Satomi Ueno

Mr. Jason Arthur

Basic Writing, Section 16

October 3rd, 2013

My Exciting Summer Vacation

     My summer vacation was great. I experienced part-time job for the first time, met my wonderful high school friends, had a small trip to Nikko with my dad, and went a training camp in Minakami with members of ESS. I went back to my hometown on the day the final exams were finished. I was so happy to complete the exams finally. 

    I and some ESS members went to Tsukuba to do discussion activities with other universities' students for 3 days. We haven't had such an experience, spending time with them for a long time, so it was a great chance to talk with them and  I was glad to hear other people's opinions about something. They have different thoughts, so it was a lot of fun to gain new perspectives. Talking of ESS activities, we also stayed in Minakami for 3 days at the end of August, as I mentioned.  Minakami is a town in Gunma prefecture, and has beautiful nature. Some boys and a few girls swam in a river, but I didn't because I didn't have a swim suit and water in the river was too cold for me to swim. I was just standing and taking some pictures then. 

    Next, I met my close friends from high school when a high school festival was held at the begining of September. They looked fine and happy. Also, I could see my HR teacher. Every single teacher looked good so I was relieved. In September I worked at part-time job as an assistant of naive English teacher. I translated English into Japanese for elementary school children, helped make stuffs which were needed in classes. This English school was where I have been for 13 years. Of course I know the native teacher. I felt strange because he used to be my English teacher, but he was a coworker then. Really strange, however, I wasn't nervous about working with him and was fun. 

    Finally, I enjoyed my summer vacation. I wanted to go somewhere far away from my hometown, but now I think it was enough.   

Class started!!!

 Hello.. hello... School started yesterday. I met friends and the greatest teachers, and some NEW teachers. Everyone looked fine! Good!!!!
 I wasn't tired because I love school, teachers, and friends! :))

 After school, I met one of ESS members and talked a while, and other members got together. We went to Kawagoe and had dinner together!! I love ESS and also members.
 I want to enjoy Fall semester. And study hard!!

"Popular Song" :)

 I started to practice English pronunciation with a song called "Popular Song" by MIKA feat. Ariana Grande, the American pop singers. I found the song's music video on YouTube by chance, and I found it cute!! Soon after that, I started to remember the lyrics. The reason why I practice English pronunciation with this song is to make my pronunciation better. In order to speak English clearly, I decided to practice pronunciation.
 MV is really really CUTE. But it has a little dark story.... Talking about a cute MV, another video of MIKA called "Lollipop" is also super cute! It's a MV with pretty pop illustrations. Now it's my favorite!!

Part-time jobbbbb

 I started to work for a English school which I used to go to. There is a lot of noisy students, sorry guys.  lol But they always try to speak English so they all are very good students. I was very glad to hear "It's English time~. Fun fun fun~!!!! " A boy sang that strange (but happy) song. He's an elementary school student, and is very cute.
 I want small students to enjoy learning English and improve their English. So I want to help every student who wants to improve their English abilities. Also, I still have many things I have to learn. The English teacher, Chris, tells me a lot about English, and also English speaking countries cultures, history, customs, and so on. I'm still a student.
 Through this job, I learn many things, for example, about children, English, working with others. And how hard to get salary. Now I can understand my parents' mind.
 I'll quit this job on September 18th. Go back to Kasumigaski!!

ESS memory

 Hey it's satomi. Long long time no see. Last week I went to Minakami(Gunma prefecture) with ESS members(18 students) and stayed there  for 3 days. As an activity, we watched "Up", a movie from PIXAR, for "After Movie Discussion". Also we had a lot of fun! For example, swimming in a river(it was cold!!!!), fireworks, BBQ party, and more. The night of the first day I slept only 1 and a half hours cause I talked with friends and played video games.
 Moreover, the night of the second day I slept 2 or 3 hours, we had a drinking party until 3:30 a.m.. After that, some students went to bed, but I talked and played card games with the others.
 Minakami was soooo nice and cool. Of course the members were so funny. It was a fantastic, amazing trip!!

Summer Seminar

From August 22 to 24, I took part in Summer Seminar(discussion Seminar) for ESS members in Tsukuba! We had a  lot of fun because all members were so funny and really kind. I laughed all the time because of that! And I learned a lot about discussion, also how important my friends are and a new encounter is. I made many friends. They were amazing!
I enjoyed all programs such as discussion, having meals with new friends, drinking time with them. I didn't wanna say goodbye to new friends and leave there. I hope I can see them again soon!!

BBQ

As I wrote last time, I had a BBQ party with high school friends and teachers on August 9th. There were about 20 people. My friends laughed at my fashion because I wore my high school sportswear ! lol
Some of my friends played in a river and get wet! Of course their clothes smelled a little bad. After that, we had BBQ and PIZZA! My high school teacher usually make some for us when we have BBQ. And it's always awesome!!
We took many pictures of us, ate a lot, and talked a lot!
I left there and took a bus with friends to go back to my house. Then we promised to meet during summer vacation again. I can't wait till see themmmm!!

 I forgot to write my blog last week!!!

 On August 9, I went to my high school with my friend to see my HR teacher and other teachers. There were only 5 teachers in the staff room :( We talked about my Campus life, English classes, ESS activities, and so on. My HR teacher said to me, "Have a big dream, and reach the goal." In my case, the goal is to score 990 in TOEIC test. So, I will study hard to be successful!

And today is "BBQ day" with my high school friends(about 20 students) and my HR teacher!! I'm looking forward to seeing them, especially my close friends. One of my close friends, Rena, lives in Kawagoe and I often meet and hang out with her. But the others live far away from Saitama, so I'm really excited!! I can see them in the evening!! :D

Hellllllloooo! Today, I had a stomachache in the morning then I worried if it got worse, but it was ok. I arrived at Utsunomiya Station at noon. It rained when I arrived, but it wasn't heavy. After that, I went to my grandmother's house with my mom and sister, and had lunch together! She looked fine. Great.

On July 30, I went to Gyu-kaku(Yakiniku) with some ESS members(7 students including me)! Boys ate a lot and drank a lot, so I and the other girl were just surprised. We also talked a lot about English, TOEIC, future plans for ESS, favorite Hollywood actors, and more! I usually have fun when I'm with them because they are all so funny!! I cannot be with them without laughing. I hope ALL ESS MEMBERS(freshmen) can go there next time!