An Invaluable Foundation
I was first exposed to an English-only environment at a fairly early stage of my life, and I truly think that such early exposure is essential to my academic achievement and who I am today.
Happy Marian provides an environment that resembles closely to what a local kindergarten in the States can provide. I have got to say that joining Happy Marian was probably the best thing ever happened to me. As far back as I can recall, I had always excelled in English classes when I was still studying in Taiwan. Moreover, upon my arrival to the states, I was able to blend in with the local students quickly and fearlessly, since starting a conversation with them was never a challenge. If I wanted to, I could even list English as my second native language on my resume.
Chinese culture does differ significantly from the western culture in terms of moral values, social behaviors, and even sense of humor. In HM, the western culture is introduced to the children through daily interaction with the teachers. Therefore, whenever cultural clashes occurred to me, I never felt uncomfortable and could always understand the differences and compromise to the situation when necessary. This ability allows me to thrive in various groups and eventually become a leader. I really appreciate the way Happy Marian guided me.
In America, academic classes encourage much interactions and discussions. Much thinking is required from students. For example, a history exam often requires students to write essays based on their opinions toward a history incident, rather than asking when or where Napoleon was born. This is very different from the school system in Taiwan, and is, in fact, the difficulty that many Taiwanese students face when they started studying in the US. Yet, I had no trouble adjusting to it. HM already encourages children to think at a very young age, planting a very important seed in every child’s mind.
Almost everything I accomplished today has a little to do with the foundation that HM established in me. Without it, I would have been a different person, most likely a less successful one. I am aware that the Taiwanese government is making tremendous effort to discourage parents from sending their children to preschools that are “English-only.” The concern that children might confuse their native language with English is simply unnecessary. Many people around me here at MIT are bilingual, and most of whom learned both their native language and English when they attended preschools. They speak perfect English and still have full knowledge of their native languages as well. I am really glad that I am one of them, and I am even more grateful that I went to Happy Marian.
Hank
美國麻省理工學院電機資訊雙主修大三學生
快樂瑪麗安J/P 畢業生