Start Today, Speak Fluently

Start Today, Speak Fluently

Patricia Pinheiro

Greetings to all,

My name is Patricia Pinheiro. I have been teaching English here since 2023, and, this is one of my best experiences in Japan (I’ll explain it soon). Moreover, I have been working at the English Lounge, having funny and deep conversations with the students.

The English Lounge is a Shizudai Project, that started at the Hamamatsu Campus in May 2024. The aim is to create a nice environment that helps students improve their English speaking skills and make people feel comfortable enough to connect with foreigners. Because of that, there is no better place to hold the English Lounge than the International Exchange Lounge, in the 7th building.

Some students are shy or are not interested in having this kind of experience or practicing. I can understand how hard it is to express yourself in another language.

I didn’t tell you, but, as a Brazilian, my native language is Portuguese, and I have been studying Japanese since I got here. I feel uncomfortable, shy, and insecure. Sometimes, I want to give up on learning.

However, I know how important it is to learn a language even when it is as hard as learning Japanese. When I become good at Japanese, I think my life will be better, and the opportunities and experiences will be nicer, funnier, and deeper.

Maybe you don’t want to learn English or go abroad, and I respect that. However, I would like to remind you that at the University, you will be preparing yourself for the future, and will be ready for a career you don’t know exactly where it will lead you, but, I’m sure, you know you can do your best and get your goals!

I strongly believe we can get what we want… if we do our best and don’t stop.

Well, I, have once been to this place: a young university student, with many dreams and goals, communicating in English being one of them!

Look, I had never thought about living in Japan, but when the opportunity came, I seized it. In fact, at that time, I thought my English level would be enough to have a nice experience here. It wasn’t. Of course, the majority of people only speak Japanese and do not need to

learn other languages. However, not speaking the language was not an issue and I got a nice job!

At the beginning of this article, which is a kind of conversation with you, I said this was one of my best experiences in Japan. I’m glad to be here doing what I love (teaching), especially since I can meet and support many smart, nice, kind, and avid students. Also, I have been more open- minded to Japanese culture and society. I contribute to the community and make part of your life story. I hope to get not only your ideas but also your heart and memories.

In conclusion, do your best now, get your goals, open your mind, have more experiences, try a new language, be brave and come to English Lounge to talk to me or other students… you don’t know about the opportunities of the future: you can be a successful professional working around the world and English will help you!

Wow! Very important information: English Lounge is on Fridays at 12:00 to 13:30 – 25 minutes in English and a lot of ideas in your mind! Make your reservation on: https://www.suoic.shizuoka.ac.jp/student/lounge-hamamatsu/