English Language Challenges

Hi there!

Today I´m gonna make my last post…but for My English ‘class at University. What am I going to talk about? Well, my English Language Challenges.

First at all, I must dare say that I think this subject was great. I enjoyed a lot blogging about different topics; I particularly loved to blog about movies and the summary we made from The Guardian Newspaper. Also, the posts about a trip or some kind of art were great.

What kind of thing I would have liked to do? Well, watching a movie or some English TV program during the class. So, Mister Claudio, in future courses, you could take it as an option J

Now, being honest, I think that I need to improve my English Pronunciation and focus my grammar. Even though I understand a lot this language –because I watch a lot movies or the news and I like to listening English music-, I need to push myself into speaking a lot. It is hard for me pronouncing some words. Also, I need to read more in English. I want to read some best sellers…reading the inverse translation to Spanish is not always the same.

Outside the English class, how much am I using English these days? Unfortunately, I must recognize not a lot. I only heard the news or new music hits, and movies as I told you before. But, here´s one good thing: when I´m travelling through Santiago, I usually bump into tourist people –most of the time, English speakers- so, when they talk about the beauty of some touristic places at the capital, I understand them. Sometimes, at airports for example, I also understand people giving advice or instructions by loudspeakers. And, of course, sometimes I become a translator for my parents…

So, I think I need to improve my English by pushing myself to talk it. That´s the only explanation I could give you.

And, believe or not, my alien´s voice during an English conversation usually disappears at the first 10 minutes, when I need to be understanding by the others. Funny thing…

See you, maybe in another blog, maybe in this one. I was thinking that I could use it in the future to describe my journeys and make an online English Travel Book.

My Future Job... Where am I going to be working?

Hi everyone!

This week I´m gonna talk about My Future Job.

It´s kind of weird to think about it –not only because we´re always thinking of the future, it´s because I think that job is something you can´t know until you start working-.

Commonly, we start to job when we leave University with our Majors. So, now I´m studying Law, and I think I´m gonna take a Public, International or Criminal Major. I think Civil law is so common, but really necessary. I want to specialize myself in something that I feel comfortable (and Civil Law sometimes is hard for me). Even, I was thinking I could mix the three areas I like…

What kind of job would I like to have? I don´t know. But I know one thing for sure: I want to travel and be connected with the culture of my country (and the other countries I´m going to visit). If I´ll be a legal aid lawyer, I´m definitely gonna need to explore another areas. In fact, now that I´m writing, I would like to be a legal aid lawyer from a ONG´s, Museum, a Cultural Centre, a Publishing or a Film’s Producer. I know what you are now thinking: this is an utopian. But who knows the future…I don´t know where I´m gonna end this long trip. The point is I want to be in someplace I can use my law acknowledges with culture or public service.

I´ve always thought about someday I would like to work in a public service for the Government (and that is certainly something more realistic)…anyway. The thing is to get a job somewhere.

Now, what aspects would I consider when I choose my job? First at all, I need to feel confident and comfortable with my coworkers. Second, I need to be happy doing that. Third, I need to hand my stress so, some options I was considering are:  To work in some nice place with green areas (I hate seeing all day building with no trees), to live near my job and to have a nice working day.

Sometimes, I associate job with something boring, but necessary to live. That´s particularly one thing -I pray God- I don´t wanna even crossed my mind when I enter to work.

If you asked me my strengths and weaknesses, what would I say? Well. My strengths are that I´m an emphatic, diligent, hard-working, loyal and persistent person. I always do my job before take a rest, and I´m always available is someone needs my help. My weaknesses: My stress. Sometimes I´m really hard or pessimist (and, when I´m tired, I usually want to end it). But, I think I´m progressing in that part of my personality J

See you!

How I see myself in two years?

Hi everyone!

Today I´m gonna talk about how I see myself in two years.

Believe it or not, it´s kind of difficult imagine me in that period of time. I think that because like a year ago, I decided not to plan my future…and expect only what it brings. Of course I´ve got aims I dream about it, but more than an imperative, these aims are things I´m gonna make, when I fell in the way to do them.

First at all, I dare say that I will be studying Law, I hope on 4^th year. Maybe working as a paralegal in a Lawyers Company, or maybe not. I don´t have any specific goal, but there is always around the dream of travelling to Europe or another country. I wanna make a tour around South America, and someday travel through all Chiel in car. Maybe that a goal I could accomplish in two years, now that I have my license. It would be funny travelling with some friend.

Also, I wanna be in a dance academy. Even though sometimes I get nostalgic about my cheerleaders´ time, I think that I need a change. So, maybe start to dance in classes is a good option.

I wanna make a Literature or a Cinema´s course. Getting into the feeling of writing, and start my book.

Many people would think about moving to an apartment or living alone. What a change!  For me, that isn´t something I see in two years, but of course I want to become and independent person. So, I need to earn my own money in order to buy my own house.

Changes I will be experience? I don´t know. I´m not the kind of person that changes a lot in two years, but I think I definitely be more mature.

What am I doing to make these goals possible?  Well, enjoying every day. I know what I want to do in the future, but for now I´m living my present. Since I was seventeen (8), I´ve been saved money for my journey. And, since last year, I always go to my loved cultural activities.

Finally, respect challenges I will (or have) encounter (ed) in this process. The challenges are gonna appear at the time. But, for now, studying Law is a complete challenge.

See you!

Seventh assignment: How green are you?

Well, I would dare to say that people learn about environmentally practices at their homes and schools. Normally, people are taught since childhood how to be green, and they kept it along their lives. Some families started making vegetable patches or separating garbage according the materials. At school, some subjects like Sciences and Ecology achieve this goal.

I’m not the kind of person who has the green concept deeply internalized. But I try to be friendly with the environment, people around me, animals and plants. I don’t throw garbage on the ground, I usually put milk cans or beer bottles into “the green containers”, I try to use few plastic bags, I usually have shorts showers, etc.

I love go for a bicycle ride and walking around Santiago, but I also use the car (only during weekends). I prefer outdoors sports.

Until today, I’m not joined an eco organization. Why? I actually don’t know. Maybe is because of my laziness. I think I rather prefer learning about eco practices by reading or watching interactive programs.

I would like to make a vegetable patch and recycle. Use newspapers or cans in order to create a piece of art. Invent eco friendly things in order to help people change their habits.

I must admit I have done anything in order to reduce my carbon footprint, but I consider I am an eco friendly person.

Finally, in our society we need to make some changes. Eco friendly practices need to be a general habit, we need to teach them at schools as a government plan. It’s not only for some people ´s care; it’s the print we leave future generations. 

Sixth assignment: SPORTS

Hi!

Today I´m gonna talk about the sport that I practiced for 10 years: CHEERLEADING (Please, don´t think that this is the sport for blonde and silly girl cheerleading the football team from her High School). It´s much more than the typical movie showing this sport…

So, here I go. Cheerleading is a competitive physical sport that mixes jumps, cheers, dance, stunting (the famous “elevaciones”), tumbling. The idea is to present a 3 minute routine to amaze the audience. It sounds easy, but believe me: Cheerleader is not a simple sport.

Its origin is from USA, at Princeton University. A group of students shouting Cheerleading at the final of nineteen century and, at first, it was only for men. And the idea was cheerleading football games. Then, during the early decade of 1900s, mainly during World War Two, this sport began to admit women. Strange thing! But true.

In 1948, National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) was created. This is very important to me because I participate in this league during four years.  In the 1960s, cheerleading started organizing professional Championships.  At this time, Cheerleading was a whole and distinctive sport with its own clothes, accessories, sneakers, etc.

Today, cheerleading has many competitions and categories. A lot of different teams, signs, cheers, and new stunting are being created.

Prominent exponents, that’s difficult to say. I don´t know names, but I´m gonna tell about some great teams that I compete with during championships (from Chile): Javiera Carrera, Trewhela's, Tornado, UPAC, etc.

Why do I like this sport? Many reasons. It´s a complete sport, you can exercise all your body with music and gymnastics, you feel a part of a team (you suffer and sweat with it; you have a responsibility and commitment with a common goal), the adrenalin feeling before getting on the stage, the obstacles that you are going to overcome, etc.

Finally, I took part in this sport during ten years (you know that from the beginning). Actually, I´m still connected: I practice some days as a hobby with friends, I go to see them in their competitions (when I have the time) and, of course, if I get the chance to catch some cheerleading competition program during zapping, I stay and watch it.

Fifth Assignment: Summary from some of The Guardian´s news!

 “America's immigration system is based on family unification, but gay families don't count”

This is really hoping news for those who believe and defeat the LGTB´s cause. What the news tells about?

Basically, this is the first time that a DHS –Department of Homeland Security in USA- person categorically recognizes the human right for same-sex couples in order to be a “family ties”.

In fact, the problem begins with the DOMA law –Defend of Marriage Act- that only considers the right couples in order to get state benefits. This is a federal law from Clinton´s administration enacted in 1996 that defines marriages as the legal union of one man and one woman for federal and inter-state recognition. Since a couple of years, during Obama´s Administration, US appeals court are beginning to rule that this article is unconstitutional because it´s discriminates against married gay couples. This court ruling certainly upheld equality rights and treatment.

Getting back, this news appears because of the case of a Massachusetts’s citizen (John Brandoli), and his Trinidadian husband (Michael), who was going to be deported to Trinidad in order he couldn´t get the green card –Permanent Residence in USA-. Fortunately, John, his mother and Immigration Equality made a media campaign to stops Michael´s deportation and they won it.

With that triumph, and many other similar cases, Immigration Equality sends several questions to DHS. Chief Napolitano answered 2 days ago: “"I have directed ICE-Immigration and Customs Enforcement in USA- to disseminate written guidance to the field that … 'family relationships' includes long-term, same-sex partners." What does it means? Those gays immigrants are gonna have a better treatment from the State and understanding that having a relationship with someone of your same sex is in progress. First step, but an important one. USA - I mean federal state and those states that do not recognize gay rights yet; beyond, the world- is finally getting equality human right.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/oct/01/napolitano-same-sex-couples-directive?INTCMP=ILCNETTXT3487

Fourth assignment: Movies!

The first movie that came to my head, like a flashback, was: Anastasia (1997) by 20^th Century Fox. An animated film about the mystery of Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna.

            Russia, ten years after revolution, under the communist rule. The Tzarism is gone, and the Royal Family was assassinated by Rasputin, the sorcerer who betrayed them. The chaos came to the country, and things would never be the same. But, maybe, the youngest daughter is alive.

 Anya, an orphan girl, leaves his rural orphanage in order to get a job. Instead of it, she decides to go to St Petersburg, seeking her family. Her only clue is a necklace with the phrase: “Together in Paris”.

During her trip into a snowy forest, Anya adopts a stray puppy named Pooka. Then, in the desert palace, she meets Dimitri and Vladimir, two friends searching an actress of Anastasia, in order to cash the reward that Dowager Empress Marie Feodorovna is offering to who finds her graundaugther, Princess Anastasia. Impressed by Anya´s resemblance to the "real" Anastasia, they decide to take her with them.

On the travel abroad, Anya learns who to be Anastasia. The three members of the clan and Pooka are going to face many obstacles until arrive at Paris (Rasputin, a half-human half-devil had discovered Anastasia is alive, and he is gonna try everything to kill her). They will meet Dowager Marie and her cousin Sophie. Paradoxically, at the time Dimitri finds out the mystery of Grand Duchess, he will fall in love with Anya (or Anastasia). He is gonna get grandma and her granddaughter together; despite he decides to leave his true love.

In the end, Anya is revealed the truth. But she will have to face Rasputin one more time. With Pooka and Dimitri, she defeats him and retrieves her life and destiny back.

Why do I love this movie? Many reasons. The plot, the characters, the instrumental music, the story behind it, the animation, etc. I watched this movie at the age of 7 and, since then, I´ve been searching about the Tsarism and Russia´s history. The mystery caught me immediately. And the movie is certainly beautiful made. The makings off videos are just great. Whenever I´m zapping and pick the movie, I just need to watch it again.

See you

On the radio: BSO Anastasia