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!
訂閱：
意見 (Atom)