Cloud Gate 2 Dance Classes
Two weeks of labor in the gym, the very day of the “Cloud Gate 2” courses finally came— the final presentation.
I could vividly recall the uncomfortable but interesting activities through out the two exhausting yet exciting weeks. Right in the first class, the female dancer, Ling-kai, asked us to use our toes to feel our faces. The problem was we’re just finished running barefoot through the filthy dancing room. But that was nothing compared to the following activities. In the following days, we touched dusty and even “nauseating” places in the main gym such as transparent windows with scary spiders at the corner, floor with a dead and decomposing gecko lying aside and trash cans with stinky smell.
In addition, the process of creating our group dance was really a burden. There were so many different ideas about how to present our dance. But gazing at the door of the main gym, our group’s stage, we just couldn’t come up with any thought to put our ideas together. As the minutes ticked away, we became more and more irritated. I could feel the leaden and oppressive atmosphere around us. Every one had a somber expression.
But of course there were classes that I enjoyed. For example, in one of the classes, we had to improvise a dance. Although I am not a good dancer, I loved every movement of mine when dancing in front of the dancers as well as the students. We also made loud sounds in the dusky light of the staircase beside the Squash Field. That was weird and even a bit scary. But the sounds were in a harmony, flowing gently and beautifully through the entire staircase. It was as if we were a professional chorus.
The outcome turned out just perfect. A day before the final presentation, we explored the place, opening the icebox, smacking the trash cans and beating the windows with different rhythm. And the light suddenly dawned! So without too many difficulties, we finally composed our group dance. On the very day, May 30TH, the final presentation came. With my hand paining, for we had practiced the dance for many times the day before, I beat the windows with all my strength, making the strong rhythm as the opening of our presentation. Without any music, we accomplished our group dance performance, receiving applauses from all the audience.
Through the “Cloud Gate 2 Dance Classes”, I have accomplished many extraordinary things which I wouldn’t have tried through out my life. Had it not been for the course, I would not have had so many unforgettable experiences. Definitely, I would try my best to become one of the forty students in next year’s “Cloud Gate 2 Dance Classes-Advanced”.
2010年5月29日 星期六
2010年5月17日 星期一
Personal Journal 9 May.17~May.23
A Letter From Sunny
This week I was supposed to write something about the unforgettable training experiences in Hsinchu. However, Sunny, a good friend of mine since junior high school and is now in CCU's Department of Chinese Literature, wrote me a letter. I got it when I was just back to the dorm today. The envelope looked ordinary. But the content was just the opposite.
Sunny is going to take a transferring exam next month. In freshman year, I can see how hard she has been working. Turing down all the activities which we think a “qualified” freshman should participate in, everyday, she goes to the library. The time she spends studying there is almost the same as that in the dorm. Studies dominate most of her time. As a student who likes to enjoy joining various activities, I can hardly imagine living that kind of life. But, in the letter, she told me that she can now adapt to it. And I was surprised to learn it is my personality that influences her attitude towards every hardship she is dealing with.
In the letter, Sunny revealed how she thinks of me as well as how my personality has had an impact on her. She said although, in front of me, she seems to be a carefree girl, behind her “sunny smile”, she ponders over my behaviors. She said she is sometimes worried about me. Often she would wonder, “Is Heidi working too hard? Behind her energetic appearance, is the overwhelming pressure pushing her to the limit?” But she pretty much knows that I am not a quitter—even though I am out of breath. So, on seeing my willpower, she mentioned in the letter, her attitude towards studying has been influenced to a certain degree. Whenever she is about to give up, she said she would ask herself to recall my perseverance. By doing so, she would soon regain her energy, and stick to her plan.
I was indeed moved. I didn’t know my zeal for things I love can indirectly contribute to her studies. Although it’s a bit surprising, I was glad. I think I should write this story down in case I forget this touching moment in the future. But one thing is for sure: no matter which university she will study in, our friendship will last for a long time.
This week I was supposed to write something about the unforgettable training experiences in Hsinchu. However, Sunny, a good friend of mine since junior high school and is now in CCU's Department of Chinese Literature, wrote me a letter. I got it when I was just back to the dorm today. The envelope looked ordinary. But the content was just the opposite.
Sunny is going to take a transferring exam next month. In freshman year, I can see how hard she has been working. Turing down all the activities which we think a “qualified” freshman should participate in, everyday, she goes to the library. The time she spends studying there is almost the same as that in the dorm. Studies dominate most of her time. As a student who likes to enjoy joining various activities, I can hardly imagine living that kind of life. But, in the letter, she told me that she can now adapt to it. And I was surprised to learn it is my personality that influences her attitude towards every hardship she is dealing with.
In the letter, Sunny revealed how she thinks of me as well as how my personality has had an impact on her. She said although, in front of me, she seems to be a carefree girl, behind her “sunny smile”, she ponders over my behaviors. She said she is sometimes worried about me. Often she would wonder, “Is Heidi working too hard? Behind her energetic appearance, is the overwhelming pressure pushing her to the limit?” But she pretty much knows that I am not a quitter—even though I am out of breath. So, on seeing my willpower, she mentioned in the letter, her attitude towards studying has been influenced to a certain degree. Whenever she is about to give up, she said she would ask herself to recall my perseverance. By doing so, she would soon regain her energy, and stick to her plan.
I was indeed moved. I didn’t know my zeal for things I love can indirectly contribute to her studies. Although it’s a bit surprising, I was glad. I think I should write this story down in case I forget this touching moment in the future. But one thing is for sure: no matter which university she will study in, our friendship will last for a long time.
2010年5月10日 星期一
Personal Journal 8 May.10~May.16
A Group Learning Project For Sophomore Year
In order to prepare for the TOFEL test as well as a qualified tutor in the junior year, I came up with a group studying project. I have asked Brenda, Alfee and a few others their interests in the project. Now, I have drawn up a study plan.
First of all, the study group has to be small. In attempting to achieve effective learning, I consider the perfect scale of the group would be 4 or 5 members. When the scale exceeds 5 members, it is more likely that we encounter difficulties such as choosing meeting times and finishing extended vocabulary learning within an hour (my ideal length of the meeting).
Secondly, we ought to have a same textbook. I have chosen the “Longman iBT TOEFL Vocabulary” as the textbook for the group learning project. There are four advantages of this book. First, each vocabulary is followed by at least one example sentence. Second, at the right margin of each page are some synonyms of the vocabulary. Third, the textbook has a CD which contains the pronunciation of all the vocabularies and sentences. Forth, the page layouts are clear and easy to read.
Thirdly, group members take turns to assign work load and design a vocabulary test for other group members. This is what I think the most interesting part of the group learning. When it is time for one of the members to assign homework and design a test, they would have to study the vocabulary many times. He or she has to remember the vocabulary very well so that he or she can answer the problem of other members after the test.
Lastly, the members meet twice or thrice a month. The reason I set this regulation is that I do not want to put too much pressure on the members. But it has a worry. Since there would be a long period of time before the next meeting, it is possible that members do not study the work load on a regular basis. They may jam them up within a few days before the next meeting.
With Brenda, Alfee and Winnie, my roommate, on board, we are going to put the group studying project into practice at the beginning of the next term. Hopefully we will achievement our goal!
In order to prepare for the TOFEL test as well as a qualified tutor in the junior year, I came up with a group studying project. I have asked Brenda, Alfee and a few others their interests in the project. Now, I have drawn up a study plan.
First of all, the study group has to be small. In attempting to achieve effective learning, I consider the perfect scale of the group would be 4 or 5 members. When the scale exceeds 5 members, it is more likely that we encounter difficulties such as choosing meeting times and finishing extended vocabulary learning within an hour (my ideal length of the meeting).
Secondly, we ought to have a same textbook. I have chosen the “Longman iBT TOEFL Vocabulary” as the textbook for the group learning project. There are four advantages of this book. First, each vocabulary is followed by at least one example sentence. Second, at the right margin of each page are some synonyms of the vocabulary. Third, the textbook has a CD which contains the pronunciation of all the vocabularies and sentences. Forth, the page layouts are clear and easy to read.
Thirdly, group members take turns to assign work load and design a vocabulary test for other group members. This is what I think the most interesting part of the group learning. When it is time for one of the members to assign homework and design a test, they would have to study the vocabulary many times. He or she has to remember the vocabulary very well so that he or she can answer the problem of other members after the test.
Lastly, the members meet twice or thrice a month. The reason I set this regulation is that I do not want to put too much pressure on the members. But it has a worry. Since there would be a long period of time before the next meeting, it is possible that members do not study the work load on a regular basis. They may jam them up within a few days before the next meeting.
With Brenda, Alfee and Winnie, my roommate, on board, we are going to put the group studying project into practice at the beginning of the next term. Hopefully we will achievement our goal!
2010年4月30日 星期五
Personal Journal 7 May.3~May.9
“Oh My! Is It Real?”
Today, April 20th, is the day for the outcome of “Caves 4th Annual English Book Review Contest”. In 8:00p.m., with my hand sweating, my heart thumping, and my head spinning, I check the result. On the top of the college advanced group, I saw my name. My brain was in a whirl. It just couldn’t be. I glimpsed at the result once again. “Oh my gosh! Is it real?” I couldn’t believe what I saw. “I got the first place!” I screamed to Alfee on the phone.
It’s never an easy job for me to write to clarify my thoughts and feelings. That is part of the reason I used to be fear of writing. My inner self have a cognition that writing is never going to be my strong suite. So when Dr. Chen asked whether I want to join the Caves Book Review Contest at the end of last semester, I hesitated. I don’t have any confidence in myself. But Thomas J. Watson, head of IBM, once said, “If you want to increase your success rate, double your failure rate.” I hope to improve the weakest part of my English ability. Therefore, I decided to make an attempt. I thought I should at least give myself a chance. After all, everything is hard before it gets easy. Having chosen the book, “Night Without End”, for the contest, the journey to an unexpected accomplishment began.
The writing of the book review was torture. I finished the book early. But it took me so long a time to think about the content. The skills Dr. Chen taught in the composition class seemed useless, for my train of thought was in chaos. I searched every information I could get form the internet, trying to clarify my reflection on “Night Without End”. Whenever sentences popped up in my head, I wrote them down, although they didn’t make sense to me at all. At last, combining all that I squeezed out from my brain, I finished the ugly book review. What a suffering! Since Dr. Chen was abroad at the time, I turned to Dr. Chang for help. The result was a bit terrible. She said I couldn’t give a clear idea why and what did the book impressed me so much. At that time, I have almost given up hope for joining the contest. But I am not a quitter. Despite the setbacks, I persevered in revising my crappy work. I rethought over and over again. With the company of my good friend in Chiayi University, I finished the revision. On March 20th, 3:30a.m., I clicked and sent it.
The process of writing a good book review is actually a transition of trial and error. It requires repetitive meditation. Today I rejoiced to know I got the satisfying result. But the greatest reward is to have stuck to my goal— to give myself a chance for improvement.
Today, April 20th, is the day for the outcome of “Caves 4th Annual English Book Review Contest”. In 8:00p.m., with my hand sweating, my heart thumping, and my head spinning, I check the result. On the top of the college advanced group, I saw my name. My brain was in a whirl. It just couldn’t be. I glimpsed at the result once again. “Oh my gosh! Is it real?” I couldn’t believe what I saw. “I got the first place!” I screamed to Alfee on the phone.
It’s never an easy job for me to write to clarify my thoughts and feelings. That is part of the reason I used to be fear of writing. My inner self have a cognition that writing is never going to be my strong suite. So when Dr. Chen asked whether I want to join the Caves Book Review Contest at the end of last semester, I hesitated. I don’t have any confidence in myself. But Thomas J. Watson, head of IBM, once said, “If you want to increase your success rate, double your failure rate.” I hope to improve the weakest part of my English ability. Therefore, I decided to make an attempt. I thought I should at least give myself a chance. After all, everything is hard before it gets easy. Having chosen the book, “Night Without End”, for the contest, the journey to an unexpected accomplishment began.
The writing of the book review was torture. I finished the book early. But it took me so long a time to think about the content. The skills Dr. Chen taught in the composition class seemed useless, for my train of thought was in chaos. I searched every information I could get form the internet, trying to clarify my reflection on “Night Without End”. Whenever sentences popped up in my head, I wrote them down, although they didn’t make sense to me at all. At last, combining all that I squeezed out from my brain, I finished the ugly book review. What a suffering! Since Dr. Chen was abroad at the time, I turned to Dr. Chang for help. The result was a bit terrible. She said I couldn’t give a clear idea why and what did the book impressed me so much. At that time, I have almost given up hope for joining the contest. But I am not a quitter. Despite the setbacks, I persevered in revising my crappy work. I rethought over and over again. With the company of my good friend in Chiayi University, I finished the revision. On March 20th, 3:30a.m., I clicked and sent it.
The process of writing a good book review is actually a transition of trial and error. It requires repetitive meditation. Today I rejoiced to know I got the satisfying result. But the greatest reward is to have stuck to my goal— to give myself a chance for improvement.
2010年4月14日 星期三
Personal Journal 6 Apr.26~May.2
A lesson learned-- Making A Choice
One of the important things I learn during the whole freshman year is learning to make a choice. For me, making a choice was never an easy thing, especially when facing the dilemma of things that I both don’t want to let go of. The misery was beyond description. It was not until one thing happened during the term that I realized the point of making a choice. That is, only when I understand what I truly pursue can I accept the choice I make with philosophy.
During the term, I joined two activities: “YA! CAT! Theatrical Club” and “American Language Village (ALV)”. The former is the musical workshop in CCU while the latter is an organization in which I work as a teaching assistant in their ALV English camps. Previously, they were not at all related. One would never have interfered with the other. However, one day I got two emails from each of them. And problem popped up. YA! CAT! Theatrical Club arranged an actor training program from 6/29-7/4 while ALV informed me that I was assigned to take four English camps during the whole July. I was troubled. 7/3~7/4 are two important days of both activities. I can’t ask for leave. So, I write to the person in charge of the camps, informing him the situation and seeing if I could still join the first camp (from 7/3-7/9). The answer was no. His letter suggested displeasure and that a choice had to be made. It’s just too hard for me to think clearly when being stuck in the situation. But thinking of the problem deeply, I heard my voice. I love singing. And I have long dreamed about singing and acting on the stage. During the training, they will select the best six actors for next year’s musical. As for ALV, I still have the other three camps to take during 7/11~7/30. I want to get myself a chance to perform on stage. Therefore, at last, I choose to join the actor training.
Although I was deeply sorry to have failed to abide by my promise (I told them I won’t have any other plan in July), I was glad to have chosen what I truly want. Inevitably, I may still encounter similar situations in the future. So, I considered it a good lesson learned.
One of the important things I learn during the whole freshman year is learning to make a choice. For me, making a choice was never an easy thing, especially when facing the dilemma of things that I both don’t want to let go of. The misery was beyond description. It was not until one thing happened during the term that I realized the point of making a choice. That is, only when I understand what I truly pursue can I accept the choice I make with philosophy.
During the term, I joined two activities: “YA! CAT! Theatrical Club” and “American Language Village (ALV)”. The former is the musical workshop in CCU while the latter is an organization in which I work as a teaching assistant in their ALV English camps. Previously, they were not at all related. One would never have interfered with the other. However, one day I got two emails from each of them. And problem popped up. YA! CAT! Theatrical Club arranged an actor training program from 6/29-7/4 while ALV informed me that I was assigned to take four English camps during the whole July. I was troubled. 7/3~7/4 are two important days of both activities. I can’t ask for leave. So, I write to the person in charge of the camps, informing him the situation and seeing if I could still join the first camp (from 7/3-7/9). The answer was no. His letter suggested displeasure and that a choice had to be made. It’s just too hard for me to think clearly when being stuck in the situation. But thinking of the problem deeply, I heard my voice. I love singing. And I have long dreamed about singing and acting on the stage. During the training, they will select the best six actors for next year’s musical. As for ALV, I still have the other three camps to take during 7/11~7/30. I want to get myself a chance to perform on stage. Therefore, at last, I choose to join the actor training.
Although I was deeply sorry to have failed to abide by my promise (I told them I won’t have any other plan in July), I was glad to have chosen what I truly want. Inevitably, I may still encounter similar situations in the future. So, I considered it a good lesson learned.
2010年4月7日 星期三
Personal Journal 5 Apr.5~11
The Best Gift
For so long a time, I have been thinking about what is the best gift for me. Beautiful clothes, expensive electric appliances, and fancy trips to foreign countries used to be good gifts. But recently, I realized that a “book” is in fact best gift. When a book becomes a gift, it must be a special one. Maybe its content is great, or the name or the cover of it is related to the receiver. Up to now, I have received three books from my teachers. Each book has a story.
The first book I got is “Collins COBUILD Learner’s Dictionary”. T. Ted, my English teacher in junior high school, gave me my first English-English dictionary as a gift for entering the English department. The dictionary helps me a lot in writing and speaking (I installed its CD-ROM).Whenever I use the dictionary, I remember his earnest in teaching as well as his love for our class.
“The Notebook” is the second one. Heather, one of my favorite teachers in Lizen senior high school, gave it to me when I was about to graduate. Heather is like either my best friend or my sister. We once talked about secrets, went to Hi-Life and gym together, and sometimes she drove me home. I liked to help her with her never done works in Foreign Languages Center. One day Heather introduced a famous movie “The Notebook” to me. I wept throughout the second half of the movie for the touching love story. I love the story a lot. So, when I opened the wrapping, I was surprised to find that the gift was the book of “The Notebook”. Every time I see the book, I remember the wonderful days with her.
The third one is “Heidi”. I got it from Ryan, also one of my favorite teachers in Lizen. “Heidi” is a gift for graduating. It’s a book of my name, and its cover is green (my favorite color!). I love the book so much! Ryan, Charlene, Lisa, Fiona and I often hold reunions in Taichung. We are all teachers and students from the same high school. Now, after graduated, we become friends. The book always reminds me of the fabulous memories with them as well as the gorgeous food in restaurants we visited.
Books are in deed best gifts. The books I got from my teachers and friends not only allow me to absorb new knowledge and admire the beautiful lines, but also remind me of the time that has elapsed. With these books, whenever I am under pressure or sad, I can once again call those beautiful memories to mind.
For so long a time, I have been thinking about what is the best gift for me. Beautiful clothes, expensive electric appliances, and fancy trips to foreign countries used to be good gifts. But recently, I realized that a “book” is in fact best gift. When a book becomes a gift, it must be a special one. Maybe its content is great, or the name or the cover of it is related to the receiver. Up to now, I have received three books from my teachers. Each book has a story.
The first book I got is “Collins COBUILD Learner’s Dictionary”. T. Ted, my English teacher in junior high school, gave me my first English-English dictionary as a gift for entering the English department. The dictionary helps me a lot in writing and speaking (I installed its CD-ROM).Whenever I use the dictionary, I remember his earnest in teaching as well as his love for our class.
“The Notebook” is the second one. Heather, one of my favorite teachers in Lizen senior high school, gave it to me when I was about to graduate. Heather is like either my best friend or my sister. We once talked about secrets, went to Hi-Life and gym together, and sometimes she drove me home. I liked to help her with her never done works in Foreign Languages Center. One day Heather introduced a famous movie “The Notebook” to me. I wept throughout the second half of the movie for the touching love story. I love the story a lot. So, when I opened the wrapping, I was surprised to find that the gift was the book of “The Notebook”. Every time I see the book, I remember the wonderful days with her.
The third one is “Heidi”. I got it from Ryan, also one of my favorite teachers in Lizen. “Heidi” is a gift for graduating. It’s a book of my name, and its cover is green (my favorite color!). I love the book so much! Ryan, Charlene, Lisa, Fiona and I often hold reunions in Taichung. We are all teachers and students from the same high school. Now, after graduated, we become friends. The book always reminds me of the fabulous memories with them as well as the gorgeous food in restaurants we visited.
Books are in deed best gifts. The books I got from my teachers and friends not only allow me to absorb new knowledge and admire the beautiful lines, but also remind me of the time that has elapsed. With these books, whenever I am under pressure or sad, I can once again call those beautiful memories to mind.
2010年3月21日 星期日
Personal Journal 4 Mar.29~Apr.4
Girls’ Talk
This weekend, Silvia and Winnie went home. There were only Sharon and I staying in our dorm room 3810. It was the first time. Normally, there would be more than three girls in 3810 every weekend. We sing, chat, and gossip. We always had great fun. So, tonight was a little bit different. Somehow I felt strange. Sharon and I had never had one-on-one talk. Therefore, I was worried that we would not have much conversation to kill the long night.
At first, there is silence in the room. Several questions kept running through my head, “How strange would it be if we didn’t have any thing to chat about? How boring would it be if we couldn’t do things other than finishing the never-done homework? How am I going to react if Sharon brings up a topic which I am not interested in? Do I have to start a conversation?...”Oh it’s driving me crazy! But later the worry turned out to be for nothing.
Right after I took a bath, walking back to my seat in front of the computer, and was about to say something to break the ice, Sharon spoke. “What’s your idea about love? Do you think you’ll date many men before you find your Mr. Right?” asked Sharon.
It was such a surprise for me. She talked! Regardless of the previous bother, we had a great time chatting and sharing different opinions on the topic she brought up till at daybreak.
I used to think Sharon and I would not share same ideas of many things. And tonight proved I’m right. But that didn’t really matter. We were both willing to listen to different ideas of each other and respected views that are different from us. Most importantly, although we’re not in sync, we had a great late-night girls’ talk.
This weekend, Silvia and Winnie went home. There were only Sharon and I staying in our dorm room 3810. It was the first time. Normally, there would be more than three girls in 3810 every weekend. We sing, chat, and gossip. We always had great fun. So, tonight was a little bit different. Somehow I felt strange. Sharon and I had never had one-on-one talk. Therefore, I was worried that we would not have much conversation to kill the long night.
At first, there is silence in the room. Several questions kept running through my head, “How strange would it be if we didn’t have any thing to chat about? How boring would it be if we couldn’t do things other than finishing the never-done homework? How am I going to react if Sharon brings up a topic which I am not interested in? Do I have to start a conversation?...”Oh it’s driving me crazy! But later the worry turned out to be for nothing.
Right after I took a bath, walking back to my seat in front of the computer, and was about to say something to break the ice, Sharon spoke. “What’s your idea about love? Do you think you’ll date many men before you find your Mr. Right?” asked Sharon.
It was such a surprise for me. She talked! Regardless of the previous bother, we had a great time chatting and sharing different opinions on the topic she brought up till at daybreak.
I used to think Sharon and I would not share same ideas of many things. And tonight proved I’m right. But that didn’t really matter. We were both willing to listen to different ideas of each other and respected views that are different from us. Most importantly, although we’re not in sync, we had a great late-night girls’ talk.
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