Jennifer's English Blog

The National Christmas Tree 2006

2006-12-24T00:35:00.000-05:00

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We went to the Washington D.C in yesterday evening. There are have some activities in this area, the most important even is “The National Christmas Tree”. First of all, we went to the Union Station and saw the toy train display. After that, we turned to the National Christmas Tree. Of course, this was my first time to see the National Christmas Tree in person. A lot of people went to there, some of them took the picture, and some of them enjoyed the outdoor music stage. There are fifty small Christmas tree surround of the main Christmas tree. It’s so beautiful. In addition, the model train exhibit attracts most children to stand for a long while.

The First Day of Winter Break

2006-12-16T20:11:00.000-05:00

Our class ended and had a ceremony on last week. We will have almost one month to take a break. Thanks God! I also appreciate my teacher, friend, and family are always support me whenever I need.

Today is the first day of winter break. I had a real rest in the morning and took a walk in the park before sunset. I started to plan for study schedule in this writer break while I walking. I have to improve and practice my listening and speaking skill in English. Hopefully, I can forge ahead in the next couple of weeks.

What a Long Night !

2006-12-12T03:07:00.000-05:00

I tossed about in my sleep all night, what a long night !! Most classmates are looking forward the result of test in tomorrow, include me. However, I can not brave to face with the facts. After the MEIPE test, it is hardly to smile to everyone. I knew that I did not do well in reading selection. It’s will fail in this test. One thing I can do is waiting the daybreak; however, it’s real torment to me.

It's hard to say goodbye

2006-12-07T23:33:00.000-05:00

Today is our last class in 003class. We went to restaurant after class with our dearest teacher, Nina.

It's very hard to say goodbye to each other. However, we enjoyed having a good time again. As a know, most classmates will come back to MEI in next semester. We will run into each other on campus. Also, it is possible that study in the same level again.

Everyone will pursue the goal of their study. Good luck to everyone!!

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My Experience in Watching The Five People You Meet in Heaven

2006-12-02T21:21:00.000-05:00

Before this semester ending, we saw the movie “The Five People You Meet in Heaven” on Friday finally. Since finished this novel, we can understand the movie without the subtitle. I must say it is very different between read the novel and watch the movie. The movie really heart-stirring and every frame let me evoke the words of novel. Especially, the background music and the film is very match. I will remember the words in my mind, “ that each affects the other and the other affects the next, and the world is full of stories, but the stories are all one.”.
My grandmother passed way when I was 20 years old. By the same year I just got the drive license. It was also my first time drove her to my home. She asked me a question, a serious question, “Where is your aunt? Actually, I known she passed away.” At that time, I did not how to answer this question. In fact, my aunt passed away and everyone lied to my grandmother for 5 years. What would they have talked about if they had met in the heaven? I wish that my grandmother had been able to forgive us. Especially, forgiving my aunt, because she suicide.

Thanksgiving Day 2006

2006-11-26T19:33:00.000-05:00

I am so happy have holiday in U. S. and get with their cultures. This week we got the long weekend because the Thanksgiving Day. Thanksgiving comes on the 4th Thursday in November. As I know, this is a family holiday; the news reported the crowed traffic and airport. In addition, the Macy's Thanksgiving parade in New York City. It's so spectacularly!!( I saw it on TV)

Our friend invited us to their home and had a big meal, of course, the Turkey, and a wonderful time. We appreciate their help in everything and always give us encourages.

The other thing is “Black Friday” next to the Thanksgiving Day. Actually, it is a shopping day for people have a low price to get some thing. Most stores open on early five o’clock, it is really work and a lot of people go to shopping. We went to the Wheaton Plaza and chosen some give for our family and friends. I like Thanksgiving Day anyway.

picture resource:http://www.meyersound.com/news/2003/macys_parade/

The Early Thanksgiving Party @ UMD

2006-11-20T23:26:00.000-05:00

The International Graduate Student Association (IGSA) invites everyone to celebrate Thanksgiving tonight on campus. This is my first time have the thanksgiving holiday in U. S. . I made a reservation for my family and me. I met some friends who also come from Taiwan and other international students. We enjoyed the excellent holiday food. Of course, the delicious turkey and green beans, delicious desserts. At beginning, I would like to be a volunteer but they have enough people for that. We have a good dinner and happy time in this party. Unfortunately, I forgot to bring my digital camera today. <

International Education Week @ UMD

2006-11-17T17:24:00.000-05:00

This week is International Education Week (IEW) from November 12 to November 17. IEW is a celebration of international education and exchange. During this week schools and other organizations celebrate cultural exchange and education in different ways. For example, they have International Dinner on Monday, International Experience & Your Career on Wednesday, and Cultural Fair on Friday.

MEI students contribute to the diversity of their country. Today, we have a successful exhibit for this event. Our group prepares a lot of snack and Chinese food for this fair. In our group, we work together on a project but doing different things. Jimmy and Cindy make a snake – Mua Chee. Mua Chee is a sticky rice cakes and a specialty of Hualien, Taiwan. Cindy’s speaker partner, Tiffany, who is American-Taiwan, gives us a great favor. She gives us the materials to make pearl milk tea (Bubble Tea). Candy brings some Chinese Tie. The Chinese Tie is a symbol with luck and propitious. Most Chinese families put Chinese Tie in their house. Even seem a little bit of superstition. Of course, my husband give me a hand, he prepares Rice Noodles for this fair. The snake and food go over very well.

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The Semester Is Almost Over

2006-11-17T11:46:00.000-05:00

This semester is almost over and we will have the achievement test on December. Actually, I am happy to study with our classmates. Even we come from different country, we study and have good time altogether.

At beginning, I am confused in grammar section. Fortunately, my teacher, Nina, gives us quiz and extra class. It’s push me to study hard and review the grammar again. In addition, I learn how to correct my pronunciation. Maybe it’s easy to other peoples, for me, it’s the first lesson I need to learn. People can not understand what I want to express, if my pronunciation incorrect. The other things I try to get with is listening and reading. For the listening part, I need to spend more times in this section. My problem is I am nervous of test, it causes me can not get the good grade on exam.

Some classmates will go back their country for winter vacation, and will come back to study at MEI next semster. Some of Hopefully, I can start my graduate course next semster. Some classmates will transfer to another school and countine their study.
Hopefully, I can start my graduate course next semster.

A Guest Speaker in Our Class

2006-11-10T12:04:00.000-05:00

Our class had a special guest speaker, Mrs. C. , who home schools her children yesterday. She shared with her home schooling experience and we got the opportunity to ask her some questions. Most of us are curious about home schooling. For example, why did she decide to home school her children? Have her children ever attended regular schools? Does she teach all subjects? All of the answers from Mrs. C. impressed me a lot. The result of home schooling is when her oldest son was ready for kindergarten. She has continued to teach her children as far. Of course, she teaches all subjects and selects the materials by herself. Moreover, her children never attend regular schools. From her speech, I got some information about home schooling. For instance, they also work together with other parents who school their children. The schedule is one time a month. Beside, they have outside activity – Bible class two week a month. Her children also enjoy home schooling. I can feel that all of her children are very confident and independent. I think home schooling is a new way to educate the children. Even though some people might not accept this method, home schooling is becoming in everywhere.

My Experience of Reading "The Five People You Meet in Heaven"

2006-11-01T14:35:00.000-05:00

It is my second time to read a novel in English. Before that, I read “Anne of green Gables “in English. However, this is a serious and I just read one volume of them. This semester our teacher assigned a novel “The Five People You Meet in the Heaven” to us. At beginning, I just think how to finish this “homework” because we have to answer the question from handout. After we listened to the novel and corrected the handout in the class, I was interested in reading this novel more than before. I like to listen and read the novel at the same time more than just reading. Now I enjoy reading this novel and try to find out the answer on the handout. The handout is very useful for me to realize the meaning in this novel.

Halloween 2006

2006-11-01T10:55:00.000-05:00

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We visited our neighbor and had a Halloween yesterday. Before we went out, two girls came to our house and knocked the door. You can guess what will happy for next, yes, we had the answers. That could be “trick or treat”. My husband also tricked them, he put on the terrible mask. The two girls really scared, then they run away and forgot the candy. After that, we went to other neighbors' house. I took some picture, but my memory card has some troble. So, I can't post it on now.

The Long Weekend on the End of October

2006-10-30T21:04:00.000-05:00

Last weekend we had a long weekend. I was happy to have this vacation because I can have time with my family. We went to Tysons Corner Center on Saturday and Sunday. We have been more than 5 times to Tysons Corner Center since we arrived here. Because my friend have a shop in there and we sometime visit there in weekend. Tysons Corner Center is a premier shopping mall in Washington area. I think most of classmates have been there. But, the happy time always easy goes way.

Class Field Trip @ D.C.

2006-10-19T21:33:00.000-04:00

We had one more filed trip on October 19. It’s very interesting for me, because one of our trips was to the Library of Congress. For a librarian, the Library of Congress is not only is the most important library in the world, but it is also a general of library. We took shuttle and transferred metro train to Washington D. C.

I was so excited about visiting the Library of Congress. Of course, this was my first time to go there. We had a docent volunteer whose name Robert Newlin, who guided us through the main building of the library. There are 3 buildings as below: Thomas Jefferson Building, John Adams Building and James Madison Memorial Building. We got some information about Library of Congress; for example, they have collect the world's largest collection of legal materials and daily newspapers from each country. One of the special features of the building is the signs. They have cleared libray once in 100 years, wow !! If you want to borrow books from the library, you have to apply for a reader identification card. ( people who up 18 years old and have picture identification card) .

After an amazing tour, we went to the second scenic spot : National Building Museum. The point of the trip was to visit the green house and the Glidehouse. The green house is getting popular in this 21th century now. In order to conserve energy, green house will offer a simple and cost-effective alternative to our house in the future. We saw photographs of green structures, for instance, the Colorado Court use the treatment of solar energy. The panels produce enough energy to satisfy most of the building’s own need and to relieve tenants of utility bills.

Finally, we have lunch in a Chinese restaurant at China-Town then came back college park. I am happy to have special memory with my teacher in Library of Congress.

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Trutle Sculptures @ UMD 101806

2006-10-18T17:59:00.000-04:00

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At the first time I arrived at University of Maryland, I was curious about why so many turtles on campus. Finally, I got the answer that turtle is our school’s symbol on the student orientation. Both of my husband and my son become the turtles fan and buy some turtle’s toy. Unfortunately, turtles will be sold on 19 October, 2006 at Alumni Center. I can not understand that why those turtles must be sold. Turtle is our school’s symbol! I can’t believe it!! I feel sadly and reluctant to let them go away!!

English In Action, October 13, 2006 (Black Friday)

2006-10-14T17:26:00.000-04:00

It has a different activity every Friday. We saw the movie “crash” in Non-printed Media Servies. It told about diverse society in Los Angles. The director tried to show some stories about life in different people. The director also tried to emphasize the crash in those people who come from different culture. I was very impressed by one of the stories that a Hispanic locksmith and his little daughter. The locksmith told a magical story to his daughter, because his daughter was afraid of being shot. When locksmith was at risk, his daughter protected him immediately and fearlessly. Sometime there is having some “crash” in our life whatever with our family or others. In my opinion, we should show more concern for other people. As the movie says “we are bound to collide with each other.” I like this movie!!

Field Trip To Harpers Ferry

2006-10-12T18:28:00.000-04:00

All of MEI students have a trip to Harpers Ferry in West Virginia today. Harpers Ferry is a small town in Jefferson County, West Virginia, situated on the banks of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers where the United States of Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia meet. This town is surrounded by mountains and is at the bottom of a bottom of the bottom of a ravine created by the two rivers. The town is best known historically fro John Brown’s raid on the Armory in 1859. (Retrieved October 12,2006, from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harpers_Ferry)

We spend almost one-half hour driving from school to Harpers Ferry. After arrived the National Historical Park, we transferred to the shuttle to Harper Ferry. It’s so beautiful and I got information in American culture. We did a scaverger hunt in order to expore this town. For example, I got the answer in there are six major themes of the park: Natural Heritage, Transportation, Industry, Africa-American History, John Brown, and The Civil War. In addition, I got the information about how West Virginia vecame the 35th state on June 20, 1863. Harpers Ferry changed hands 8 times during the Civil War.

I would like to go to the town again in the future. I also found out that Harpers Ferry has some events every year. October 21-22 the have “Family life 1860 in Harpers Ferry: the Frederick Roeder Story.” Anyway, I like this field trip very much!!

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How I Spent the Weekend of Oct. 7-8

2006-10-09T21:47:00.000-04:00

Last weekend, my husband and I were very busy because we invited our friends to my house have a dinner. We prepared Chinese food to serve our friends and enjoy our time. We had this dinner for two reasons, one is to thank them for help when we arrived here, they did us a lot of favor and provided some useful information about how to rent an apartment. Another reason was we celebrated Chinese holiday – the Mid-Autumn Festival (on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month). In my country Taiwan, this holiday is very important for us, it means that every family gets together and has a good time. We not only offer the traditional Chinese food for our friends but also share mooncakes and shaddock, two foods which are traditionally eaten. Another special active is Barbecue in Mid-Autumn Festival. It is very popular in Taiwan when Mid-Autumn Festival coming.

My Speaking Partner II

2006-10-05T21:32:00.000-04:00

My speaking partner’s name is Wendy, and she works in dining services on campus. Today was my second time chat with her. I learn some American culture from her and get sense of pronunciation. She always listens to me with patience and corrects my speaking. I am very happy have a nice speaking partner. We told about our family members and share study experience. I am happy to talk with her.

My Experience In Learning English

2006-10-04T14:59:00.000-04:00

Time goes fast; I have been studying at MEI for four weeks.

Every morning, I get early to go to school and I can see my breath. On my way to school, I am always thinking about what I need to do today and what I need to read after the class. For me, it is very difficult to overcome my obstacle, such as speaking well in English, and writing in correct grammar. I spend a lot of time studying grammar; it always confuses me, however. I try to finish the homework as soon as possible and then read some grammar books. Instead, I read some interesting articles in daily newspaper that is published by the students.

I am aware of our classmates study harder than we just arrived here. Some of them ask questions in class and others study in the library after school. Most classmates have gotten to know each other betterand have lunch together.
Now is October 4, we will have mid-term exam in this month and have final exam in December. I should study hard and keep speaking English all the time.

Please Signal

2006-10-04T08:30:00.000-04:00

I am aware of something different from before on the road. More and more drivers don’t single when they drive a car. I really hate those drivers don’t follow the traffic rule. Because it is very dangerous when they want to make a turn and do not single. Before I came here, I heard that American drivers always follow traffic. However, recently, most drivers change lanes without signaling. Some young drivers drive fast and don’t obey the rule. This could cause an accident on the roads!

A Box

2006-09-30T11:50:00.000-04:00

We will change the classroom from Holzapfel Hall to Reckord Armory Next week. Actually, I do not like the classroom in Armory. This building likes a maze that I always miss my way to classroom and restroom. In addition, the classroom in Armory is too small; I agree with our teacher that this classroom like a box. A box that without the window and sun.

Day Out With THOMAS @ Cumberland, MD

2006-09-29T22:18:00.000-04:00

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My son is a train fan. He looking forward Day Out of THOMAS for a long time. This Monday, I got the information about this rails tour. It's a little bit rush to decide to go to rails tour. I tried to book ticket on Satuday or Sunday. Guess what, the tickets are slod out!! OH! My GOD!! Therefore, we went to the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad in today afternoon. We have a fun time even though spend more than 2 hours to there. I think parents always like to have happy time with children.

Different Lunch off campus

2006-09-28T21:40:00.000-04:00

Today I have lunch with my classmates at Samurai Sam’s off campus. James guided us (Cindy,Sunghye, Hyosung, Seyoung, Hsin Hong, Mercia and me) to there. That is a Japanese’s style restaurant and offer fatty foods with delicious grilled chicken and steak. They have website as below: http://www.samuraisams.netIf you interested in Japanese’s food, you can try to have a dinner.

Fear the turtle

2006-09-27T20:23:00.000-04:00

Do you like our school’s symbol – Turtle? If you want to get turtle poster, now, there is a series of number and free limited edition posters from school. I missed the poster last week, but, fortunately, I have one now. Yesterday, I wanted for the poster for almost one hour. There are so many people waited on line for the poster. If you are interesting, Poster #4 will be released on Tuesday, October 3, 2006, at Noon. Posters must be picked up in person at 0101 Lee Building. You also can surf the website as following :
http://www.feartheturtle.umd.edu/fttsculptures/posters/
Don’t’ forget!! By the way, I need to say thank you to Cindy. Thank you stood with me for the poster yesterday.

My Speaking Partners

2006-09-25T11:44:00.000-04:00

The MEI gives us a chance to practice English and get with American culture; they assign a speaking partner for each student.
Actually, I am looking forward meeting my speaking partner when I got this message. Finally, we have the first time to meet our speaking partner in the afternoon on September 21.

I arrived at meeting place on time, there are so many people and began to chat. Unfortunately, my partner did not come, and I only have her name and e-mail address. But, I received her response immediately after I checked my e-mail. I got some information about her. She is a staff on campus. Fortunate, we contact each other via e-mail, and will meet on Tomorrow.

Terrible :(

2006-09-20T22:30:00.000-04:00

What was I thinking about? What was in my head? I took the wrong shuttle to home after class. I mistook the title on the shuttle. Actually, I need to take “ 110 Seven Spring”, guess what happened to me? I took the “111 Silver Spring” shuttle and loss the way. One thing I can do just stay on the bus and wait for go back to school. I think that because I worry about my poor grammar and not focus on the bus title. Anyway, I went home finally. This is a special experience that I will never forget it.

First Look Fair 2006

2006-09-20T18:20:00.000-04:00

First Look Fair is new for me. Our listening teacher, Harriet, ushered us showed us during our class. In fact, I just felt curious in this morning, because there are be arranged so many tables and chair in front of McKeldin Mall. Professor Lipowitz said that this event have more than 400 student clubs and organizations. I took almost one hour to get information, but time is limited.

I interesting in some student clubs and organizations. For instance, Boy & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington , Pre-Medical Society, Chinese Bible Church of College Park and Student Legal Aid Office. Especially, Student Legal Aid Office, according to the guider, if student regarding their legal inquiry, they can bring their ID card and documents relevant to legal problem.

In my opinion, it is very useful for students. Because most students do not understand law and never know how to protect theirself. Now, if you have any legal aid, the Student Legal Aid Office is your good choice. Oh! Their location is Stamp Student Union Suite 1235.

Grammar ~ ~

2006-09-20T15:13:00.002-04:00

This week, we learned writing skill and English grammar. Woo, I feel very confuse in English grammar and try to study hard in this part. It is very important to understand grammar, otherwise, I can not write well and correctly.
Now, we get another way to meet other international student via blogger. It is an intermediate ESL class that named William’s Class in New Zealand. I am so exciting. After left message to they, I am looking forward their feedback. I hope that we can share our study experience and discuss online. I think it is a way to practice writing.

How You Spent Your Weekend

2006-09-18T14:54:00.000-04:00

I have been here for four weeks so far. I usually go to the supermarket with my husband on the weekend. Because I have English class on weekdays, I like the weekends very much!!
I can take relax and review the homework. Last weekend, as usual, after finishing the homework, we went to the supermarket near Greenbelt on Saturday. We go to a different supermarket every weekend and compare the goods.
Last Sunday, I tried a new church near my apartment, because they offer the prayers in English in the morning. I prefer to pray in the morning. The most interesting and unusual thing that we did was the Cherry Hill Park, which next to our apartment. We walked for a long time; I think it is good for me to exercise. In addition, I enjoy the time I spent with my husband and son.

Impressions of MEI (Week 1)

2006-09-15T11:35:00.000-04:00

The Maryland English Institute (MEI) is a famous English institute in United States. According to my experience so far, I can tell you it is excellent and wonderful.
First, the teachers who teach in MEI are always giving their knowledge to the students and teach the lesson from basic to advanced. For example, one of our teachers, Nina, teach us not only grammar but also reading. She gives us lessons and quizzes to help us remember.
Moreover, we have a lot of opportunities converse with other classmates during the class and after school. For instance, we have a coffee time after class every Wednesday. We can meet international students and chat with them. I think it is the best way for not-native speakers of English.
Beside, we have the class “English in Action” every Friday. Every Friday has different topic that we need to present altogether. I am looking forward this class in this Friday. I like this group and get with everything in MEI.

Lunch on September 12

2006-09-13T14:49:00.000-04:00

Nina told us during class that we were going to lunch altogether at the Dairy on campus.

At first, I went to Stamp Student Union, because my lunch needed to be heated in the microwave. And then together with Cindy, on of my classmates, we went very fast to the Dairy, in order to meet other classmates and our teacher on time.

The Dairy is located near the Main entrance of the campus. The place was quiet and they offer the most famous dessert - - ice cream on our campus.

Not only chatted with each other, but we also enjoyed our lunch. We had a wonderful lunch in a nice place – the Dairy.

Who I Am and Why I Am Here

2006-09-11T14:25:00.000-04:00

Taiwan, located in Southern Asia, is my country and the weather there is comfortable for living.

I come from Taiwan and my name is Jennifer Ho. I have one brother in my family, and my parents are already retired. I am married and have one son. My husband encouraged me to earn a master’s degree; therefore, I made a decision to go to school.

I graduated from Fu-Jen Catholic University in Taiwan, and my major is Library and Information Science. I like outside sports, such as badminton, and I also like reading newspapers and books.

In my student life, I have met a lot of teachers. They always teach me something new when I talk with them. I can learn a lot from their experience.

I hope that I can gain admission to graduated school here. I know that my English is insufficient. I will study hard, make friends with other students and practice with them. The most important thing to make my dream come true is follow my teachers’ advice.

I would like to be a professional librarian, and I know that education in the United States is famous. The librarians in the United States are more professional than others. My goal is to earn my master’s degree at the University of Maryland. I believe that I can do it if I improve my English at MEI first.

In conclusion, I would like to join any group that helps me improve my English skill. I think that it is very important to practice with native English speakers. In the past, I was too shy to speak with other people, but I need to overcome this problem.

Welcome to Jennifer's English Blogger

2006-09-08T11:54:00.000-04:00

Hi,
Nice to meet you at University of Maryland.
This is my first Blogger, if you have any suggestion, please feel free to email me or leave message.

Have a nice weekend.