The FFL Journal - Volume 5 by the FFL - Journal Falculty of Foreign language

CONTENT - COFFEE TALK

CONTENT COFFEE TALK: Questions OU SPOTHIGHLIGHT

2 3 - 4 - 17

DISCOVERY Tongue twister Career decision process 7 Tips for A successful job interview Part-time job and more… Internship: An unmissable opportunity! Graduation requirements for Undergraduates majoring in English English – a tool or a career? Born to reserve for a special destined job

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

POCKET ADDRESS LIST

FUNNY STORIES

OPPORTUNITY PLANET

12-13

POEM CORNER OPEN VOICE Would you dare to be a second Bill Gates?

13 14-15

LET’S COOK Calamari

TALKSHOW A strong girl - A strong will

BOOKAHOLIC CORNER

18-19

ART GALLERY

THE FFL JOURNAL EDITORIAL BOARD CONSULTANT Lecturer Nguyễn Thúy Nga Lecturer Lê Phương Thảo Board of lecturers of Faculty of Foreign Languages EDITORIAL MANAGER Tôn Nữ Tường Vy DEPUTY EDITORIAL MANAGER Nguyễn Thị Mỹ Linh

Question

COFFEE TALK

Asked: “What do you want to do in the future?” Ask: “What do I want to do? What do I want to be? Who can I become? What can I do? How can I do it? How can I be the person I wish to be? How should I know if I’m doing the right thing? Is what I’m studying the right path for me? What if after so many source: http://www.dreamstime.com years doing this, I suddenly feel that it’s not what I want to do? What if what I do has nothing to do with what I learn? Who am I, really?” Ever asked yourself these questions? Ever found out the answers to some of them? Are you sure of the path you’re taking? Will you ever regret if you’re not doing what you first aimed to do? Do you have the courage to go on and on, to change, and to start all over? Is a job what you like to do, want to do, or have to do? Do you even need answers to all these questions? ĐẶNG PHƯƠNG THẢO

FUN PIC

WRITER Đặng Phương Thảo (L1) Lê Thống (L2) Quách Minh Minh Trần Nguyệt Minh Chu Thị Như Trang Nguyễn Trúc Phương Hà Nhật Linh Nguyễn Thùy Trang Phạm Ngọc Tuyết Nguyễn Quốc Vũ Quách Thanh Phương Bùi Thị Phương Lê Công Thịnh Huỳnh Ngọc Thạch Thảo

Source: http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net

MEDIA – MARKETING Trần Phú Cường (L) Huỳnh Bảo Trân

Source of cover: http://jobs-spot.net Designer: Trần Phú Cường

FINANCING Nguyễn Thị Mỹ Linh (L) Hà Nhật Linh Bùi Thị Phương HUMAN RESOURCES Nguyễn Trúc Phương (L) Chu Thị Như Trang

All replies, collaborations - please send to: theffljournal@gmail.com/ www.facebook.com/theffljournal Contact: Ms. Nguyễn Thị Mỹ Linh (0167 479 7180) Our voice - Our reﬂection

OU SPOTHIGHLIGHT

“WHIRLWIND” The annually traditional camp trip of Faculty of Foreign Language, named “WHIRLWIND”, took place meaningfully at Long Hai beach on 21 - 22/04/2012 (Saturday, Sunday) and left FFL students lots of beautiful memories.

o make impression on every camper, the organizing board created a low tunnel divided into 2 parts. After creeping out of the 1st tunnel, campers would be sprinkled powder on their head, then they continued to the 2nd one contained a layer of liquid soap water at the ground, It was the procedure for campers to officially enter the camp. Then the campers at five teams named “Sea Bird”, “Oh! Wave”, “Storm”, “Tsunami”, and “Black Pearl” decorated their camp gates.

The next morning, everybody got up and was instructed to practice weird and funny exercises created by the organizing board. Then the “Big Game” began. First, the campers had to jump on and grabbed the puzzles hung on the string at 2.5m from the ground, and in turn overcame difficult challenges to solve the puzzles. This game showed that although all harsh activities took place under hot and muggy sun, it couldn’t break the solitary spirit of all campers.

Resolve secret messages, Source: Đoàn Hội Ngoại Ngữ Banner of “Oh! Wave” team, Source: Lê Thị Bích Hải

One of the most favorite parts of the camp was “Dear Gift”, which enabled the campers to send their messages and songs to their beloved friends through loudspeaker. They were so excited and enthusiastic that the organizers had to broadcast just half of each song to satisfy all the orders. In the afternoon, all the participants took part in the “Team Building” game and were allowed to swim and play on the beach. Everybody was enchanted with crystal clear sea water under the light reflection and stretch sand. It seemed that nobody missed this special occasion of posing some photos with their dear friends. The night was pulling down and the time for “Gala Night” began. The humorous MC, Trương Quang Huy, warmed up the atmosphere by hosting a funny“Guinness compePosing with friends, Source: Bích Phương titions”. People were catered by dances, songs, dramas and the performance of recycling material fashion. The most surprising and thrilling highlight of that night was the drama named ‘Fire’, this cleverly connected and led to the part of camp-fire. People were hand in hand and surrounded the camp-fire to enjoy these unforgettable moments are unforgettable. To follow the camp-fire part was the Guitar By Night show that was deeply lyrical.

Play games, Source: Bích Phương

That was the last game of the camp. The 1st prize of the Big Game went to “Sea Bird” and “Tsunami”. “Oh! Wave”, “Storm” and “Black Pearl” were rewarded encouragement prizes. Before the successful camp ended, people were warmed up by some boisterous songs such as “Nếu như anh đến” by Lê Thị Bích Hải and “Rock Saigon” by Ngô Duy Thuần (AV08A2 for both). The 2012 camp WHIRLWIND surely added colorful and beautiful memories of students to student life. If you regretfully missed the camping this year and want to have unforgettable memories of student life, be sure to lift up the bag and come to the next camping! NGUYỄN TRÚC PHƯƠNG

Our voice - Our reﬂection

OU SPOTHIGHLIGHT

Results of FFL’s sport team at School Sport Competition 2012 With strong determinations and tenacious spirits, our athletes have brought many high ranks to our faculty as well as expressing their love for loyal fans. And here are the results: 1/ Chinese chess: First-rate for women team First-rate for women’s single: Đỗ Thị Đào (AV11A7) Third-rate for men’s single: Nguyễn Thanh Hùng (AV09A2) 2/ Titan Chess: First-rate for women team First-rate for women’s single: Nguyễn Thị Minh Huệ (AV10A1) Third-rate for: Đỗ Thị Đào (AV11A7) 3/ Swimming: First-rate for women in 50-meter freestyle: Lê Mai Châu (HV11) First-rate for women in 100-meter freestyle: Lê Mai Châu (HV11) Third-rate for men in 100-meter freestyle: Đoàn Trung Thiên (HV11) 4/ Table tennis:

Volleyball practice, Source: Đoàn Hội Ngoại Ngữ

Second-rate for single’s women: Trần Thị Thắm (AV08A2) Third-rate for single’s women: Phạm Văn Mạnh (AV08A2) - Thân Lê Nguyên Khôi (NB11A2) Third-rate for couple (men and women): Nguyễn Trọng Khánh Hòa (AV09A4) - Trần Thị Thắm (AV08A2) 5/ Female Football: Second-rate 6/ Female volleyball: First-rate

And here is the report from football stadium Gia Định and Rạch Miễu stadium for female and male football 2012. Football: FFL male football was defeated by Biotechnology by 2-3 despite our great effort, so the team had to stop at the first round, but we did express great fighting spirit at the last match. Female football team FFL also played so well at the final and won the second-rate. Bravo our girls! Gabriella LN (fan of male football team): Thank you all of members in the team! You all tried your best on the field. You are a wonderful team when having proved that Faculty of Foreign Language is a tough component. You have written on the history of FFL when giving us, your fans, wonderful goals. Volleyball: Our female team has bravely overcome a tough component to get a ticket for the final. Our female team won the championship!!! \:D/ Văn Duẩn (Striker of male football team): Wonderful! We have many high ranks from Swimming, Titan Chess, Chinese Chess, and Table Tennis… Though there was a little sad on male football, we’re happy with the significant results of female football and Volleyball teams. In general, our competitive spirit is No.1! Now we are in top 3 on the school board, and behind us are many faculties who want to take our position. Everyone has been trying to do their best to dedicate to FFL’s Sport this year. For our athletes: We the loyal fans are always by your side and we know you always do your best for the beloved FFL. :)

(continued page 17) LÊ CÔNG THỊNH

Our voice - Our reﬂection

DISCOVERY - FUNNY STORIES

TONGUE TWISTER – A COLORFUL PIECE IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE MOSAIC Tongue twisters, as can be defined, are words, phrases, or sentences that are designed to be difficult to speak or pronounce clearly. - Sounding by sound is a sound method of sounding sounds. - The big black bug bit the big black bear, but the big black bear bit the big black bug back! - Love's a feeling you feel when you feel you're going to feel the feeling you've never felt before. - Sally sells sea shells by the sea shore. But if Sally sells sea shells by the sea shore then where are the sea shells Sally sells? - Whether the weather be fine or whether the weather be not. Source: http://reading.phillipmartin.info

To be more specific, the main element making tongue twisters is the varying combination of similar sounds in English. They can be very challenging as well as motivating and kind of fun to learn and practice. People want to repeat tongue twisters. “This makes them ideal for reinforcing newly acquired articulation skills, increasing mean length of utterance and improving self-monitoring skills.” (Kevin Stuckey – M.Ed, American Speech Language - Hearing Association). There are many types of tongue twister, depending on some particular ways of classification. However, in this article, I will introduce you to some of the most common and easy-to-learn tongue twisters which are widely used in many English teaching classes: - Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers. If Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers, where is the peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked? - Can you can a canned can into an uncanned can like a canner can can a canned can into an uncanned can? - I wish the wish you wish to wish, but if you wish the witch's wishes, I won't wish the wish you wish to wish.

- Whether the weather be cold or whether the weather be hot. - We'll weather the weather whether we like it or not. - If two witches would watch two watches, which witch would watch which watch? - Don't trouble trouble, until trouble troubles you! If you trouble trouble, triple trouble troubles you! - While we were walking, we were watching window washers wash Washington's windows with warm washing water. - Benny bought a bit of butter but the butter was so bitter so she bought a better butter to make the bitter butter better. How do you feel about these tongue twisters? You can use them as a useful way of practicing pronunciation. What is more, tongue twisters can be used as a warmer or a type of punishment in any game or teaching activity, either. For more current tongue twisters, http://www.tongue-twisters.org

please

visit:

CHU THỊ NHƯ TRANG

- Unique New York Unique New York You know you need Unique New York. - How many cookies could a good cook cook if a good cook could cook cookies? A good cook could cook as much cookies as a good cook who could cook cookies. - The great Greek grape growers grow great Greek grapes.

Source: http://msmaloneysclass.ﬁles.wordpress.com

Our voice - Our reﬂection

DISCOVERY

Career Decision Process Here are Steps to Career Planning for you to make reference. Remember to put it into practice. 1. Self-Assessment: Honestly think about past jobs, volunteer experiences, your dream jobs. Now ask yourself the following questions and actually write answers or begin a list. • What are your interests? • What are your aptitudes and skills? • What are your academic abilities? • What are your personal values and ethics? • What are your work values? • What are your aptitudes and skills? • What are your transferable skills? • What are your personality traits? • What are your lifestyle preferences? • How motivated are you to change? Relocate? Learn new things?

Source: http://www.sikkimuniversity.in 3. Job Search Strategy 1. Identify the best method for your field - web page, networking, job fairs. 2. Design a professional resume and cover letter. 3. Network! Prepare a sixty-second marketing statement that includes what you are looking for and what you have to offer an employer. 4. First impressions still count, think about your appearance and body language 5. Follow through on your contacts, as common courtesies can make a big impression 6. Find a life balance of work and leisure, keep learning, stay current on trends/laws impacting career areas 7. Live within your budget 8. Conduct your job search

Collected by NGUYỄN THUỲ TRANG

Source: http://2.bp.blogspot.com

2. Research/Exploration/Preparation Matching yourself with the world of work requires some research: 1. To find the "fit" to your self-assessment use Libraries, Career Centers 2. Read the paper for professional groups that meet - Call Chambers for information 3. Subscribe to a professional magazine, read the newspaper 4. Begin to "target" specific companies or geographical areas for your field (s) of interest 5. Use the internet: Labor Market Information Occupational Outlook - Salary information 6. Occupational Outlook Handbook • Focus on appropriate coursework - adult education course, college certificates, web classes • Get involved in clubs and professional groups related to your field of interest to develop a network • Participate in an Internship opportunity for "hands on" work experience • Volunteer • Do informational interviews, try job shadowing

Source: http://mycareerbanao.com

POCKET ADDRESS LIST 1) Learning English by News We have many methods to learn English, and reading English newspaper or bulletin is one of the effective ones. We would like to introduce where you can read lasted news not only to improve your English but also to update national and international news. To receive the weekly bulletin, you just have to send an empty email with subject ‘SUBSCRIBE’ to esllearning@yahoo.com. 2) Where you can find a part-time job?

Student Assistance Center of Ho Chi Minh City (S.A.C) is one of the most reliable centers that can help you find a suitable part-time job. Address: 33 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Tel: 08.38277981 – 08.38274709 – 08.38274706. TRẦN NGUYỆT MINH

Our voice - Our reﬂection

DISCOVERY

7 Tips for A Successful Job Interview

1. Practice

Practice answering interview questions and practice your responses to the typical job interview questions and answers most employers ask. Think of actual examples you can use to describe your skills. Providing evidence of your successes is a great way to promote your candidacy.

FUNNY STORIES The Differences Between Work and Prison In prison you get three meals a day. At work you only get a break for one meal and you have to pay for that one. In prison you get time off for good behavior. At work you get rewarded for good behavior with more work.

2. Analyze the Job Posting

At work you must carry around a security card and unlock and open all the doors yourself.

Take the time to analyze the job posting. Then make a list of the skills, knowledge, professional and personal qualities that are required by the employer. The closer your qualifications match the job requirements, the better chance you'll have to get a second round interview and a job offer.

In prison a guard locks and unlocks all the doors for you. In prison you can watch TV and play games.

3. Get Ready

At work you have to share.

Make sure your interview attire is neat, tidy and appropriate for the type of firm you are interviewing with. Bring a nice portfolio with copies of your resume. Include a pen and paper for taking notes.

In prison they allow your family and friends to visit.

4. Be On Time Be on time for the interview. On time means five to ten minutes early. Therefore, you have to know exactly where you are going and how long it will take to get there. 5. Stay Calm During the job interview try to relax and stay calm as possible. Maintain eye contact with the interviewer. Listen to the entire question before you answer and pay attention - you will be embarrassed if you forget the question!

At work you get fired for watching TV and playing games. In prison you get your own bathroom.

At work you cannot even speak to your family and friends. In prison all expenses are paid by taxpayers, with no work required. At work you get to pay all the expenses to go to work and then they deduct taxes from your salary to pay for the prisoners. In prison you spend most of your life looking through bars from the inside wanting to get out. At work you spend most of your time wanting to get out and inside bars. In prison there are wardens who are often sadistic. At work we have Managers.

6. Show What You Know Try to relate what you know about the company when answering questions. When discussing your career accomplishments, match them to what the company is looking for. 7. Follow Up Always follow-up with a thank you note reiterating your interest in the position. Collected by TRẦN NGUYệT MINH

Source: http://www.c4vct.com/kym/humor/priswork.htm

Extra office work The boss came early in the morning one day and found his manager kissing his secretary. He shouted at him, "Is this what I pay you for?" The manager replied: "No, sir, this I do free of charge." BÙI THỊ PHƯƠNG http://www.c4vct.com/kym/humor/priswork.htm

Source: : http://www.job-interviewtips.com/

Our voice - Our reﬂection

DISCOVERY - MUSIC

PART-TIME JOB and MORE… Working part-time is always the best choice to students who want to work and study at the same time. Some do it for the money; some do it to gain more experience and some just do it to kill time. Whatever your purpose is, when you apply for a part-time job, you should be assured that you can balance your work and your study. Moreover, how to maintain a good relationship with your colleagues and your bosses is a great challenge. Some tips discussed below will help you to obtain what you expect when applying for a part- time job. What kind of job most students can apply If you assess some commercial websites on the Internet, you can find out that the job vacancies that most students can get are waiters, waitresses and cashiers. Take the position of a waiter or a waitress as an example. If you major in hospitality industry at university, you will be satisfied with this because it is your major. However, if you are English-majored students, you will face more challenges at work and you will have to put in more effort than anybody else. When you go to work, you have to be willing to learn, to respect your colleagues and to work under pressure. It is the same for a waiter or a waitress. You have to learn, learn and learn because you are new to this. If you do not know something, just ask your colleagues or your bosses. They will be very pleased to help you because they understand that the more you learn, the easier your work is. Therefore, learning is the key to succeed when you have a full-time or a part-time job.

No neglect of study It is important for you to take your work and study seriously because by working and studying at the same time, you will become a more responsible person or, I can say, truly an adult. Adults know what is important and what is not and, in this situation, work and study are equally important. Then what will they choose when they want to work and study at the same time? The answer is both because they have made the choice and they have to take responsibility for it. They cannot just go to work and play games or chat on the phone and go home or they cannot go to school and fall asleep on the table, either. If you cannot try all your best at work or at school then you have to give up one of them. You can finish your study first and then go to work after graduation or you can go to work first and go to school if you are still eager to learn more. Therefore, no matter whatever you do, you have to be responsible for the decisions you have made in your life. If you have that kind of responsibility, I am sure that you will succeed. Those are the things that can help you know better about a part-time job. If you have any idea or opinion about this topic, send us an email to theffljournal@gmail.com LÊ THỐNG

TOP 10 BILLBOARD HOT 100 OF APRIL 1/ We Are Young – fun. featuring Janelle Monae 2/ Somebody That I Used To Know – Gotye featuring Kimbra Source: http://www.gobankingrates.com

3/ Glad You Came – The Wanted

Make good relationship with co-workers / boss

4/ What Makes You Beautiful – One Direction

When you go to work, the relationship there is very complicated. Different from relationship at school, even though you do not like someone, you have to work with them in a team. Therefore, in order to get along well with those you do not like at work, you must learn how to work with them and always smile with them because they are your colleagues. Moreover, do not argue with your boss even when you are right and he is wrong. When your boss or your colleague is yelling at you, stay calm and cool and talk to him later. The conversation will be better when two people are calm and you and your boss can understand each other later.

5/ Boyfriend – Justin Bieber 6/ Starships – Nicki Minaj 7/ Wild Ones – Flo Rida featuring Sia 8/ Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You) – Kelly Clarkson 9/ Part Of Me – Katy Perry 10/ Call Me Maybe – Carly Rae Jepsen Collected by LÊ THỐNG

Our voice - Our reﬂection

DISCOVERY

Internship: An unmissable opportunity To test and practice what they have learnt in university or college, senior students have to take an internship. We, FFL’s students, being Bachelors of Arts in the future are not an exception; therefore, we can seek and apply for an internship at companies practicing English everyday such as newspaper offices, translation companies, airplane agents, banks, etc. It is not easy, however, for undergraduates to find a place to practice and enlarge their study in accordance with their major. The internship has become a compulsory condition for students to be allowed graduating, but they do not tackle it with all efforts seriously.

t the beginning of the fourth year, my friends and I began to look for a place for the upcoming internship. At that time, we were envious of students specializing in English Language Teaching since the school for their practicum was appointed in advance whereas we students specializing in English Interpretation - Translation and Business were miserably searching for a destination. We looked like chicks still toddling without our mom, walking dazedly and unconfidently (as everything had been prepared and arranged by “mom” in the past.) At first, we had not found any newspaper offices or television stations yet because they often gave the priority to students of University of Society Science and Humanity, and other long-standing universities in this field. We then had intention to give up and asked our relatives for a seal. The report would have made up. Some graduates also “advised” me to do that. They said I had better spend that period of time reviewing the lessons for my finals or seeking an ideal situation. That was just our impure idea at a moment. On second thought, we kept going, and found places suitable to the capacity of each of us. Two friends and I

ourselves day by day and finally we succeeded. We used computers more skillfully, behaved towards customers more appropriately, and improved our “hands”. My old friend, in the meantime, chose the “safe way” asking his relatives for a seal. He then worked truly and he was in trouble with the job. He quit his career in a short time later since he couldn’t stand the pressure of work and the totally new environment.

Source: httpwww.rizwanashraf.com

I sincerely, for these reasons, advise you, students going to be seniors of our FFL that you should consider the internship deeply and thoroughly. You really will collect a lot of advantages of making an internship. You, for instance, get practical experience in a job in order to evaluate how your ability to translate and grasp languages is; acquaint yourselves with the working system and environment for your career such as behaving appropriately towards superiors, customers, officials, colleagues, and yourselves; create the patience with the pressure of work or of boss in order to help you be stronger and more “stubborn”; and be experts in official skills. Source: http://dddn.com.vn

were recruited by a small translation company (relating to our field of study 100%). We were like full time staff members translating customers’ orders directly, whirling with the job, and experiencing hardships with the working environment. To know how the internship is, hence, don’t stay at home and imagine. Stand up and do it by yourself and you will see. The first period of being an internship, we were scolded on account of our slowness and very bad computer skill. Our boss scolded us so much that we cried all the time, but thanks to the tears and pressure we tried to perfect

You are interns, on the other hand, at big companies and you are allowed standing to observe how people work only. You should not look down on your own presence as at least you understand the operation of that company. Remember that you have to prepare the best materials for your luggage before being interns, which are specialized knowledge, soft skills such as communication and solving problem skill, capacity for working in offices, social knowledge in order that you can prove you are good at both working and understanding the world, and even your quickness. QUÁCH MINH MINH

Our voice - Our reﬂection

DISCOVERY

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR UNDERGRADUATES MAJORING IN ENGLISH After 4 years studying at university, bachelors in English must have sufficient knowledge, professional skills, political quality, ethics, professional behavior and good health to work effectively. Students must accumulate 129 credits to get the degree. Besides, students have to achieve a certificate or equivalent to the following tests: IELTS 5.5; TOEFL (institutional) 550; FCE C1. With each major, students must also achieve a correlative professional certificate. Students specializing in Business English are required BEC vantage certificate. Meanwhile, students studying teaching English have to get TKT certificate.

Source: http://www.elidanang.edu.vn

Source: http://www.britishcouncil.org

TKT

BEC vantage

Teaching Knowledge Test (TKT) is a test that focuses on the teaching knowledge needed by teachers of primary, secondary or adult learners of English, anywhere in the world. It can increase your confidence and enhance your job prospects

Cambridge English: Business Vantage, also known as Business English Certificate (BEC) Vantage, is an upper-intermediate level qualification that shows you can use English with confidence in a business environment.

OVERVIEW TKT is divided into separate modules. You can take them all, or just choose the one that meet your need. You have total flexibility in how and when you take the modules and receive a certificate for each one completed.

BEC exam has 4 parts including 4 skills: Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing.

CORE MODULES • • • •

Module 1 – Background to language teaching Module 2 – Planning for language teaching Module 3 – Classroom management Practical – Assessment of teaching competence

SPECIALIST MODULES • TKT: Content and Language Integrated Learning – A test of the understanding of this exciting approach to teaching curriculum subjects through the medium of a second or third language. • TKT: Knowledge About Language – A test of knowledge and understanding of the systems of language from a teaching perspective. • TKT: Young Learners – A test of the background knowledge related to teaching young learners in the 6–12 age range.

PAPER

PURPOSE

Reading (1 hour )

Deal confidently with different types of text, such as business publications and correspondence.

Writing (45 minutes)

Able to produce 2 different pieces of writing, such as letters, reports, proposals and emails.

Listening (about 40 minutes including transfer time)

Able to follow and understand a range of spoken materials, such as interviews, discussions and presentations.

Speaking (14 minutes per pair of candidates)

Communicate effectively in face-to-face situations. You will take the Speaking test with one or two other candidates.

HÀ NHẬT LINH

Our voice - Our reﬂection

DISCOVERY

ENGLISH - A TOOL OR A CAREER? When I first started my four-year-journey at Open University as an English major student, I have been asked so many times: “What will you do after graduation with just English knowledge?” Even until now, I still get that question frequently, because people have a stereotype like, students who learn about business administration will do business; or who learn information technology will work with computers for living. As a result, English is just a tool, not a career. Is it really true that English is just a spice of the main dish? To make it clearer, I had a quick interview with two former students of our university: Ms. Nguyễn Ngọc Hạnh Dung – AV07A2 and Mr. Nguyễn Phạm Duy – AV06A2.

r. Duy graduated from our faculty two years ago. His major was English translation and interpretation. He is currently working as a sales support in fishery field. When being asked about the issue: English – a tool or a career, he shares: “I think it is not a real career, just a tool. At my time, we studied English for Tourism, Secretary and Business. They were useful subjects which give you a lot of knowledge and skills in translation and interpretation. However, they are not enough since things change everyday, and English in each industry is also different. Therefore, what you get in university is just the basis and you must build the rest when working. Nevertheless, do not be disappointed with your choice because English is a truly useful tool to access to knowledge. English is a fishing rod and the matter of getting big fishes or small fishes depends on you.”

Source: http://yume.vn

Ms. Dung graduated from our university last year with the diploma of honors. Her major was English teaching but right now, she works as an import administrator. Talking about what challenges her most when working, she says: “every one has to face particular difficulties in their professions even though they have been studying it with academic level during four years at university. Thus, there are really lots of challenges for fresh employees to work in a field which they did not even think of. Let’s take myself as an example, I studied to be an English teacher. During my internship, I had to deal with both hard skills and soft skills. My job was not only to teach my students what is already shown on their textbooks but also to make them feel interesting in learning English, especially learning with me.

I did cope with students’ behaviors, conflicts and even love. Where did I learn those skills? Therefore, I can say that we learn everything in school but not in school.” Working environment is totally different from when you are in high school or university. So when enjoying your student life, make sure that you prepare yourself with some of these certain skills. Mr. Duy says that: “While studying in university, you’d better to find a part time job to get experience and to be acquainted with working atmosphere. Moreover, you don’t work individually, but in a group. As a result, beside professional knowledge, you should learn how to communicate with people around you.” What about subjects that you learn in university, are they useful in reality? Ms. Dung confides her opinion about this question: “I found English for secretaries the most useful subject. Besides, linguistics courses also help me in translation. However, I cannot reject the benefits I got from other subjects. Each of them is like a very thin but precious page of our complete knowledge book that we have been writing in the journey of finding who we are.” The main dish is always the part we expect the most. It can be tasty, delicious and beautiful or it can be sour, vapid or unattractive, it all depends on the spices. It is true to say that English is just one of the spices that make the main dish - success, but are you confident enough to create your own path to success without English? Get back to the question at the beginning: “What will you do after graduation with just English knowledge?” Even right now, when being a senior student, about to leave university and enter the real world, the only thing I can say is that: “Honestly, I don’t know.” Because I know that what I learn and what I will actually do are not always the same. But after four years being a student of a major which I don’t like at first, I find myself a lesson that: if I can’t do what I love, I will try to love what I do. I hope that after reading my sharing and my friends’ experience, you could find yourself a good way to live your student life as well as how to work on your own future career. QUÁCH THANH PHƯƠNG

Our voice - Our reﬂection

DISCOVERY - OPPORTUNITY PLANET

BORN TO RESERVE FOR A SPECIAL DESTINED JOB Aptitude is important Everybody was born with different aptitude for particular aspects. Some can easily find their gifts, the others have to spend a lot of time and overcome many difficulties to prove themselves. For example, I have a friend named Truc, who has really loved physic and chemistry. She said “I was born to do the research, to experiment and I am going to be a chemical scientist”. She usually spends all day in the laboratory studying and also playing with test-tubes and chemical substances. However, most of my friends said they found it really hard to discover and determine what they should do in the future and so did I. We went to universities and studied without being oriented what some of you will be. After 3 hard-studying years, some of us have finally figured out our own ideal careers and made them goals. Although it seems uneasy to specify our fortes, we are able to do it with our effort and devotion. Don’t stop seeking because your aptitude can help you to decide which career will be ideal and suitable for your whole life. Family: Supporters or Obstructer? It will be very lucky if we were born in a family where every member sympathize and ready to support our dreams and interests. In fact, I have met many people who seem to reach the impasse because of their families. There was a really shock news for me when I was freshman: My close-friend, Hoang committed. He was a really good student in high school and he passed the university entrance examination of the two reputable universities: Pham Ngoc Thach Medical University and Ho Chi Minh city University of Technology. I don’t remember how many times my friends and I wished we were him. He said “I’m exhausted because of my family. I love machines and I know I can study and work with all my effort, passion to success in this major. But my parents and grandparents want me to be a doctor, the third doctor generation in my family. If I choose to study what I love, they won’t support me. I won’t be their child anymore”. I could not imagine that after a long time struggling for his dream, he stupidly ended his life. Until now, Hoang has to take medicine everyday to protect his injured digestive system and he has also study at Pham Ngoc Thach Medical University to complete his family’s expectation. “It’ll take really long time”, Hoang said, “but I will continue to pursue my dream after graduated from medical school”. Sometimes, we really want to satisfy our parents who have lived in bad condition and could not complete their dreams. However, I believe that they will have chances to be proud of their children if we can find a suitable job and success with what we love. Conclusion We all have our own talents, aptitudes and those will point out the best career for us. Maybe some of us have not realize their strong points yet or meet so many difficulties from families or society; however , we still have the ability to fight for our future jobs by many ways . Each of us was born to reserve for a special destined job. Listen to our hearts and souls to assert what we want and what we will be! HUỲNH NGỌC THẠCH THẢO

OPPORTUNITY PLANET 1. U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City – EDUCATIONUSA Seminar Postgraduate Program in the United States Time: Wednesday, May 26, 2012, 14:00 – 16:00 Speaker: Song-Ho Tran, Postgraduate Department Representative, San Francisco State University. Student life and preparations before studying in the United States Time: Friday, June 22, 2012, 09:00 – 16:00 Speaker: EducationUSA Consultants, American students and former overseas students in America.

Our voice - Our reﬂection

OPPORTUNITY PLANET - POEM CORNER 2. Youth Leadership Program with Southeast Asia

The Office of Citizen Exchanges, Youth Programs Division, of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs announces an open competition for the Youth Leadership Program with Southeast Asia. It is an exchange program for teenagers and adult educators, which includes a three-to-four-week stay in the United States of America. The activities of the program will focus on civic education, leadership, diversity, community engagement and prepare participants to conduct projects at home that serve a community need. Deadline for application is May 9, 2012. Visit www.topgovernmentgrants.com/grants_gov_display.php?program=ECA-PE-C-PY-12-38-OY-B for more information. 3. Photo Contest: Snapshot of Democracy The World Youth Movement for Democracy has launched its call for submissions for its 2012 Photo Contest: Snapshot of Democracy. Participants should be 18 to 35 years old and the photo should fit one of the following categories: “Emerging Human Rights Defenders”, “Democracy in my life” or “Challenges to Democracy”. Deadline for submission is May 11, 2012. For more information, visit http://www.photovideocompetitions.com/browse/photography/2012-photo-contest-snapshot-of-democracy-l280.html. 4. Mekong Peace Journey 2012 Training Call for Application The Mekong Peace Journey (MPJ) 2012 is designed for young adults (18-30 years old) in the Mekong region, who are interested in the practice of peace building in the region. The MPJ will be held for 25 participants on July 7th -29th, 2012 in the cross border areas of Laos, Thailand and Burma/Myanmar. The deadline of submission is 20 May 2012. For more information, visit www.mekongpeacejourney.worldpress.com or contact Mr. Pham Tran Thanh Long (Phone: 84913582146, Email: mekongpeacejourney.vn@gmai.com). 5. Vietnam Green Generation Network: “The Future We Want to RIO+20” Contest Time: 25/04/2012 – 27/05/2012 Contest forms: A story in pictures; a short video clips (Min: 1 minutes, Max: 5 minutes); a song or poem composed in English or Vietnamese. Prizes: range from 3,000,000VND to 1,000,000VND and certificate. Special: Winner’s works will be sent to the Rio+20 sustainable development conference, which is held in Rio de Janeiro in June, and became the representative voice of the global youth. For more information, visit http://www.ce-center.org.vn/detail.asp?mnz=633&Languageid=0&id=875. NGUYỄN QUỐC VŨ

POEM CORNER Invictus

An April Day

by William Ernest Henley

by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Out of the night that covers me, Black as the Pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul.

When the warm sun, that brings Seed-time and harvest, has returned again, 'T is sweet to visit the still wood, where springs The first flower of the plain.

In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed.

I love the season well, When forest glades are teeming with bright forms, Nor dark and many-folded clouds foretell The coming-on of storms. From the earth's loosened mould The sapling draws its sustenance, and thrives; Though stricken to the heart with winter's cold, The drooping tree revives.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

The softly-warbled song

It matters not how strait the gate, Comes from the pleasant woods, and colored How charged with punishments the scroll. wings The softly-warbled song I am the master of my fate: Comes from the pleasant woods, and colored I am the captain of my soul.

When the bright sunset fills The silver woods with light, the green slope throws Its shadows in the hollows of the hills, And wide the upland glows. And when the eve is born, In the blue lake the sky, o'er-reaching far, Is hollowed out and the moon dips her horn, And twinkles many a star. Inverted in the tide Stand the gray rocks, and trembling shadows throw, And the fair trees look over, side by side, And see themselves below. Sweet April! Many a thought Is wedded unto thee, as hearts are wed; Nor shall they fail, till, to its autumn brought, Life's golden fruit is shed. Collected by TÔN NỮ TƯỜNG VY

Collected by LÊ CÔNG THỊNH wings

Our voice - Our reﬂection

OPEN VOICE

WOULD YOU DARE TO BE A SECOND BILL GATES? As many people may say, college is a reasonable way for most people to launch their careers. However, what if someday, you happen to figure out your own real dreams or inner desires, and your study at college now can’t help you out? Would you dare to drop out of college to find another way to fulfill your dream, just like Bill Gates? Let’s find out what some students think. A Tron - AV10A4 In the near future, if I find a chance to make my life better, I will take it. That might be the only chance for me to discover myself, so I will do everything to get it, even giving up my studying. I think it is worth doing. I will also spend all of my time making it meaningfully successful. No matter what happens, I will just focus on it and find ways to success. Furthermore, I have always been following my dreams, and I have also tried to find the most important thing in my life.

Are you sure you’re lucky enough to be one of them? There’s a very interesting fact that though Bill Gates is a drop-out student, most of the employees of his company graduated from the most famous universities in the world. Definitely, I know who I am, and I also find myself not a lucky one; so I will do what I did choose; at least, I know it’s my dream, not a wish!

Lâm Hoàng Thiện – AV10A1 Steve Jobs once said that, “Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.” That’s all I have in mind on the way to reach my dream. If one day something big comes to me, I will take that detour with no doubt because I don’t want to lose any valuable moment in this limited life. I myself will shape my future, my life. Thus I dare to face all challenges! So do you?

Nguyễn Thị Nhật Linh – AV10A7 A lot of people wants to be a billionaire like Bill Gates, but if you ask me if I could drop out of school to do something like him, the answer is “NO”. Firstly, look at the challenges and difficulties that most of the billionaires must face before they become what they are now, and then you know how schooling gives you a safer future. Steve Jobs, also a billionaire, used to have a very hard time after he quit Reed College. I admire him so much, but I always believe that if this talented man had finished his college, he would still be the CEO of Apple and even more successful. Secondly, there’re only a few of the world’s billionaires who are dropouts.

Source: http://www.searchamelia.com

Nguyễn Nữ Huyền Trang – AV10A1 I have had a longing for knowledge, especially for English, when I determined to become a teacher. I enjoy English and I feel confident that I have the ability to be very successful in this particular career. In other words, I will definitely earn a lot of money from this field. Until now, my desire has always been here - in my heart. So, I won’t give up my studying easily just because I have a chance to do business and can get lots of money from it. Moreover, I’m just a student who is too young to have enough experience not only in life but also in business. I’ve honestly never exposed to life so much that I can solve problems effectively. Also, my family has never taught me or had any influence which is related to business on me. That’s why I should keep doing my best on my current studying and enjoy what I do, so that I can succeed in the near future. Phạm Thị Thu Thảo – AV10A1 Many people think that only education is the key to succeed. If so, why are there many successful people in the world with no degree such as Bill Gate, Walt Disney, and Thomas Edison? They became successful because they dared to do and dared to win. No chance comes twice. So, there is no reason for me to ignore it. If I have a chance to challenge my ability, I will jump to catch it. Anyway, I will consider carefully whether it is worth dropping out of university or not because everything has its own price.

Our voice - Our reﬂection

OPEN VOICE - LET’S COOK Nguyễn Thiện Phước – AV10A1 When I was a child, I used to dream about earning a lot of money to help my family as much as I could. However, it was impossible for me to do that because I was too young and did not have anything to invest. I still keep this dream in my heart now. If I have a chance to make a big amount of money, I will give up my current study to go on with it. I do not know when I will have a chance to earn money. Therefore, I would rather take any opportunity to be rich even if I have to give up my current study because I may not be able to get another good chance like that after finishing my education in the future. Phan Thị Kiều Trinh – AV10A7 “Success is the completion of anything intended”. However, every single person has their own way to fulfill their potential or to reach success. Personally, I would certainly quit my study that doesn’t match my abilities and personality as soon as possible. It’s tough but what’s the point of pursuit of something that doesn’t belong to me. Fortunately, I love what I’m studying and determine to make it my life-time career. Thanh Hằng - Economics and Law faculty – LK10A2 One of my friend is a student majoring in accounting. While finding a part-time job, she heard of a company which offered a lot of preferential treatments to their staffs. One special thing about this company is that they don’t appreciate university degrees and those with no degrees or professional certificates are also accepted as long as they are industrious enough. Then my friend canceled her study and has been working for that company so far.

Step 2: Preparing and Frying the Calamari 1. Heat oil in saucepan to 350 degrees 2. Sift flour into bowl 3. Add salt and pepper to the flour to taste 4. Pour buttermilk into another bowl 5. Dip pieces of calamari into the buttermilk and then into the flour 6. Drop coated calamari into the oil in small batches 7. Fry for about a minute, until calamari is golden brown 8. Remove with slotted spoon 9. Drain on towel 10. Sprinkle with parsley 11. Serve with lemon wedges

Although now she is able to get a high salary of 4 million VND a month, but I don’t agree with her choice. I do want to finish my studying before applying for a job. Therefore, I won’t take risk to be a second Bill Gates.

In short, every student has their own arguments for and against the role of academic studies for future success. They are somehow right and sensible in their own ways. Finding and living for your own dream are the points; the difference is the pathways that you yourself have to choose to follow. CHU THỊ NHƯ TRANG

LET’S COOK

Calamari

Step 3: Serving the Calamari The heavy tomato flavor has a tendency to drown out the delicate flavor of the squid, so that all the taste buds can register is the sauce. A light aioli is a great choice, which is flavored with garlic, ginger or pesto to serve with your fried squid.

Fried calamari is a favorite at Italian ristorantes, and if you want to duplicate the crispy/tender texture at home, just follow the steps in this guide on how to cook calamari. This dish may be served as an appetizer. Step 1: What You Need to Make Calamari • 1 pound of squid, cleaned and sliced into 1/2 inch pieces • 2 cups flour • 2 cups buttermilk • Enough vegetable to fill a large saucepan 3 inches high • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped • 1 large lemon, cut into wedges • Salt and black pepper to taste

Collected by MỸ LINH source: http://www.mahalo.com Pictures: http://www.recklessabandoncook.com

Our voice - Our reﬂection

TALKSHOW

A STRONG GIRL - A STRONG WILL Full name: Phan Thị Phương Linh Date of birth: June 3rd, 1991 Class: AV09A1 Hobbies: change over time ^^ Achievements: Being in the top 3 of the most excellent English major students entering the school in 2009 for 5 semesters GPA: 8.4

The representative of FFL this issue is Ms. Phan Thị Phương Linh who gains a very remarkable accomplishment in studying for 5 consecutive semesters. Let’s talk to her and we will find out what her motivation is. 3. Have you ever compared you with other excellent students in the faculty? Yes, of course. It is the fact that we live in a very competitive environment. We have to struggle all the time with not only ourselves but also other people in any field, or we will lag far behind many competitors.

1. Can you share with FFLers your approach in learning to attain such a good result?

4. Can you share with us how do you take advantage of your strong points? I am fairly patient and positive because I am determined to achieve my goals no matter how much time I have to spend, and being optimistic is my very effective strategy to overcome any challenges. Entering HCMCOU is my 2nd option, but instead of being dispirited for a long time, I have “stood up” and got ahead in my university life. Amazingly, I have discovered my new interest, met new friends and enthusiatic teachers, which points out that when one door is closed, another will be opened. Additionally, I want to prove that studying at OU does not mean that I am not as good as ones from other universities, and I am doing much more attempts in studying and self-improving to prove that.

My goal, to attain the highest record as I can, forces me to learn very hard; consequently, I spend most of the time studying. My approach is not complicated at all, since I just apply what teachers instruct me inceasingly. For example, I read textbooks and do homework before going to class. Besides, obsevering my friends and teachers carefully helps me gain valuable experience.

5. And how do you control your weak points? Like the rest of human, I fear of failing and being critizied. Even though I encourage myself that I can learn from my failure, I still feel down. Therefore, I usually remind me my motto that nothing is impossible if we have a strong will. In addition, because of my fear of criticisms, I have to be ready in the state of facing-harsh-criticism.

2. Can you tell us about your dream and the road to make your dream come true?

6. If you had to choose between family and career, which one would you choose?

(Smile) I will be an English professor in the future. Being a teacher is not easy; my beloved teacher has, however, taught me that “Good teaching can be taught.” Therefore, I attempt to improve myself much more by observing and practicing any time. Furthermore, getting a TESOL scholarship to study abroad is my big objective that needs a continuous investment. Now, I am on the road to prepare for the scholarship. ^^

I’d choose my family. It is because family will belong to us for the rest of our life in any challenging circumstances, while career will not. I do not want to be very successful but lonely.

Source: Phan Thị Phương Linh

Thank your for the very fantastic conversation today. Best wishes for you. NGUYỄN THỊ MỸ LINH

Our voice - Our reﬂection

OU SPOTHIGHLIGHT

OU SPOTHIGHTLIGHT - continuing page 4 (Photos)

Source: Đoàn hội Ngoại Ngữ

Our voice - Our reﬂection

BOOKAHOLIC CORNER