently capturing the essence of cross-cultural miscommunication with humor and insightful observations. His vision brought the collaboratively written script to life, and his dedication during the filming and editing process was unmatched.

The team submitted the video, and their professor and classmates received it with acclaim. The video earned Team02 the top marks in the class due to its originality and clear message, and all its members celebrated the achievement. His classmates recognized his talent, which also served as a bridge, connecting him with them and helping overcome cultural and communicative barriers.

By the end of this unexpected journey, Aleksei’s peers saw him in a new light and realized that every individual has unique strengths. As spring in Fresno brought gentle warmth and blooming possibilities, a group of students from different corners of the world experienced growing understanding and camaraderie.