Plaza College 2010 Writing Competition

WINNER: 1st place, LL57 Division
Question: How has studying English changed your life?

By Neresa Joseph

English is a predominant language that has been used for many generations. To this day, many people believe that it is the easiest and most common language known to man. On the contrary, for me English has always been difficult. English is not just about speaking, reading, and writing; it is also about knowing how to implement the many rules and being precise when applying punctuation.

When speaking the English language, one must be very explicit. A few months ago, I had very little emphasis on the way I spoke. I would allow my words to flow without any thought as to how they may sound. The reason behind my poor judgment stems from a lack of concern. I saw English as hard and decided to desist all efforts. Now that I am back in school and studying English, my view on the matter has changed and is now a lot clearer. The poor thought that I once had no longer exists, and I have learned to embrace the general concept of English. Presently, I stand proud knowing that my speech has improved, and I am much more fluent when speaking.

Reading was always a problem for me not because of pronunciation, but because of not understanding punctuation. To my knowledge, I was a great reader. Going through the words posed as no threat, and I often felt that I was the best. Then, reality settled in, and I realized that my idea of being a great reader was totally different from what I was being taught. Taking English has helped me to differentiate between reading and reading with understanding. I am now learning how to read in the proper manner, using the punctuation to guide me. Because of my English studies, I now have a clear understanding of what I am reading. I no longer feel like I am the best, but like someone who has improved and is now a much better reader.

I do believe that writing is the most difficult part of English. Even though I thought I was an OK writer, I knew deep within there was some struggle. While attending my English classes, I am being taught the many rules of English, and I am amazed at the things I did not know. I soon started wondering to myself, “How am I to learn so much in so little time?” However, my worries quickly ended. My English teacher proved herself to be what she promised to be. She went through each lesson step-by-step until everyone understood, and she did it with great patience. Soon enough, I began learning the simple and basic rules of English. I learned how to write short essays, form solid structures, place punctuation, and how to compose a complete thought. Taking English has helped me to become aware of the words I use and to know when or where to use them.

In conclusion, I would like to state that my outlook on English has changed dramatically. Ever since attending Plaza College, and being enrolled in English classes, I now see it as a goal that needs to be achieved. The English language is like life or faith; no matter how far you get, there is still so much more to learn. I feel privileged knowing that I am part of that learning process. I now have a new thought about English: “Unless you have not crossed the finish line, you are still running that race.”