October 2008 – Connie Mom’s “October Holiday Speech Training Class” Student Comments

During the October Holiday week the speech students who were being trained for up coming competitions had to stay back at the university with me so they might be trained. We met daily from 9AM until 7PM, eating a portion of their meals in my home, which I made for them. I put them through intensive training. It was VERY hard and grueling work and training for all those who were chosen and agreed to stay and participate. Here are some of the student’s comments after the training was finished. A few of the students (marked with an *) were from the technical school held in, or attached to our old campus, and are not my “regular” students, nor are they really part of what is “officially” known as Jiangxi Normal University, but their school uses the name of JXNU and there is some kind of connection, although they are really separate.

The person that I will never forget
(Days with Mom in the speech class)

My name is Tu Xuan (Vivian) and I graduated from JXNU with a major of Public Administration this July (2009) and will go to Shanghai for my Master’s in Administration Management at East China University of Political Science and Law.
Though I’m not an English major student, I love English so much that I never waste any opportunity to achieve my goal. I can still remember one day in class when I was a freshman (it was in 2005), a Chinese English teacher came to me and said “There is a speech class in our university which was created by a foreign teacher named Connie and it aims to choose excellent English speakers for competitions and other activities. I see your potential and I’ve recommended you to compete for it.”At that time, I didn't quite know what the concept of a speech class was and I didn’t expect that one day I would get a chance to try out. It was so high for me! Fortunately I was the only one chosen in that class by my first Chinese English teacher in college and I made it into Connie’s speech class. At that time, I was one of the three freshmen chosen in the speech class, which I am so proud of. And of course that was the start of my speaking career.

Connie is my speech coach but more importantly she is our Mom who is passionate, kind and amazing. I am deeply moved and inspired by her spirit of spreading love and pursuing excellence. The speech class to me is not only a normal class created by Connie Mom, who devotes all her time to help us improve our oral English and learn how to make speeches in public, but it’s also a life class where we speech sisters and brothers discuss issues and share deep thoughts and also life experiences related to the movies we have watched together in class. Every Friday from 4:30 to 9:30 we have classes in Mom’s apartment, giving speeches, making comments on each others speeches, and having dinner together, watching movies, discussing their meaning, talking about life, love and things that concern the heart. All these have helped build my critical thinking structure and character. Mom has taught me to speak in public, to love others, to help the disabled, to make a difference in life and to be the best I can be. All these life lessons have deeply rooted in my heart and I am always encouraged by the words and actions, which drive me forward on the way of achieving my goals.

Spending nearly four years in the speech class, where I spent most of my college lifetime, I’ve participated in many English speech contests and gained a lot of experiences. Every other month or two all speech members go outside to speak in different middle schools or universities, first to practice and improve our speaking skills and mainly to let others know that students from JiangXi are excellent! We give our prepared speeches (sometimes impromptu) to large audiences without judges to gain confidence and to learn from others. I will never forget my experiences of competing in 2007 CCTV CUP English Speech Contest (provincial level) which was so important to Mom and me. However, I didn’t make it to the National level. After I knew the terrible results, I was so sad, because I didn’t live up to my coach----Connie Mom’s expectation and I made her disappointed. I cried and cried and she came and comforted me saying：“It’s about the process. You did a great job. I’m so proud of you!”That was a touching moment and it was Mom who made me realize the importance of the unique experience and that it’s the process that really counts. All these experiences I had during competitions have taught me that nothing can stop you from rising up after you fall but yourself. Never give up even when you fail! Never ever give up! All these experiences I’ve had over the past years have enriched my life and I’ve learned to help others while doing my own things well. All these experiences have become an indispensable part of my life and I learned to understand that winning is not about being the first one across the finish line or scoring the most goals, but it is about being the best you can be. I love being a member of Mom’s warm speech family and I love being one of Mom’s kids. I love her so much!

Early this year, Mom told me that she had created a special plan, which is called the “Poyang Lake Youth Project.” She sent her proposal to the provincial government and it was approved. I was so excited to hear this and at the same time I was so honored that Connie Mom invited me to join her plan as her assistant. We’ve done a lot of work such as searching information on Poyang Lake, reading materials, contacting top scientists and visiting environmental experts. I helped her translate an article regarding Poyang Lake and her own thoughts of it, which has been published in the national magazine, SAFEA, and I helped her do other translation work. As a non-English major, I really value this opportunity to learn more knowledge, not only about translation but also about environmental issues, which I see as a growing experience for me. During the process, I saw Mom’s deep concern for the environment in JiangXi, her sincere love for the youth in JiangXi and her strong desire to make a change here. I know that she’s doing it not for herself but for her second hometown, JiangXi, China! I know that she’s doing it not for her own interest but for the wellbeing and harmony of her loved people and country! She is a great woman who deserves respect and love.

It’s really a blessing to meet my coach Connie (I prefer to call Mom) and I’ve found that I’ve changed a lot when I recall those years in the speech class with Mom. I’ve become more passionate, more confident and I’ve learned to love my hometown JiangXi as well as my alma mater JXNU. I’ve learned to see things in a deeper way and I never hesitate now to help others. I’ve learned SO MUCH from Mom—the most amazing woman that I’ve ever met in my life. Though I’ve graduated from JXNU, those sweet memories I had with Mom and other speech sisters and brothers will never fade. They are my lifelong treasure!

Louisa May Alcot once said, “I’m not afraid of storms for I’m learning how to sail my ship.” And being a girl who’s determined to pursue excellence, I want to say, I’m not afraid of challenges for I’m learning how to be.

Dear American Mom,
From the first day I was telling myself that I was going to spend my holiday, and it turned out it was hard work: we worked hard and long hours. Knowing new things, new persons and new ways of thinking: Creative thinking and critical thinking. Although I did not give my best performance, I believe I’m on my way. What I gained: You are so kind. Many times I felt you are our Mom, especially during those times of watching movies. You shared your experience in China, which made me understand many things, cultural differences, the world outside, caring for others, responsibilities. Before those things were quite blurred. After you communicated those things to us it became so clear! Transformation: You talk about it during class but now it is in my mind and heart! My mind is exploring and flying! The most important is how you enlightened our goals and dreams and gave us enthusiasm and courage. Thank you Mom! These three days of training will surely last for a lifetime in my mind. The memory and you live in my life!
I love you Mom,
Jakin

I like the training very much Mom. Actually I liked it so much that I didn’t tell my Mom about it because I want to keep coming. The envious looks on my friends faces when I told them I have to leave the self-study room early in the morning to be at Mom’s place made it even more wonderful for me to be here. This years training was different from last years, in a good way, which I couldn’t tell. It was one of the few moments in my life that I could actually put down my guard and be who I am without thinking about other trivial things happening in life. I praise the Lord for leading me here. But as I need more time to absorb and sort out things that I really want to say, these are what I can write down now. Probably I am besieged by the melancholy of saying goodbye and my emotional system just shut down. I love you Mom and praise the Lord for having you as my teacher.
P.S. I think the combination of the Children’s Book and speech giving is worth further attention. They were shining on the stage yesterday. It worked.
Emma

Dear Mom,
I still remember our first “interaction,” which was all so vivid to me. I met you on your way to class outside Weiyi Building you gave me a nod and a big smile, which I thought was a gracious reply to my staring at you. I felt so blessed to become your student later that semester. I often reflect on my “transformation” before and after I’ve been your student for a year or so. This last three days were tough for sure, but for me, it was like a miniature crash course that encapsulated as well as sublimated what I’ve been trying to learn and improve for the whole last year. I’ve been dealing with low self-esteem for as long as I can remember for which I thought masquerading with a big ego was a solution. But I saw the change in myself, especially during the last three days. Not only could I have a better understanding of making speeches, teamwork and stuff, but I also found myself having a clearer idea about what I really want to express when I’m still pumped with my own nerves on stage. But this time, I also found excitement and eagerness to see if I could grab hold of the audience’s attention. And I deeply appreciate all of this. Thank you.
Allison

Dear Mom,
Thank you for making me a part of this training. I really learned a lot from all those creative activities, although some of them were tough.
In fact, in the morning of the first training day before I came to your house, my Dad sent me a text message. He said, “You need to view yourself as a true member in that team and really commit yourself into the learning process. By doing so you can find your weaknesses and discover the way of improving yourself. Anyway, you’re still tooyoung to be experienced or brave enough on the stage. Just keep on working for next year.” Therefore, with no particular pressure form the competition, I came to the training camp. During those three days I became more familiar with writing and delivering impromptu speeches and I know I’m not good at it because I lack tough personal experiences as well as broad knowledge. However, at least, now I know what I should do to accumulate materials for my impromptu speech. And I’m fully aware that it’s a time consuming process. But I plan to work on this during my sophomore year. Hopefully, I’ll be adequate to compete next year. Again, I want to say I’ve really enjoyed the training. Most importantly, I know which way I should strive to pursue excellence.
Love you,
Apple

Dear Mom,
These days are really GREAT for me. I have learned a lot from them. Not just how to be a good speaker but how to be a good man. You taught me what is right and what is wrong, what a man should do and what one should not. I appreciate that. I love that. The lessons I have learned from you are just like a lighting candle in the dark. Keeping me to the right direction. Maybe I am not so good at English but I will always remember what you taught us and I will always choose the right things; to be excellent, to be a good man.
Thank you,
Yours,
Joe

Dear Mom,
Thank you for your effort in 3 days. When I came to your class first, I was like a total blank sheet, with your inspiration I feel there is great life there and many other interesting things we shared on it. I also became clear about some things that will stick with me for a long time. I really enjoyed these 3 days. I hope that I can have many chances to learn and to improve by your side.
Yours truly,
Alex

My Dearest Mom,
Thank you so much for your training in these three days. Not only have you taught me so much about speech but also helped me to rethink about my life, my goals and my future. Mom, now you are not only my most loved teacher, but also one part of my life. After graduation, or someday when I go back home, I will come back to see you. Surely I will remember you my whole life. Mom, I am always proud of you. I hope in the coming days you will be proud of me. No matter where I go, I live, I learn, you are always my Mom, my lovest Mom. I want to follow your life as well as your follow mine.

Love you,
*Gina– (Although she was not my “regular” student, she took it upon herself to regularly attend my writing classes and she was chosen to be in my public speaking class as a regular student)

Connie Mom,
Thank you very much for the joyful three days. Once I learned that I could have this opportunity to come here I felt very proud, excited, thrilled and happy. Sarah mentioned your class is wonderful and also your cooking. I was very excited that I had this chance.
In your lessons I just know that for the speech competition not just reciting the article we wrote and prepared for the Q&A, etc., but also from your class, I know that for a successful speaker, what shall we have, what qualification, I really know that. From the movies, Youtube and other resources about porcupine, I found something that is how we were trained. Though I don’t think I had a good performance these days, but I just want to point that is that I’ll try my best! I’ll work hard, I’ll never afraid of everything. I promise I’ll prepare my prepared speech well. And I’ll try my best to prove myself. From your stories and your encouragement, I know that I could make it!
Also, thank you for the delicious food you cooked, the soup, the spaghetti, but I like it so much and you’re so great, generous and kindhearted that I just felt I have a Mom. You are our Mom and we’re your kids, which I felt very moving these days.
I wish I could have the better performance and I wish you could remember me. James (I’m sure there’re so many James). I wish you could enjoy yourself and all the best!
Best Wishes,
Yours Sincerely,
James

To tell the truth, I’m not the girl who likes talking. I always want to stay at home and doing nothing at all. But this time something special took place. I never thought I could be here with so many people talking, watching, hearing every 12 hours a day for three days. In fact, at the end of the first day I thought about give up for my English is not as good as other peoples here and for I planned a travel to Zhejiang province, but finally I decided to come again. The reason is not only because I think it is a opportunity but the new friends I met here and the passion and smile of yours. Through the three days training, I got to know a two totally different girls in my group, one is always kind and gentle, the other is cool and sometimes critical but I think both of them are wonderful. We share our opinions and helps each other and I learnt a lot from both of them. I think that’s the most precious things I had here. Beside, it is you. I never meet a teacher like you before, you always happy, full of energy and ready to give. I deeply you must a person who loves life and always enjoy it. I think I will continue to learn things as you told us in these three days, what I mean is not only knowledge but the spirits.
Love you and I won’t forget you,
Na Na