Adventure Time

In middle of the semester, Gregory came to me with a problem that he wished I could solve. We had hung out twice, so we were beginning to be more comfortable with each other. Gregory made it clear that I was to correct him at any time he had an incorrect pronunciation of a word. I found this extremely impressive. While having people correct you can be embarrassing or straining, I think it is what will refine Gregory’s English. I have never seen someone so determined to master this language in order to further his education. Through out this semester, I corrected Gregory and explained to him the correct way of pronunciation words. Through this whole process, I realized Gregory’s sense of adventure.

            For Gregory’s entire life, he has lived with his large family. With multiple brothers and sisters, moments alone are scarce. Like I mentioned in earlier blog posts, his family had large meals together and enjoyed each other’s company. For eighteen years, he was surrounded by family. His entire life, however, he knew that he wanted to come to the United States of America for school. One of his Uncles lived in Fort Worth, and he has continually heard of the opportunities in this country. Gregory applied for an English program near his Uncle, packed his bags, said goodbye to his family, hopped on a plane, and left for America.

            I cannot imagine the feelings and emotions that were going through his mind. Leaving everything behind to start a new life must have been daunting, so I asked him about it. He explained that while yes he was scared, what motivated him most was the opportunity. Gregory wanted to make something of this life, and he saw the opportunity here. He knew, however, that learning English at a superior level was the first step. Fort Worth gave him one close family member and a TCU gave him a program that would prepare him to further his education. Through our discussions, I can tell that Gregory is one to seize opportunities whenever they are present. For example, the conversation buddies program is completely voluntary. Gregory wanted to speak with a native English speak in order to improve his studies.

            While Gregory was an optimist who seeks adventure, he opened up to me about missing his family. He told me stories of what his family used to do, how he interacts with his siblings, and who his friends were back home. Gregory explained that he has not seen his family in four months, making this the longest he has been apart from them. I was impressed, however, because never in this time did he seem sad or discouraged. Gregory understood the sacrifices he needed to make in order to fulfill his dreams. At the same time, he enjoyed talking about his family. It helped solidify in his mind that he loves his family. We were both able to share stories about our families. I have not seen my family all year, and I too was beyond excited to go home for break to spend time with my family.

            I then complemented Gregory on his love for adventure. He told more stories about trying new restaurants here at TCU, traveling with his friends to nearby islands back in Venezuela, and getting guys together to play a pick up soccer game. Through out this semester, I have begun to see our similarities—we bonded over these. Gregory is a great fit for TCU, and it makes me so happy to know that I attend a university that has programs like Conversation Partners, giving students an opportunity at success.