The FFL Journal Vol 6

CONTENT COFFEE TALK: The nest

HIGH LIGHT SPOT NEW

DISCOVERY Single Mom Love And Commitment Wake Up!! Letter From A Mother To A Daughter POEM CORNER

TALKSHOW Parents And Children - Who Is Right? OPEN VOICE Dutifulness

LEARNING WORD 10 Tips To Effective & Active Listening Skills

FUNNY STORIES

ASK AND ANSWER - YOU HAVE A MESSAGE OPPORTUNITIES PLANET BOOKAHOLIC CORNER CLEVER HANDS THE FFL JOURNAL EDITORIAL BOARD A Nice Chopsticks’ Bundle

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

WRITER Đặng Phương Thảo (L1) Quách Minh Minh Trần Nguyệt Minh Chu Thị Như Trang Nguyễn Trúc Phương Phạm Ngọc Tuyết Phan Thị Kiều Trinh Đoàn Phương Hạnh Lê Thị Kim Nhi Nguyễn Thị Huỳnh Nhi Phan Thị Huyền Trâm Trần Thị Thảo Trâm Bùi Thị Phương Trần Thị Thiên Kiều Nguyễn Quốc Vũ

MEDIA – MARKETING Trần Phú Cường (L) Lê Lập Đức Võ Nguyễn Trúc Linh Nguyễn Nhật Phụng FINANCING Nguyễn Thị Mỹ Linh (L) Bùi Thị Phương Lâm Hoàng Thiện

HUMAN RESOURCES Nguyễn Trúc Phương (L) Đoàn Phương Hạnh Hà Nhật Linh

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3-4

THE NEST

CONTENT - COFFEE TALK

One day, so pleased was Jupiter with the diligence of his bird that he 6-8 granted him a wish. “A big pair wings, Lord. 9 With their strength, I can survive through stormy 10 nights unharmed to set foot on the promising 11 lands, which only shaped 12 in my magical dreams. Best way to live, to learn 13 and to mature, Lord,” said the little bird. 14-15 So it was. Everything went as predicted except one thing: He found 16 himself in LONELINESS. Another wish was given for our little bird. “I want a beautiful voice. I couldn’t imagine how wonderful it is when a lot people gather around just to hear me sing. How can I feel lonely then?” Jupiter agreed and things happened as the first time, including that LONELINESS. Only when his heart was worn out did he realize his real desire inside of him. “Lord, I’m so tired now. A NEST is the only thing I need from now on. A NEST to lie down after long day; A NEST to feel warmth and safety; A NEST to love and to be loved; A NEST to care and to be cared; A NEST just to head for in life…” “Of course, as you wish, my dear”, said Jupiter, with a smile. And so it was. So, readers, are you having yourself a NEST or still struggling roughly through your stormy life in LONELINESS? 5 6 7 8

CHU THỊ NHƯ TRANG

Source of cover: Photobucket.com Designer: Trần Phú Cường

All replies, collaborations - please send to: theffljournal@gmail.com/ www.facebook.com/theffljournal Contact: 0167 479 7180

Our voice - Our reﬂection

HIGH LIGHT SPOT NEW

DRAMA DAY

On May 31st at Vo Van Tan campus, a group of students from Faculty of Foreign Languages (FFL) put on the performances of 3 plays, which were: •

•

A Rose for Emily (Homer Barron: Trần Phú Cường, Emily: Nguyễn Thị Bích Nhi (AV09A2 for both))

Pocahontas(Pocahontas: Hà Nhật Linh (AV09A3), John Smith: Nguyễn Hoàng Trí (AV09A2))

West Side Story (Tony: Chiêm Hoàng Gia (AV09A2), Maria: Huỳnh Ngọc Thạch Thảo(AV09A3))

Honorably, many teachers were present, including foreign teachers of the faculty. It was so attracted to students who are not of FFLers but also of other faculties and universities that there were not enough seats for all. The 1st play, A Rose for Emily, led audiences to the mysterious ambiance of the story and the complex inner feelings of the main characters while the 2nd play, Pocahontas and the 3rd play, West Side Story touched to the hearts of the audiences with their stirring love stories. This drama day left both students starring in the plays and the audiences with memorable moments. Source: Nguyễn Quang Trí

NGUYỄN TRÚC PHƯƠNG

“THE VICTORY VOYAGE” GALA

All students who are members of sport clubs of HCMC Open University’s Faculty of Foreign Languages had an interesting and meaningful Gala night on June, 11th at Vo Van Tan Campus.

The Gala night named “Hanh trinh chien thang” (The victory voyage) was held in order to sum up the process of building and developing sport clubs. To the students of the Faculty of Foreign Languages, sport clubs are not only where they discover and develop their capacities, but also become “the second familyies”. In those “familyies’, members love and take care of oe another to overcome difficulties in life. This gala was an occasion for everyone to gather together to share their feelings and congratulate others on their achievements.

In the first part, everyone had time to review the long history of each sport club in some video clips and listened to athletes sharing their thoughts and memories when they spent time taking part in the clubs .The next part were funny with humorous images taken during the time everyone was practicing and competing in the sports games. These meaningful moments made the room seem to explode.

The Gala night also welcomed Mr. Huynh Nguyen Thien Nhan( the administrator of the sport clubs in 2011-2012) to share his thought during the time he has guided the sport members. When it comes to female students of the faculty, he said, “They are not only beautiful, but they are also so strong. I really admire them.” He also showed his belief in the new generation and encouraged our athletes. Responding to the good willing of Mr. Huynh Nguyen Thien Nhan, on behalf of everyone, Nguyen Minh Hoang (AV10A1) thanked former members in the clubs and promised to make more efforts to make the clubs better.

Finally, the song “Niem tin chien thang” was sung by the MC of theprogram as a meaningful farewell to everyone. With belief, strength and love, Le Do Huy Hoang, a member of the male football team said,“Be brothers once, be brothers forever.” This will be a big motivation and encouragement that willhelp our athletes overcome difficulties to build more solid sport clubs for the Faculty of Foreign Languages. NGUYỄN THỊ HUỲNH NHI

Our voice - Our reﬂection

HIGH LIGHT SPOT NEW

Open your mind- Brighten your life

The English Public Speaking Contest, the Open Challenge, is held for students from all universities in HCMC every two years with the slogan “Open your mind-Brighten your life”. Over three tough rounds, including qualifying, preliminary and semifinal round, on the evening of May 11, the ten best students entered the final round confidently. The students are divided into two lists: students who don’t major in English and those who major in English. Every list has 5 students. The students presented a prepared topic in 5 minutes; the purpose of this part was to check how they dealed with real situations in the workplace. Then They had 3 more minutes for answering a random question from the judges

Non- Englishmajor students presented before the students in the second list. Everyone had their own style; however, all of them made the hall warmer by their confidence while presenting, The Phong with his composure and confidence, Kim Anh with her mature expression Van Nam with his fluency.girl. The rest of the candidates in the 2nd list are also great! They are a Le Thong with a distinctive style, confidence and fluency; a Nhu Trang with the desire to assert herself; a Thien Bao with the dynamic.

After the stressful moments, finally, we had the result. It completely persuaded. The outstanding student, Chu Thi Nhu Trang, who talked about the topic “What makes an effective team player?” deserved the most first prize in the 2nd list. And here the final results: The 1st List: • The first Prize: Tran Thi Kim Anh (HCM City Open University) • The second prize: Pham Phong (HCM City Open University) • The third prize: Nguyen Van Nam (Hung Vuong University) • The encouragement prizes: Huynh Huu Minh Dang and Le Nguyen Phuong Hong Thuy (HCM City Open University).

the 2nd list: • The first prize: Chu Thi Nhu Trang (HCM City Open University) • The second prize: Nguyen Dinh Thien Bao (HCM City University of Pedagogy) • The third prize: Le Thong (HCM City Open University) • The encouragement prizes: Bui Thi Kim Ngoc (HCM City Open University) and Le Nhut Minh (Hoa Sen University).

After awarding the prizes, Ms. Nguyen Vu Phuong Thao, Head of the Division of Translation and Interpretation, said that she found the students had a good preparation for this contest, she also satisfied with their pronunciation and hoped that our school will have more competitions like this. Will you catch this opportunity next time? Picture: Kim Nhi LÊ THỊ KIM NHI

Our voice - Our reﬂection

DISCOVERY

SINGLE MOM

No husband, giving birth and raising children alone, the single mom is a social reality. Are they "bad girls", deserving to be criticized by the strict society? Or should we encourage and sympathize with them? From statistics to reality… According to the 2008 U.S. statistics, the number of single parent families accounted for 12%, in Australia even higher, up to 15.2%. In Vietnam, the 2007 study showed that there were also over 2 million adult women choosing single lifestyle, ¾ in which accept to raise their children alone. The single mom phenomenon, in fact, is getting popular in our country, especially in the showbiz where the conception of marriage is not bound. I have a friend living with her mother since she was small on account of her father’s leaving the family. She looks so strong that nobody can think she is living in a fatherless family. She told that once she was blocked verbally by her school friends and they shouted at her face “Bastard; at home neighbors said some words insulting her mother. I wonder, “Single moms, so what? Why can’t the Vietnamese society

Single moms therefore are usually energetic, talented women because the Vietnamese social security regime for single moms is not as good as that in Australia. Singer Hien Thuc, for instance, with bitterness and humiliation when giving birth alone, tried to collect each coin so miserably that she agreed to perform shows at several tens of thousands in order to buy milk for her baby at that difficult time. Now, she is still one of the top singers in Vietnam, and she is pulling off being both an earning-money father and a caring-children mother in a family.

Mommies and children It is the child that is the spiritual strength to help the single mom defeat all the scandal, humiliation and hardship. Hence, we need to have an open heart for single moms so that they are able to cultivate the green seeds of the society well. It is necessary for the Vietnamese society to change the way we look at them. People ought to appreciate them, regard them with good eyes as other normal mothers. They are also mothers, also have children. Above all they encounter plenty of difficulties in raising their children without a man’s support. They deserve respect and pride! The conception of single mom, however, is only reluctance. We should not encourage single mom phenomenon because only those who do not have the overwhelmed feeling of the responsibility of raising children can lead a life of a single mom comfortably. QUÁCH MINH MINH

Source: http://photobucket.com

approve that as a normal trend?

Single moms… (Single moms) They are mostly women broken in love, in marriage, but they do not throw their child away to avenge the imperfect love. They accept, in contrast, disadvantageous scandals and ignominy to raise their baby by themselves. More importantly, they do not take advantage of their child to ‘bind’ the man because if they do that, their common life will have “shortness of breath”. In addition, to women coming to “the expiration” of the childbearing age, they extremely want to become a true mother, being a single mom is also a solution to refresh their boring life. Even some couples being officially wife and husband, in their married life, treat each other like strangers. Living together unhappily and there is no consensus on parenting, is the single mom “the light way” for such women?

Once they've decided to be single moms, they are very brave in facing a lot of hardships and scandals in order that they can both build the house and establish their home by their own hands. It is said that women earning money outside are often much stronger than men.

Source: http://singlemomﬁnance.com

Our voice - Our reﬂection

LOVE AND COMMITMENT

DISCOVERY

Their love mainly relies on sexual intimacy to keep them together and a happy ending is hoped to come. The story goes…

Thuan and May, juniors in university, have been together for 2 years but they aren’t ready to get married yet. They said that they’ve been building a family without getting married. Should young people live together before marriage? Should be they called a “family” or not?

Young people think that if a boy and a girl fall in love, they must live together but shouldn’t get married. They have many reasons: they have still studying; they don’t want to be tied to marriage; they’re young. Therefore, they choose to live together instead of marrying. Couples share the same roof to see if the relationship will work out and what married life would be like without the commitment of marriage. Their love mainly relies on sexual intimacy to keep them together and a happy ending is hoped to come. Maybe there is no definition of “family” in their mind or it’s too vague.

http://www.hutech.edu.vn/phongctsv/y-te-hoc-duong

In our society, the number of couples living together outside of marriage is rising. It is more and more acceptable nowadays for young men and women to “try it out” before committing themselves to a life-long relationship.

Tell us: •Do you agree that young couples cohabiting before marriage is a family? And why?

•Is your definition of a “normal family” being a married mother and father and their biological children living under one roof?

•If not, what do you think a “family” is or can be? •Do you believe that moving in together before marriage is a good way to avoid divorce and build a happy family?

PHAN THỊ HUYỀN TRÂM

Source: http://photobucket.com

3 REASON AND CHANCE

To everything there is a reason To everyone there is a chance A reason to be loved by others, and a chance to give that love back A reason to get failure, and a chance to “replay” and succeed A reason to start a war, and a chance to make peace A reason to be hurt by others around, and a chance to forgive them all A reason to give up, and a chance to keep on going A reason to hate a person, and a chance to make friend with him A reason to “fall down”, and a chance to “stand up” The important things are: Just the way you are Just the way you follow Just the way you live Just the way you love

Source: http://photobucket.com

A reason to cry, but thousands chances to smile

If only… My life just liked a sea-spinach, On the sand, sprouting and spreading strongly, Without feeling alone or desperate, Around me there’re a lot of people, Who stand by my side and hold me in their arms Who give me affection, advice, and strength? Who help me find out what is life and what if love Hence… Live your life in your own way and remember: To everything there is a reason And to everyone there is a chance.

CHU THỊ NHƯ TRANG

Our voice - Our reﬂection

DISCOVERY

Wake up!!!

At that time, I was at the age of twenty – being selfish and shallow…

What a family is and why we need a family in our life are some of the most common questions we usually meet. Of course, everyone can figure out the definition and give tons of reasons why our family is so important. However, how many people in our society can really understand the profound meaning of the word ‘family’? And especially how many young ones truly love their parents and siblings? In this paper, I would like to tell you my own story- the story which woke me up from selfish desires and made me realize how much I love my family.

Source: http://photobucket.com

A princess’s life I used to live like a princess not because my family was rich but because my parents did not require me to do any duties except studying hard. Washing dishes, ironing clothes or cooking were not what I need to worry as my mother was willing to handle all housework. Although our life was not abundant and my father’s salary could just afford essential items, my parents always tried to give my elder sister and me a full life so that we will not feel jealous of other kids. Day by day, when I grew up, I always thought that was their duty, so I became cold and forgot to express how grateful I am towards them. At that time, I was at the age of twenty – being selfish and shallow…

The 1st difficulty My family’s life has changed since my father had some difficulties in his work. He had to sell his coach which he spent his half life with and move to the countryside to start from scratch when being in his late fifties. He said he felt tired and really did not want to stay far away from home, as he spent most of his life going around the country. Without thinking, I replied ‘If you don’t go, who will earn money?’ He did not answer but looked at me sadly. At the time, I was at the age of twentybeing selfish and shallow…

My anger To improve my English, I signed up for a class without asking my mother for an agreement. After a month, my mother asked me to quit that class as we had financial problems. Instead of showing sympathy, I cried and criticized her. I blamed everything on her and said that she ruined my future. After being crazy and crying loudly, I felt gloating as I vented my anger on her. Turning my back and going straight to my room, I could see her tears streaming down on her face. At that time, I was a twenty- year- old daughter - being selfish and shallow…

And an accident came My rebellion continued for several weeks till an accident happened which I must be thankful. In that Sunday morning, my mother was faint while she was cooking in the kitchen. I felt so scared as that was the first time I have ever seen her so exhausted. After being carried to the nearest hospital, she became weaker and weaker. My body started shaking and my voice trembled with fear when a doctor told me she just had twenty percent to live and it would be hard for her to overcome that night. I could not stop crying, but I knew it would be better to not let her know the truth. Trying holding my temper back, I went to her bed and made a fake smile. I told her that she would be fine as the doctor already found a suitable treatment for her. At the time, I was at the age of twentybeing lonely and regretful in a hospital at midnight…

But miracles appeared… Fortunately, we still have miracles in real life. My mother recovered well after two weeks resting in a special care unit. She recovered so fast that the doctor could not explain why. He said my mother was so lucky and he seldom met this kind of case. You will not know how happy and relieved I was. I have to admit that my mother’s disease helped me in recognizing what the most important in my life is and made me become more mature. After this accident, I deeply understand the real meaning of the simple word ‘family’. Next month, I will be happy to welcome my 21st birthday not only because now I am brave and responsible enough to face all challenges, but also because I know that I always have people who I love the most by my side. TRẦN THỊ THIÊN KIỀU

Source: http://photobucket.com

Our voice - Our reﬂection

DISCOVERY - POEM CORNER

LETTER FROM A MOTHER TO A DAUGHTER

I found this poignant post called “Letter from a Mother to a Daughter” on a beautiful Facebook page called Spring the Air. As I read this moving letter, I found myself getting teary eyed. Hopefully, all of us who still have our mothers will read this and realize how indifferent we are to them. Just know in your heart that the most important thing “My dear girl, the day you see I’m getting old, I will ask for me is to be with you. When my old, tired legs don’t you to please be patient, but most of all, try to underlet me move as quickly as I used to, give me your hand stand what I’m going through. If when we talk, I repeat the same way that I offered mine to you when you first the same thing a thousand times, don’t interrupt to say, walked. When those days come, don’t feel sad—just be “You said the same thing a minute ago.” Just listen, with me, and understand me while I get to the end of please. Try to remember the times when you were little my life with love. I’ll cherish and thank you for the gift of and I would read the same story night after night until time and joy we’ve shared. you would fall asleep. With a big smile and the huge love I’ve always had for you, I just want to say, I love you, my darling daughter.”

Poem Corner

Collected by PHAN THỊ KIỀU TRINH

Mother's Love

Her love is like an island in life's ocean, vast and wide A peaceful, quiet shelter From the wind, the rain, the tide. 'Tis bound on the north by Hope, By Patience on the West, By tender Counsel on the South And on the East by Rest. Above it like a beacon light Shine Faith, and Truth, and Prayer; And thro' the changing scenes of life I find a haven there. Author Unknown Source: http://justgrits.wordpress.com

When I don’t want to take a bath, don’t be mad and don’t embarrass me. Remember when I had to run after you making excuses and trying to get you to take a shower when you were just a girl.

When you see how ignorant I am when it comes to new technology, give me the time to learn and don’t look at me that way. Remember, honey, I patiently taught you how to do many things like eating appropriately, getting dressed, combing your hair, and dealing with life’s issues every day.

If I occasionally lose track of what we’re talking about, give me the time to remember, and if I can’t, don’t be nervous, impatient, or arrogant.

What Makes a Dad

God took the strength of a mountain, The majesty of a tree, The warmth of a summer sun, The calm of a quiet sea, The generous soul of nature, The comforting arm of night, The wisdom of the ages, The power of the eagle's flight, The joy of a morning in spring, The faith of a mustard seed, The patience of eternity, The depth of a family need, Then God combined these qualities, When there was nothing more to add, He knew His masterpiece was complete, And so, He called it ... Dad Author Unknown

Our voice - Our reﬂection

Parents and children – who is right?

TALK SHOW

Full name: Chu Thị Như Trang Date of birth: March 10, 1992 Class: AV10A1 Hometown: Nha Trang Hobby: learning languages, reading books, traveling, listening music Achievements: the 1st prize in The Open Challenge 2012 and the 2nd prize in The Contest of Students with Science Research 2012

People need their family as a bird needs their nest. Even though we often have conflict with parents or siblings in our family, family is always the most peaceful place in each of us. Today, we welcome a student in class of AV10A1 – Chu Thị Như Trang – to hear about her family’s outlook.

1/ Being the great winner in both of the contests, how do you feel when somebody recalls of these moments? Now, I am in peace and comfort. I put a lot of efforts into these contests. Therefore winning or not, I am still in peace and comfort. ^^

2/ It is said that rising again from failure is better than being satisfied with success. What is your viewpoint about it?

Failure and success are indispensable to us. We learn a great deal of lessons from our failures. This is truism. Do you think that the winners also learn a lot from their success? Yes, they do. It is very important to learn how to overcome their self-satisfaction and to find new aims… However, what is wrong if we are satisfied with our own success? Nothing is wrong at all. They usually compare humans with the moon. Failure is a small matter because the moon sometimes is round, and sometimes is not. Let’s think about that again. Unlike the moon, people’s life is limited, so should try our best to get achievements.

3/ As for your family, what did they support you during those contests? In your opinion, what should family be meant to express its important role in society? They mostly supported me by calling and sending SMS. I think that family is the same as a bird’s nest. How many birds stay alive without their nests? Family’s role is to raise and educate. A person who grows up without family gets lost easily and doesn’t know how to behave in society.

4/ I do agree with you. Family is the same as the nest. Have you ever got trouble in your own nest? Can the conflict between two generations be a practical example?

The conflict between my parents and me happens frequently, although it is a small matter. Let us express sympathy for our parents. Two different generations and two different viewpoints certainly lead to conflict. We can’t resolve the differences immediately. For me, I rarely make effort to convince my parents. Time will let us know what’s right or wrong, good or bad, do’s or don’ts.

5/ Nowadays, along with “Cultural Integration”, “a single mother’s tendency” is more and more popular. What is your outlook about this trend?

“A single mother’s tendency” has both advantages and disadvantages. Those depend on our outlook. I like changes, in my opinion, “a single mother’s tendency” is as a change. To some extent, being single mothers is suitable for many people. Thanks so much for the interview. I hope your studies will go well! Trần Thị Thảo Trâm Source: Như Trang

Our voice - Our reﬂection

DUTIFULNESS

OPEN VOICE

Many people choose to take care of their parents when they get old. On the other hand, choose to send their parents Source: Phương Hạnh to nursing home. As a matter of fact, many elderly actually enjoy their stay in these homes. This may be because of the attention they receive while living there or maybe because they find companionship with others at their age and in the same predicament. So have you ever thought of which way you will choose to take care of your parents? Let’s listen to some opinions from our friends. a very bad idea. It inCINDY-THUY NGUYEN Temple University, Philadelcreases phia t h e i r Being raised in a very family-oriented environment and culautism. ture, I’m influenced to think that it is proper to take care of On the one's parents at home when they become old and not to other hand, nursing home is a place where your parents send them to a nursing home. In addition, if one's parents can enjoy the well equipped facilities with medical exare healthy, they should not be sent to a nursing home. In perts. In addition, your parents will soon find many the case that one's parents get sick; the children can always friends who have the same ages and predicament. As a send them to a hospital. While there are many benefits that son or daughter, we all want the best for our parents. could help the parents if they live in a nursing home, many TRẦN LÊ TUYẾT VÂN - AV10A1 parents might request to stay at home with their children In my opinion, I will take care of my parents by myself. instead of living in a nursing home because they want to Since I was born, my parents have given me all things be close to their family. that they have and taken care of me with all their affecPHẠM NGUYỄN VIỆT HÀ - AV10A1 tion. For them, seeing me growing up healthily and hapIt is hard to say whether leaving one’s parents at home to pily is all their desire. Therefore, I want to reciprocate take care of or sending them to a nursing home is better. them by taking care of them with all my affection like the When we choose to leave them at home, but we often go priceless family sentiment that I have received from out for work or study all day, it is necessarily synonymous them. with sending them to a nursing home and visiting them NGUYỄN THỊ HUỲNH NHI - AV10A7 sometimes. Put love on our parents, home or nursing home, No matter how rich I will be in the future, I am sure I love and gratitude will lead us. am the person that takes care of my parents when they A TRON - AV10A4 are at their sunset years. In my belief, if our parents were In my opinion, children should leave their parents at nursing the businessmen and bringing up the children was a home to enjoy the well-equipped facilities with medical exbusiness plan, they would never get the material wealth, perts. As can be seen from real life, lots of children have to but the spiritual wealth. This is seeing us growing day by work to support their families, so they have little time to day. Therefore, let’s take care of them until the end of take care of their parents. In nursing homes, our parents their life. You have no reason to assign this sacred duty will be cared for by good nurses, or even medical experts; to anyone. Your love is more important than any luxuritheir children and grandchildren can visit them very often. ous material. Believe that! Moreover, they might not have to worry whether they are NGÔ THỊ HỒNG LAM - AV10A1 annoying their children or not. Therefore, nursing home is Since I may be very busy when I grow older, I choose to a good choice for the elderly and their children. send my parents to the nursing home. Who are supNGUYỄN THỊ KIM TẨY - AV10A7 posed to take care of my parents while I am away on Our happiness will be more fulfilled when we have our parbusiness? I personally think that a nursing home with ents beside us. Therefore, I will never send my parents to well equipped facilities and medical experts is better for a nursing home. Obviously, I have my own reasons. Firstly, my parents. Furthermore, I can drop by to visit them taking care of my parents will be more convenient. Secwhenever I want. That’s my point of view, yet in reality, ondly, my parents' lives will be tedious without the smiles I will ask my parents about where they want to be, and of their kids. Finally, a family with our grandparents, parfollow their wishes. The best place is not where you are ents, and children will be happier. With our filial heart, I well supported; it is where you want to be. hope that our parents feel pleased at their grand old age. From the bottom of our hearts, we always wish the best CHUNG VĨNH CƠ - Middlesex Community College, for our parents and grandparents. Well, sending parents Lowell, Massachusetts to a nursing home has never been a custom in Vietnam. If it were me 2 years ago, I would not send my parents to We, children still cannot make any decision on whether a nursing home. Having a chance to live in America indeor not let them stay out as it is against traditional suppendently has changed my mind. Almost every elderly I’ve position. It is the parents who determine their living met told me that they didn’t want to get sick because it was place. Thus it is our duty to please them. boring when they were home alone. Can you take care of your parents all day or leave them home while you are busy with a bunch of work? In fact, psychologists believe that ĐOÀN PHƯƠNG HẠNH leaving your parents home when they get old is

Our voice - Our reﬂection

10 Tips to Effective & Active Listening Skills LEARNING WORLD

Listening makes our loved ones feel worthy, appreciated, interesting, and respected. Ordinary conversations emerge on a deeper level, as do our relationships. When we listen, we foster the skill in others by acting as a model for positive and effective communication. In our love relationships, greater communication brings greater intimacy. Parents listen to their kids helps build their self-esteem. And we always learn more when we listen than when we talk. Here’s what good listeners know — and you should, too:

http://www.basic-counseling-skills.com

1. Face the speaker. Sit up straight or lean forward slightly to show your attentiveness through body language.

2. Maintain eye contact, to the degree that you all remain comfortable.

Written by Susie Michelle Cortright

7. Keep an open mind. Wait until the speaker is finished before deciding that you disagree. Try not to make assumptions about what the speaker is thinking. 8. Avoid letting the speaker know how you handled a similar situation. Unless they specifically ask for advice, assume they just need to talk it out.

9. Even if the speaker is launching a complaint against you, wait until they finish defending yourself. The speaker will feel as though their point had been made. They won’t feel the need to repeat it, and you’ll know the whole argument before you respond. Research shows that, on average, we can hear four times faster than we can talk, so we have the ability to sort ideas as they come in…and be ready for more. 10. Engage yourself. Ask questions for clarification, but, once again, wait until the speaker has finished. That way, you won’t interrupt their train of thought. After you ask questions, paraphrase their point to make sure you didn’t misunderstand. Start with: “So you’re saying…” As you work on developing your listening skills, you may feel a bit panicky when there is a natural pause in the conversation. What should you say next? Learn to settle into the silence and use it to better understand all points of view. Ironically, as your listening skills improve, so will your aptitude for conversation. A friend of my partner once complimented me on my conversational skills. I hadn’t said more than four words, but I had listened to him for 25 minutes. Collected by MỸ LINH

3. Minimize external distractions. Turn off the TV. Put down your book or magazine, and ask the speaker and other listeners to do the same.

4. Respond appropriately to show that you understand. Murmur (“uh-huh” and “um-hmm”) and nod. Raise your eyebrows. Say words such as “Really,” “Interesting,” as well as more direct prompts: “What did you do then?” and “What did she say?” 5. Focus solely on what the speaker is saying. Try not to think about what you are going to say next. The conversation will follow a logical flow after the speaker makes her point.

6. Minimize internal distractions. If your own thoughts keep horning in, simply let them go and continuously refocus your attention on the speaker, much as you would during meditation.

http://www.jamesnathan.com

Our voice - Our reﬂection

FUNNY STORIES

The First 3 Years of Marriage

In the first year of marriage, the man speaks and the woman listens.

In the second year, the woman speaks and the man listens.

In the third year, they both speak and the neighbors listen.

Friends

A woman didn't come home one night. The next morning she told her husband that she had slept over at a friend's house.The man called his wife's 10 best friends. None of them knew anything about it.

A man didn't come home 1 night. The next morning he told his wife that he had slept over at a friend’s house. So the wife called her husband's 10 best friends. 8 of them confirmed that he had slept over and 2 said he was still there.

women's Tear

Three husbands met each other. The first one who was a soldier said:

- Woman's tear is a classic weapon but very dangerous.

The second one who was a weatherforcaster said:

- Woman's tear is a light shower but it can become a flood that can dip many person's dead.

The third one who was a chemist said:

- Woman's tear is a special chemical that can ruin steely hearts.

Collected by BÙI THỊ PHƯƠNG

Our voice - Our reﬂection

ASK AND ANSWER - YOU HAVE A MESSAGE - OPPORTUNITIES PLANET

Ask and answer

1. Can “Ask & Answer” give freshmen like me more information about our school’s training program? • Our school’s training program is various in different semesters; however, you can get detailed information for all semesters you are going to study on website: http://www.ou.edu.vn  click English Department  click Training (including: Training program, Syllabus and Teachers’ lessons.) Just download it!

2. What should I do when I improve my scores and take the subjects that I failed in the previous semester? • First, you have to notice the time that students register for the next course. Then, access to website: http://dkmh.ou.edu.vn/. Searching for the subject’s code that you want to register on the searching bar (Ex: ENGL2301 for Listening & Speaking 3, ENGL3202 for Public Speaking…) Note: there are some classes that belong to 1st semester are also opened on 2nd semester. Finally, finish as usual (with the same steps that you have done with other subjects.) 3. Some students in Faculty wonder why our school decided to open the 3rd semester, and what exactly time does the 3rd semester start and finish? • For the purpose of providing favorable conditions for teaching and studying of teachers, students as well as teaching & training mission, the Office of Management & Training decided to add 3rd semester into training program. The 3rd semester will start on July 16, 2012 and finish on October 14, 2012.

4. What should I do if I did well in the final examination, but my score does not match with what I had expected? • It is laid down that final papers are not re-examined. However, there is a way for students who want to complain about their unsatisfactory results. First, write a letter of complaint and send it to the Inspection Department at room 108 on Vo Van Tan street. Then, the Department will examine again your paper. Remember: any late complaint will not be considered.

P/S: If you have any question, don’t hesitate to send it to theffljournal@gmail.com Source: http://www.koreaittimes.com

PHAN THỊ KIỀU TRINH

YOU HAVE A MESSAGE

Now I am mature enough to realize that my mom haven’t had even one day for her own life. Whether it is sunny or rainy, my mom always works hardest as possible to earn money. During ten years, she did not dare to buy new clothes for herself, she has worn the second-hand clothes, but she ignores it to save money for our schooling because she says that we are her future, her life. I, hereby, convey our heartfelt thanks to you, my mom. I want to say that “I love you so much.” HỒ THỊ THÚY

I just want to send a few words to my Fish Family: “I never take our friendship for granted, and I know that you neither! Sometimes, our ego may control our words and actions, but that sometimes is just sometimes. At the end of the day, we still love each other and that truth can’t be shaken. I miss our Fish Family, and I hope that you feel the same way too. I love us!”

Opportunities Planet

QUÁCH THANH PHƯƠNG

Annoucement from FFL's Student Union New email: doanhoingoaingu@gmail.com Telephone number: (08) 667 513

In respond to Traffic Safety Year, the faculty chose August as Traffic Safety Month with some activities: each class will stick posters about traffic law at classrooms and make a commintment to obey and popularize traffic law. If you have any questions about extra-curricular activities, please don't hesitate to contact us. :)

Our voice - Our reﬂection

BOOKAHOLIC