UOS Voice : The first prize winner`s essay

Everybody is affected by English whether they like it or not, because we are living in a world where English is essential. It is most likely that English affects people in forms of tests, and maybe to some people, it`s way of making a living. But, you can say it has affected me in a much more unique way. To me, English has become my identity.

When I was young, I lived overseas for nearly 7 years. Because at that time, there weren`t many guys who had lived in a foreign country, that has always become an issue at school. So whenever I went to a higher grade, I was known as the guy who is good in English. It was funny because, nearly the whole school would know my name, even though only a few knew my face.

Although it felt quite awkward, being known by a lot of people was an advantage when getting to know new people. Because of my introvert personality, it has always been hard for me to make new friends. Making the situation even worse, I always went to schools where all my closest friends didn`t go. So making new friends has always been a worry to me at the beginning of the year. Fortunately, situations haven`t ever been as bad as I would think they would be.

The fact that I had lived overseas spread in a short time and people would show interest in me. That made it much easier for me to make friends. That`s because approaching to someone I didn`t know was the hardest part for me, but due to my identity, people came and spoke to me. They would start by asking me how it is overseas and so on. But in a few days we`d naturally become friends and talk about more than that.

Having a strong identity is also good because even after graduation, most people recognize me. There are many times when I pass by people who I know, but can`t quite remember how I knew them. But in my case, most people remember me and also greet me first. I`m thankful that I am recognized by most of my fellow schoolmates. If they recognize me, they`ll be a chance that we`ll develop our relationships when we meet in the future. After all, who knows?! Even the smallest relations might change your life.

But being known as the guy who is good at English hasn`t always been pleasant. Because of the strong impact that identity gives, most people don`t see the other sides of me. I think I too have personalities that can appeal to people, and can do many things other than English. But I have seen many people who think that I am good in English and only English. Sometimes, this is frustrating because there are times when I want to show the diverse features that I have. But to those who aren`t close enough to me, English as an identity, is a thick wall that blocks my other traits.

Also there are times when friends who usually don`t keep in touch, suddenly calls just to ask for help. At times like that I usually get disappointed. Usually I consider those situations as a chance to keep in touch. But the feeling that they contact you only when they are in need is quite a disappointing feeling. So I think English being my identity does me a lot of good but sometimes is bad.

Nowadays there are too many people that you get to meet. Remembering all of them is impossible. So having your own strong identity that makes you stand out from the rest is a big advantage and asset. After all, being recognized is the first step in whatever activity you do. At first there were many times I didn`t like being in the center of attention. It was quite disturbing and, sometimes I just wanted to be left alone. But thinking about it now, I am thankful about having English as my identity.

It has helped me throughout my life and I am sure it will do me more good in the days to come. Although I didn`t choose it, English is something that will follow me forever. In the future I`m sure I`ll be able to laugh and talk about it with the friends I got to know through one of my identities, English.
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