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Haley
Jan 29, 2015 10:24:33 GMT 9
Post by Admin on Jan 29, 2015 10:24:33 GMT 9
Please introduce yourself.
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Haley
Jan 29, 2015 20:29:01 GMT 9
Post by Haley on Jan 29, 2015 20:29:01 GMT 9
Hi everyone! I'm Haley. I currently live in Brisbane, Australia. I used to live in Japan, but I moved to Australia when I was little. In high school, I used to be in a fencing club and in the wind orchestra, and I would like to join one of the musical clubs while I am at Soka University. After I graduate, I plan to study at a post graduate level and eventually become an economics lecturer at a Japanese university. I have a strong interest in the Japanese economy and politics, and I would like to share this interest with others in the future.
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Haley
Jan 31, 2015 5:13:42 GMT 9
via mobile
Post by Erin on Jan 31, 2015 5:13:42 GMT 9
Hello Haley, I'm Erin from the United States. I've always had an interest to go to Australia. I bet it's beautiful there. See you soon in Japan!
Peace, Erin
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Haley
Feb 5, 2015 9:03:19 GMT 9
Post by Haley on Feb 5, 2015 9:03:19 GMT 9
Nice to meet you Erin! Australia is beautiful. The beaches, the rainforests, the tropical weather, the starry nights- it really does make you feel like you're really close to nature. Sometimes, it makes you feel as though you're in the middle of nowhere, and it's a great feeling. I'd like to visit the US one day though. Some of the places look even more beautiful and grand than what I'm used to. And it would be nice to visit an actual, huge city for a change, since I've been brought up in a small country-like city.
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Haley
Feb 6, 2015 22:39:45 GMT 9
Post by Haley on Feb 6, 2015 22:39:45 GMT 9
Vocabulary: I learned 56 new words this week. Although I use a flash card, I find it much more effective to write the words, its definitions and sentences using that word. I also read over what I have written just before I go to bed, so it sinks into my head.
Reading: I am currently reading 'Mother Tongue', written by Bill Bryson. It explores the history of how languages, and English in particular, has formed into what it is today. It's fascinating to see history of so many different cultures through linguistics. It also makes me realise how fantastic the English language is. For example, this book has taught me that English contains far more synonyms than any other languages, and such basic words like 'set' 'fine' and 'sound' has so many different meanings and can be used in so many different structures, that it can be complex and difficult to grasp for many second-language speakers. So far, I have read about where the origins of English words come from, the evolution of languages in the first millennium, and the similarities between many languages, varying from vocabulary to grammatical structures.
Listening: I watched a TED Talk video called "My Escape from North Korea". The speaker, Hyeon Seo Lee talks about her harsh life in North Korea. Although she was from well-off family, her family -like many other North Koreans- endured significant hardship during the 90's famine. Due to the famine, she was forced to escape to China as a refugee, and was unable to reunite with her family for 14 years. She was interrogated in China, learned Chinese and forced to hide her identity. She eventually escaped to South Korea, where she states she endured an 'identity confusion' and could not call any country her home. While she was in South Korea and after numerous attempts, she finally managed to help her family escape from North Korea. This video taught me the strengths that people can gain from enduring such hardships. The speaker's determination and motivation that she had gained due to her struggles inspired me to have her attitude during my hardships.
Writing: This week I did 5 quick writes. I started at 370, but I've managed to get to 420. Although my typing speeds remains similar, I've learned to think faster, which means that I can type faster without thinking too much.
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Haley
Feb 9, 2015 9:54:22 GMT 9
Post by Admin on Feb 9, 2015 9:54:22 GMT 9
Hi Haley, Thank you for posting your weekly report.
Vocabulary: Yes, please continue to learn the vocabulary words using methods you deem most effective. People learn in different ways. Some people learn quickly by hearing, others prefer images, while others need to use their body and learn kinesthetically.
Reading: Wow! This is a challenging book! I'm happy to hear that you are actively reading and engaging your mind in linguistic history. Reading everday is like feeding your brain everyday. You're making your brain very happy. Keep it up.
Listening: Great! I hope you enjoy the TED Talk videos as much as I do. Many of these speakers have experienced many hardships in their lives. We should be inspired, moved and energized by what they share. Hyeon Seo Lee's experience should teach us to be grateful for the little things we take for granted. Thank you for sharing your feeligns and your reaction to this video.
Writing: Good! This is another form of brain exercise. 420 is great!
Great job Haley! I can see you are highly motivated and making progress everyday! Let's keep it up.
Sincerely,
Miyagi H
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Haley
Feb 13, 2015 23:59:25 GMT 9
Post by Haley on Feb 13, 2015 23:59:25 GMT 9
Vocabulary: I learned 25 new words this week. I know this isn't many, but I like to learn them slowly but surely. I want to be able to understand and use the vocabulary to the point where I can integrate them into my every day language.
Reading: I finished reading last week's book, and I am currently reading 'Jasper Jones', written by Craig Silvey. I don't know if anyone has read 'To Kill a Mockingbird', but the story line is very similar to that novel. Jasper Jones is set in rural Australia during the Vietnam War, when racism and bigotry was common. The teenage protagonist (Charlie Bucktin) is forced to befriend an Aboriginal boy called Jasper Jones, after Jasper finds the daughter of the Mayor dead in Jasper's hideout. They decided to throw the dead body into a nearby river because if the dead body was found, Jasper would have been immediately accused without fair trial due to his racial orientation. Although this is the main story, this novel explores the personal struggles of all families and all children- whether it be the main character's family, his best friend's family, Jasper Jones' family or the Mayor's family. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel because the metaphors and similes used in this novel were so beautifully expressed. One of my favourite quotes from this novel is when Jasper Jones is having a conversation about religion with Charlie: '... That's what I reckon God really is. It's a part inside me that's stronger than anything else. And I reckon prayer is just trusting in it, having faith in it, and asking myself to be tough. That's all you can do'. I think that's so beautifully worded!! I definitely recommend this book to everyone. It's a very easy read, but I can't express how beautifully it's written!
Listening: I watched a TED Talk video spoken by Zak Ebrahim, called 'I am the son of a terrorist. This is how I chose peace'. Although his family had life of stability up until the age of seven, Zak Ebrahim's father converted to a radical form of religion that promoted violence and bigotry. His father encouraged Zak to follow his footsteps of violence and terrorist ideals. However, Zak befriended a Jewish person the 2000 presidential election convention, where Zak realized that there was no natural animosity amongst different races or religions, and he was extremely proud of this realisation. He also worked part time at a theme park, where he met people of different races, religious beliefs and sexual orientation. This real life experience, he stated, made him understand and empathise with those who were subjected for being a minority of being different. Although he was subjected to a violent ideology throughout his childhood, he stated that he is not his father, and that he is in fact using his experiences to fight back terrorism and bigotry. I was fascinated by this video, because it taught me that despite being brought up in a hostile environment, it is possible for people to change. Recently, there has been a lot of news coverage related to terrorism that's slowly expanding. But this video taught me that it is possible for people to have a different mindset, and promote peace rather than violence.
Writing: I did 5 quick writes, and they have varied from 362 to 454. I think it varies a lot depending on the topic I choose to answer. I can write a lot if it's a very basic, open minded question, but I've struggled with quickly thinking through some of the questions.
I apologize for sending my post late. I currently work the entire day on Friday, so it's difficult to get my homework in early. If it's okay, I'll post my homework on Thursday from now on, because it's very difficult to get my homework sent on time
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Haley
Feb 18, 2015 9:11:30 GMT 9
Post by Admin on Feb 18, 2015 9:11:30 GMT 9
Dear Haley, Thank you for making your weekly post.
Vocabulary: 25 words per week is perfect. Let the words soak so it becomes a part of us.
Reading: Thank you for sharing your summary and impressions on Jasper Jones. I hope everyone in FILA gets a chance to read this book. Racial discrimination still exists today and we need to have books like Jasper Jones to help us think about the cultural impact discrimination has on civilizations.
Listening: Great job sharing with us the key points from Zak's TED talk. He was lucky to get out into the world and form his own opinion based on his observation. We hope everyone in FILA gets a chance to become independent thinkers and global leaders. Soka University is dedicated to promoting dialogue and peace. Your going to the right school and entering the right program if your seeking these things.
Writing: Great job! Yes our writing/typing speed may vary depending on the topic. We do want you to practice thinking quickly as well as writing quickly. This is another form of brain exercise.
Posting on Thursday is fine. Great job this week on an excellent post. I'm looking forward to reading your next post.
Sincerely,
Miyagi H
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Haley
Feb 20, 2015 13:12:47 GMT 9
Post by Haley on Feb 20, 2015 13:12:47 GMT 9
I was lucky enough to get work off today! There's a cyclone headed towards my city, so I get to spend time doing my homework instead of working!
Vocabulary: I learned another 25 words this week. I'm learning more of the technical and scientific words that aren't used everyday, so I think it's a little more difficult to use them and remember them. Do you have any tips for remembering more complex words?
Reading: This week, I read an autobiography called 'I am Malala', written by Malala Yousafzai. Malala shares her life experiences as a activist for female education. Although the Taliban had banned education and schooling for females in her hometown of Swat Valley, she continued to attend an all girls school in secret. As she continued to attended school, and her father was a school principal as well as an outspoken activist for education, the Yousafzai family was a clear target, and they were in constant danger of being caught, arrested and possibly killed. One day on her way to school, few members of the Taliban went aboard Malala's school bus and shot her and a few of her friends at point blank range. She clung onto life and miraculously survived after being airlifted all the way to England for medical treatment. Although this terrible act of crime was an intention to scare the girls to stop attending school, it only made Malala even more outspoken and passionate about the importance of women's education. She spoke at many conferences, most notably the United Nations Youth Assembly, whilst her father continued to support her fight. This book explores her teenage struggles that many people struggle, such the pain of leaving her relatives and friends behind as she moves to England, as well as cultural struggles of dealing with sexist ideologies. Most notably, however, this book explores Malala's challenges of being unafraid and outspoken, and to stand up and fight for what she believes in. This book was really important to me because she is the epitome of what I would like to become in the future. I don't want to conform to society's expectations, but instead become someone who isn't afraid to stand up and contribute to the change in this world.
Listening: I watched a TED Talk speech presented by a death row defense lawyer, David R. Row, and it is called 'Lessons from Death Row Inmates'. Rather than debating about supporting or opposing the death penalty, he focuses on the importance of preventing people from committing crimes much earlier on in the person's life. He stated that 76% of death row inmates already have a history with the Juvenile justice System, and therefore it is imperative to help them much earlier on. For example, the state government could implement early childhood care for the economically disadvantaged and otherwise troubled children for free. There could also be school curriculum directed towards the economically disadvantaged and troubled children, as well as intervening aggressively and taking children out of dangerously dysfunctional homes. David Row stated that although punishment is a necessity for committing crimes, it is even more important to nudge them and direct them towards the right direction. He shared a story about one of his clients who was abandoned by his father, and was looked after by a schizophrenic mother until one day when he was five years old, his mother chased him and tried to murder him with a butcher knife. She was then taken into a mental hospital, and he was looked after by his older brother until he committed suicide. He then went from family member to family member until he was essentially living on his own by the time he was nine. He then joined a gang and eventually brutally murdered an innocent person, and he was sentenced to death. This tragic, troubled life creates a debate about whether legalising the death penalty will serve justice, but the speaker presents raises an important point that if someone has intervened earlier to help his client with his troubling life, the murder may have not occurred, and his client would still be alive today.
Writing: I've done 5 quick writes, varying from 370 to 452. It remains quite similar to last week.
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Haley
Feb 20, 2015 13:27:47 GMT 9
Post by Haley on Feb 20, 2015 13:27:47 GMT 9
I just realised that I'm writing more and more each week. Should I shorten it a little more from now on? Am I writing too much? It looks like I'm writing an essay!!
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Haley
Feb 20, 2015 16:40:12 GMT 9
Post by Val on Feb 20, 2015 16:40:12 GMT 9
Dear Haley, Hi, I'mVal, one of the FILA English teachers. Great effort put into your weekly studies! Vocabulary: It's good that you are working on learning more scientific and technical words. That will really help you when studying academic texts. Since it is difficult to use them on a regular basis, why don't you try putting similar types of words or similar themed words into a mind map to help you with making connections between the various words. Reading: Reading Malala's story is very interesting. She is a great inspiration to all! Have you heard the speech she gave to the United Nations on her 16th (?) birthday? If you are interested, here is the YouTube link. www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRh_30C8l6YListening: Thank you for your succinct summary comments about 'Lessons from Death Row Inmates'. It sounds like it was very moving. Writing: Keep writing as usual. The purpose is to help you eventually write timed essays. If you already know English essay writing structure, you could challenge yourself to do your quick writes as essays. That would definitely help you! Keep on challenging yourself! Bye for now. Valerie Hansford
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Haley
Mar 2, 2015 21:01:17 GMT 9
Post by Haley on Mar 2, 2015 21:01:17 GMT 9
I apologize for not sending anything in over the past week. I've been very unwell and I've been to the hospital for a few days. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to do the homework (apart from the reading, which I will post at the end of the week when I'm back home), but I am now feeling much better and I will be sure to send in this weeks' homework when it's due.
Again, I'm very sorry.
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Haley
Mar 2, 2015 21:20:52 GMT 9
Post by Martha on Mar 2, 2015 21:20:52 GMT 9
Hello!I'm Martha.Nice to meet you! You send me a mesage before.Then I was very happy.Thank you then!
Are you cold now?I'm worried about you. Please rest.
I'm looking forward to meet you in spring!
Sincerely
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Haley
Mar 3, 2015 21:02:48 GMT 9
Post by Haley on Mar 3, 2015 21:02:48 GMT 9
So I'm now feeling better so I'm able to post last week's activities. Unfortunately I was unable to do the writing and vocabulary as I was at the hospital, but I have managed to do the reading and listening, so I'll just post those.
Reading: I started to read the third book of 1Q84 written by Murakami Haruki. I read the first two books quite a while ago, so I thought that it would be nice to slowly read the final book. 1Q84 has a very, very long winded story-line, and it's very complicated to understand. It would take absolutely forever to write everything that happens, so I'll just explain the very basics of the story-line and I'll explain what has happened up until the point I have read so far. The main story is about a man called Tengo and a woman called Aomame. They have love each other since the age of 10, but they were never motivated enough to find each other until they were well into adulthood. They both end up in a world that they find is very odd- it has two moons in the sky, policemen wear different uniforms and it has a very odd connection to spirituality and religion. They both feel trapped in there. Aomame has called this world '1Q84', and Tengo called it 'The Town of the Cats' (Which comes from a story he once read about a man who got entrapped in the town filled with cats). While they are in this strange parallel world that they don't understand, both of their lives become somewhat intertwined with spirituality an a religion called 'Sakigake'. Although Tengo and Aomame are now desperate to find each other, they don't know how to find each other and whether the feelings that they have for each other is reciprocated. Although they are desperate to find each other, they don't have much time, as Aomame is hunted down by a Sakigake investigator after she murdered the Sakigake leader. Currently, I have read up to the part where Aomame is in hiding (at an apartment), and Tengo regularly visits his dying father in the mental hospital in the hopes of seeing an air chrysalis with Aomame inside it, that he saw once before. As he visited this hospital very regularly, he became close to the nurses and went drinking with them. He eventually went back to the house with one of the nurses, and while they took in substances, the nurse suddenly started talking to Tengo about spirituality. Meanwhile, the investigator called Ushikiawa is slowly finding information about Tengo, Aomame and her aid that is known as 'the Dowager'. He slowly starts finding their relationships and decides to latch onto Tengo in hopes of finding information about Aomame.
Listening: I watched another TED talk, and it was called 'The Art of Misdirection', presented by Apollo Robbins. Apollo Robbins is famous for pick-pocketing, and he does so by misdirecting people and letting them focus on what he want them to focus, thereby making people completely unaware of what is actually happening around them. He explains this by inviting one of his audiences and tricking him to focus on different things, and by doing this, Apollo was able to take his money, his coins and even his watch that was tightly strapped on his wrist. Apollo Robbins stated that it was like 'shaping his reality', and I found it really fascinating. It taught me that what as humans, what we are led to believe is often what we believe is real. Our reality can be based on other's illusion, so how do we know that anything we see is what is actually real? What fascinated me the most was at the beginning of the video he told the audience to look at his clothes, close our eyes and visualise his clothes. At the end of the video he told the audience to again, look at his clothes, but this time without closing our eyes. When I focussed his clothes right at the end, I suddenly realised that he was wearing different clothes to what he was wearing at the beginning of the video, and he managed to trick us while he was well... talking about tricking us!!
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Haley
Mar 3, 2015 21:08:39 GMT 9
Post by Haley on Mar 3, 2015 21:08:39 GMT 9
Hi Martha! Thank you for your message! It makes me feel so much better It's autumn here, but it's still very very hot. It seems to always be hot here! I've just been overworking, and I've been very stressed lately so my body was just getting exhausted. On Sunday though, I managed to regain enough strength and I went my last SGI meeting in Australia!! The leaders told me that they wanted me to share my experience about going to Soka University, so I spent all week trying to write it when I had the chance. And it went so well Even though I was unwell, it made me so so so happy that I could share my experience with everyone, and everyone is so supportive of me attending Soka University. Now I'm even more excited to go!!
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Haley
Mar 5, 2015 12:49:04 GMT 9
Post by Admin on Mar 5, 2015 12:49:04 GMT 9
Hi Haley, We understand. Sometimes our bodies can't keep up with our minds. Please take care of yourself. You're doing great!
Sincerely,
Miyagi H
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