If I had to define this second semester with one word, I would say “challenge”. After half a year at university, I’ve found out that there are many opportunities for those who are dedicated and really want a career in this area (the languages area, I mean). Now I’m sure that I am in the right place! In the first semester, I was introduced to the main subareas of the language area: Literature, Translation, Linguistics and Applied Linguistics. I liked everything – and I still don’t know what I like best. But I’ll have time to figure it out.
Time goes by so quickly, and “all of a sudden” I was already on vacation, excited to start a new semester. I think this semester has been particularly different. Besides those subjects we’re supposed to take (Applied Linguistics, Linguistic Studies and Introduction to Drama and Poem), I decided to study something just for the fun of it – Literature for Young People (“Literatura Infanto-Juvenil”), and I’ve been loving it. I’ve learned several things so far. I was surprised to discover that Applied Linguistics is a diversified area and I’ve been enchanted by it. On the other hand, I’ve been kind of disappointed with Linguistics – these classes remind me of the ones most people take before the university entrance exam. But I understand the importance of studying things like Morphology and Syntax, and I’m sure I am going to like it better pretty soon. Studying Literature is always nice – we have read some plays (now I’m reading Shakespeare!) and we have close reading classes, which are very interesting. We even went to the theater to watch “As Troianas”, a Greek play written by Eurípedes and performed by a theater group from Florianópolis. It was a very different experience, and I liked it a lot! I’ve also been very interested in my other Literature subject (Literature for Young People): now I know that there shouldn’t be such things as “Literature for young people” and “Literature for adults”. This is because children can read Jane Austen novels (even if they don’t understand it), just like adults can read “Harry Potter” (and they don’t need to be ashamed of it). We usually try to protect our children too much from this crazy world – we want them to read only those stories with happy endings and morals. And sometimes we forget that they also like to read scary stories (why not Edgar Allan Poe?), and they need to be exposed to a little bit of reality (at least). In this subject, we’re supposed to write a final paper, and I’ve been thinking about analyzing the books “A Series of Unfortunate Events”. I even dreamed about it!
This year I decided that I would study another language besides English. So I started a French course at UFSC. I’m in the second level, and I’ve been enchanted by this “fancy” language. We recently went to CIC (Center of Culture) and we watched “La Faute à Fidel” (A culpa é do Fidel), a very nice French movie. I’ve also listened to songs in French, and it seems like I’ve been discovering a new world.
On vacation I decided to apply to a program of teaching English as a volunteer (PET), and I was selected. It has been a huge challenge, but I’ve been enjoying it. This course is for university students and the community in general, and they don’t need to pay anything for it. It’s also an opportunity for undergraduate students to learn about teaching by practicing it. I’ve been a volunteer in my city (Rio Fortuna) for five years, and I decided it would a good opportunity to continue working in benefit of my community. With this program, I can acquire experience in teaching as well, which is really important nowadays.
My university experience has been exciting, hasn’t it?That’s all for now. I have lots of readings to do, so I’d better go!
Time goes by so quickly, and “all of a sudden” I was already on vacation, excited to start a new semester. I think this semester has been particularly different. Besides those subjects we’re supposed to take (Applied Linguistics, Linguistic Studies and Introduction to Drama and Poem), I decided to study something just for the fun of it – Literature for Young People (“Literatura Infanto-Juvenil”), and I’ve been loving it. I’ve learned several things so far. I was surprised to discover that Applied Linguistics is a diversified area and I’ve been enchanted by it. On the other hand, I’ve been kind of disappointed with Linguistics – these classes remind me of the ones most people take before the university entrance exam. But I understand the importance of studying things like Morphology and Syntax, and I’m sure I am going to like it better pretty soon. Studying Literature is always nice – we have read some plays (now I’m reading Shakespeare!) and we have close reading classes, which are very interesting. We even went to the theater to watch “As Troianas”, a Greek play written by Eurípedes and performed by a theater group from Florianópolis. It was a very different experience, and I liked it a lot! I’ve also been very interested in my other Literature subject (Literature for Young People): now I know that there shouldn’t be such things as “Literature for young people” and “Literature for adults”. This is because children can read Jane Austen novels (even if they don’t understand it), just like adults can read “Harry Potter” (and they don’t need to be ashamed of it). We usually try to protect our children too much from this crazy world – we want them to read only those stories with happy endings and morals. And sometimes we forget that they also like to read scary stories (why not Edgar Allan Poe?), and they need to be exposed to a little bit of reality (at least). In this subject, we’re supposed to write a final paper, and I’ve been thinking about analyzing the books “A Series of Unfortunate Events”. I even dreamed about it!
This year I decided that I would study another language besides English. So I started a French course at UFSC. I’m in the second level, and I’ve been enchanted by this “fancy” language. We recently went to CIC (Center of Culture) and we watched “La Faute à Fidel” (A culpa é do Fidel), a very nice French movie. I’ve also listened to songs in French, and it seems like I’ve been discovering a new world.
On vacation I decided to apply to a program of teaching English as a volunteer (PET), and I was selected. It has been a huge challenge, but I’ve been enjoying it. This course is for university students and the community in general, and they don’t need to pay anything for it. It’s also an opportunity for undergraduate students to learn about teaching by practicing it. I’ve been a volunteer in my city (Rio Fortuna) for five years, and I decided it would a good opportunity to continue working in benefit of my community. With this program, I can acquire experience in teaching as well, which is really important nowadays.
My university experience has been exciting, hasn’t it?That’s all for now. I have lots of readings to do, so I’d better go!
1 comment:
I see a bright future for you, young man!!! I really do!
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