This is a painting by the American artist Edward Hopper, called "Rooms by the Sea." I put it on the ELL Journal a couple of years ago at the end of the year, and it seems appropriate to have it illustrate this year's final journal. For me, the work looks ahead and behind at the same time, and that's what I want you to do: look ahead to your summer vacation, but also look behind to the year you have spent at TA. What will you remember from the school year, 2013-2014? What are you looking forward to as you get ready to go home? Write whatever comes to mind: the good, the bad, the interesting, the scary...
I couldn't believe we are at the end of this school year. I still can remember the first day I came. Life is very fast, it always leaves us without any voice. For me, I just thought I learnt a lot. The first year I lived without any relatives. It was unbelievable and ridiculous. Even I'm not here anymore, I won't forget this place, because it contains my own, special memory. Maybe when I review this year, it is funny, naive. But, this is how we grow to adults. In the future, I still have a long way to go, but it's just a blink.
ReplyDeleteThe time speeded quickly. I have stayed in TA about one year. I don’t know how to summary my year. Now summer is coming. I really want to go home to enjoy my summer time. No reason why I look forward to go home, just because my root is in China, and I miss my family and friends.
ReplyDeleteBefore 5 year, I use the whole time to prepare to go into a good Chinese university. I just finish one-year- studying, and then I can go to realize my dream about university. But I choose to study abroad. So this year is my turning point. I can’t forget this year. But no matter what I got in this year, I was not very happy. Being stole things… encountering some unfriendly people…can’t feel parents’ love…for a young person; I think it’s a difficult and challenging experiment.
I really appreciate the following vacation. No only I should improve English, but also I will do some meaningful matters. It’s my secret.
I hope everyone can have a good time in the following time!
Back in time when I first stepped in the campus, it was a dark chilling night. And I’m so shy to confront any strange stuff. The quiet mumble that I don’t know how to complete an English sentence and how to express what I want to say still rings my bell. And now I’m feeling so free to the English ambience. Communication with various people from all over the world is the experience that I will have never got in China. Eight months study builds a beatific fantasy in my mind. Time passes so fast that we are going to return home. The last three weeks are tolerating. Longing for the palatable food and imagining the scene when my girlfriend hugs me right after I pass the custom kills me relentlessly. I hope to go back home right now! I can’t wait to watch World Cup with my bros. The trip to other country and everything familiar attract my heart desperately!
ReplyDeleteCan’t believe my junior year almost over. Time is flying by fast. This is my second year here. I still remember the first time I got here. But now I couldn’t find my old shadow any more. I have changed a lot. But the thing I never change is I miss my family. They were my strength when I was weak. I have been through all the problems as a boarding student, such as loneliness and panic and other negative emotions. A Chinese proverb says “only when you endure the loneliness, you are the strongest.” Loneliness makes me stay calm and grow up fast. Panic makes me see through the world as crystal clear. My youth had stay here for two years, and it will be here one more year. I made lots friends. They gave me hands when I couldn’t get over the troubles. They stayed with me when I had bad temper. Saco is meats so many memories to me now.
ReplyDeletefrom Mimi:
ReplyDeleteFrom the school year 2013- 2014, I met my two best friends and
many friends, I knew many very kind teachers, I learned how to live
without my families, I could arrange my time by myself, I learned many
knowledge. We had many activities such as dorm Olympic, sunset. We
went on a ship and had a party. It was very fun.
I will go back to my home and have some rest. Then I’ll have SAT and
TOEFL class, also I will recite words. Maybe I’ll go somewhere to play
with my family. I hope a happy vacation.
I can't believe I already lived in American a year. I have to acknowledge I'm upset when I fisrt time came to school. I had a bad arguement with my parents, then I made an impulsive decision, I decided to come to America. I feel anxious when I left my harbor. But the envroment here made me comfutable, no much homework from school, no acute words from teachers. I enjoyed every second here, I have to say I really made a prudent decision!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I missed my hometown very much, my parents is my are my anchor, they always are my strongest advocates. I want to leave right now!
Time goes by, I've been studying at TA 2 years. And it is also my second year in America. I have adapted the life in this country. In this week, we should say goodbye to those seniors. Hope they can get good grades in their universities. And I am arranging my summer vacation plan now. I have many things to do, like SAT and TOEFL. And I also want to have a relaxing summer. I may go to some cities to visit my friends. I can't wait to go home and miss my parents so much.
ReplyDeleteI will graduate in couple days. I spend three years at TA. I have made many good friends. I will miss this period all the time. This school year is especially difficult for me. I’ve taken SAT many times and get the grade, which I expect. Even this year is different, but I think I get exercise. I can face trouble but not panic. And I can arrange time for myself. I appreciate this year. The summer vacation is coming. I believe I can have a free and happy vacation. When I go to the university, I will be back and visit staff and my friends.
ReplyDeleteThe time is flying away and years are passing by fast. One year has already passed, even you haven’t looked back. I remember that I was nervous and scared when I first time got here. I have a great change since I got to TA. I become more mature and more independent. I am a boy who thinks a lot, especially in family. I have many thoughts in my mind but I never tell it out sharing with others. Because I think that sometimes it is better to keep your worlds that you want to tell in your mind. My parents and I get along with each other. When I was leaving from my hometown, my mother was crying and sad, my father didn’t but I can see he is very grieved from his face. Twenty days from now I would see my parents, I am so excited and happy, meanwhile I think they would be much more expectant than me. Next near I would return to TA to continue my study because it teach me a lot, also I learned. Finally I want to say thank you TA, we would see each other soon.
ReplyDeleteWe are always asked to look back but something unhappily we pretended not to remember. However, we have to remind ourselves through the bad memory. At that summer, it was always very hot everyday but I didn't have a fan or something else. I couldn't stop sweating even though I just lay on the bed to do nothing. I thought I was the worst student in English. Also, I was afraid to talk. Everything was too unfamiliar for me to stay. I felt loneliness was killing me everyday. Now, I am still alone but I know how to enjoy it. And I really enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteI was a koala before. I was lazy just wanted to stay on the tree. Everyday I did two things were sleeping and eating. I had a happy life. However I was a koala. I lived in a wrong place. I lived with foxes. In the surface, foxes were very nice. Sometimes foxes would feed the koala. Koala was too silly to know what was the real meaning. The koala and foxes seemed stay together in a harmony Finally. the koala closed her eyes forever and foxes will be killed by hunters. Probably, some koalas want to wake her up but she doesn't want to.
I can’t believe I have already stayed in TA for almost one year, as if I just came here yesterday. Time passed really fast, I even think I didn’t do lots of things in this year. In this past year, I experienced a variety of things for the first time. For example, first time to face a completely unfamiliar environment; first time to leave my parent for long time; first time to deal with problems by myself instead of relying on parents, etc. Now, TA likes my second family. Friends, dorm parents and lots of fabulous teachers accompany me through the first year in TA. They bring the happiness and warm to me. Now, we just have two weeks to go back home, I’m so excited about that. I extremely miss my parents, relatives and friends. I’m looking forward to this summer vacation. I will travel to many cities with my family, have parties with my friends and have classes. Although it will be busy, I firmly believe I will have a wonderful and perfect summer vacation.
ReplyDeleteTime passed really fast, I can’t believe that I almost finish my first year in TA. During the school year, I had a lot of happy memories with my teachers and my friends. Specially was the dance concert at the end of the school year, it was so amazing and impressed me a lot. This was the first time I had performed on the stage with my dance class. I think I wouldn’t forget the final rehearsal to prepare for an official performance in the auditorium. That was an interesting experience for me. There were many people from many different dance classes, despite they knew each other or not, they still sat and watched each other practicing their dance. And especially, they tried to encourage everyone who was performing on the stage to dance better. However, the summer vacation is coming. I’m so excited to come back home to see my family and my friends now. I think I will have a great vacation. I’m gonna travel with my family and my friends, eat a lot of Vietnamese food and specially, I will tell them all the great and amazing experience I have during the school year in TA.
ReplyDeleteTen months have passed quite fast. I still remember the first day of school, which was freshman orientation for me. Since I came to TA, I've got to know and meet new people from many countries, this is an amazing experience for me. Teachers and dorm parents are very nice to me. They have been taking care of me not just as a student but also as a child, I'm really impressed about that. Mr. Griffin is one of the best teacher I've ever met and I feel so lucky to have him as my english teacher this year. Actually, I want to take ELLIII next year because of mr. Griffin. He is a nice teacher and I like the way he teaches in the class, it's fun and interesting. The best part in my english class is reading "Great Expectations," I don't know why I like that book so much. Normally, I'm not a good reader and I don't read a lot of books but I really enjoy reading "Great Expectations," it is a great book.
ReplyDeleteFinal exams are coming, I hope I can do well in every subjects. I'm really looking forward to go home. As I say, ten months have passed quite fast but I just have two months to stay with my family, that's bad. I will have good times with my family, I won't waste any minute. Since I came aboard, I've learned that TIME FLIES!
Time passed quickly,i have been America for about 5 mouths already.I even didn't notice that,look back to my experience at TA these days,what I could tell is those experiences really teach me a lot--what is life looks like without my parents,how to deal with a new and strange life.I also find out my disadvantages from the reflection of my friends.I met some problems about making friends and these problems bother me at once,but I figure them out eventually.I appreciate the experiences I had in America,I am not able to learn such a lot if i don't go to America.
ReplyDeleteAnyway,I am really looking forward to come back to my country also.I miss my parents,my friends,my Chinese food and the great smell in my hometown.I'm planning to play with my family and friends once I get to China,and I also want to learn guitar and cooking when i get home.Hometown is just like a little safe haven,when you are tired about what are you doing now, you can slow down and take a break at your little haven.That will make you relaxed,you will regenerated and be able to start again.
For me, this is the first year in TA, and I have learned so many things in this year. I still remember the first day that Mrs. Nelson picked me up at PWM, I felt so nervous, and now, all the dorm parents are our best friends and helpers.They give us the feel that the dorm is the home, they made me feel warm. I have the best friends from dorm and school, and some day students gave me the help when we had the class and I have no idea for something, they are so awesome, but in this month I feel so sad because it's time to say goodbye to seniors, in my heart, they are not only the friends, but also the sisters and brothers for us. W e will always miss them!
ReplyDeleteIn the summer vacation, I will visit a couple of countries to improve my English, just like Korea and France. On the other hand, I should take the classes for my SAT and TOFEL, if I have some free time, I would like go to have the violin classes! More importantly, I want to stay with my parents everyday because I am so miss them now! And I think this vacation will be very busy!
In next year, I hope I can wok harder, get a nice score for SAT and TOFEL, and go to a great university!
I will also miss the ELL class and Mr. Griffin who is my favorite in TA in next year! This is not kidding!
Whatever how the things around us would change, I still believe everything will become better!
I remember from the 2013-2014 year how bad we were speaking english, and how we have all improved. I remember first day I didn't know anybody and now that people who were unknown for me are one of my best friends. In the future I'm looking towards my last high school year, that it's so hard, I need to study so much, and I should get the higher grades as I can.
ReplyDeleteAfter that I see maybe the navy or college I'm not sure it depends on the next year, it depends on the grades that I get, but hopefully I can join the navy.
I feel I am very lucky. I love Maine and TA. I love Maine's peaceful and beautiful environment. I think I make a very nice decision to be here. TA's teachers have very good patience. My home parents are very well too. I teach them how to make dumpling. We discuss a lot news, different culture and Chinese history. I did my first skiing in Maine too. I love skiing. In the summer, I will take Tofel and ACT class to prepare for next year because I will be senior next semester. I will learn more vocabulary. I hope I will do well in these two test.
ReplyDeleteIt's almost the end of the school year, the only feeling I have is that time passes so fast. I still remember the first time when I get to Thornton Academy. Now, through out this year, I feel that I improve a lot in English. The most important is, I make many friends. Now I have friends in different places in China and I have a friend in Turkey and South Korean. At the end of this school year, I will continue doing my work and try to end up the best. When I back to my hometown this summer vacation, I will go and meet my friends and my relatives. Also, the most important for me is to eat Chinese food.
ReplyDeleteThis is my second year in TA. Compare with my first year, I feel more confident. Not just speaking a foreign language, I also get closer to my teacher and other students. This feeling is not much different from I am in home. TA is my second home now.
ReplyDeleteBack to this year, I skip ELL2 to ELL3. The strength of study increase a lot. In my first year, it was easy to get A, but at the end of this semester, I usually got B+ or A-. Be honest, I was pretty worried at first. Fortunately, I found the point that if I focused on grammar and making sure all the sentences I wrote were complete, getting A is not a hard thing. ELL class brings lots of happy to me, and I enjoy every moment I have with my teacher and classmates. After summer vacation, I will take regular English Class. I know that will be more challenge, but I don't think I will be afraid. The only thing I worry about is I will miss my ELL class very much. In the other hand, this year I first try to learn my third language. It is French. As usual, it is not easy to learn an language, but my hard-working let me did good job on it. I feel I am more interested at learning languages. This is also my second year to take dance class. Though my regular teacher Ms.Arenstam needs to leave class for a while because she has to welcome her baby to this world, I still have fun and happiness on each dance class. The improvement is not just my dance skill, it appear at every emotion I have. I like using body language to show the deep of the dance, and my dance class make me find more different way to get idea. Next year, I still have dance class. I hope I can still dance with my heart.
When I back next time, I will be a junior. There will have many works I need to do. I already prepare to face every difficult time. Future is always a problem to me. Right now, I don't have a really clearly goal, but I wish my next year in TA will be as good as this year.
Looking behind to the year I have spent, it was a special year for me in the United State. I transferred from Los Angeles to Saco and start my new high school life. Los Angeles and Saco are totally two different cities with different culture. I attended Catholic high school in the Los Angeles before and it's much more strict than TA. Now I'm TA and I enjoy this half year in the TA. I pick my schedule by my interest and I learn lots of new knowledge in my interest area. But summer is coming and I'm too impatient to wait. I really miss my family especially my little sister and brother. And I'm also going to prepare my ACT and TOEFL test during the summer. At the same time, I will travel with my friends before coming back. Looking forward my senior year in TA~
ReplyDeleteIt is the first year for me. I like TA. When I came here last year, I didn't know anything. I never live alone. I miss my parents. I miss my home. Sometimes, I think I want to go home. After some weeks, I started to like here. People are nice to each other. There are good food. I learn how to wash clothes. I learn how to make bed. My english is better and I have new friends. I grow up this year. I will learn english in summer vacation. I will stay with my parents. I cannot wait summer to come.
ReplyDeleteI came here last year. Time is too fast to realize. I went to here at last summer, but now it is time to back China, they just like same time happened. In this time, I made lots of friends, learned as much I can. Time is so fast. So I think I should make very second to be beautiful. To learn and live well. i have one year leave, then I will go to college, I hope I can do well next year. I hope I will make more friends. I hope I can get good sat grade. Time is going, I don't know what my future like, but I will do my best to live, to learn.
ReplyDeleteThis is my second years at TA. I think this year is so fast. I can't believe I've already study at TA 2 years.is like a dream. I go to TA is a big part of experience of my life. I made a lot of friends at Thornton Academy. They are important for me. I can't forget graduation day. Many friends are left that day. I feel very sad, I feel dorm is empty. I hope they can have a good future.
ReplyDeleteOne of the most important things which i remember is Seniors. Some of my friends left Thornton Academy and go the college. This is the most important part in our students' left. in the summer i will attend a SAT class. My friend told me that if we finished SAT and TOEFL test early, we will feel much better during the senior year. During the senior year, i always focus on some unimportant things, such as watching drama and sleeping. But i will be a senior next year. It's an important year for me and it's an important turning point for me also. Looking backward, i found my disadvantage; looking forward, i will find the best way to let my score be better
ReplyDeleteI am here for 4 months. I'm coming back next year, because i am in TA i can feel free, i have a lot of freedom. And i made friends. i am fresh for here. i like here though. I hope i will make amazing things, like play basketball in JV. That is important. It is one of reasons makes me come to America. And hope everybody has a great vacation
ReplyDeleteI still think this year is the most important year in my sixteen years of life because this is my first time to face this world and my future by myself, and I still remember the feeling of afraid and nervous when I first came here, but I think I adapt my life in America and Thornton Academy right now, and I know my own life is beginning!
ReplyDeleteLast year, I tried my best to join freshmen basketball team, I am pride of myself because nobody believes I can play basketball in team at first, but I just did it, and I think I improve a lot in this team. I meet a lot of American friends in basketball team, and I begin to know some culture about America when I play and commute with my teammates.
I work so hard during this year, and I remember my first English test in last year. I think I improve a lot of knowledge of English right now, and I feel so regrettably because I think I have ability to study Ell 2, but I waste chance at first. This thing cause me have to still study Ell next year, but I will study harder in your Ell 3 class next semester, Mr. Griffin! The most important thing for me is to improve my English during this summer vacation because next year, I will become a sophomore next semester, and I have to begin prepare my Sat test and TOEFL test next year.
I have a dream, I want to achieve it by myself, and I have confidence to achieve it, nothing can stop my steps of improvement, so I think this year is a good start for my future four years and my new life!
Next year，I will take AP human geography. I love traveling around the world and learn different cultures. I will work much harder during this class.
ReplyDeleteDuring this year，I learn much more about United States. I get used to dorm life as well. I make so many friends than in China. I love my life in Nelson Dorm. Thank Thornton Academy for giving me such wonderful life！
The time always goes by quickly, we can’t catch, just can feel. Unwittingly, I have stayed in TA for almost a year. This is my first time to come to America, and the first time to leave my home for such a long time. I can’t believe I’ve done a lot of things.
ReplyDeleteThis year, lot of things happened, some of things I ‘ve seen but some of I didn't. Since I’ve been here for one year, I’ve known a lot of cultural here in America. In America, people would like to have super together and when we are having super, it’s not allowed to call or play with the phone. Americans always say hello to hi even to a stranger just after they meet each other.
In TA, I’ve known a lot of people: Teachers, students and the neighbors near my homestead. I met my friends here and receive my relationship. I am always thinking of that coming to America is a right choice.
I spend one year in Thornton academy, during this year I learn a lot, meet all kinds of people I also improve my computer skill, although there are a lot of things happen, I won’t forget TA’s tennis team.
ReplyDeleteIf people want join this team they need to success on a hard selection, after a 4 days selection I join this team. At the beginning I think the people in this team is strong and silence, but I am wrong all of them are surprised friendly, although I always make the ball out of the court and make them need to pick up the ball, no one will show dissatisfied to me. They also teach me how to play better. How friendly they are!
Our team also very unity sometimes we will play joke on each other then we laugh together, we play together, we practice together, we will scream for each other, we will take care each other.
TA’S tennis team is one of the thing that I won’t forget in my life, I love TA I love this tennis team.
I cant imagine this is the end the of my grade 10 year in TA. Back to the first few mouths, everything is so strange. I am so scared of those new and unfamiliar stuff that comes out from people's words. Strangeness is in the air.
ReplyDeleteThen i started to try my best to fit in with everything, new campus, language, new rules and new life. i am so glad that i chose to learn a foreign language - Spanish. The class made me laugh a lot and made me closer to the students here and be confident. The spanish class this year is amazing.
Here we come to the end of this school year. Time has flied so fast that i didn't eve noticed that. To honor those most rough time and happiest moment, i will say that I am leaving with no regrets. Let's go for the summer vacation!
I am very happy to have the chance to learn thing from TA. I just came TA this year, for some students I’m new. I really love Maine. Maine has something I really love like, the trees, fresh air, also and the lobster.
ReplyDeletesometime I couldn't believe this year just pass away. when first saw the school, thought Ok I will be there for 2 years...... But now I know we just have 1 year left.. I feel so sad, the time goes so fast.
The end of this year. It's so fast for me. I just remeber. When I came to the NewYork airport, I couldn't find exit. It's so funny. I was so tense when I saw my home stay parants. All the things are good, and all the things are change, good or bad. I love here. I love TA. I miss my home.
ReplyDeleteI already spend one year at TA. During this year I learned a lot, but I also lost something. I know clearly that I already grown up from a little kid. I try to do everything by myself instead of by my parents, and I try to plan my time legitimately. Maybe I am not good enough in other people's mind, but in my opinion I almost did everything that I can do. At the same time, I lost something important. Some of my friends begin to lost contact with me, and it is hard to recover as well as before. I don't know how many of my friends will call me when I arrive china, and I even don't know how can I meet you when I want to see you. A new summer vacation is waiting for me, but I don't know what will that look like.
ReplyDeleteThis is my second year been studying in TA. The time past so fast, my second year of TA almost finish. This year, my English skill is better than last year. Also, my other subjects are better than last year either. For the summer vocation, I plan to give myself a break. After that, I decide to study for my SAT. However, others prefer to go out for traveling since it can increase their knowledge and broaden their horizons. But they will spend more money and meet some difficulties while traveling.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, it would be much better to stay at home, for I can do what I like, such as reading books, watching TV, and helping my parents with the housework
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ReplyDeleteI can't believe I've come to America almost a year. The weather become hot, the dormitory’s smell like I just came to TA. When I just came to America feel very bad, I missed my parents and my doggie. I can fit in the class without Chinese because my language I didn’t want communicate with them. I am so unconfident, but finally I can talk to people. There are seven days go back to China, I am looking forward to see my parents and doggie. I missed them so much. I must spend a lot of time with my dog. I’m very exciting but also a little bit afraid. I afraid of the place where I lived for 16 years but now there will change a lot; it’s not like before. I hope this summer will be another new beginning.
ReplyDeleteAs the other people said, time slips away so fast! I will remember from the school year 2013-2014. I had a very good time in TA. There were many things happened in this year. My English improved a lot. I make lots of friends here. And I learnt more about American culture. I am very looking forward to go back to China. I will see my parents and my friends in China. I miss them a lot. And I also can eat Chinese food. Although I will go back to China, I think I still need to practice my English in my summer vacation.
ReplyDeleteThis year is almost done. I have learned so many thing in this year and also I improved my english. But I fill like it is not enough. I should have studied more to get good grade. I think I just wasted my time to play and sleep in this year. Also I was too shy so I didn't have many conversation in english. I am coming back next school year and I will try to change my self in next year.
ReplyDeleteI CAN'T WAIT TO GO HOME. The truth is I miss everything back home, because, it's your root. But I do like the year that I have spent here and I am glad that I choose to come to be honest. It's always great to step out of your comfort zone and eventually taking something back with you. For me, it's the friendship. I want to give a special shout out to all the seniors, I really miss all those days when I hang out with you guys. Now that all the seniors all gone, it just feels so weird. The dorm isn't the same dorm anymore. It was so hard to say goodbye to you all as I know I might never see their faces again once they step onto the airplane. Anyway, I am still happy that I made through the year and summer is approaching. I need to eat a lot of good food, I need to go see my friends and family and I need to pet my lovely dog once again. I am not going to lie, summer is meant to be no homework and no studying - it's the reward for all the effort that I put in during the year. Don't push yourself too hard guys, sometimes we need to relax. So lastly, I wish everyone have a good summer!
ReplyDeleteI am going back home soon and i am so excited. I really missed home, my family, friends and the food. I will enjoy going out with my friends this summer and work out to get ready for the soccer try outs. I will also study for TOEFL and SAT. This year was really good and memorable. I did so many things and learned a lot. This was the first time i live without my parents and it helped me to be more responsible and mature. I learn a lot of new words form different language and new cultures. I will never forget this year and the people i loved.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis special year to me at TA. I finished my sophomore year here. I want to say thank you to every teachers who taught me this year. It's your hard work to let me gain more acknowledge. I will do more had work on study to thanks teachers' work. I know I'm leaving next semester to California, but I will always remember my happy life of TA. Thank you teachers! I hope you have a great summer vacation.
ReplyDeletethe first day i spent in America, saco , maine i was pretty confused i did not know how to speak and i did not understand a word from anyone , only the spanish kids , after a few week i became to understand most of the speaking but i was so bad talking , i felt like a failure a lot of times when i could not express myself,i couldnt understand the classes a lot of time so i decided to sleep in them, make friends was difficult but the days were passing so fast and in a few months it was already winter and i decide to join a team, basketball team, i think that was what saved me from the boringness and routine of the dorms, i made americans friends and i improve my english a lot.
ReplyDeletein spring i join track team what i did not like at all,now i only can look to the summer ad the few final i have left , i cant wait to see my family and friends during summer, i dont know if i will come back next year so that makes me happy and sad at the same moment , if i come back it will be another year without my family and friends and the persons who i love but i will be with people who i love here, its like having to homes, wherever i go i will miss the other part.
next year will be my senior year , it will be difficult here and there.
i want have a good summer and a lot of memories . i learnt a new culture and i will never forget TA
I will go back to China very soon, and this year the TA makes me feel very happy, the teachers gave me a lot of help. I am very excited to return to China. I can see friends and family. Of course, I have a lot of good foods. This summer will be very busy, because I'm ready to go on some English classes, it will be very tired. I will go prepare my TOEFL and SAT.
ReplyDeleteThis year, I am take ELL class. I am very happy about that,because we have a nice teacher Mr.Griffin. I could remember when I saw Mr.Griffin by my first time, I thought he was a rigorous person because he looks very angry. I really worried he was my English teacher last year. In fact, In this year when does ELL2 class start, I felt really nervous because I don't know whether he is kind of a person, but after one week ago, I change my mind. I like English class. I found Mr.Griffin is a very funny and friendly person, I really like him. He is my English teacher, and I like his class, but I don't really like speak English. I don't like speak English because I think English It's really hard for me, but I have to improve my English. I came to America by last year, and this is an English speaking country, so I have to improve my English, and I should speak English very well. I hope next year my English can be better than this year! Finally I am glad this year to meet new students, they are lovely and lively, I really like them.
ReplyDeletefor this yeah i had spent at Saco, Thornton academy, i have to say the academic part is too easy for me...i learned almost every subject except english at China when before i came here,the school over at 2 every day,and it is really too relax for me...it is very funny, because before i came here, i just hope i can have less class time and i can have more time to have fun, but after i get here, i just feel so boring and lonely..hehe. this is one of my most important year of my life, because i am 16, you know, teenager's age...but i just feel i waste a lot time, everyday after school i may just go home and lie in bed play with my computer for whole afternoon,cause i really can not find anything to do, i feel like even confuse about why i came to USA? so strange, am i here for studying? maybe not...i learn nothing except english. till one day, i talk to my pop, and he ask me a question "can you cook for yourself before you get there? can you wash your clothes by yourself?" my answer is definitely "no" my father told me then, people are always improve, so is me, it might be just so little or it is not time to see your improve, he told me to do not worry, everything will get better, well. maybe my father is right, but i still think if i study at china, i will be more happy. for next year, i think i need to join some club for extra activities, i can not just waste my time at my bed, i need to go out, talk to people and experience, i realize that, and i am sure i will be busy next year! See you, Thornton. goodbye. Mr. Griffin~
ReplyDeleteEll lll
ReplyDeletePeter Miao
06 07 2014
Journal 18
There were too much things that happened in this year. I learned
a lot from those things and those things give me so much memories
that I would keep. This year was not hard for me. Because that first
time I went to the US was last year. So this year I felt more free and
comfortable. I could talk to people easily and not felt fear to talk to other
people. But there still were something I would always remember about
this year. There is a thing that changes me so much. I was a person
who always give-up things. I thought everything is too hard to finish.
But there was one thing that changed me. I remember that was last
mouth. I felt the homework was so hard. And I give up. But that time my
roommate AZ came out and talked to me. He said a man couldn’t be that
weak, a man should be strong. Man’s power was very big. A man could
carry the world. He moved me. And I started to do the right thing. I tried
my best to do my homework everyday. And final I’m going to get a good
grade at the end of the year. After I go home. I will have a lot of fun. Play
with my friends. But I will not forget this year even some memories are
not very good. Some teachers are so mad and so terrible. But that is my
year and everything is doing ok. I hope I will get a good grade at the end.
Have a great summer, everyone. You all made progress this year, both in English and in personal growth. See you in September. T. Griffin
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