[英語練習本] Something About Me

         I immigrated to the United States from Taiwan with my parents and younger sister three years ago.  The summer of 1999 was my first time to go abroad, to live in a foreign city, and to study outside of my country.  I had never been in America until my family got the immigrated visa.  My parents' decision to come to America forced me to drop my university education halfway, and needed to be restarted at here.   I was not happy for this, and felt insecure in the beginning.  I had waited for not a short time for applying school, and settled down everything little by little.  I cannot say everything went through smoothly in the past few years, but so far, everything is fine.



         This is my sixth semester for studying in Georgia Perimeter College.  I was majored in Library and Information Science when I was in the university of Taiwan.  It is one of my favorite subjects, but unfortunately, the major is only offered in graduate school in America.  Therefore, I needed to change my major when I started my education here.  Currently, I am a journalism major student in Georgia Perimeter College and plan to concentrate on telecommunication when I transfer to four-year university later.  Mass Communication is another subject that I am also interested in.  I hope I can finish my bachelor degree soon and get a job in the field of TV and broadcasting either in America or in Taiwan.     



        Although I have been here almost three years, I don't think my English is good enough.  It is the true feeling from my heart.  When I was in Taiwan, teachers and classmates always said that I was very good at English; however, I just liked to check dictionary when some English words I didn't know came up my mind.  After I came to here, there is more and more chance I can communicate with my cousin in English e-mail.  She also says my English skill is improving.  I don't feel that way, either.  Every time someone says, "your English is good," every time I think that I don't deserve it.  



        I know I still need to increase my listening, speaking, reading, and writing ability.  I also know there is something I need to overcome, especially in the writing part.  This semester will be my third time to take the Regents' Test.  I felt I would fail when I took it in the first and second time.  I had the same situation when I was in that test.  As long as I got the topic, my brain would become blank, totally empty, and didn't know how to work on my essay properly.  My friends who have the same background as mine told me it is easy to take the test.  However, every time I take the test, every time I am afraid that I blow it.  



        I wish somebody could tell me where my problems are, and the solution to overcome it.  I don't exclude from writingin English, but I would like to write something with no pressure.  I can write to my friends in English frequently, because I don't have any pressure on it.  However, I still view writing an essay for test or something as some kinds of pressure.  Maybe that also is the reason for me to fail the test.



        To be honest, this probably will be my last semester in Georgia Perimeter College.  I entered here before Fall 2000, therefore I am required to take the writing test only.  If I don't pass the test before I transfer, it is possible to me to take both reading and writing test after I transfer to another university.  Therefore, I really hope I can pass the test this semester.  I am also glad that I have the chance to take the preparation class in this semester.   I really want to learn something to improve my skill and show to myself that I can make it.