Teacher: Stephy

 

Hi, everyone! My name is Mickey. Today, I’d like to share with you a snowboarding trip I experienced this winter. Last week, I went on a company outing to Muju Resort to enjoy skiing and snowboarding with all of the colleagues in my branch. Since the event was accepted by the majority, I couldn't help but go with the flow. I know that skiing and snowboarding are two of the most popular winter sports among young people not only in Korea, but also all over the world. However, when I first heard that it was chosen as our last event this year, I was a little bit disappointed. I had such a terrible memory of falling repeatedly and sliding down the snowy hills. As scheduled, we went there shortly after work on Friday of last week and I told myself that my performance can be better than before. However, that was not the case.

The biggest difference between my previous memory and this trip was that I started to get the hang of how to entertain myself with this sport. Of course, I fell down dozens of times and even scraped my knee. Nevertheless, I don’t know why, but it evoked a challenge. Believe it or not, I tried snowboarding in an advanced course and came down on a S-shaped curve from the top of the hill falling down over and over again. I’m not a person who would tell you a lie, so you have my word. Other than that, it felt good to be able to get fresh air by going up with the lifts and then down with my snowboard as well as throw away all my stresses that have accumulated due to my hectic work life. Fear didn't stop me and from that experience I learned the lesson that “nothing ventured, nothing gained.” Although I still ache all over my body, this good memory will remain in my heart for quite a long time and I will subsequently apply this experience to my everyday life, too. If someone may hesitate to try something they want due to old age, I sincerely recommend you to use courage and give it your best shot. It’s never too late to learn. I’m sure that you will like it as much as I did. Merry Christmas and I cordially wish you guys all the best luck in 2011!

Discussion questions: 

Tell me about what you understood from the story!

1. Why was Mickey disappointed? 

2. How does Mickey describe his experience snowboarding?

3. What is Mickey's advice for other adults? What does it mean in this context?

4. Have you ever done something that was not easy for you?